ABAVIA Field Guide: Blood Plaufume
Exceptionally juicy, tart, and visually enticing, the bulbous berries of the Blood Plaufume (Prunus sanguis) attract substantial quantities of voracious arthropods. Drawn to the pungent flesh of this tender treat, gaggles of Cobalt Pysmures and Royal Berpaloos fill the shrub's densely packed branches, gorging themselves on the sumptuous, deeply pigmented fruit flesh. Both of these creatures owe the magnificent jewel tones of their exoskeletons to the berry’s inky juices. Due to ingesting abundant quantities of plaufume pulp, Pysmures, Berpaloos, and various other arthropods of the region radiate with indigo, crimson, and violet hues.
Such a feverish feeding frenzy (especially one extravagantly painted in vivid color) will naturally catch the eye of the Royal Berpaloo’s most feared fiend, Baum Evesmaus. Though arboreal Evesmaus typically prefer to reside in loftier foliage, one may build a home inside a Blood Plaufume shrub to gain access to the never-ending parade of crunchy meal opportunities. It is not unusual for an Evesmaus to munch on the occasional plaufume, though most species despise sporting a berry-stained beak.
Perhaps the Blood Plaufume’s most insatiable consumer is the mischievous Berrienabler. Secretive and quick to bite, these berry thieves will swoop down and pluck a plaufume right from an unsuspecting Evesmaus’ claw. Berrienable’s feel no shame regarding a newly blue beak. Rather, this is a mark of pride; a symbol of many berries won.
Will the wild Blood Plaufume shrub ever suffer extinction due to the raging appetites of the forest’s inhabitants? No, likely not. By digesting and eliminating the fruit, various creatures cast many seeds about the land that grow into young Plaufume shrubs. To combat the continuous foliage depletion, the parent Blood Parfumes sprout fresh leaves and branches at a ferocious pace. The longevity of this proliferous lifeform is promising.
ABAVIA FIELD GUIDE Several rotations ago, after returning from a most harrowing trip across the galaxy, I began sketching and scribbling journal entries describing the inhabitants of an exceptionally ancient, life-bearing moon known today as Abavia Materna. The delicate clusters of gentle, intellectual beings who once graced her steep mountain ranges appear to have perished. Now, her face is a savage one, dominated by ferocious beasts of the air and sea. You may explore detailed notes regarding my discoveries there whenever you select a passage containing ABAVIA in the title. Until next time, dear reader, be well!
