If not for the decades long research of Professor Impossibilious and Dr a-Tish the world would be unaware of the many species of flora and fauna of the remote Knottbee Island.
Rarest of all are the Sad Faced Latinate Written Fish (below), and the Blue Barking Scribal Hounds (pictured above). Though they are unrelated, as one species is an aquatic fish and another is a land based mammal, local pressures may have influenced the development of their colouring and their sophisticated camouflage.
The hounds are remarkable for their lyrical songs, howled at dusk and dawn. Dr a-Tish has provided evidence these dog-like beasts ‘read’ the script-like markings on other members of their species and ‘sing’ them, thereby establishing familial bonds and territories between competing groups.
With each generation the Scribal Hound coats ‘publish’ the lyrics of these songs, but also add to them, and thus the breed seems to be increasing in size to fit the words. As the intrepid researchers have argued, in evolutionary terms this may put pressure on co-existing species as they compete for food and habitat. However, the professor posits there maybe a natural limit to the coat song cycles of these marvellous and melodic animals.
After much observation, the professor believes Written Fish feed on the dreams and dying wishes of long-lost sailors. This mental energy is transformed into heat and kinetic energy, a byproduct of which is a chemical reaction producing patterned scales that can then be deciphered by any who dare go near these mournful creatures. Defence mechanisms include projecting stories into predators minds to make them morose, and squirting blue and red ink from what was originally thought to be gills. It is rumoured the crew of the Affronted Falcon refused to abide any of these fish, living or deceased, on board, for luck.
Adventures of the Affronted Falcon 