Creatures: DINOSAURS!!! (Dromaeosaurs and Troodonts) - The Known World

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Prince_Staghorn #1 · Feb 19th, 2014 · · ·

Introduction: the "Terrible Lizards"

65 million years ago, an asteroid crashed into the world in what was known as the K-T event. this had mixed effects, but three main things arrived from it.

1.) mammals were able to establish dominance.

2.) the first 30 Draconequi were born from the resulting chaos

3.) the majority of dinosaurs died out

Now, it was established some time ago that birds are dinosaurs, but non-avian dinosaurs have clung to existence in parts of the world, competing with newer predators. some have feathers, others don't, but they all are still alive.

these posts will cover the known species of extant dinosaurs. they may be updated, so keep an eye out!

Raptors. i'll give you all a minute to fangasm.

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done? okay.

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DROMAEOSAURS

DEINONYCHIDS

Acceleraptor

While the struthiomimids and pachycephalosaurs may have the advantage over long distances, for sheer explosive speed, nothing beats the Acceloraptors of Concordia. Extremely light weight and nimble, the Acceloraptor's torso contains huge lungs and auxiliary air sacs while the skull has large foramen to reduce weight. Their top speed can be anywhere from 112 to 120 km/h (70-75 mph), but it comes at a cost. Running that fast, even for a short time, wears the raptors out quickly, plus it can damage those lethal sickle claws. Raptors will often collect rocks or bones to sharpen their damaged claws.

The arctic species, Arcticonychus, is not as fast as its southern brethren because losing that much energy during a run means it lost heat. The Arcticonychus uses more advanced group tactics to corner and chase down prey.

Giant Raptor

Found throughout western Equus, the Giant Raptor is the largest species of dromaeosaur on Equus, but remains a fast and agile hunter, even competing with smaller tyrannosaur species

Shown here is the Common Giant Raptor, the most ubiquitous species, but two others can be found on the continent.

The Golden Giant Raptor is a more northern species, found as far north as North Griffonia.

The Southern Giant Raptor is more at home in Concordia's scrub forests, where it can mount surprise attacks from above.

Titan Raptor

One of the largest dromaeosaurs on the planet, this native of Mustikk is about 40ft from head to tail and weighs 5.6 tons, comparable in size to a Tyrannosaur.

The giant is omnivorous, having a taste for both meat and vegetable. The creature is one of the few theropods to exhibit a form of heterodontism. That being that the animal has different types of teeth for different purposes. These include a front set of knife like incisors, canines similar in shape of a tyrannosaur tooth, and a set of serated teeth behind them that become thicker as you get further into the mouth. This, combined with some powerful jaws, enables the Titan Raptor to exploit a wide diversity of food sources.

Like some modern birds, these creatures live in life long pair bonds. A male makes a claim over a territory, and takes in the first acceptable female that passes by. The female is mostly responsible for egg-laying, nest construction, and maintenance. The male, however, is responsible for guarding the territory, and protecting kills from scavengers and thieves. But both have a duty to provide food for themselves, and each other. And above all else, guarding the offspring.

Rattleback

named for the rattling sound caused when they shake the feathers on their back, these pack hunters are found in the northern Everfree

Barker

Named after their distinctive call, Barkers are native to a single island chain off the coast of Tapiri, as well as the island of Jurassica. they are pack hunters, hunting in groups of 6, led by a female. Unlike literally most other species of Dromaeosaur, they are featherless.

