The Monsters of Lake Nicodes
Tria, 08 Lia, Year 139 Third Cycle
The Monsters of Lake Nicodes are a species of two-headed monster only found in the waters of Lake Nicodes, located near the eastern edge of the nation Dymee's territory. These monsters are amicable towards Humans, only attacking when provoked and even helping those they take a liking to. Nicodean monsters are the only known source of Nicodean Scales, which are valuable to apothecaries.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The monsters of Lake Nicodes are scaled creatures with two heads atop long necks. They have three limbs — two forelimbs complete with webbed claws, and a tail that ends with a dolphin-like fluke.
Both heads of each Nicodean monster feature forward-facing eyes and large mouths filled with razor-sharp teeth. The nostrils are pronounced on the blunt snouts of the monsters, and the ears are external and round.
Behind each forelimb, a secondary, fin-like appendage is attached close to the shoulder. Nicodean monsters also have long dorsal fins running down the length of their spine from shoulder to tail fluke.
Most monsters of Lake Nicodes are deep-chested with a distinct V-shape where their necks split into two at the shoulder, although individuals with narrower chests or wider splits at the neck (forming more of a U-shape than a V one) are not unheard of. Due to the nature of the Nicodean monster's habitat, they are well-muscled in neck, body, and tail.
Genetics and Reproduction
As a hermaphroditic species, self-fertilization is possible in Nicodean monsters, although it is uncommon.
Nicodean monsters lay 2 to 4 eggs in deep, lakebed nests 3 to 4 weeks after mating. The eggs hatch after 35 to 40 days, but the young are still relatively undeveloped, and are cared for by the egg-layer until they are roughly 6 months old.
Ecology and Habitats
Nicodean monsters primarily reside in the deepest parts of Lake Nicodes. They have been known to venture as far as the shore, although they never leave the water in their entirety.
These monsters are exclusively found in Lake Nicodes, and are absent from even the closest bodies of water.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The monsters of Lake Nicodes are carnivorous and feed primarily on the fish native to the lake in which they reside. The monsters typically hunt their own catch, but will accept handouts from human fishers as well. Particularly gregarious fisherpeople will often attract small groups of these monsters when mooring their boat for the day.
Those who offer fish to the monsters regularly have been known to receive gifts of freshwater pearls and Nicodean Scales. Certain towns and villages along the shore of Lake Nicodes have capitalized on the monsters' trade.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The monsters of Lake Nicodes have the ability to navigate even in the darkest depths via electrolocation. Their electric organ is located at the end of their long ribcages, and sensory organs are found in bands along both necks. To navigate, Nicodean monsters release pulses of electricity to generate a weak electric field around themselves. Obstacles and prey disturb the electric field, which is sensed by the monster.
Under the Sea Flash Challenge Entry
This article is an entry to the unofficial Under the Sea Flash Challenge.
Thanks for taking part in the unofficial challenge! Creativity: 4,5 Verisimilitude: 4,5 Presentation: 4,5 What I think this article could really benefit from are some story hooks. Something to attach drama, conflict, and personalities to. Are there any notable members of the species, or of apothecaries who figured out their scales were useful? Any rangers who keep them from being hunted, or chefs who want to get their hands on some tasty Nicodes meat for some feast? What are the scales used for, and what place does that product have in the world? The part about them trading with humans is another part that’s full of potential. So many hooks there for villages vs. greedy hunters and similar stories. What are the stories you want to tell about these monsters, and how can you work this into the article in a way that engages the reader? That’s what I would think about, and consider adding to the article. You touch on it by talking about how some villages capitalise on the monster trade - that’s a great connective hook to the rest of the world and something you could expand on to attach the monster more firmly into the wider setting.
Creator of Araea, Megacorpolis, and many others.