"AFTER THE GAMES"

ATG17

An illness has started to effect all the non Traventi gladiators. The medics and scientists conclude it is due to the prolonged use of the gravity stabilisers that the gladiators had been using - these devices had made hunting on alien worlds seem like the gravity from their own homeworlds, and meant they could fight on an even keel with their prey.

Vallatrix not wanting to lose his source of income and power, got his top minds to look for a solution. While his staff looked for answers to the strange illness, he was approached by an envoy from the Techno Ancients. These cold, impersonal, grey skinned aliens told Vallatrix that they could solve his problem with their portal technology; but the illness would be only able to be reversed a couple of times on each individual before there may be side effects They would ask for payment for their service at a later date, which would not be up for negotiation. Vallatrix agreed, and organised meetings with all the races that participated in the games.

At each meeting Vallatrix used a Creminisci pod to keep the meetings, thus harnessing their psychic powers to keep aggression down. They were all asked if they would provide a small colony which would be given land to set up on, as long as some would be happy to continue in the games. Each race agreed with their own unique terms.

As part of each bargain, each race would bring with them a sample of their flora and fauna, for Vallatrix's use in botanical gardens, zoo's and obviously the games. The Reveli having very little of these resources would give their technology for their bio domes instead.

The Nisari were outraged by these events, not only attacking settlements and individuals, but also breaking into Vallatrix's bio reserve he had amassed: as protest they released beasts into the wild and put plants and seeds in areas to cause trouble. This has sent Traventi's eco system into turmoil, solutions need to be found !

"RUMMAGING THROUGH THE UNDERGROWTH"

Now with a fleshed out reason... we have what you want on the gaming table. here is a section on the different flora you can use:

First up is three flora that create pockets of gas which could be collected for use, or can cause problems if a stray shot hits them, we have a gas bush, gas tree and cage tree. These can be cast in different colours so you can represent different gases.

Next up we have two different trees, first the tube fern, this plant pulls it's leaves in to protect them during dust storms.

Then we have a large leaf tree. The lush fruit ripen underneath the shade of the leaves... these are very sweet and lots of fauna come to the tree to gorge themselves. The model shows two such creatures the lion mane simian enjoys the fruit of the large leaf tree, and the two faced woodpecker helps keep it free of damaging tree grubs.

The next one is more dangerous the vampire plant as it drains the blood of the local indigenous leviathans as they lumber past. explorers have found to their peril that the plants can drain a substantial amount in one feed.

These next three are the same plant in different phases of it's life. This is the seed pod. the third photo shows some fauna interacting on it.

This next one has a whole little eco system working together, the feathered pitcher, and flowering pitcher plants utilise the local of the honeydew plant to lure in insects to digest. The humming wasps find them very attractive and the two tailed geckoid likes the increase in insects so stays close to the area.

This last piece of fauna is a concept I'm working on, a desert fruit tree, and it's mimic which is a carnivorous version that uses it's similar appearance to lure in victims.

"ARTEFACTS"

Next up is some scenery pieces:

First up is the Ovipositor spires and hub that the Exuviums build to control the pollution in the atmosphere 

(above, the hub which links the spires to form a sort of wheel hub spoke and tyre effect)

Next is the Exuvium digestion pits, which they use to break down their food.. creating a soup like substance for easy digestion of the hive.

Last part is the egg nests the Exuvium use, we have a large piece and also some smaller versions.

For the last showing today, here is a work in progress shot of the Techno Ancients portal gate, - like that mentioned at the beginning of the article This piece will be cast in coloured resin to help to add glow to the model, probably going to be green, but will be available in other colours on request.

So now you know what's currently available for your gaming delights, and have a small insight into some upcoming pieces... will show more as it's developed, so until next time have fun:-)

Cheers Dave