Farniths
A lizard with colour shifting skin.
Basic Information
Anatomy
These 2ft long lizards have 4 splayed legs and a short tail. Their bodies are usually only half an inch from the ground or the surface of whatever object they are climbing with their wide feet.
Ecology and Habitats
This creatures roam Griboli forest, moving along the tree branches and taking shelter in the damp undergrowth. They are skilled climbers as the insects they eat are generally found high up in the trees. There are any number of predators that enjoy devouring the Farniths so they make use of their colour-shifting to hide almost in plain sight.
As they are communal creatures the Farniths also work together to locate and trap groups of insects, avoid predators and to keep watch while others are eating or resting. They coordinate all this be sending messages through the skin. Patterns in different colours allow the creatures to communicate complex information and from observations it appears they may even negotiate with each other.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
There have been repeated attempts to make use of the colour shifting scales of these creatures. The possibility of having a less magically intensive method for concealing soldiers has been the dream of more than one general, but to date no-one has found a practical way of making use of them.
What has been found useful is a gland that the lizard seems to use to create some of the colour changes. The fluid contained in this gland seems capable of absorbing colour from substances and then binding to a fabric. Some of the most brilliantly coloured textiles in Mocar were created using this fluid.
Lifespan
10 years
Average Height
2 inches
Average Length
2ft
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The farniths have light brown scales but they are capable of changing the colour of each individual scale. This colour shifting does not stop at the central visible spectrum, as those who can see further into the heat range have reported that they can adopt the same temperature as the surface they are on. This allows them to blend in with whatever surface they are on. It is also used as a means of communication between the creatures, allowing them to share information silently.
Geographic Distribution
Discovered by
I like the realism of generals trying to figure out how to harness the lizard's ability for camoflauge. And I like that people were able to figure out how to color fabric from its color gland! I wasn't entirely sure what you meant by "3 splayed legs and a shirt tail." When Summer Camp is over, you may want to include a tool tip to help with unfamiliar terms.
Mostly I need to remember to proof-read after writing something on the train. Yet another one to add to my list of typos to fix post SC.
I feel the pain. I recently re-read a summer camp article and it was chock-full of typos.