Re: [SG] Friends, Romans, GZG Listers....

G'day John,

The Pikobis macrostomus (known in most xeno labs as the Demon Duck of
Doom) 
is the most common predator of the Aotopogi archipelago, though they are

now quite widespread in the Lavackii sector as they were transplanted as
a 
potential food source. These incredibly intelligent creatures closely 
resemble a cross between terrestrial dinosaurs, of the raptor complex,
and 
members of the large ratites (for example moas). In their native lands, 
they occupy all land types from coastal sand dunes up to alpine
altitudes, 
though they prefer dense rainforests. Primarily a browsing species they
use 
their fine fingers to pluck fresh shouts from the thorn bushes so common
in 
their native archipelago, but their dexterity has seen their diet spread
to 
include small animals, arthropods and fungi collected from the lower
levels 
of shrub of their homes and they have even be known to fish the
migratory 
Charbut on their annual spawning runs (picking up the eager migrants as 
they try to swim up waterfalls and pass sandbars, much as terrestrial 
grizzlies catch salmon). They exhibit small scale pack, or family group,

behaviour and will often cooperative to clear a feeding area of all 
accessible food. Their elongated larynx allows them to produce long and
low 
trumpeting sounds which can be heard for a great distance, this allows
them 
to locate mates despite their fairly low local densities. While not 
naturally aggressive towards beings as large as humans, they can be come

extremely violent if they are cornered, threatened or startled. The 
combination of their heavy beak, stubby grasping teeth, strong legs and
the 
razor-sharp claws which tip each of their digits is quite an effective
on 
and even body armour will not necessarily save you from a killer blow. 
However, do not let their lethal potential deter you. If raised from
before 
hatching they make exceptionally loyal companions which also double as
good 
mounts and keen look-outs (as evidenced by the extensive use by the
forest 
militias of Grandaplout 5).

So John you could have a hapless band stumble across these guys
mid-patrol, 
not only would all the commotion attract the enemy, but it is down right

deadly in its own right. Another option would be to have them in a pen 
beside camp... nice little alert device if anyone tries to sneak into 
camp... mind you if they were turned lose it'd be an AWFUL long walk
back 
to friendly bases.

Just a couple of ideas for you.

Have fun

Beth

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Elizabeth Fulton
c/o CSIRO Division of Marine Research
GPO Box 1538
HOBART
TASMANIA 7001
AUSTRALIA
Phone (03) 6232 5018 International +61 3 6232 5018
Fax 03 6232 5053 International +61 3 6232 5053

email: beth.fulton@marine.csiro.au