Nublar Barkers are the most colorful of the barkers. Specifically, the females have a wide variety of color, and males tend to have black and orange stripes

Sorna Barkers are the most clever of the four types, and are even known to set traps when hunting sapient prey

Muerta Barkers are the largest and bulkiest type. Unlike their relatives, these dromaeosaurs tend to be scavengers more often than hunters

Finally, the Tacano and Pena Barkers (debate still ranges on if they're separate species) are probably close to the basal species

Venatosaurus

Living in Skull Island's highlands, these large, vicious creatures are superb predators that preyed on animals even 10 times their own size.The hips are more mobile, allowing greater agility and flexibility, albeit at a sacrifice of running speed. The hips joints also allow them to crouch down to the ground, giving them the ability to use even the slightest cover if needed. Venatosaurus' eyes are set high on the head, allowing them to peer over cover while remaining hidden. Their eyes are function much like a cat's allowing them to see in dim light. The rib cage is shorter but deeper, giving more flexibility at the waist and hips, without sacrificing lung capacity. The deep ribs also allow for better muscle attachment, meaning the forearms are stronger and more able to hold onto prey.

Venatosaurus tends to strike from ambush, getting as close as possible before bursting out of cover and chasing down its prey. If possible, a bite is used to hold the target, followed by a strike of two from the deadly toe claw. Venatosaurus isn't adverse to using the island's terrain to its advantage and will chase prey into dead end canyons or over low cliffs. True to their name, these "thug lizards", aside the V.rex are the most dangerous predators to be found on Skull Island. Pack-hunters, Venatosaurus is a lean, mean, killing machine, a top-tier predator capable of tackling the largest prey items Skull Island has to offer.

Highly intelligent and social, Venatosaurus live in packs of six to twelve or more full-grown adults and assorted young. They prefer the jungles to the open grasslands (although they will hunt in the open at night), as the thick forests provide cover for them and nests for their young. Venatosaurus nests are dug out amid the roots of giant jungle trees. Any chicks are the responsibility of the entire pack, who will bring back food for the young. While out hunting, a single guard will remain behind, watching over the nest. Hunting territories are large, and well marked, with a mixture of tree scrapings, urine, feces, and the like. Other packs may contest territory from time to time, with a lot of posturing, roaring, and noisy displays designed to resolve the dispute before violence would break out.

Venatosaurus impavidus is a sub-species of Venatosaurus which lives primarily in Valleys and hunt in packs. They are a lot smaller compared to normal Venatosaurs.

Novaraptor

Native to a large island near Concordia known as Nova Island, these are intelligent pack hunters who are used to variant conditions thanks to the island being far enough north to experience seasonal snow.

Aquaraptor

These dromaeosaurs have many adaptations to a semi-aquatic existence, including slightly retracted nostrils, webbed hindlimbs, a hallux in line with the other toes, powerful forelimbs, well muscled neck, mostly fused digits of the hand, conical lightly serrated teeth, dense water-tight plumage, and stiff plate-like interlocking feathers on the forelimbs and tail. Features unique to the aquaraptorids include a very flexible lower back, a very flexible neck, splayed hindlimbs, and extremely robust and flexible forelimbs.

Aquaraptors lead a semi-aquatic, pinniped-like existence and can be found throughout the world's marine coastlines, although they are most common in the temperate and polar regions. Unlike mammalian pinnipeds, aquaraptorids still lay eggs and must return to land to do so, usually on remote coastlines or islands. Young are cared for briefly, then abandoned. They are primarily piscivores, but a few specialize in mollusks or larger game. Sociality varies between species, some are highly social and form large flocks, while others are solitary. They are sizeable creatures, with large examples weighing over 300 lbs, and they may stretch over 3 meters in length. Aquaraptorids move in a variety of ways. On land they exhibit a cumbersome waddling gait as they shuffle along using all four limbs. They can, however, move rapidly in a galloping fashion if need be, but only over short distances. They can also stand erect in a tripodal stance (balancing on their tail); this pose is mainly adopted when sunbathing or during territorial confrontations. Their sharp claws allow them to cling to rocks in the surf zone. In the water they primarily rely on a flapping motion of the forelimbs, similar to penguins, while their tail acts as a rudder. For rapid movement, they can also kick with their webbed hindlimbs in an undulating motion, similar to an otter.

Although normally skittish, large males can be dangerous and there have been a few attacks on careless researchers, but thankfully no fatalities. Members have been observed actively stalking researchers at the water's edge, extreme caution is advised. A few examples have been captured alive and have done fairly well in captivity provided they are given plenty of space; they are far less tolerant of confined spaces then pinnipeds.

