Atrocities

Genus Mythos

Mutated crustaceans of enormous proportions inhabiting the beaches to the south of the Continent, their bodies have slowly helped in sculpting the fantastic landscape. Despite Sunfolk observation for cycles, Atros remain mysterious, with few records held even by the Slenders. The Sunfolk culture has evolved methods of raiding the dwellings of these gigantic beasts, at great risk to themselves. Averaging 600 strides (or 500 meters) in diameter, their visage is much more terrifying than their size. Sporting multiple asymmetrical heads - typically two - culminating in large disjointed and dislocateable jaws, each trails a tendril-like goatee. Their exoskeleton is segmented, resembling a combination of terrestrial crab, lobster and turtle, with stoat legs like enormous tree trunks. Much of their bulk appears to be hollow; an exoskeleton held together by muscle and sinews, housing many other organisms. Their legs in particular resemble an organic system of girders, long flowing shapes weaving and interlocking, leaving much of their space empty. See Theo Jansen Strandbeasts.

Shepherds of the waters

The Atrocities behave are living, mobile sea colonies, alternating between beach and sea, relocating to seek fresh nutrients. Whole systems of organisms live on and within their expansive shells, whose ecosystems house all they require. Some of these attach themselves to the outer plastron much like barnacles or coral polyps; these develop parasitic or symbiotic relationships with its colossal host, exchanging nutrients via vessels and pores. Likewise the predators of the community lay eggs within hollows in the carapace, specially adapted compartments that protect the offspring. The Atrocity, in turn, is rewarded with much of the rich birthing fluids, any stillbirths, and other unsuccessful hatchlings, which form a substantial percentage of its sustenance. Plant life growing on the carapace behaves much the same, providing scarce minerals and chemicals in exchange for salts and other nutrients the host extrudes as waste. In this way, much of the Atro's energy requirements are supplied by the community inhabiting its shell. Presumably for this reason the Atrocity defends against intruders with violent ferocity, it's segmented heads and limbs allowing for great range of movement, omni-directional eyes darting independently in all directions. During mating and pregnancy, their metabolisms require large amounts of energy. During these times even the stalwart Sunfolk avoid them, as these mammoth crustaceans will actively hunt out prey; what they cannot find in their seas, they will source from the oceans, even wandering inland if so required.

To compound their enigmatic behavior, there is their tendency to defend the Repository of Lume; long, circular caverns filled with detritus stored over the cycles. While much of this is arguably junk, trinkets or naturally-occurring baubles, the adventurous and resourceful Sunfolk can find old technology amongst it all.

The Atrocities inhabit only the southern beaches of the Continent; a fact the other species of Lume are very thankful for.