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  This article is focused on Nisora, the lawless black market planet.
The Nisoran platypus is either the most precious of babies or a genegineered abomination depending on who you ask. Some might even say it's both.   Despite lacking most expected survival instincts, the bizarre creature has outlasted its creators in the wilderness and has found comfort on the laps of those rich enough to pamper them.

Cuddly Chaos Incarnate

In the 2900s, a group of self-proclaimed gene-hackers set themselves up in a secluded lab in Nisoran marshlands. There, they spent decades stitching genes into innocent creatures. Nature now reclaims the abandoned crime scene, its former inhabitants long forgotten, yet the Nisoran platypus remains as evidence of their hubris.   Their Earth-based namesake was the starting point for the Nisoran platypus, and now they bear six legs, vibrant colors, bizarre patterning, and kaleidoscopic biofluorescence.   Their survival instincts were lost along the way, replaced with insatiable curiosity. They waddle up to anything that piques their interest, whether ferocious beast, raging waterfall, or other chopping block - figurative or literal. Their snooping causes mayhem as they upend hives, invade nests, and fall from inexplicable heights.
 
The Nisoran platypus is a mockery of evolution and symbol of the need for regulation in genetic engineering.   These 'gene-hackers' had no concern for the animals' well-being. The additional legs provide no improved mobility, the fur coloring makes them easy for both predators and prey to spot, and they barely remember where they laid their own eggs! There's a reason these animals are banned on sane planets.
— A wet blanket who is also a wildlife biologist
 

 

In The Wild

The genetic monstrosities from the genegineering facility were left to fend for themselves when their creators vacated. Most didn't survive long, but this platypus has against all odds.   More bizarre, they've endeared themselves to their would-be predators, and are often found sleeping alongside even the most territorial beasts. Some of these creatures seem to claim the platypus as their pet, and will defend it as they would their own young.   The main thing keeping the platypus population low is their own propensity for falling into natural traps. Their means of survival is other creatures taking care of them.

In Captivity

Humans are among those drawn to these empty-headed confetti weasels. Though outlawed everywhere else in the sector, many well-off Nisorans keep them as pets. They're not for those without means, as their dietary, enrichment, and exercise needs require ample space and funding.   These platypuses are known for evading every attempt to keep them confined. Some even believe the platypus may have a quantum property that allows them to disappear if not under constant surveillance. They end up everywhere they shouldn't: in the fridge, tangled in stray wires, in the trunk of a car, and yet somehow always unharmed.

Information

Vocalizations
Growls, like a dog
Squeaks, like a dog's toy
Purrs/trills, like a cat or concerning engine
Scientific Name
Ornithorhynchus Vanusenes
Lifespan
24 years
Average Weight
3-5lbs / 1.3-2.3kg
Average Length
12-18in / 30-45cm
Geographic Distribution
Notable Characteristics
Indestructible
Escape artist (possibly quantum?)
Affectionate
Curious
Unintelligent
Mischeivous

Author Commentary

HRH
In the Gal Pals Campaign, player characters Trey and Jorie used 'platypus' as a code word. The third PC, Atticus, concluded his friends wanted a pet platypus. We decided together what traits a Nisoran platypus would have, and I've embellished since then. Their pet was given the name 'His Royal Highness'.

Nisoran Platypus
Picture it: Galendra, 3225. We're boarding a shuttle where we'll be stuck with Orson's parents for the two-week journey to Devali. My husband's parents are the most stuck-up Abraians you'll ever meet, and even he would say so.   The one bright side is that Clarence the platypus is locked up at home and is now the pet sitter's problem. I'd never wanted the thing, but our daughter begged until we caved. Now she's off to college and left her dads to deal with the consequences.   So we're getting the security briefing while Orson's mother is scoffing at everything - the pilot's hair, the food offerings, the bloody texture of the seatbelt. Then we start to hear a shuffling coming from a baggage compartment.   The attendant goes over, reaches up - the compartment is about head height on her - and pops the compartment open. Out shoots a tote bag of oranges and Clarence the fucking platypus!   To this day, we've no idea how it got there, but it exposed an attempt at smuggling fruit across planetary borders and, since the platypus is just as outlawed as the oranges, got us out of a miserable trip.
— Proud owner of a Nisoran platypus


Cover image: Global Banner by Aaron Lee (left), Nick Ong & Norah Khor (right)

Comments

Author's Notes

The platypus art in this article was done by Mochi! Check out their award-winning world the Yonderverse, and commission your own fabulous creature art from their ko-fi.   Features:
2023 Summer Camp 2023 Reading Challenge by Cassie Storyweaver
2023 Eddies Reads for the Ice, Ice Summer Camp 2023 by CrazyEddie   Awards:
2023 Shortlisted for "A species known for its mischievous personality" by Jordan Beasley


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Jul 6, 2023 08:57 by Annie Stein

empty-headed confetti weasels, omg im dead

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Jul 6, 2023 12:54 by Rin Garnett

:D

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Aug 2, 2023 18:44 by Cassie Storyweaver

First of all, when I saw the title, I HAD to read this article. I wasn't sorry. The gene hackers, the possible quantum escape artist description, and obliviousness to danger. I'm here for it! I think what really makes the article work, though, is the tone of outrage, especially the comment: "..Though these platypi are banned on more sane planets..." Funny, and omg, I WANT ONE.

Greetings fromAdventurer's Guide to Exandria! Check out my Reading Challenge here: Reading Challenge August 2024.
Aug 2, 2023 19:37 by Rin Garnett

Thank you! This was by far the most enjoyable SC article to write this year, and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed reading it :)

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Aug 8, 2023 12:20 by Amélie I. S. Debruyne

I love the idea of other animals keeping them s pet XD

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Aug 8, 2023 13:16 by Rin Garnett

Life Pro Tip: Always keep a platypus handy when exploring the woods. If a predator attacks you, throw the platypus at them. They'll be suddenly overcome with an unfounded desire to protect the platypus that they'll let you escape.

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Jan 9, 2025 22:46 by Catoblepon

I wonder, people have a bit of trouble keeping them as pets, but what about the wild animals?

Jan 13, 2025 19:26 by Rin Garnett

A thoughtful answer is that it depends on the animal. Some are used to losing young and either don't stress or don't notice if they have one fewer today than yesterday. Others get attached and show signs of distress or otherwise seem to search for the missing platypus.   An honest answer is that no researcher who's tried to ask the territorial predators how they feel about their wayward charge has survived the encounter in order to report on the results.

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Jan 29, 2025 17:59 by CoolG

Omg I want. I absolutely love the hilarious nature of this article XD

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Feb 9, 2025 00:00 by Rin Garnett

Everyone wants one until the eighth time it ends up in the icebox...

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Feb 17, 2025 20:40

Somehow the scientists made a creature even more oblivious than pidgeons xp

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Feb 22, 2025 01:22 by Rin Garnett

There are always new scientific heights to reach!

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