GULUMO
Basic Information
【Biological Name】
GULUMO
【Scientific Classification】
Hairy Humans · Hexapods · Parasites
【Basic Data】
Height: 1.5-1.7m
Weight: 100-115kg
Life: 30-35year
【Brief Introduction】
This is a surviving race. A long time ago, a rare disease almost wiped out this species from the planet. But, by some fortunate coincidence, the GULUMOs found a new way of survival, and they have been resiliently living on this basis. Although their population is not large, with their strong survival instincts, this species is currently developing steadily.
Genetic Affliction: Death Syndrome
This is a disease caused by a genetic defect in GULUMOs. It is incurable and irreversible. It erupts in a certain generation, with symptoms manifesting as the complete degeneration of visual and olfactory nerves. Even newly born infants quickly exhibit the same symptoms. For GULUMOs, who heavily rely on these senses for survival, this is undoubtedly a catastrophic affliction. They become directionless creatures, only waiting to be naturally phased out.
Incredible ICKYSNOOT
ICKYSNOOT is a parasitic organism resembling a nose. They infiltrate the host's brain with their tendrils, replacing the host's senses to control its actions. When the endangered GULUMO faces extinction and is parasitized by ICKYSNOOT, these parasites effectively compensate for their sensory loss, providing a lifeline to the population. Today, their relationship has evolved from initial domination to a closer symbiotic survival.
Body Structure: GULUMO
① 【Eyes】
GULUMO was affected by Death Syndrome and became blind shortly after birth. Later, their eyes are covered with body hair.
② 【Nose】
GULUMO's nose has been replaced by ICKYSNOOT, Death Syndrome only disrupt GULUMO's sense of smell, without affecting ICKYSNOOT in the slightest.
③ 【Mouth】
GULUMO has two mouths; the upper one chews small items, while the lower one swallows large food and emits loud roars.
⑤ 【Legs】
GULUMO has four short, sturdy legs, walking steadily with thick calloused paw pads for protection and reduced noise.
④ 【Hands】
GULUMO's hands, equipped with four strong fingers, excel at grabbing food and exploring objects. The palms, rich in sensory cells, enable GULUMO to roughly identify shapes by touch. Due to their less-than-stellar hygiene, GULUMO often scratches its itchy skin with these hands.
⑥【Tail】
GULUMO's flat tail aids in balance, crucial for females as a nurturing tool.
Body Structure: ICKYSNOOT
①【Nostrils】
ICKYSNOOT's nose-like area, with a mesh filter, clears air impurities and bacteria. It's filled with olfactory cells for scent detection.
②【Thermal Nodes】
In ICKYSNOOT's lumps are clusters of heat-sensitive cells, providing thermal vision and relaying information to GULUMO.
③【Communication Tentacles】
ICKYSNOOT communicates with its host using tentacle movements, and the host interprets messages based on the tension generated.
④【Sensory Tentacles】
ICKYSNOOT's upper tentacles enter GULUMO's nostrils, connecting to brain nerves for sensory sharing and nutrient absorption.
⑤【Suction Discs】
ICKYSNOOT secures its link to GULUMO with suction discs on its back, preventing potential neural damage from external interference.
⑥【Crawling Tentacles】
ICKYSNOOT's crawling tentacles retract, extending for independent movement from GULUMO, featuring pedal-like structures separate from sensory tentacles.
Life Overview
GULUMO typically establishes nests in caves, concealed with leaves. They prefer solitude, with multiple GULUMO appearing only during breeding and nurturing periods. Night poses no hindrance to the blind GULUMO, guided by ICKYSNOOT's thermal sensing to locate prey. They are not picky eaters, considering survival as a stroke of luck.
Bold Hypothesis
What did GULUMO look like before the infection? I speculate it was a fierce creature, with robust limbs and sharp teeth... such a formidable beast yet unable to escape the twists of fate. Over the long years, this species underwent a series of regressions, transforming into its present appearance. Although the glorious history of GULUMO is no more, the tenacious survival journey of this species remains a chapter worth remembering on this planet.
GULUMO's World
Odor and heat—critical elements shaping GULUMO's perception. Relying on ICKYSNOOT's powerful sensory functions, GULUMO can discern various scents in the air and navigate its surroundings using heat detection. With these unseen "compasses," GULUMO maneuvers effortlessly through the intricate jungle terrain. Yet, their instinct instills a deep-rooted safety-first principle:
Early mornings are the prime time for GULUMO to venture from its nest when larger creatures are still asleep, and smaller ones are out foraging.
Moving slowly, GULUMO relies on touch to memorize terrain, leaving scent markers along the way, and sniffing out scents from other creatures.
With an extensive olfactory range, GULUMO swiftly returns to its nest if it detects a predator's scent.
Upon returning, GULUMO enjoys a restful sleep, navigating the most perilous moments of the day in dreams, until deep into the night.
Encountering the scent of smaller creatures, GULUMO follows it to the creature's nest, marking it before returning to its own nest.
