How are you still alive

AKA the Nisoran Platypus

Description

With eight legs, vibrant colors, bizarre patterning, and kaleidoscopic biofluorescence, the Nisoran platypus is a mockery of evolution and symbol of the need for regulation in genetic engineering. In the 2900s, a group of self-proclaimed gene-hackers in a secluded lab in Nisoran marshlands 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 ignorance.
Their Earth-based namesake was the starting point for the Nisoran platypi, as genes from other creatures were forced upon them with no concern for their well-being. The additional legs provide no improved mobility, and the fur coloring makes them easy for both predators and prey to spot.
Their survival instinct is gone, replaced with an insatiable curiosity. The mindless creatures waddle up to anything that piques their interest, whether ferocious beast, raging waterfall, or other chopping block - figurative or literal. Everywhere they go, their snooping causes disruptions and mayhem as they upend hives, invade nests, and fall from inexplicable heights.

In The Wild

Many creatures housed within the genegineering facility were left to fend for themselves. 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 creatures. 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 these platypi are banned on more sane planets, many well-off Nisorans keep them as pets. They're not for those without means, as they require special food to meet their nutritional needs and plenty of water for enrichment and exercise.
They're known for evading every attempt to keep them confined, leading some to believe the creature may have some quantum property that allows it to disappear if not under constant surveillance. They somehow end up everywhere they shouldn't: in your fridge, tangled in stray wires, in the trunk of your car, and yet somehow always completely 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

• Nisora

Notable Characteristics

Indestructible

Escape artist (possibly quantum?)

Affectionate

Curious

Unintelligent

Mischeivous (possible cross-section of curiosity and lack of intelligence)

Author Commentary

HRH

This species was introduced because two player characters used 'platypus' as a code word, and the third PC decided 'clearly that must mean they want a pet platypus'. But since this is a sci-fi game, we had to make the creature suitably alien, and thus this creature was born. Their pet platypus was given the name 'His Royal Highness'.