Hopswallow
The term “hopswallow” encompasses an entire class of organisms sharing a similar four-limbed, winged body plan with a blending of avian and reptilian characteristics
Distribution (wild): Forests of Nibiru
Distribution (captive): Planet-wide Kahi Hopswallows are one of the most popular companions of travelers and sailors. Their most commonly-seen variety comes in a shade of red, though various patterns such as striping, mottling, piebald, and spotted have developed in regional pocket populations, with colors ranging across the spectrum. Captive kahi hopswallows show an even greater variety of patterning, having been selectively bred by hobbyists for centuries. Kahi hopswallows prefer tropical climates, and can be found naturally in almost all the forested regions of Nibiru, with high concentrations surrounding Highjump and the Co-Sheirm Basin. They are intelligent and inquisitive, and captive-bred kahi hopswallows tend to bond closely with their owners. They are capable of mimicking a wide variety of sounds and can even repeat simple phrases. The name "kahi" is actually a kegani loanword and a bit of a misnomer; it is the closest most non-kegani can say to a word that means, simply, "red" in a kegani dialect--the name stuck, though, and so the entire species is referred to in this way.
Distribution (wild): The Hunting Grounds, The Barrier Mountains
Distribution (captive): Primarily Nibiru, Scattered and Rare Planet-Wide Crested hopswallows are beautiful to behold, with their brilliant golden scales and their crimson horns. As with most beautiful things in nature, however, they are potentially dangerous, even for such relatively small creatures. Crested hopwsallows have long necks and triangular, almost viperine heads--and, like vipers, they are venomous. When threatened, they tend to spread their wings, displaying the bright red patterning underneath. They have long, feather-like scales on their neck that also bristle as part of this threat-display, the "crest" which their name is derived from. If this bluff doesn't work, the crested hopswallow will spit a stream of venom towards its would-be attacker's eyes and flee. This adaptation seems to have given them a greater edge than most other hopswallows in The Hunting Grounds, where they can be found in their greatest wild numbers. Though intelligent, crested hopswallows are more standoffish and solitary than their more curious cousins, making them challenging pets. Once bonded to an owner, however, they are quite loyal. Their beauty and potential danger make them status symbols of a sort. A crested hopswallow on someone's shoulder is a sign of their skill with the animal as well as a particularly effective line of defense in a small, mobile package. Crested hopswallows are not known for being particularly skilled in any form of mimicry, and are not known to be very vocal in the wild, but captive ones have been known to sing when they feel at-ease.
Distribution (wild): Coastlines, primarily Hel-Side
Distribution (captive): Not typically kept Clearly adapted for life on the shoreline, dipper hopswallows more streamlined than most of their cousins on Hesper. They are compact, sturdy creatures, with particularly thick, supper skin that is very smooth to the touch. Dipper hopswallows are notable in that they are one of the few species with notable sexual dimorphism: females are typically heavier than males, with more developed hind-fins and patternless skin. Males tend to be lighter and more nimble, and often have ventral dappling or spotting. The most vibrantly-colored males are noticeably more successful in their mating attempts. Their name comes from their fishing techniques. Dipper hopswallows are known to dive, but most often they hunt in shallow waters, scooping up smaller fish and crustaceans with quick, practiced “dips” below the water. They typically gather in loose-knit, large flocks whose members fluctuate greatly as individuals travel. They also tend to nest in great groups, preferring rocky coastlines or isolated islets to raise their young. Outside of coastlines and coastal cities, dipper hopswallows are found in very great numbers on Cherut Das, and have been known to follow ships across the sea to hitch rides across long distance and to hopefully scavenge scraps off the crew.
Distribution (wild): The Eternal Desert, the Edin Mountains
Distribution (captive): Not typically kept, semi-feral flocks live in Stone’s Throw Built for running, these agile, nimble hopswallows often don’t need to take to the air to escape predators–but their long, narrow wings allow them to do just that when push comes to shove. These long-legged hopswallows chase down their smaller prey over the hot sands of the Eternal Desert, where they are a common sight, especially around settlements and mining camps. A relatively stable population can be found in Stone’s Throw, darting about the streets and nesting in the cliffs. They are keenly observant and intelligent, and it’s not uncommon for a handful of dawn hopswallows to follow caravans out of the city, watching them from a distance for any opportunity to snatch up scraps. Dawn hopswallows have a distinct ululating call, but are not known to sing or otherwise mimic sounds. They only tend to gather in areas that are resource-rich, with no permanent flock structure to speak of. Most of what is known about their habits come from observations in the Eternal Desert, as dawn hopswallows in the Edin Mountains are dangerously close to the nest of Dawn. Their name derives partly from their proximity to the Dawn nest, but also because they can often be found near the Altar of the Morning. Pilgrims approaching the Altar of the Morning often notice dawn hopswallows beginning to follow them as they draw nearer. This unofficial “welcome” is considered by some to be a sign of good luck.
