Hello Riftbreakers!
In our descriptions of the Swamp biome, we mentioned that not only the creatures inhabiting this area pose a threat to our Riftbreaker duo. The wildlife of the Swamp is vastly different from the other areas of Galatea 37 and gives home to species of plants that are not seen anywhere else - not even in the rich Tropical Zone. The plants we are about to show you will spice up the exploration of the new biome. Watch your step - here are the carnivorous plants of Galatea 37!
Carnivorous plants are not uncommon, even on Earth. They can survive on their own, using photosynthesis to get their nutrients. However, they can also trap and digest small animals using their specialized organs. Still, we need to be clear here - they are no apex predators. They are slow and will never catch something that is more capable of identifying threats. On Galatea, this type of plant has evolved one step further. Not only have they developed various offensive strategies, but also act much faster than their cousins from Earth, giving them an element of surprise. There are several species that you will encounter in the Galatean Swamp - let’s take a look at them now.
The most common species you are going to encounter is the Carnicynth. A Carnicynth spends most of its time with the majority of its body hidden underground. Only a couple of leaves stick out above the surface, growing around a ‘tree trunk,’ disguising the Carnicynth’s underground hiding hole. The leaves act as radar - the tiny needles covering them react to the movement of the air and vibrations of the ground. If they detect movement in the vicinity, they send a signal to strike. Then, the Carnicynth’s body unburrows in a split second, ready to strike, unveiling its terrifying maw. This plant's main form of attack is spitting razor-sharp needles laced with acid and toxins at unsuspecting creatures. The bodies of Carnicynth’s prey decompose quickly, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients.
The next creature/plant you’re going to see is the Artigian. These humongous pitcher plants will grab your attention by the large sack that hangs beneath their ‘mouth holes.’ Unlike their counterparts from Earth, Artigians do not try to lure anything into their mouths. Instead of that, they form an explosive ball of acids and enzymes that they aim at their prey. The ball explodes on impact, covering a large area in Artigian’s corrosive substances that start dissolving matter around them. Much like Carnicynths, they later scoop up whatever nutrients seep into the ground using their extensive root networks.
The last species on our list does things a little bit differently. It is called Invigor. Its body is long and slender for the most part, with no leaves or branches around the plant’s stem. At the top of the stem, there is a large and heavy head bulb with just a single antenna sticking out on top. That antenna is the only thing you will usually get to see - and the only thing you want to see, to be honest. If the antenna detects any movement from suitable prey, the rest of the Invigor will burst out from beneath the ground. The plant uses its head bulb as a beater, trying to smash the prey to pieces. Whatever’s left behind gets dragged beneath the ground for the digestion process.
I always feel like somebody's watching me...
Other plants in this biome took example from their carnivorous counterparts. They evolved mechanisms that make them seem more dangerous than they really are. While exploring the Swamp, you are going to see many such plants - identifying which ones pose a threat to you and which ones don’t will be key to survival. Try not to fall into a trap, but don’t panic if you do - all the plants we described today are firmly rooted in the ground. They have no ability to chase you, so if you run far enough, you should be safe - unless you run into an entire field full of Carnicynths, Artigians, and Invigors, of course. Then you might be in trouble.
Sometimes things take a turn from bad to worse when you're running away.
You can watch us do live playthroughs of Survival missions in the Swamp biome every Tuesday and Thursday live on www.twitch.tv/exorstudios. We introduce a plethora of changes every week, so you never know what the next stream will bring. We also do co-op test streams from time to time to check on our progress. They have been going well, and we can’t wait for the moment we get to play together! Until then, catch us on Discord at www.discord.gg/exorstudios.
See you next time!
EXOR Studios