180 Million Years Hence
Stop seven – 180 Million Years Hence – Late Mediozoic era
The climate has warmed yet again, and the continental climates play host many kinds of megafauna. Northern and Southern Eurafrica have collided with the Americas, leaving a dwindling Atlantic between. At this stage, Austral-Antarctica is merely a subcontinent of Eurafrica, and indeed, it seems that the continents are starting to reunite.
Though the ecology and vegetation outwardly resemble those of today, there are some differences. Herbaceous plants have given rise to new forms which compete successfully with various kinds of grasses. Grasses still dominate in open savannah and semidesert, but are less common in well-watered areas.
At this time, a new lord of the earth has arisen. From adaptable arboreal rats, arose primate-like rodents, which have now become the indomitable ratmen. The ratmen are as intelligent and adaptable as humans, having a thriving society and culture across the macrocontinents. They are a quasi-humanoid species which shares many hallmarks with humanity, including an upright gait and grasping hands. Indeed they have reached the bounds of civilisation, with large cities and towns, though not recognisable as such to us. At this point in history, they have reached a level of sophistication similar top the Middle Ages or renaissance.
The faunas of Eurafrica and the Americas have mingled, resulting in exchanges and extinctions on both sides. Herbivorous megafauna of this time includes giant rhinoceros-like rodents and massive, flightless pigeons which browse trees and shrubs much as moas or dinosaurs once did. The predators are even more unusual, in Eurafrica there are wolf-sized predatory shrews and massive endothermic lizards. Possum descendants in Austral-Antarctica have given rise to great marsupial grazers which recall the Diprotodonts of the Pleistocene. The oceans still play host to great predatory cephalopods, whose locomotion and feeding apparatus have become more and more sophisticated. As always, smaller animals have also undergone various innovations and changes, including different forms of fishes and snakes.
The climate has warmed yet again, and the continental climates play host many kinds of megafauna. Northern and Southern Eurafrica have collided with the Americas, leaving a dwindling Atlantic between. At this stage, Austral-Antarctica is merely a subcontinent of Eurafrica, and indeed, it seems that the continents are starting to reunite.
Though the ecology and vegetation outwardly resemble those of today, there are some differences. Herbaceous plants have given rise to new forms which compete successfully with various kinds of grasses. Grasses still dominate in open savannah and semidesert, but are less common in well-watered areas.
At this time, a new lord of the earth has arisen. From adaptable arboreal rats, arose primate-like rodents, which have now become the indomitable ratmen. The ratmen are as intelligent and adaptable as humans, having a thriving society and culture across the macrocontinents. They are a quasi-humanoid species which shares many hallmarks with humanity, including an upright gait and grasping hands. Indeed they have reached the bounds of civilisation, with large cities and towns, though not recognisable as such to us. At this point in history, they have reached a level of sophistication similar top the Middle Ages or renaissance.
The faunas of Eurafrica and the Americas have mingled, resulting in exchanges and extinctions on both sides. Herbivorous megafauna of this time includes giant rhinoceros-like rodents and massive, flightless pigeons which browse trees and shrubs much as moas or dinosaurs once did. The predators are even more unusual, in Eurafrica there are wolf-sized predatory shrews and massive endothermic lizards. Possum descendants in Austral-Antarctica have given rise to great marsupial grazers which recall the Diprotodonts of the Pleistocene. The oceans still play host to great predatory cephalopods, whose locomotion and feeding apparatus have become more and more sophisticated. As always, smaller animals have also undergone various innovations and changes, including different forms of fishes and snakes.
fauna
Gyedarra (Trichobehemoth australis)
Ancestor: Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
The possum-marmot lineage has given rise to a creature that greatly recalls the extinct Diprotodon. Gyedarra are 3 ton marsupials which feed on a variety of coarse and soft foliage, as well as some grass. They have large cropping incisors and great ridged premolars which serve to chop food to a fine pulp, the forelimbs have an opposable digit which is sometimes used to pull down braches. Being found mostly in scrubland and open forest, they do sometimes come into competition with introduced squirrox, though mainly over territory as opposed to food. Gyedarra breed twice a year, giving birth to twin joeys which develop quickly into large pouch young.
