Cliffs and Caves- Azolm

It begins to rain and you take refuge in a cave in the Kralian highlands. While you face the usual harassment by zubats and geodudes, one Pokémon you encounter in the blue light of the cave is one you haven't seen before. In fact, it doesn't live anywhere else in the Pokémon world...

Azolm, the Blind Cave Pokémon. Its eyes are underdeveloped and extremely sensitive to light. It only lives in a small selection of moist caves that harbor the exact specifications for its desired habitat.

Proteolm, the Cave Dragon Pokémon; evolves from Azolm at Lv 38. Proteolm are incredibly rare and difficult to spot in the darkness of the caves they inhabit. They produce a gentle bioluminescence from their gills and the fins on their tails.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

Cliffs and Caves- Kitkarst

After leaving the Prova Forest, the terrain elevates. Kralia has many limestone cliff deposits across its terrain, inhabited by Pokémon that use the lay of this land for cover. As you reach a ledge, you notice a Kitkarst readying itself to lunge at a Starly flying by...

Kitkarst, the Cliff Cat Pokémon. Kitkarst's fur allows it to stalk its cliffside habitats unseen. It launches itself into the air like a flying pebble to knock bird Pokémon out of the sky.

Tourmalynx, the Polished Pokémon; evolves from Kitkarst at Lv 25. The crystals that grow from Tourmalynx's body are said to have soothing properties. Poachers used to hunt it for its gems, so it is scarce in number and reluctant to trust humans.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

Even in the Bleakest of Landscapes...

By the Miocene, Antarctica has almost completely frozen over. Glaciers cover nearly the entire continent, a rapid process that came too quickly for most species to adapt. There are no more caudavians (well, except for one completely aquatic species) here and the many crocodilian species that once inhabited this land are no longer anywhere to be found. Hardly anything can survive in the frozen wastelands, and the lack of daylight for long parts of the year only serves to make Antarctica even less habitable. But there is one species that has survived the great freeze...

Even in the bleakest of landscapes, life finds a way to survive. Spheniscimamus is a genus of dermorhynchid mammals descended from the small burrowing species that lived on the continent before it froze. Having a high tolerance for the cold and strong affinity for swimming helped them continue on when no other species could. They could be mistaken for a penguin at first glance and in many ways their habits are nearly identical. They huddle in large groups, carry their eggs under a brood pouch above their feet, and scramble about on their bellies to get around.

Spheniscimamus also finds a surprisingly wide variety of things to eat under the ice. Its diet consists of soft-bodied undersea invertebrates such as marine worms as well as small, easily digestible fish. Social huddling and hiding under the snow if necessary helps them stay warm along with their thick fur, and their eyes are well-adapted to vision under low light. Every hurdle that has come for these animals, they have jumped through and then some, feats of evolution that serve to show just how incredible the world can be.

The Deep Forests- Rhizone

Flowers grow along the edges of the Prova Forest. While walking past one of these flower beds you feel a prickling sensation in your head. You turn to see a small, bulb-like Pokémon practicing its mental powers- a Rhizone.

Rhizone, the Stem Pokémon. Though it is small, it possesses potential in its sixth sense. It hides in flower beds to blend in with its surroundings and avoid being seen.

Psyris, the Flower Pokémon; evolves from Rhizone at Lv 25. Psyris's mind is plagued by constant visions of its demise. It is vulnerable to nearly everything in its surroundings and is always running through escape plans in its head.

Ierophant, the Enlightened Pokémon; evolves from Psyris when given a Leaf Stone. Ierophant has grown wise enough to accept its vulnerabilities, allowing it to ascend to the spiritual plane and float above the ground. The trials of its life have lengthened its petals into a long beard.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

The Deep Forests- Piglutt

You continue your walk through the Prova Forest. In a glade you see quite a few shallow holes and piles of dirt across the open ground, and at one of them- Piglutt. The young boar Pokémon sees you, lets out an angry squeal, and then sprays a toxic mist from its nostrils...

Piglutt, the Hungry Hog Pokémon. It inhabits deep woods where Dirtruff hide in the soil. It digs out the burrows of its favorite prey and chokes them out with a poisonous breath so powerful that it bypasses typical resistances.