PSEUDOTYRANNOSAUR

Native to Khaan and Stirrope, the species shown here are cursorial hunters - the larger a macropredator, and the smaller a cheetah-like hunter of mid-sized game. Pseudo-tyrannosaurids generally live and hunt in mated pairs, like many other dromaeosaurs, and though these two have adaptations specific to their ecological niches, they share very similar life histories and hunting strategies. Pseudo-tyrannosaurid families start very small, with one or two eggs laid in a shallow, dry nest. Once they hatch, the chick will usually stay with their parents until they become sexually mature (at three-four years of age), where they then live in loose juvenile packs containing between two and four individuals. Eventually, these packs break up into mated hunting pairs.

The southern species is a specialized hunter of medium-sized mammalian and dinosaurian prey, chasing prey at speeds of up to 45 mph. They also sport light feathers and naked patches of skin to help with heat regulation.

VELOCIRAPTORINES

Archeron

Native to Bumbleland, Yumaolong archeos live in heavily forested areas where their short, rounded wings allow them to maneuver easily through the thick vegetation. A lone Archeon preys on small animals such as rodents, birds, and insects, but most often hunt in coordinated packs of six to eight individuals, and individuals have the intelligence to work with their partners in order to catch ungulates, hadrosaurs, and large flightless birds. These raptors can fly very well, but they are more adept at running, but they can only sprint for short distances relative to prey items; as a result, they have developed pack-hunting and intelligence to take down faster or stronger prey animals.

They are monogamous, and pair for life. If either mate is killed, it will not mate again. However, Archeons can raise several broods throughout their lifetimes, and both parents take care of their young. Said young are identified by their larger eyes, red scales along the spine, and the blue down feathers on their necks. Their tails are also thinner and have fewer feathers, with the fan arranged in a diamond shape, and they also have a ring of red feathers at the base of the tail. Youngsters dwell in the canopies of forests and jungles, guarded by their parents, and practice flying by parachuting onto their prey, typically insects and small birds, and also chase after tree-dwelling rodents to exercise their legs. Their wings are too small for true flight, but this is where their arboreal lifestyle, hopping between branches, helps. Gliding and racing swiftly through the treetops, they eventually graduate to larger prey such as monkeys and parrots at around 3 to 4 years old.

Reshiram

Native to Bumbleland, the Reshiram (Macroraptor phoenix) possesses the unique ability to breathe fire.

Craptor

native to Stirrope, Foeteraptor fecephagus (Crap-eating stinking thief), while not the strongest, fastest, and certainly not the biggest dromaeosaurid, is one of the most feared. Its favorite food is rancid meat, and it uses its powerful jaws and serrated knife-like teeth to flay tough skin and butcher even tough, dried-up carcasses. It will eat almost anything else, however.

The Craptor enjoys rolling in anything disgusting, but has a particular fancy for feces, especially its own - hence its name. As a result, its feathers and skin are always caked with filth and germs, and play host to over twenty different parasites and diseases. At least thirty more are harbored inside its body, including lethal contagious bacteria in its saliva. The wounds each Craptor inflicts on its prey will invariably turn infected and septic; the pack will then wait until it loses strength, before falling upon it in a whirling dervish and tearing it to shreds with their razor-sharp claws.

Senmurv

A native of the middle east, the Senmurv, also known as the Lykornis (wolf-bird) or Kynokephalornis (dog-headed bird), forms pair bonds that can last for life and hunt together unless one parent has to protect the nest. A Senmurv mother usually lays 2-6 eggs and shares the task of brooding them with the male. The young leave the nest immediately after hatching but take 3-4 years to reach maturity, and will often remain with their parents to help feed the next generation and take part in hunts. Senmurv hunting strategy usually relies on one or more individuals flushing out prey towards another that lies in wait ready to strike. The caught prey is shared among the hunters unless food is especially scarce and there are hatchlings to feed.

