On Cyerbrus IV, the Charranx is at the top of the food chain. It has no eyes as we terrestials know them, but it sees with two large heat sensors in some ways better than we do. At its shoulder, it is as high as Old Earth's famous T-Rex with a neck and head that rise above the shoulders almost one of its leg lengths. No one knows from what this Charranx died. Old age, some sort of cancer, illness, or perhaps indulging in one or two more Raptorian clans than it successfully digest. One of those small Raptorian clans has discovered the huge corpse and for them it is a two-fold joyous discovery. First, because one of their great enemies is dead. Second, because it is a huge source of meat for them. What comes around, comes around; and this time, the Raptorians get to eat the Charranx. Some stare thoughtfully at the dead monster. Others bow their heads in respect and thanks to it. Others just look at it, stunned. One adventurous Raptorian shows off by climbing up the Charranx's immense bulk and standing triumphantly on top of it. The mothers and their youngsters stay well back of it, even if it is dead. The Raptorian clan spend their lives wandering the plains, searching for anything they can eat--often barely fending off starvation. Tonight they will laugh and tell stories. They will sing and dance. And they will feast upon the great beast and sleep well, their bellies full. The Raptorian's ceaseless wandering will halt for the next few turns as they continue to devour the carcass until the meat begins to go bad. Then they will take up again their unending search for sustance. ____________________________________ Thanks to all of you for stopping by and for your many comments and encouragements. All are apprecited. Jeremy CREDITS: Critters: The big one is the "Charranx" by dinoraul (DAZ). The smaller ones are "Raptorians" by Sixus1 (Content Paradise). "Lush High Grasses" by Linda Daireaux (Cornucopia3d). Some of the terrains are by Karen Verbas (Cornucopia3d).