Warthoard, the Gluttonous Pokémon; evolves from Piglutt after defeating 20 Dirtruff in battle. When its favorite prey is hard to come by, Warthoard satiates its greed by consuming poisonous mushrooms. The toxins from Warthoard's diet gather into warts on its skin that burst if the Pokémon is threatened or angered.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

A Split Evolution- Dirtruff

In the Prova Forest you and your first partner Pokémon keep an eye out for danger. A good number of aggressive Pokémon live here and it's best to proceed with a higher degree of caution. The Pokémon you nearly step on, however, isn't one of them. It's small, covered with dirt, and quickly darts away from you. You resolve to catch the Dirtruff, as Professor Salvia informed you that its evolution is remarkable.

Dirtruff, the Truffle Pokémon. Its body is covered in a thick coat of dirt that needs to be chipped away by battling. Dirtruff's delicious flavor makes it a frequent target of predators such as Piglutt and Warthoard.

Elusitruff, the Truffle Pokémon; evolves from Dirtruff after taking three critical hits in battle. The true color of an Elusitruff is revealed when it sheds its coat of dirt after evolving. The white form of Elusitruff is considered slightly rarer than the black form.

Tubercules, the Fighting Fungus Pokémon; evolves from a Black Elusitruff at Lv 30. Tubercules has learned to fight toe-to-toe with the Pokémon that wished to eat it. The caps at the end of its arms are highly durable and make it a deadly pugilist.

Souspore, the Gourmet Pokémon; evolves from a White Elusitruff at Lv 30. Souspore is a peaceful Pokémon at heart and prefers to share its flavor with others over fighting for its life. The oil Souspore produces is highly sought after in fine cuisines around the world.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

Kralia's Night Encounters- Zvonkling

At night, you hear the ringing of a bell from deep in the forest. A small Pokémon steps out from the bushes, one with horns and a long coat of white wool. The bell you heard is fastened to the Pokémon's waist. The locals have mentioned this Pokémon, and despite its fearsome appearance you know you can proceed safely on the trail if it's there to watch over you...

Zvonkling, the Bellringer Pokémon. Those who are unfamiliar with Zvonkling might be inclined to run away from them, but in truth it is benevolent. It had to embrace the darkness in order to learn to ward it away.

Zvonbell, the Bellringer Pokémon; evolves from Zvonkling at Lv 40 if carrying a Soothe Bell. When a Zvonbell rings the bells it carries, the sound is said to keep evil spirits at bay. Legend tells of a pack of Zvonbell who protected the Kralia Region from an invasion a few hundred years ago.

(This line might require a tiny bit of explanation. They're based on Zvončari, a specific sort of folk custom from Croatia that involves people ringing bells and wearing big sheepskin costumes to scare away evil spirits.)

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

Kralia's Night Encounters- Widlash

On an early route at night, you nearly run into a trap constructed of poisoned silk. A small, black-bodied arachnid Pokémon skitters down the ropes- a Widlash.

Widlash, the Whip Pokémon. It strikes at its prey with whips of silk coated in paralyzing venom. Its hunger for blood is only surpassed by its vanity.

Widowager, the Villainess Pokémon; evolves from a female Widlash at Lv 30. It traps its prey in its poisoned web and will even devour the males of its own species. Folklore of the region tells of an old Widowager that restored its vitality by luring pretty young women to its nest and drinking their blood.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

Trends in Caudavian Evolution

The Asian Steppes of the Miocene epoch are some of the most open environments on Earth at this point in the Jurassic Impact timeline. The receding of forests and the drying of the world will have a profound influence on evolution during this epoch, and an example of their effects on a species' adaptations is no more present than in the predatory caudavians of this continent.

Steppodromeus aurisubula is a large, carnivorous species of caudavian that inhabits what would be Mongolia in today's world. It lives in a dry, dusty, and seasonal environment with few trees in sight. Its legs are long and well-muscled to allow it to pursue its prey across long distances and its tail acts as a balance. The most peculiar traits, however, are in the caudavian's face. Its beak has been greatly shortened and made heavier, almost like the changes to facial anatomy seen in our timeline's abelisaurs. Its beak also houses a fairly large nasal cavity that filters dust; these pseudobirds can be seen sneezing a lot during dust storms.