Tufted Catbird

a common pet in Concordia, this cat-sized dinosaur is easy to train and makes a faithful companion.

Figrin

this small raptor hunts in the forests of Mustikk.

Raptor of Paradise

Native to Paradise Island in Southeast Khaan, the Raptor of Paradise is a meter-long flightless predator that hunts on the ground. The male (shown here) is black with iridescent blue patches on his wings, extendable ruff, and his tail feathers. the ruff and tail feathers can fold to his back and sides when not in use, allowing him to escape from predators or chase after prey through the undergrowth. When displaying to the dull green females, he extends wings, tail and ruff and hops along fallen logs, snapping his feathers and sings in varying keys to create an irresistible melody that draws in females from miles around.

MICRORAPTORINES

Glaurung

Native to Khaan's mountains, the Glaurung, or Dracoraptor megapterus, is a giant, robust Microraptorine weighing close to 30 pounds with a 10-foot wingspan. Despite its light weight compared to ground-dwelling dromaeosaurs of a similar length, up to 8 feet, it is capable of killing prey more than three times its own size thanks to a phenomenally strong bite of close to 1 ton as well as having killing claws that can shred even the hides of small ceratopsians and pachycephalosaurs; its favorite prey.

males and females pair for life, raising two to four young every two years in high aeries located in large trees and on cliffs and mountains. Unlike other Microraptorines, its leg feathers are symmetrical, and used in display, and it relies solely on its front wings and tail for flight.

MESSAGE RAPTOR

"...so you use meat-eating, flesh-rending FLYING DINOSAURS to deliver messages?"

"They're smarter than pigeons"- a conversation between me and Twilight.

Native to Neighpon, these small flyers are often used by changelings to deliver messages.

Imperial Messenger

Used by the most elite, these are small and very fast.

Giant Fisher

A large fish-eating messenger, often used on ships.

Sapphire Messenger

also used by nobles, these raptors can fly through forests easily

DOG RAPTORS

an old-world family consisting of several species, from the spotted dog raptor of Zebrica shown here to the Arsatris (Arsarticaedes agilis) of Skull Island, these mountain-dwelling raptors are unique for being quadrepedal.

TROODONTS

Mountain Ghost

The Mountain Ghosts of the Archenback Mountains are closely related to the arboreal troodontids of Tapiri. They show semi-prehensile feet, having lost the Troodon's small sickle claw eons ago. Ghosts receive their common name from their haunting howls that echo across the mountain range, and are known for a wide vocal variety. Individual Ghosts show a long memory for sounds, voices and other individuals which showcases a high level of intelligence. This group shows two males (with purple eye-stripes) and one female (the largest). The average size is two and a half meters long and 50 kilos.

Forest Ghost
Shown here with two common prey items, the Architectus and the Hookwing

Native to North Griffonia, Forest ghosts are closely related to the Mountain ghosts of the Archenback Mountains and share their semi-opposable toes and hands as well as their advanced howling communications. While predominantly carnivorous, they're not above eating fruits or gourds

Alaparva

The Alaparva is a social arboreal species of Troodon with many sub-species throughout the Tapiri rainforests. The tail is very muscular and flexible, while the hind legs are naturally "twisted" inward to grip branches. While not a true flyer or glider, the primary and secondary feathers assist when leaping from one tree branch to another. Males are diurnal while females are nocturnal, so the two genders mostly interact at dawn or dusk. Males scout out new feeding grounds, and more importantly, forage for food when the females protect the nest and hatchlings at night, when it's easier to hide from predators. Nesting time is the only time when they stop their wanderings, but the offspring (almost always twins) quickly learn to cling to their parents' backs. Their nomadic nature helps spread seeds across the forest, and many tree, bromeliad, vine, and even fungi species use Alaparvas for this purpose.

PART 2
PART 3

Comment posted by Captain Lunar deleted Feb 20th, 2014

Captain Lunar

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Captain Lunar #3 · Feb 19th, 2014 · · ·

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