Minor Shaman

It is believed, that the average life cycle of the late Cheloniartifex defensor, may be defined by fifteen distinct stages. Each stage would have spanned approximately five years.

The first fives stages, were collectively referred to as the “Understanding.” Cheloniartifex hatchlings were taught to explore their surroundings, and to discover how their world worked. As a hatchling began to develop individual traits, he was groomed to fulfill the role in which he was predicted to be most fruitful. Shaman, guardian, healer, councilor, scholar, cultivators, craftsman - every member of the Cheloniartifex society was equally valued for the services he or she provided. An ambitious individual would often volunteer to fill more than one role once mastery of his original role was attained. The responsibility of care giving for the very young, elderly, or ill Cheloniartifex, was divided as evenly as possible between tribal members. Each member was aided by another, no matter what task he took on. The Cheloniartifex stood strong, as they built their legacy upon a sturdy network of respect and cooperation.

Cranial study: juvenile

Hatchlings began the path toward enlightenment following their fifth year. Guided by minor Shaman, youth spent early morning hours struggling to master the art of meditation and reciting the wise words of their ancestors.

Arribada

Myth states that the last eggs laid at the Arribada nesting site, now stained a deep shade of claret, were permineralized in a matter of days following "The Awakening." From the distance this lonely site appears to be a crater, circular in shape. No life may flourish with in the nest, but rich foliage crawls ever closer.  

Drowning Temple (sketch)

Each month the Butter Bomb Tree (Prunus butyrum) bears highly aromatic, large spherical fruit. The golden peel is easily penetrable and freckled with large oil glands. This hefty, though fragile berry will explode on contact upon falling from overburdened limbs, revealing a soft, velvety pulp, milky juices, and one smooth seed. Filled with rich fats, the flesh of the butter bombs provides anti-inflammatory benefits and will strengthen one’s heart. The bitter ovate leaves are believed to contain regenerative healing properties as well. This cherished Rosaceae only grow along sacred river banks, bursting from crumbling temple walls as pure water trickles continuously to the roots.

Temple Wyrms

As hungry, sick and even greedy creatures attempt to gain the healing power of the butter bomb tree by consuming it's creamy fruit and crisp leaves, a great bringer of balance, the Temple Wyrm lurks below. Camouflaged as twisted branches and temple stones, the beast waits patiently in the shadows to swallow the trespassers whole. Before the temples had drowned, the wyrms were no where to be found. 

Butter Bomb

Prunus butyrum
Each month the Butter Bomb Tree bears highly aromatic, large spherical fruit (approximately 12.5 cm wide). The golden peel is easily penetrable and freckled with large oil glands. This hefty, though fragile berry will explode on contact upon falling from overburdened limbs, revealing a soft, velvety pulp, milky juices, and one smooth seed. Filled with rich fats, the flesh of the butter bombs provides anti-inflammatory benefits and will strengthen one’s heart. The bitter ovate leaves are believed to contain regenerative healing properties as well. This cherished Rosaceae only grow along sacred river banks, bursting from crumbling temple walls as pure water trickles continuously to the roots.

Baum Eavesmaus (Mus nemoris audientis)

Keen sense of hearing, superior climbing ability, and a penchant for eaves dropping on his forest neighbor’s affairs. Suspicious and quick to pass judgement, a typical specimen will often leap several branches away to absorb even juicier gossip in the midst of what may appear to be an incriminating story, before catching crucial details.