| Nubbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Naming | |||
| Others | Amorata | ||
| Binomen | Nubina atelerix | ||
| Morphology | |||
| Body type | Mammalian | ||
| Intelligence | |||
| Sentience | Sentient | ||
| Sapience | Non-Sapient | ||
| Ecology | |||
| Habitat | Rainforest | ||
| Diet | Omnivorous | ||
| Locomotion | Legless | ||
| Status | DD | ||
| Behind the Scenes | |||
| Universe | Sanctuary | ||
Nubbins (Nubina atelerix); a.k.a. Amoratas; are a species of small, furry creatures, classified by the Sanctuary Network as abnormals.
Native to an unspecified equatorial rainforest; these beings are known for their ability to turn themselves invisible; their prodigiously fast metabolic rate; and for producing pheromones that can affect other species as well as their own.
Biology[]
Nubbins are small, round-shaped, limbless creatures with dark fur, bat-like pointed ears and yellow eyes. Despite looking and acting harmless at first glance, their mouths are filled with sharp teeth, enabling them to defend themselves and, in some circumstances, to attack other creatures.
Nubbins are most notable for their camouflaging ability, which enables them to rapidly shift between a visible and an invisible state. This reaction may be triggered by either fear or aggression. Their diet is omnivorous, and there seems to be no limit to what they can consume, including both meat and metal.
In their natural rainforest environment, Nubbins fall prey to an unnamed predator. However, Nubbin groups with a sufficient numerical advantage are well capable of defeating and devouring the predator, turning it into prey instead.
The metabolic, reproductive and growth rate of this species is extremely fast. They've been observed to give birth to litters of 14, and to reach maturity within a single day, devouring vast quantities of food and increasing their numbers. Being equatorial creatures, however, their metabolism is seriously hindered by cold temperatures. Although they can still survive in cold weather, they won't reproduce as fast, and end up being much less of a threat as a result.
Another factor related to the Nubbins' prodigious reproductive rate is their production of pheromones which, curiously, are also capable of affecting the behaviour of other species, including humans. In the presence of a Nubbin, humans have been observed to behave with far less sexual inhibition.
Nubbins are social creatures and even display some hive-like mentality, although not to the same extent of eusocial insects. It's not unheard of for some Nubbins to be sent on "suicide missions" and sacrifice themselves for the benefit of their group. Nubbins produce sounds in the ultrasonic frequency to communicate with each other, and may send out distress signals that make all the other Nubbins in the area rush to their aid.
Cultural significance[]
In some cultures native to the same equatorial areas inhabited by Nubbins, these creatures (known locally as "Amoratas") tend to be viewed as "harbingers of fertility and a bountiful harvest". They're a popular wedding gift in some societies, thanks to the effects of their pheromones.
Notes[]
- It's possible that the reason the Nubbins' pheromones increase the reproductive rate of other species is to ensure the continuation of the Nubbins' food source in their native habitat.