Zekos

Zekos—"The Lifeblood of Vessen"

The zeko is a slug-like mollusk native to the southern wetlands of Vessen and the islands of Dorsia Von. Adults can measure up to one meter in length and 20 centimeters in diameter. They secrete a thick mucous which allows them to traverse almost any surface with ease. Their circular mouths adhere to solid surfaces and can produce an extremely strong suction force. Their radula, or mouth, contains thousands of teeth or gradations on a larger bone-like stump which they use to scrape lichens and moss off rocks, trees, and other surfaces. They avoid direct sunlight from Zazeta, but are not shy of reflected Sekoran light in humid conditions.

Discovery and Domestication

Although early human pilgrims considered the zeko a mindless bottom feeder, this notion was soon disproved after the wildlife biologist Okran Lata published her detailed notes and observations of zeko behavior. Dr. Lata found that the zeko often live in large underground colonies that they construct by digging tunnels strategically to dam up water underground and keep the tunnels at an optimum humidity. Dr. Lata thought that if the zeko could be domesticated, they would serve as useful natural irrigators and allow for the cultivation of wetland crops without requiring the manufacture of farming equipment.

_{The Zeko Wetlands in eastern Vessen were created by the zeko's damming of several river tributaries.}

Both the lack of refined materials and deciding which farming tools were to invest time, materials, and effort in manufacturing were major concerns of the early pilgrims to Chellok. Not every colony was successful in producing enough food for the early settlements.
Dr. Lata worked over the the following five Sekoran years in developing methods to rear the zeko into creating wetland fields for growing aquatic plants. After achieving success, her methods and the use of zekos to irrigate and dam farmlands found wide adoption throughout the region of Vessen and Dorsia Von for two main reasons: one, they were cheap and efficient, and two, famine in the neighboring failed state of Dorsia Von led to regular raids and theft of farming equipment. The zeko themselves were of no value in stealing since any member that is removed from its colony makes every effort to return.

Currently the zeko are used in agriculture in both Vessen and Dorsia Von and are revered by locals as the "lifeblood" of Vessen since their domestication solved the food shortage of the early years of human settlement.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction

Growth Rate & Stages

Zekos reach maturity in about 4 Sekoran years and can live up to 10 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Wetlands, warm and humid forests.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Zekos eat mostly mosses and lichens but will also consume plants, insects, and other animals if in need of nutrients and if able to catch the prey.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Very poor visual acuity - sensitive to light Poor hearing in atmosphere but excellent in water or via vibrations on surfaces or underground Excellent smell, touch, and taste