Steppodromeus's ears are also unique. The earlobe is extended into something like a cup that sits flat against the head. It acts to help concentrate sounds to the ear and sharpen the caudavian's hearing. In a wide-open world, good hearing, speed, and endurance are all a necessity.

Kralia's Early Mammal- Kidpipe

In the stony fields outside Sidro Town are herds of Pokémon the locals keep as livestock...very LOUD livestock. You hear the Bellogoats and the young Kidpipes long before you see them, their loud, grating cries echoing across the early routes. It turns out that the locals don't particularly mind if you capture one for yourself, but when you attempt to throw a Poké Ball at a Kidpipe that strayed away from the herd its parents assault your eardrums with their cries.

Kidpipe, the Little Goat Pokémon. Its body houses a complex system of air sacs that amplify its calls. No cry between individual Kidpipe is the same.

Bellogoat, the Bagpipe Pokémon; evolves from Kidpipe at Lv 25. A Pokémon kept on farms for its milk and its unique songs. When its herd is under attack, it inflates its body to unleash a deafening sound before swiftly leaping away to safety.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

Kralia's Early Rodent- Rivole

A gentle stream passes by the trails of the early routes out of Sidro Town. You hear some squeaking from the reeds along the riverbank and move closer to inspect the commotion. You find a Rivole working away on its nest, and it doesn't appreciate being interrupted...

Rivole, the Vole Pokémon. It weaves reeds together into a buoyant structure around its waist. This flotation device keeps its head above water and prevents Rivole from being swept away by strong currents.

Wickerat, the Vole Pokémon; evolves from Rivole at Lv 20. Wickerat's basket is not just a flotation aide but also a protective armor. It retreats into its basket at the first sign of danger.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

Kralia's Early Bug- Nymphuse

After you select either Fescalf, Plasmutt, or Epeep and leave Professor Salvia's laboratory in Sidro Town, you head out into the quiet forest of Kralia's Route 1. You hear what sounds like a sparkler crackling and encounter a Nymphuse enjoying a meal of tree sap!

Nymphuse, the Spark Pokémon. Nymphuse deters its many predators with its bright colors and sparks created by striking its antennae together. It fuels itself by ingesting the highly combustible sap from trees.

Coboom, the Explosive Pokémon; evolves from Nymphuse at Lv 10. Coboom is nearly immobile while it waits to evolve. If it feels threatened, it blows itself up and then tries to roll away under the cover of the resulting smoke.

Blunderbug, the Blast Bug Pokémon; evolves from Coboom at Lv 18. After evolving, a Blunderbug fears nothing. It deals with threats by pressing its antennae to the combustion glands at the base of its long nose and immolating its foes with a wide burst of fire.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

Kralia's Water Starter- Epeep

Epeep, the Heron Chick Pokémon. Epeep is a mysterious, shadowy hunter that stalks Kralia's wetlands for insects and amphibians to swallow whole. A disciplined Pokémon, it is always honing its skills in piercing things with its sharp beak.

Driposte, the Duelist Pokémon; evolves from Epeep at Lv 16. Driposte takes great pride in its fine coat of feathers and skills with the blade of its beak. After dispatching an opponent it cleans its beak off by wiping it against the reeds of its riverine habitat.

Schiardea, the Blademaster Pokémon; evolves from Driposte at Lv 36. The feathers around Schiardea's face form into a protective basket hilt after it proves itself and evolves. Despite its dapper appearance it lives for the thrill of crossing blades with a skilled opponent.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

Fescalf, the Grass Starter.

Plasmutt, the Fire Starter.

Last week we visited Miocene Australia to take a look at the odiodont Allocheirus. Let's stay there just a bit longer and take a closer look at the mound it was digging into. Inspecting what appeared to be a termite mound more closely, you might find that it's not actually made of dirt but layers and layers of hardened silk covered in dust. Inside the mound is a maze of silk tunnels that also act to reinforce the nest. Crawling among them are not termites but an insect that could easily be mistaken for one.