Distribution (wild): Syllva Cirros, Cirros Mot
Distribution (captive): Not typically kept These diminutive hopswallows live, in many ways, as relics left from a time when the world was very different. Their camouflage, once effective in the great jungles of northern Nibiru and southern Kumari, don’t necessarily serve their purposes well in their remaining habitats. Nevertheless, the thinning of species from the radical shift in geography seems to have eliminated most of their natural predators to a point where it no longer matters. Long-snouted hopswallows are particularly hardy creatures. They are capable of flying vast distances despite their tiny size, and glide for days on end to reach their destinations. Perhaps some of the most opportunistic hopswallows on the planet, long-snouts eat everything from rotting plant matter to insects, mold to nectar, and seemingly everything in between. The bright colors on the underside of their wings are a mimic of a large, dangerous beetle species that still survive in Syllva Cirros, and used as a means to startle or confuse predators long enough to escape. Long-snouts follow migration patterns ingrained upon them from their evolutionary history, and spend half of the year in Syllva Cirros, and have of the year in Cirros Mot. It is believed they used to fly from jungle to jungle, following the sun, but they seem to survive just as well in the Eternal Desert. They arrive in great numbers to raise their young, plastering cup-shaped nests onto the sides of cliffs and tunnels. Though outsiders might view the arrival of such an enormous flock as something more closely resembling a plague, they don’t disrupt the vrii in their day-to-day tasks, and are tolerated. Their presence even provides some fringe benefits, as they drink lick up condensation that is produced as a by-product of the Great Machine’s cooling process, and graze of the few tenacious species of molds and fungus that occasionally infest the tunnels.
Distribution (wild): The Graveyard Peninsula, The Atlantean Viaduct, Atlantean Ruins
Distribution (captive): Rare but highly valued, the largest collections are on Cherut Das Believed by many to be closely related to the kahi hopswallow for their comparable size and conformation, Pascal’s hopswallow also has a similar disposition. They are social and bond with their keepers, especially if hand-raised. They are almost always found in shades of green, with various patterning. The only thing keeping them from being as popular as kahi hopswallows is their rarity which–combined with their propensity for choosing dangerous habitats–makes them hard to come by in the wild. Enough is known about their ecology to suggest they live in flocks similar to kahi hopswallows. Strangely and frustratingly, Pascal’s hopswallows tend to flock towards the ruins of Atlantean cities. They can be seen up and down the Atlantean Viaduct, as well, though they never nest in any of the inhabited villages. Theories abound as to why they specifically seek out these ruins, but no answer has yet been discovered. They are named for an explorer who rediscovered them within the last century. Their population had declined over the course of the age of Ra that they were believed to be extinct for hundreds of years, until Pascal of Highjump, a globe-trotting thora naturalist, brought back a specimen from an expedition to the Viaduct. It’s suspected that there must be some hitherto-unknown concentration of their wild population, perhaps even a nesting ground, but it has not been found.