Ancestor: Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
The possum-marmot lineage has given rise to a creature that greatly recalls the extinct Diprotodon. Gyedarra are 3 ton marsupials which feed on a variety of coarse and soft foliage, as well as some grass. They have large cropping incisors and great ridged premolars which serve to chop food to a fine pulp, the forelimbs have an opposable digit which is sometimes used to pull down braches. Being found mostly in scrubland and open forest, they do sometimes come into competition with introduced squirrox, though mainly over territory as opposed to food. Gyedarra breed twice a year, giving birth to twin joeys which develop quickly into large pouch young.
Ratman (Homorodens parasapiens)
Ancestor: Black Rat (Rattus rattus)
The lineage of the monkey-rat has given rise to the first sapient civilisation other than mankind, the ratmen. These 5-foot tall furred bipeds recall humans in some ways, and rats in others. Ratmen are equal in intelligence to any Homo sapiens, but many aspects of their culture and physique are very different from ours. Though they stand on 2 feet, they have a digitigrades stance; their skulls resemble humans in shape, but sport enormous incisors which are usually concealed behind expressive lips. Digits of the hand include a large opposable thumb, but all of their fingers bear short claws. They have a close-cropped, velvet-like fur that works well for insulation, but some clothes are worn for status and modesty/utility of the genitals. Ratmen are omnivores, they keep livestock and grow plant crops just as humans do, and will prepare traditional foodstuffs such as something that resembles unleavened bread. Their cities and towns are vast, mountain-like constructions of cement-like material, honeycombed with tunnels and plazas, as well as rooms and dwellings. Society is more colonial than that of humans, but large livestock and plant crops are farmed outside. Technology consists of many advanced kinds of medieval-level tools, some convergently similar to ours, some not. Metallurgy is only used to construct the tips, edges and stylets of weapons; woodcraft is mostly used in the construction of the length and form of weapons. There is knowledge and widespread use of fire, but no knowledge of gunpowder; projectiles are launched with catapults and ballistas. Chemical warfare somewhat replaces the use of bombs and gunpowder, boiled down and refined chemicals which scald or burn are often used as bombs. A form of writing and many visual arts are practised, sometimes for culture, sometimes for their pagan religion. Singing as we know it is absent, but as with many rodents, calling and vocalising is still a social activity. They display many of the emotions that humans do. Eurafrica, the Americas and Austral-Antartica all have large populations of ratmen, and their cities are a common sight on the horizon.
Ancestor: Black Rat (Rattus rattus)
The lineage of the monkey-rat has given rise to the first sapient civilisation other than mankind, the ratmen. These 5-foot tall furred bipeds recall humans in some ways, and rats in others. Ratmen are equal in intelligence to any Homo sapiens, but many aspects of their culture and physique are very different from ours. Though they stand on 2 feet, they have a digitigrades stance; their skulls resemble humans in shape, but sport enormous incisors which are usually concealed behind expressive lips. Digits of the hand include a large opposable thumb, but all of their fingers bear short claws. They have a close-cropped, velvet-like fur that works well for insulation, but some clothes are worn for status and modesty/utility of the genitals. Ratmen are omnivores, they keep livestock and grow plant crops just as humans do, and will prepare traditional foodstuffs such as something that resembles unleavened bread. Their cities and towns are vast, mountain-like constructions of cement-like material, honeycombed with tunnels and plazas, as well as rooms and dwellings. Society is more colonial than that of humans, but large livestock and plant crops are farmed outside. Technology consists of many advanced kinds of medieval-level tools, some convergently similar to ours, some not. Metallurgy is only used to construct the tips, edges and stylets of weapons; woodcraft is mostly used in the construction of the length and form of weapons. There is knowledge and widespread use of fire, but no knowledge of gunpowder; projectiles are launched with catapults and ballistas. Chemical warfare somewhat replaces the use of bombs and gunpowder, boiled down and refined chemicals which scald or burn are often used as bombs. A form of writing and many visual arts are practised, sometimes for culture, sometimes for their pagan religion. Singing as we know it is absent, but as with many rodents, calling and vocalising is still a social activity. They display many of the emotions that humans do. Eurafrica, the Americas and Austral-Antartica all have large populations of ratmen, and their cities are a common sight on the horizon.