During the wee hours, when other creatures sleep, GULUMO retraces its daytime path, using heat detection to locate slumbering prey and make a nocturnal meal.
GULUMO Camouflage
Camouflage is the primary means for GULUMO to evade danger. They employ various methods to mask their presence and scent, seamlessly blending into their surroundings. In the scene below, a GULUMO family is concealed. Can you spot them?
【Smelly Mud Covering Art】
When GULUMO spots mud, it freezes in its tracks. Rolling in it becomes a must, or it feels uncomfortable all over! This isn't just because mud protects their skin but mainly because it effectively masks GULUMO's scent, helping them evade the keen noses of predators.
【Leafy Skin Covering Technique】
After a mud bath, GULUMO collects fallen leaves and twigs, tossing them into the air. The bits naturally settle on their fur, making them look more like inconspicuous stones.
【Jungle Concealment Technique】
With a plethora of plant species in the jungle, GULUMO finds ideal hiding spots among vegetation. In the face of danger, it swiftly selects the optimal hiding place, often incorporating local materials for enhanced camouflage.
【Stone Transformation Technique】
When suitable hiding spots are scarce, GULUMO rolls into a ball, transforming into a convincing "stone." It patiently awaits until the tension subsides. This technique proves effective when combined with mud baths and leaf cover.
【Brute Force Approach】
Despite GULUMO's efforts in camouflage, there are times when it's exposed. But don't think it's game over! Once a ruler of the wild, GULUMO's formidable strength, even with an altered appearance, should not be underestimated. If evasion fails, resorting to brute force is an option! Leveraging its thermal vision, GULUMO can pinpoint vulnerabilities for accurate strikes. While it may not eliminate predators, it provides an opportunity to escape.
Camouflage Ally
【 NOSEGRASS & BABYTREE 】
When GULUMO seeks to disguise itself, certain plants become the top choices, such as NOSEGRASS and BABYTREE. NOSEGRASS, with a trunk resembling ICKYSNOOT, provides natural camouflage, especially for the challenging-to-hide ICKYSNOOT. Coupled with the unpleasant odor of NOSEGRASS, success in evasion is maximized! BABYTREE, a dwarf tree resembling a GULUMO infant, serves as an ideal hiding spot for young GULUMOs.
【 FUR GUARD 】
GULUMO's fur plays a crucial role in camouflage, and the maintenance of this fur is attributed to a parasitic creature known as FUR GUARD. A distant relative of Fur Nibbler, FUR GUARD doesn't consume the hair but feeds on the host's fluids while injecting a hair growth stimulant. While they protect GULUMO's fur, the creatures also subject GULUMO to prolonged itching, quite a tough deal!
Reproduction & Growth
【 Reproduction 】
During the breeding season, female GULUMOs mate with males, and the female's uterus is located in their tails. After impregnation, the female's tail gradually enlarges. Around the third month of pregnancy, the massive tail prevents them from venturing outside, and the male GULUMO takes charge of their subsequent nourishment. After five months of gestation, GULUMO babies are born.
【 Picky Expectant Mothers 】
During childbirth, GULUMOs consume a significant amount of Shinorii grass, a ubiquitous plant with properties believed to induce labor and enhance physical strength. However, female GULUMOs are remarkably choosy about the taste of Shinorii grass. Despite the male's arduous efforts to gather this plant from various places, he might discover that the Shinorii grass right under his feet is the favorite flavor for the expectant mother.
【 Don't Forget ICKYSNOOT 】
After three months of pregnancy in female GULUMOs, ICKYSNOOTs also enter the reproductive phase. As they reproduce asexually, they directly implant their embryos into the GULUMO's uterus, allowing their embryos to grow alongside the GULUMO fetus. Several weeks later, the embryos of ICKYSNOOTs connect with the GULUMO fetus, remaining linked until the GULUMO offspring is born.
【Survival Phase (5 months) 】
After the infancy stage, GULUMO offspring enter the onset of the Death Syndrome. Over three days, they sequentially lose their vision and sense of smell. Despite the painful process, the role of ICKYSNOOT becomes crucial, significantly reducing the chances of infant mortality. In the subsequent years, GULUMOs will rely entirely on ICKYSNOOT for survival. The cognitive foundation established during infancy is shattered, and everything starts anew.
【 Infancy (2 months) 】
Newly born GULUMOs are hairless, with only a bit of fuzz on their heads and bellies. At this stage, their senses are fully functional, allowing them to observe the world with their eyes. Parental care is crucial during this period, as the young GULUMOs are cautious, avoiding unnecessary noises and staying close. Due to underdeveloped oral structures, they primarily consume Shinorii Grass and soft-bodied animals.
Conclusion
Alright, GULUMO's life isn't all sunshine. It's a species that has weathered many storms, and despite a glorious past, it has to accept the whims of fate. Looking at it this way, GULUMO and I do have some similarities, except I haven't had a glorious past (haha). Well, what I want to say is that the existence of anything has its meaning and value, but in the torrent of life, every individual is indeed somewhat insignificant. A bit profound, isn't it?
—— M