Distribution and Habitat
Hopswallows can be found all across Hesper, occupying a wide variety of environmental niches. Though it’s believed there were an even greater variety of hopswallows present before the planet’s rotation stopped, the creatures’ ability to travel long distances by flight and general hardiness have preserved them to a great extent. Hopswallows have also readily adapted to urban environments, and can be found in nearly every large settlement, sedentary or otherwise. Adept at hunting small animals, scavenging refuse, and hugely opportunistic, these creatures can thrive anywhere people of nearly any kind have settled.Characteristics
Hopswallows are warm-blooded and capable of flight. Despite the great variety of their forms, they all possess two legs, two wings, and thick, rubbery skin. They are omnivorous, though different species tend to skew more one way or another towards either plant or animal based sustenance. All hopswallows lay eggs, though the number varies by species, with larger hopswallows tending to lay fewer while smaller hopswallows lay more. Generally, hopswallows reach full maturity at about two years of age, and tend to live for an average of 20 years or so in the wild. Some species of hopswallows have been shown to be capable of incredibly long lifespans in captivity, upwards of 60 years.Ecology and Behavior
Hopswallows have variable life spans, diets, and natural behaviors, depending on their specific biological niche. Young are generally cared for by both parents, though pair-bonding is variable in length from a single season to a lifetime. They are generally clever little creatures, and the vast majority of hopswallows possess the ability to mimic sounds from their environment, from the calls of other creatures to some limited speech.Utility
Hopswallows are usually tolerated in urban centers because there is simply no other alternative. They are edible, and some species are raised as food or for their eggs. Brightly-colored and beautiful hopswallows are popular as pets, and long-lived species make for excellent companions, whether they take residence in the comfort of a home or on the shoulder of a traveler.Varieties
Kahi Hopswallow
Size: 32 inches (81 cm)Distribution (wild): Forests of Nibiru
Distribution (captive): Planet-wide Kahi Hopswallows are one of the most popular companions of travelers and sailors. Their most commonly-seen variety comes in a shade of red, though various patterns such as striping, mottling, piebald, and spotted have developed in regional pocket populations, with colors ranging across the spectrum. Captive kahi hopswallows show an even greater variety of patterning, having been selectively bred by hobbyists for centuries. Kahi hopswallows prefer tropical climates, and can be found naturally in almost all the forested regions of Nibiru, with high concentrations surrounding Highjump and the Co-Sheirm Basin. They are intelligent and inquisitive, and captive-bred kahi hopswallows tend to bond closely with their owners. They are capable of mimicking a wide variety of sounds and can even repeat simple phrases. The name "kahi" is actually a kegani loanword and a bit of a misnomer; it is the closest most non-kegani can say to a word that means, simply, "red" in a kegani dialect--the name stuck, though, and so the entire species is referred to in this way.
Crested Hopswallow
Size: 19 inches (45-55cm)Distribution (wild): The Hunting Grounds, The Barrier Mountains
Distribution (captive): Primarily Nibiru, Scattered and Rare Planet-Wide Crested hopswallows are beautiful to behold, with their brilliant golden scales and their crimson horns. As with most beautiful things in nature, however, they are potentially dangerous, even for such relatively small creatures. Crested hopwsallows have long necks and triangular, almost viperine heads--and, like vipers, they are venomous. When threatened, they tend to spread their wings, displaying the bright red patterning underneath. They have long, feather-like scales on their neck that also bristle as part of this threat-display, the "crest" which their name is derived from. If this bluff doesn't work, the crested hopswallow will spit a stream of venom towards its would-be attacker's eyes and flee. This adaptation seems to have given them a greater edge than most other hopswallows in The Hunting Grounds, where they can be found in their greatest wild numbers. Though intelligent, crested hopswallows are more standoffish and solitary than their more curious cousins, making them challenging pets. Once bonded to an owner, however, they are quite loyal. Their beauty and potential danger make them status symbols of a sort. A crested hopswallow on someone's shoulder is a sign of their skill with the animal as well as a particularly effective line of defense in a small, mobile package. Crested hopswallows are not known for being particularly skilled in any form of mimicry, and are not known to be very vocal in the wild, but captive ones have been known to sing when they feel at-ease.
Dipper Hopswallow
Size: 13-16 inches (33-40 cm)Distribution (wild): Coastlines, primarily Hel-Side
Distribution (captive): Not typically kept Clearly adapted for life on the shoreline, dipper hopswallows more streamlined than most of their cousins on Hesper. They are compact, sturdy creatures, with particularly thick, supper skin that is very smooth to the touch. Dipper hopswallows are notable in that they are one of the few species with notable sexual dimorphism: females are typically heavier than males, with more developed hind-fins and patternless skin. Males tend to be lighter and more nimble, and often have ventral dappling or spotting. The most vibrantly-colored males are noticeably more successful in their mating attempts. Their name comes from their fishing techniques. Dipper hopswallows are known to dive, but most often they hunt in shallow waters, scooping up smaller fish and crustaceans with quick, practiced “dips” below the water. They typically gather in loose-knit, large flocks whose members fluctuate greatly as individuals travel. They also tend to nest in great groups, preferring rocky coastlines or isolated islets to raise their young. Outside of coastlines and coastal cities, dipper hopswallows are found in very great numbers on Cherut Das, and have been known to follow ships across the sea to hitch rides across long distance and to hopefully scavenge scraps off the crew.