Zmey (Zmeylacerta draco)
Ancestor: Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
In the late Mediozoic, reptiles have started to take key roles as large predators The Zmey is a nightmarish 5 meter long, upright predator as heavy as Nile crocodile. It is distributed throughout northern and central Eurafrica, in both open country and forests. These reptiles are completely warm-blooded, being covered in dense hair-like fibres for insulation. They pursue prey quickly over short distances, and kill with lacerating bites from their knife-like teeth. The ratmen regard these creatures as demonic, fearful beasts, which carry some significance in their culture.
Ancestor: Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
In the late Mediozoic, reptiles have started to take key roles as large predators The Zmey is a nightmarish 5 meter long, upright predator as heavy as Nile crocodile. It is distributed throughout northern and central Eurafrica, in both open country and forests. These reptiles are completely warm-blooded, being covered in dense hair-like fibres for insulation. They pursue prey quickly over short distances, and kill with lacerating bites from their knife-like teeth. The ratmen regard these creatures as demonic, fearful beasts, which carry some significance in their culture.
Paloma-titan (Masticatornis dinosauroides)
Ancestor: Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica)
Reaching 400 kilograms in weight and 3.5 meters tall at the head, Paloma-titans are much larger than any modern dove or pigeon. They are large browsers; behind their cropping bill they have a cheek-like rictus which conceals horny plates to grind food before swallowing. In addition to this, they have a large crop, and the combination of these 2 adaptations allows them to get more energy from their food than a typical bird. This species is found across the broadleaf forest and taiga of central Eurafrica, but other members of the genus are found in the south of Eurafrica and in Austral-Antarctica. Though the ratmen have not domesticated these creatures, they are regularly hunted for sport and meat. A clutch of up to 10 large eggs is laid in the spring.
Ancestor: Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica)
Reaching 400 kilograms in weight and 3.5 meters tall at the head, Paloma-titans are much larger than any modern dove or pigeon. They are large browsers; behind their cropping bill they have a cheek-like rictus which conceals horny plates to grind food before swallowing. In addition to this, they have a large crop, and the combination of these 2 adaptations allows them to get more energy from their food than a typical bird. This species is found across the broadleaf forest and taiga of central Eurafrica, but other members of the genus are found in the south of Eurafrica and in Austral-Antarctica. Though the ratmen have not domesticated these creatures, they are regularly hunted for sport and meat. A clutch of up to 10 large eggs is laid in the spring.
Finchen (Gallospizza terrestris)
Ancestor: House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
The backbone of the ratmen ecomomy, the domestic form of this species is widely farmed in large gallery-like tunnels for meat and eggs, as well as feather adornments. Its wild form is larger and darker, the size of a chicken but with a fully-feathered, un-wattled head and thick beak. These foragers feed mainly on seeds, soft vegetation and insects, and are common in scrub and grassland, flying about as well as grouse. Found in Autral-Antarctica, and Eurafrica, domestic strains were introduced into the Americas.
Ancestor: House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
The backbone of the ratmen ecomomy, the domestic form of this species is widely farmed in large gallery-like tunnels for meat and eggs, as well as feather adornments. Its wild form is larger and darker, the size of a chicken but with a fully-feathered, un-wattled head and thick beak. These foragers feed mainly on seeds, soft vegetation and insects, and are common in scrub and grassland, flying about as well as grouse. Found in Autral-Antarctica, and Eurafrica, domestic strains were introduced into the Americas.
Squirrox (Sciurubovis cornutus)
Ancestor: Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
The second great lineage of mega-rodents is much in evidence, and the most ubiquitous is the squirrox. Reaching 4 tons in weight and 2 meters at the shoulder, they are large grazers which have a multi-chambered stomach much like a cow. The typical rodent incisors have become massive, spade-like blades for chopping grass, and the toes form large weight-bearing hooves. They signal their emotions with movements of their tail and by making loud coughing chirrs, an agitated male will hold its tail aloft like a Spanish bull. Both sexes possess a large conical horn, which is used both in defence against predators, and in sparring. Two large calves are born every spring; newborns have a coat of soft pale fur. A domestic strain of these animals is kept by the Ratmen, having higher milk yield and a smaller horn. Both wild and domestic squirrox are held in as much reverence as the cow and wild ox were held by human civilisation. This genus is widely distributed across Eurafrica, and the Americas, domestic strains have been introduced into Austral-Antarctica.
Ancestor: Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
The second great lineage of mega-rodents is much in evidence, and the most ubiquitous is the squirrox. Reaching 4 tons in weight and 2 meters at the shoulder, they are large grazers which have a multi-chambered stomach much like a cow. The typical rodent incisors have become massive, spade-like blades for chopping grass, and the toes form large weight-bearing hooves. They signal their emotions with movements of their tail and by making loud coughing chirrs, an agitated male will hold its tail aloft like a Spanish bull. Both sexes possess a large conical horn, which is used both in defence against predators, and in sparring. Two large calves are born every spring; newborns have a coat of soft pale fur. A domestic strain of these animals is kept by the Ratmen, having higher milk yield and a smaller horn. Both wild and domestic squirrox are held in as much reverence as the cow and wild ox were held by human civilisation. This genus is widely distributed across Eurafrica, and the Americas, domestic strains have been introduced into Austral-Antarctica.
Shrewolf (Lupusorex ferox)
Ancestor: Siberian large-toothed shrew (Sorex daphaenodon)
In the early Mediozoic, predatory niches have been disrupted, in Eurafrica lizards and shews started to become larger, predatory forms. One result of this shift is the shrewolf genus, Lupusorex. Reaching 50 kilograms in weight, this species is common across central and eastern Eurafrica, and similar species exist in the Americas. Their distinguishing feature is an oversized head and powerful jaws, which bear wicked projecting teeth used to wound and subdue their prey. Shrewolves hunt in packs, confusing their megarodent prey with piercing, ultrasonic calls. Females give birth to litters of up to 8 pups, usually in the spring.
Ancestor: Siberian large-toothed shrew (Sorex daphaenodon)
In the early Mediozoic, predatory niches have been disrupted, in Eurafrica lizards and shews started to become larger, predatory forms. One result of this shift is the shrewolf genus, Lupusorex. Reaching 50 kilograms in weight, this species is common across central and eastern Eurafrica, and similar species exist in the Americas. Their distinguishing feature is an oversized head and powerful jaws, which bear wicked projecting teeth used to wound and subdue their prey. Shrewolves hunt in packs, confusing their megarodent prey with piercing, ultrasonic calls. Females give birth to litters of up to 8 pups, usually in the spring.
Scorpio-boa (Scorpoiophis caudotelson)
Ancestor: Rubber Boa (Charina bottae)
Sometimes odd specialisations arise in otherwise typical animal groups, one such example in the Mediozoic is the Scorpio-boa. This 60-centimeter long snake mainly feeds on small mammals and lizards; it is able to lay in wait in order to strike, though sometimes they will actively seek out mammal burrows when hunting. Having no venomous bite, such a small thick snake would be an attractive prey item, were it not for their secret weapon. The sinuous muscular tail ends in a large spur, which contains a poison gland, it will be raised defensively much like a scorpion when the snake is confronted with a predator. Forceful stabbing with this spur effectively envenomates the attacker with a toxin that results in severe pain that lasts for as long as 24 hours. Predators quickly learn to leave this snake well enough alone. This genus is found across the tropical regions of the Americas.
