Gutterslug
Slithering through the refuse and muddy waste in the gutters and sewer inlets of the city-states, the Gutterslugs are tiny molluscs that feed on whatever they can find.
The foot of the Gutterslug extends beyond the measurements of its main body, giving it the appearance of a membranous fin or wing that circles around the body and undulates as the animal moves.
In a peculiar difference compared to other species of slugs that call Nascindor home, the Gutterslug does not have a mouth where one would expect it to be, but rather the entirety of the underside of the foot opens up into an oral cavity of sorts that the slug uses to feed. It simply slithers over whatever it wants to eat, opens up this cavity and engulfs the prey, which is transported directly into the digestive sac located in the core of the slug.
On its head, the Gutterslug sports two antennae, which end in its eyes. As a startle response, the slug actually detaches these eye-stalks, which will wriggle to draw attention away from it as it slowly retreats. The efficiency of such a reaction for an animal as slow as the Gutterslug is highly dubious to say the least, not in small part due to the fact that it practically blinds itself while committing to it.
This fascinating quirk of their anatomy is a sight to behold, as the slug will laterally split in half and each half quickly grows another eye stalk and becomes a fully fledged Gutterslug. Due to this fast-lane procreation that needs no mating rituals or indeed mating at all, it is supremely difficult to control a population of Gutterslugs without resorting to utter extermination, which is not preferred due to the animal being useful in several ways.
Additionally, the digestive enzymes of the Gutterslug have been harnessed for use in alchemical solutions intended for potent decontamination and transformation processes. These alchemical solutions are highly sought after in various fields, from medical treatments to agricultural applications.
In medicine, Gutterslug enzyme-based solutions are used to cleanse and purify wounds, dissolving necrotic tissue without harming healthy flesh, which promotes faster and more efficient healing. Alchemists have also discovered that these enzymes can neutralize a range of toxins, making them invaluable in the creation of antidotes and detoxifying potions.
However, despite all these advantageous applications, the Gutterslug is technically an invasive species. They seem to literally form from the waste and refuse they inhabit and quickly spread all across the subterranean infrastructure. Native species, especially small insects and other invertebrates, are particularly vulnerable to the Gutterslug's voracious feeding habits. As the Gutterslugs outcompete these native organisms for food, it can lead to a decline in biodiversity, which has cascading effects on the local ecosystem.
The rapid multiplication of Gutterslugs through division exacerbates this problem as, without natural predators to keep their numbers in check, Gutterslug populations can grow exponentially, leading to infestations that are difficult to control. This can result in significant damage to infrastructure, as their powerful digestive enzymes corrode materials and their sheer numbers clog pipes and drains.
Morphology
The Gutterslug is a small gastropod that is usually dark brown or black in coloration, with mottling, splotches or bands of dark yellow or lighter brown. The skin is glossy and covered in mucus that is nearly colorless, as opposed to the locomotory mucus which has a tar-like consistency and appearance.The foot of the Gutterslug extends beyond the measurements of its main body, giving it the appearance of a membranous fin or wing that circles around the body and undulates as the animal moves.
In a peculiar difference compared to other species of slugs that call Nascindor home, the Gutterslug does not have a mouth where one would expect it to be, but rather the entirety of the underside of the foot opens up into an oral cavity of sorts that the slug uses to feed. It simply slithers over whatever it wants to eat, opens up this cavity and engulfs the prey, which is transported directly into the digestive sac located in the core of the slug.
On its head, the Gutterslug sports two antennae, which end in its eyes. As a startle response, the slug actually detaches these eye-stalks, which will wriggle to draw attention away from it as it slowly retreats. The efficiency of such a reaction for an animal as slow as the Gutterslug is highly dubious to say the least, not in small part due to the fact that it practically blinds itself while committing to it.
Diet & Procreation
Gutterslugs eat anything and everything that they can fit inside themselves. The digestive enzymes secreted by the inner lining of their stomach has been recorded to be able to corrode and melt metal and different kinds of stone. It mainly feeds on smaller insects, leaves, refuse and waste found in the gutters and sewers of the city-states with the latter two inducing a sort of feeding frenzy in the population, which in turn stimulates the slugs to multiply, which they accomplish through division.This fascinating quirk of their anatomy is a sight to behold, as the slug will laterally split in half and each half quickly grows another eye stalk and becomes a fully fledged Gutterslug. Due to this fast-lane procreation that needs no mating rituals or indeed mating at all, it is supremely difficult to control a population of Gutterslugs without resorting to utter extermination, which is not preferred due to the animal being useful in several ways.
Uses
Being as ravenous as they are, Gutterslugs are considered useful for the removal of waste items and produce small enough for the slug to eat. Many city-states employ controlled colonies of Gutterslugs to manage their waste and keep the subterranean infrastructure clean. Their ability to digest a wide range of materials, including organic waste and certain types of inorganic matter, makes them indispensable for maintaining hygiene and preventing blockages in drainage systems. However, their utility extends beyond waste management. The tar-like locomotory mucus of the Gutterslug has found applications in several industries. This mucus is highly adhesive and waterproof, making it an excellent sealant for various construction and repair purposes, only trumped by the gum produced from Gumreed.Additionally, the digestive enzymes of the Gutterslug have been harnessed for use in alchemical solutions intended for potent decontamination and transformation processes. These alchemical solutions are highly sought after in various fields, from medical treatments to agricultural applications.
In medicine, Gutterslug enzyme-based solutions are used to cleanse and purify wounds, dissolving necrotic tissue without harming healthy flesh, which promotes faster and more efficient healing. Alchemists have also discovered that these enzymes can neutralize a range of toxins, making them invaluable in the creation of antidotes and detoxifying potions.
However, despite all these advantageous applications, the Gutterslug is technically an invasive species. They seem to literally form from the waste and refuse they inhabit and quickly spread all across the subterranean infrastructure. Native species, especially small insects and other invertebrates, are particularly vulnerable to the Gutterslug's voracious feeding habits. As the Gutterslugs outcompete these native organisms for food, it can lead to a decline in biodiversity, which has cascading effects on the local ecosystem.
The rapid multiplication of Gutterslugs through division exacerbates this problem as, without natural predators to keep their numbers in check, Gutterslug populations can grow exponentially, leading to infestations that are difficult to control. This can result in significant damage to infrastructure, as their powerful digestive enzymes corrode materials and their sheer numbers clog pipes and drains.
Oh... oh dear.–A sanitation worker to her aide upon discovering a sewer junction completely covered in Gutterslugs
Come take a look at this.
Lifespan
1 year
Average Height
0.5 - 0.7in / 1.3 - 1.8cm
Average Weight
0.1 - 0.3oz / 2.8 - 8.5g
Average Length
2.8 – 3.1in / 7 – 8cm
Geographic Distribution
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