Creatures of Aegis Delta - Xenovenator synomaxilla

   Species Aegis-158 (Xenovenator synomaxilla) colloquially referred to as the 'Forest Hunter', is a robust terrestrial maxillapod and the first predatory animal discovered on Aegis Delta. Xenovenator is a Synomaxillid, a suborder of maxillapod that is marked by the fusion of all oral pedipalps into a structure analogous to the jaws of terrestrial vertebrates, allowing for a stronger bite and greater degrees of ‘dental’ diversity. In this sense, they have been compared to the synapsids of Earth’s long distant path, although a true morphological comparison has not been made. The animal is a smaller predator, with a body length of  2.39 metres and an average mass of 590 kg, being wholly dwarfed by many of the prey species in its environment. It is an ambush predator, adapted to stalking its prey for long periods of time before executing close-range attacks; its cephalothorax bears a long and serrated beak attached to a large jaw mechanism, which is capable of swinging forward on its joints to extend the reach of the bite. The animal’s set of tentacles is similarly adapted for assault, each reaching a length of 1.5-1.8 metres and tipped with a serrated and ossified point. Both features are intended to incapacitate and bloodlet, causing prey targets to expire over time with minimal exertion from the predator. The cephalothorax also bears highly developed respiratory vents, with the upper and lower nostrils pointed in separate directions with varying degrees of olfactory receptor concentration; overall this hints at a greater degree of dependence on olfaction than other land-based Deltan animal life.

   The animal’s body layout is typical of Synomaxillid morphology, being comparatively centralized with the cranium fused to the ‘torso’ and a division of the cranium and frontal cephalothorax, giving the animal what may be considered a true ‘head’. The forelimbs of the creature are overdeveloped in comparison to the hindlimbs and bear the bulk of the animal’s weight, and have a greater range of mobility than is typical; the ‘scapulae’ are capable of swinging forth and back to extend the creature’s stride. The hindlimbs are weaker and do not contribute much to locomotion, used instead for weight distribution, and are even retracted off the ground during bursts of speed. The toes of the animal’s feet are padded to dampen the impact of the animal’s footsteps.

   Xenovenators tend to hunt in mated or familial pairs to increase effectiveness and ward against competitors. Females bear litters of six to ten young, which stay with their parents for a period of up to five standardized years. Individuals have mean lifespans of sixteen standardized years.

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    The second creature sketch for Aegis Delta! This time a predator from the same environment as Xenoalces.

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