Ancestor: Rubber Boa (Charina bottae)
Sometimes odd specialisations arise in otherwise typical animal groups, one such example in the Mediozoic is the Scorpio-boa. This 60-centimeter long snake mainly feeds on small mammals and lizards; it is able to lay in wait in order to strike, though sometimes they will actively seek out mammal burrows when hunting. Having no venomous bite, such a small thick snake would be an attractive prey item, were it not for their secret weapon. The sinuous muscular tail ends in a large spur, which contains a poison gland, it will be raised defensively much like a scorpion when the snake is confronted with a predator. Forceful stabbing with this spur effectively envenomates the attacker with a toxin that results in severe pain that lasts for as long as 24 hours. Predators quickly learn to leave this snake well enough alone. This genus is found across the tropical regions of the Americas.
Parrot-Shark (Selachepsittacula durophaga)
Ancestor: Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni)
The ecological upheaval of the oceans over the past 2 mass extinctions has caused a reshuffling of various niches. The 70 centimetre-long parrot-shark feeds much like a durophagous reef fish, prizing off bivalves and other rock-encrusting organisms with its projecting fore teeth, the rear teeth form a crushing pavement. They will also forage for snails and crustaceans, and are able to block cavities up with rocks at night to avoid detection by larger predators. 3 or 4 egg cases are produced in the breeding season, and the male will guard them in a hole until they hatch.
Ancestor: Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni)
The ecological upheaval of the oceans over the past 2 mass extinctions has caused a reshuffling of various niches. The 70 centimetre-long parrot-shark feeds much like a durophagous reef fish, prizing off bivalves and other rock-encrusting organisms with its projecting fore teeth, the rear teeth form a crushing pavement. They will also forage for snails and crustaceans, and are able to block cavities up with rocks at night to avoid detection by larger predators. 3 or 4 egg cases are produced in the breeding season, and the male will guard them in a hole until they hatch.
Kraken (Ketoteuthis macropinna)
Ancestor: Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
The Kraken is one of the large predatory cephalopods that now dominate the oceans. Reaching 11 meters long, it is a fearful predator that is much modified compared to its ancestor. Krakens propel themselves with 2 pairs of large oar-like fins, and the siphon now only serves a role in respiration and reproduction. The arms have fused into four mandible-like lobes, which are covered in horny teeth, these serve to rip or seize prey, and tear food into chunks before it proceeds to the beak and radula. Its whip-like tentacles have become shorter and thicker, mainly used to grab prey before passing it to the arms. Both the eyes and brain are supremely well developed, this animal is about as smart as a dolphin. Krakens prey on many kinds of medium and large-sized prey, including various fish and squid.
Ancestor: Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
The Kraken is one of the large predatory cephalopods that now dominate the oceans. Reaching 11 meters long, it is a fearful predator that is much modified compared to its ancestor. Krakens propel themselves with 2 pairs of large oar-like fins, and the siphon now only serves a role in respiration and reproduction. The arms have fused into four mandible-like lobes, which are covered in horny teeth, these serve to rip or seize prey, and tear food into chunks before it proceeds to the beak and radula. Its whip-like tentacles have become shorter and thicker, mainly used to grab prey before passing it to the arms. Both the eyes and brain are supremely well developed, this animal is about as smart as a dolphin. Krakens prey on many kinds of medium and large-sized prey, including various fish and squid.
mass extinction
Mass Extinction – 182 million years hence – The close of the Mediozoic era.
The year of the ratmen has passed. After reaching the cusp of industrial revolution, war, disease and overpopulation caused the collapse of their society and ultimately their extinction. Indeed, their fast rate of breeding caused overpopulation problems even quicker than it had for mankind. This is the next mass extinction, severe but less severe than that caused by man. The giant flightless birds and last large mammals were eradicated by the spreading ratman society. From the shadows of this extinction, various kinds of adaptable lizard, some of which have become upright and endothermic in metabolism, will inherit the earth.
The year of the ratmen has passed. After reaching the cusp of industrial revolution, war, disease and overpopulation caused the collapse of their society and ultimately their extinction. Indeed, their fast rate of breeding caused overpopulation problems even quicker than it had for mankind. This is the next mass extinction, severe but less severe than that caused by man. The giant flightless birds and last large mammals were eradicated by the spreading ratman society. From the shadows of this extinction, various kinds of adaptable lizard, some of which have become upright and endothermic in metabolism, will inherit the earth.