Dawn Hopswallow
Size: 39 inches tall (98 cm)Distribution (wild): The Eternal Desert, the Edin Mountains
Distribution (captive): Not typically kept, semi-feral flocks live in Stone’s Throw Built for running, these agile, nimble hopswallows often don’t need to take to the air to escape predators–but their long, narrow wings allow them to do just that when push comes to shove. These long-legged hopswallows chase down their smaller prey over the hot sands of the Eternal Desert, where they are a common sight, especially around settlements and mining camps. A relatively stable population can be found in Stone’s Throw, darting about the streets and nesting in the cliffs. They are keenly observant and intelligent, and it’s not uncommon for a handful of dawn hopswallows to follow caravans out of the city, watching them from a distance for any opportunity to snatch up scraps. Dawn hopswallows have a distinct ululating call, but are not known to sing or otherwise mimic sounds. They only tend to gather in areas that are resource-rich, with no permanent flock structure to speak of. Most of what is known about their habits come from observations in the Eternal Desert, as dawn hopswallows in the Edin Mountains are dangerously close to the nest of Dawn. Their name derives partly from their proximity to the Dawn nest, but also because they can often be found near the Altar of the Morning. Pilgrims approaching the Altar of the Morning often notice dawn hopswallows beginning to follow them as they draw nearer. This unofficial “welcome” is considered by some to be a sign of good luck.
Long-snouted Hopswallow
Size: 8 inches (20 cm)Distribution (wild): Syllva Cirros, Cirros Mot
Distribution (captive): Not typically kept These diminutive hopswallows live, in many ways, as relics left from a time when the world was very different. Their camouflage, once effective in the great jungles of northern Nibiru and southern Kumari, don’t necessarily serve their purposes well in their remaining habitats. Nevertheless, the thinning of species from the radical shift in geography seems to have eliminated most of their natural predators to a point where it no longer matters. Long-snouted hopswallows are particularly hardy creatures. They are capable of flying vast distances despite their tiny size, and glide for days on end to reach their destinations. Perhaps some of the most opportunistic hopswallows on the planet, long-snouts eat everything from rotting plant matter to insects, mold to nectar, and seemingly everything in between. The bright colors on the underside of their wings are a mimic of a large, dangerous beetle species that still survive in Syllva Cirros, and used as a means to startle or confuse predators long enough to escape. Long-snouts follow migration patterns ingrained upon them from their evolutionary history, and spend half of the year in Syllva Cirros, and have of the year in Cirros Mot. It is believed they used to fly from jungle to jungle, following the sun, but they seem to survive just as well in the Eternal Desert. They arrive in great numbers to raise their young, plastering cup-shaped nests onto the sides of cliffs and tunnels. Though outsiders might view the arrival of such an enormous flock as something more closely resembling a plague, they don’t disrupt the vrii in their day-to-day tasks, and are tolerated. Their presence even provides some fringe benefits, as they drink lick up condensation that is produced as a by-product of the Great Machine’s cooling process, and graze of the few tenacious species of molds and fungus that occasionally infest the tunnels.
Pascal’s Hopswallow
Size: 30 inches (76cm)Distribution (wild): The Graveyard Peninsula, The Atlantean Viaduct, Atlantean Ruins
Distribution (captive): Rare but highly valued, the largest collections are on Cherut Das Believed by many to be closely related to the kahi hopswallow for their comparable size and conformation, Pascal’s hopswallow also has a similar disposition. They are social and bond with their keepers, especially if hand-raised. They are almost always found in shades of green, with various patterning. The only thing keeping them from being as popular as kahi hopswallows is their rarity which–combined with their propensity for choosing dangerous habitats–makes them hard to come by in the wild. Enough is known about their ecology to suggest they live in flocks similar to kahi hopswallows. Strangely and frustratingly, Pascal’s hopswallows tend to flock towards the ruins of Atlantean cities. They can be seen up and down the Atlantean Viaduct, as well, though they never nest in any of the inhabited villages. Theories abound as to why they specifically seek out these ruins, but no answer has yet been discovered. They are named for an explorer who rediscovered them within the last century. Their population had declined over the course of the age of Ra that they were believed to be extinct for hundreds of years, until Pascal of Highjump, a globe-trotting thora naturalist, brought back a specimen from an expedition to the Viaduct. It’s suspected that there must be some hitherto-unknown concentration of their wild population, perhaps even a nesting ground, but it has not been found.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments