Polypus silex
(multilegged boulder)
Common names: rock spider, hex-rock, cyclopes stone, rocky round
Basic info
Size: 30-40 cm
Mass: 35-45kg
Lifespan: 50-65 years
Polypus silex in rare solitary view
The mouth is located at the top of their body, a rather unfortunate location since their lags cannot reach it to drop food in. The polypus silex developed several techniques of feeding, from rolling over to try and get their mouth near the food, to skittling under trees in wait for a fruit to drop. The best solution, however, was found to be a symbiotic relationship with the Ramus flexibilis, a silvidae magion that resembles a long twisting branch and has wonderful grasping abilities, but sadly no legs. Ramus flexibilis are usually thrilled to find a nice Polypus silex to coexist with, they can grasp fruits and other foods easily enough and make sure their partner is fed, and in return get to see the world.
Description: The body of a polypus silex looks like a rather small rounded rock, from which emerge six arthropod-like legs. Each leg has three joints and ends with a sharp tip, almost like a pin, which allows the Polypus silex to hold on to nooks and crannies and climb rocks and cliffs easily. They have two large eyes, each located in one side of the rock, which led many to believe that they are cyclopes-like creatures (“how silly of them, as if we only have the one side!”). The opposite location of the eyes makes it easier for the Polypus silex to navigate as they can see nearly 360° at the same time. Their legs are spread around the body evenly, which allows for quick shifts in their moving direction, and they are indeed very fast moving.
Side view of the Polypus silex reveals their two eyes, that are located in opposite sides of the body
A Polypus silex attempting to catch an apple with its top-located mouth
Habitat: Polypus silex prefer rocky forests terrain where they can easily camouflage themselves. They have a special liking for isolated areas in forested mountains.
Diet: Polypus silex are omnivorous, if on their own will usually eat falling fruit (or fallen fruits, though rolling over to get them in their mouth is quite tricky) or insects that accidentally step into their mouths. When accompanied by a Ramus flexibilis the Polypus silex eat much better, as their companion makes sure they get fresh fruits and sometimes little birds whenever they want.
Watch an introduction video about the Polypus silex and the Ramus flexibilis
Habits & Culture
Polypus silex are generally solitary creatures and shy away from other beings, especially those bigger than themselves. When they hear someone approaching, they can simply tuck their legs under them and close their eyes and most creatures will not pick up on their presence. This has led to some awkward situations when a tired human decided to sit on them for a bit of respite. The weight of the human would not bother them, but being generally shy this invasion to their personal space is a bit much. They have thus learned to try and settle into some vegetation or near a mud puddle to make their rounded shape a less attractive seat.
Despite their solitary nature, Polypus silex do tend to live in small groups, mainly to help each other in searching for food. Companion are particularly needed when the Polypus silex attempt rolling over to reach food because sometimes they get stuck upside-down and need help to roll back to standing position.
Many magions agree that the symbiotic relationship with Ramus flexibilis has really brought the shy Polypus silex out. Perhaps because of the Ramus flexibilis naturally sunny disposition, and most certainly thanks to finally not needing to worry about food (or rolling over) ever again.
The sharp feet of the Polypus silex allow it to climb steep walls with the Ramus flexibilis enjoying the view. Such high locations are also perfect for catching small birds for the Polypus silex to eat.
When they die, the body of Polypus silex become a stone cocoon, grooming the next generation.
When a Polypus silex dies, it simply becomes stone. However, the body should actually be described as a cocoon, since it immediately begins to develop a new life, and after a dormant period of approximately ten years, the stone body cracks and a new Polypus silex emerges. It is lucky that the lifespan of Polypus silex and Ramus flexibilis is similar, and usually both feel their end coming at about the same time. Polypus silex that sense their coming end will search for a cocoon nearing its emergence time and settle next to it.
Their Ramus flexibilis companion will usually be near its end as well, grooming a young sapling. Thus when the young Polypus silex emerges it will usually be greeted by an old pair of Polypus silex and Ramus flexibilis and his silvidae life companion. The four will spend what remaining time the older pair has together and then the young pair will find its way to new adventures.
An emerging Polypus silex is greeted by an old pair of Polypus silex and Ramus flexibilis, as well as a Ramus flexibilis sapling that will become their life long companion.
