Proceedings of the New Trykoth Council of Scientists - ROLEPLAY

Announcing the start of publication of papers of scientific significance that have been submitted to the New Trykoth Council of Scientists by naturalist homins of good reputation.

Papers submitted for publication should adhere to the styles set forth in the Instructions for Authors, paying strict attention to proper citation of sources. Original research should include proper analysis of all observations, and the researchers should be ready to actively engage in discourse with other scientists.

Prepared papers for submission should be sent to the Editor, Bitttymacod, Fairhaven, New Trykoth for consideration. Papers will only be returned to the authors for correction of grammar, style, or verification of data. Papers are accepted from homins of all civilizations and creeds.

All papers submitted and published will be available for open commentary by all other scientists and naturalists of Atys. Only by free discussion will science be advanced.

-----
((OOC/HRP: The call is for "papers" that describe, in roleplay terms some aspect of life in Atys. My astronomical observations, see below, or behaviour of herds, formulae for crafting (set in rp terms of understanding, etc. Let's see some chatter out there. ))

Preliminary report on the apparent psychic influence of Psykopla on Wombais.
Classification: Public and above.
Date: 23 Germinally, 4AC, 2579
Action Level: Observation only

Abstract:

Psykopla apparently project an influence on Wombais nearby when placed under stress. The wombais react with excitement and increased motion.

Previous Research:

From amber cubes on file in NTCS and other locations:

Of the family of Psychic plants, the psykopla's short stem is surmounted by a large bulbous head which changes color when pulsating. It has been said that the psykopla is able to direct psychic waves onto a prey to gain control of its psyche. The victim then becomes devoted to the plant and acts on its behalf in the protection of its habitat. This is, however, yet to be proved. The psykopla occurs mainly in forest and jungle regions it being slightly bigger in the latter environment.

Observations:

I have observed what might be the first verifiable evidence of the long-agreed upon idea that the so-called "brains" influence the behavior of beasts nearby. Although this may be true in general, my observations apply specifically to Wombais.

Narrative:

I was harvesting Psykopla in the Knot of Dementia, just northeast of Stainmoor Border Post, where Prickly Psykoplas grow in an area frequented by a herd of mixed Nettled, Vicious and Feral Wombaï and a few Feral Bodoc. Several of the Psykoplas were near the center of the herd. As I started to harvest one of them I noticed that the Wombais became excited and started to mill about, stamp their feet and probe the dust with their beaks. Wombais being excitable creatures, this did not surprise me. However, as I finished slicing the last of the psykopla (for later grilling), I noted that the Wombais immediately calmed down and became their usual placid, but noisy selves. When I attacked the second psykopla in the middle of the herd, the excitation increased again until I finished harvesting it, whereupon they calmed down.

Experimental Results:

I was able to replicate this behavior several times with the following results:

1. No effect was noted if the Wombai were more than about 5m - 7m away from the Psykopla.
2. Nettled Wombai were the most sensitive to the influence, followed by the Vicious Wombai. The Feral Wombai were the least disturbed.
3. The Feral Bodocs apparently are insensitive to the influence; their behavior did not change.
4. I observed the excitation, not only near the original center of the herd, but also when one or more Wombai were near a Psykopla that I was attacking. The effect was less obvious when observed in a small number of Wombai, but was clearly present.

It remains possible that the Wombai react to any violence in their vicinity, but I was not able to test this at the observation site with an attack on the Bodoc, since the wombai will defend a Bodoc fiercely. This is excitation, but not a good test.

Future direction:

Find other sites and investigate reaction of Wombai to other beasts and influence of Psykopla on other beasts.

Respectfully submitted,

Mac'Od Bittty
Associate Researcher, NTCS