Pseudisopteridae is a family of embiopterans who have adopted a similar lifestyle to termites. Instead of having clear castes, however, the mounds are built by a massive harem of females ruled over by a small collection of winged males. Surprisingly, these mound builders are more closely related to stick insects than actual termites but it would be hard to tell by simply looking at them. Pseudisopterans aren't true eusocial insects but what we call subsocial. They live in colonies but aren't organized in the same way as ants or wasps. They live together, raise young together, and work together on maintaining the nest but all of them reproduce and do not have a queen.

Kralia's Grass Starter- Fescalf.

Fescalf, the Calf Pokémon. Fescalf's line is considered to be an ancestor to other bovine Pokémon such as Tauros and Miltank. It loves to lazily graze in muddy fields and its natural spots and splashes of mud upon its body are hard to tell apart.

Loamox, the Bullock Pokémon; evolves from Fescalf at Lv 16. Loamox makes up for its simplemindedness in its willingness to get a job done. Its mere presence in a field is said to help crops grow.

Harvesteer, the Aurochs Pokémon; evolves from Loamox at Lv 36. Harvesteer were used to plough the first fields planted by early human agriculturalists. Its collar made of sturdy clods of dirt helps reinforce its strength while it performs its duties around the farm.

Info on the Kralia Region

The Kralia Region's real-world inspiration is Croatia, a country that I would say a lot of people consider underrated but with plenty of material to work with for a Pokémon region. While Kralia is a region of breathtaking scenery and busy seaports, it is also a region plagued with instability and debate about its past, present, and future course. The Boltsworn Cult seek to summon the ancient Pokémon Perunimbus to reshape Kralia according to their whims, while Team Gladius is seeking the power of Specturion to make war upon the surrounding regions and rebuild Kralia into a military power in the imperial ghost's image. You are a trainer sent by Professor Salvia to bring peace to the region...and perhaps stop an even greater threat.

Set Sail for the Kralia Region!

Kralia is an idyllic region of scenic coasts, ancient ruins, and incredible landscapes of forest and waterfalls. People and Pokémon live together amidst the graves of empires, inhabiting cities and towns built upon the stories of the past. When you are sent to run an errand for Professor Salvia's lab, you are presented with a choice of three Pokémon to be your first partner during your stay:

Fescalf, the Calf Pokémon. Fescalf's line is considered to be an ancestor to other bovine Pokémon such as Tauros and Miltank. It loves to lazily graze in muddy fields and its natural spots and splashes of mud upon its body are hard to tell apart.

Plasmutt, the Sundog Pokémon. Plasmutt's favorite game is fireball fetch and it will tirelessly toss an ember around for hours. Its spots are similar to those one might see on the sun from a telescope.

Epeep, the Heron Chick Pokémon. Epeep is a mysterious, shadowy hunter that stalks Kralia's wetlands for insects and amphibians to swallow whole. A disciplined Pokémon, it is always honing its skills in piercing things with its sharp beak.

A Word from the Creator

Welcome to Kralia, my newest fakemon region. I've been in kind of a slump with fakemon lately, as I've seen a few regions based on the same places as some of my own done better. I know it's not good to compare myself to others, but doing so gave me an idea: What if I made a region based on a country almost no one (or at least very few) have tried before? That was how I got the idea for Kralia, and I look forward to drawing more of Kralia's fakemon while I also continue work on my original works such as the Homunculus Saga fantasy novels.

Kralia is based on the real-world country of Croatia and its map will also be, but it will incorporate aspects of some of the other former Yugoslavia countries as well. Kralia's name is derived from Kralj, the Croatian word for King. Kralia's story will revolve around the player trainer having to make a choice about who or what is the rightful governing force of the region as it deals with turmoil inflicted by the Boltsworn Cult and Team Gladius.

Some of these names and designs may be subject to change in case Winds and Waves happens to come up with some of the same ideas as me, but I'm thinking that will be (mostly) unlikely. The reason why I picked Croatia is because it's such an underrated country and one I've always wanted to know more about after they came in third place in the previous World Cup. It's such an incredible-looking place and with so much history to fuel ideas that many of these fakemon ideas I've had have practically written themselves! I'm looking forward to showing you some of my newest ideas.

Strange Claws

Australia during the Miocene is experiencing much of what the other continents are: A cooling of average temperatures and the receding of forests into more open habitats. For Australia, this is a pivotal moment in its natural history as much of its climate changes will lead to its present drier climate in the interior of the continent. One group of animals in Australia that we've largely neglected to explore further so far is the Australian odiodonts. In the rest of the world, odiodonts are either relics or bat-like Icarusids; in Australia they have evolved into much more diverse forms.

One of these animals is Allocheirus stigmatus, a strange mammal that looks equal parts aardvark, skunk, and badger but lays eggs and keeps its altricial young in a brood pouch for a few weeks after birth. The species and its family (the Allocheirids) are named for their strange claws that they use for digging up insects. What used to be five digits has fused into three on the hand, reinforcing the digits for digging into hard earthen nests such as the one depicted in the illustration.

That mound, however, is not a termite nest...

The final chapter of The Homunculus Saga, Book 2: The White Lions is going to be releasing tomorrow at 8 am EST! If you don't know of my series (which you probably don't, I admit that advertising is not one of my strong suits), it's a medieval dark fantasy series about a young woman created by alchemy who becomes a knight and chases after her mysterious origins. Some of her companions also get POVs in the second entry: The aspiring alchemist she loves and a nobleman who grows from a spoiled brat to a respected knight and leader.

It has:

• Action
• Uniquely horrific creatures for our knights to encounter and/or slay
• Emotion- both humorous and extremely tragic moments. Do read the content warning tags, though, this story is not for all ages and may not be for everyone.
• A cast of complex and intriguing characters who many of my readers of the physical copies have said feel very real.
• Two (for lack of a better term) "magic systems" even though I hesitate to call them that: The more scientific alchemy and the more mysterious magic of faith.

It does not have:

• RPG mechanics
• Cultivation
• Medieval "dung ages" stereotypes for the most part
• You reading it! Even if you might prefer the more on-meta stories RR has to offer, the worst that could happen is that it's simply not to your taste. Give it a try; this is why I have it on both Royal Road and Amazon so you can decide if you want to buy the books or not.

RR link to book 1

RR link to book 2

If you do like these stories and want to support me, you can find some posts linking to the paperback/kindle copies for purchase in my profile.

Skies Above the Open Seas

The Miocene oceans are becoming increasingly closer to what we would recognize today. The Atlantic Ocean is nearly present-day shape and its wide open spaces are not just home to pelagic sea life but pelagic flying birds. The Odontaves have secured themselves a foothold along coastal regions for much of the latter half of this timeline, and some are growing larger and practically living on the wing.

One of these pseudobirds is Roc uranopterus. It is a large, albatross or gannet-like odontavian that primarily nests off of the western coasts of Europe. The Roc family are defined by their large wingspan (sometimes over 11 feet in the largest species) and pelagic habits. Many spend their lives with their webbed feet barely touching the ground, doing everything out at sea except breeding. They primarily prey on fish and cephalopods, but have also been known to snatch up young marine caudavians and sometimes even smaller odontavians from the air.

Switchblade Fangs

North America's Miocene landscape is transitioning into a parallel to what we would be familiar with today. As the world cools, forests recede and give way to plains of ferns and nothafloran "grasses". Life becomes more cursorial to adapt to these wide-open landscapes, and sometimes this can simply be a matter of survival of the quickest. Horse and rhino-like hooved sempergravidans run these plains, and to prey on them requires quick feet and quicker teeth.

A group of amerigotherid sempergravidans that has capitalized on pursuing such prey is the Switchjaws (Genus Stilettodon). These jackal-to-wolf-sized mammals have specialized jaw muscles and tendons that allow their canine teeth to fold and clamp around the legs of their prey. It's almost like a dromaeosaur's claws, but applied to teeth; the switchjaw bites a leg of its prey and as their jaw clamps down, the canine teeth dig into the flesh and lock in. The bodies and bones of switchjaws are also quite durable and in the case of the spine flexible, as an adaptation to deal with being dragged after they clamp on.

Switchjaws tend to be social animals, living in packs ranging from smaller family units to much larger groups numbering close to a hundred depending on the individual species. They have large litters of pups and are intelligent enough to strategically run down their prey and guide them to areas to be cornered. Though they look fearsome, they actually tend to be quite easy-going and lazy animals when not hunting and sleep for more than half of the day.