The Cryptids
Interactive Adoptables
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Overarching Lore

Cryptids are forgotten, cursed beasts, creatures who live below the surface of the earth, honored and forsaken by the humans whom they live below. The name Cryptid is an overarching term given to any of the accursed beasts who live in the belly of the earth, there are in reality different 'breeds' or 'species' of Cryptids within that title. Each of these creatures possesses some specialty that the others do not, giving them all access to different areas of the cave system that they live inside. There are currently three known realms of "The Underbelly", as the caves are called by the humans. The three realms, the Sunfields, Crest, and Labyrinth are all homes to the different types of Cryptids. These are gone into more detail down below in their Physiology and Biomes sections.

It is important to note that these Cryptids are worshiped by the humans above them. Offerings are tossed down into the Sunfields on a daily basis, and the occasional sacrifice takes place as well. One of the more common sacrifices presented to the Cryptids are small animals such as foxes, mice, and other young animals like lambs and kids [Baby Goats]. Humans are uncertain as to what becomes of these offerings and sacrifices, though those that land in a place they can see vanish within a few days.

These offerings are cast into the opening of the Underbelly, a massive sinkhole in the crust of the earth. People drop their offerings from all sides, and, through the subterranean river and its winding, ever-tunneling channels, the offerings travel to each and every corner of the Underbelly. This provides access to every creature who roams the shadowed depths, including those that the humans never see.

Biomes

The Underbelly boasts a wide, wide range of environments. Though there are three main biomes, all of which are covered below, there are also subsections that control the areas in which certain Cryptids explore, how their food and water is brought to them, and how the offerings are carried throughout their homes. These will be covered in much less detail below as well.

The Sunfields, the largest cavern in all of the Underbelly. At the top of the cavern, a hole through the crest of the earth rises, far too high and curved for any Cryptid to climb and escape. This hole lets in the light, and other things. Rain, snow, dirt, and above all else, seeds. It is The Hounds who tend the Sunfields, purveyors of herbs and medicines, the healers of the Underbelly. In the very very center of the Sunfields, a large pool of water leads to the entrance of the Subterranean River. This is where most of the offerings land, travelling to other biomes.
- Sub-Regions -
Dawn's Reach, the best growing land. Fertile and near the pool, easy irrigation makes this land the easiest exploration zone.
The Scorched Desert, the hardest place to irrigate. Far from the Dawn's Reach, this desert region was pounded to sand long long ago, before most Cryptids existed. It is hard to grow here, but necessary.
The Frozen Plain, the hardest place to grow. The opposite side of the Scorched Desert, this place is incessantly frozen in ice. Slippery and difficult to navigate and nurture in, this is the hardiest location of all.

The Crest, found to one end of the Sunfields, down a long and shallow tunnel. A sheer cliff, curling almost endlessly up until it can no longer travel straight and begins to arch back across the crust of the earth. The stone is deeply pitted, forming small caves, and it is within these caves that The Serpins dwell. These creatures are the vermin managers, the hunters, the sheer cliff dwellers who are never bothered due to the fact that no other Cryptid has the same sure-footedness that they do.
- Sub-Regions -
Metamorphosis, the land of in between. Easy to climb, sturdy, and deeply pitted, this region is the best for living and raising young. Serpins have the easiest time here, as the stone is easy to grip and sturdy, with pebbles half melted into stone. This provides purchase unavailable in other areas.
Sedimentary, the layered plain. Consisting of sandstone-like rocks, there is little purchase and the stone crumbles below its tenants with ease. It is easy to burrow into, and makes a good resting area for adolescent and young adults, but can be dangerous when underestimated.
Ignius, birthed from fire. Obsidian and similar stones are often thrust from the Crest, exceptionally sharp and jagged, but also slick as though wet. It's hard to keep purchase here, and when mistakes are made, the consequences can be severe.

The Labyrinth, the final area, lies to the far end of the cavern, opposite to the Crest. It is the deepest part of the caves, an endless maze, a land called. Though it's a rather overused name, it's fitting. The Labyrinth is a twisting and turning map of tunnels and caverns, some open, some dead ends, some leading travelers to their deaths in the common cave-ins and other such catastrophes. This is the land ruled by The Spectres, the eldest and most powerful of all the Cryptids. Spectres keep the land in balance, possessing powerful and ancient powers. The Labyrinth is their ancient lair... and their prison.
- Sub-Regions -
The Crystal Keep, the main body of the Labyrinth. The walls consist of a near transparent glassy crystal. This is entirely wasted on the Labyrinth's main tenants, but creates very beautiful and haunting illusions when displayed under light. It acts as an extra source of confusion.
The Lonesome Precipice, the farthest end of the Labyrinth. It leads to a drop-off of immeasurable distance, with many beautiful waterfalls from the different branches of the Subterranean River. The sound is very comforting and loud, a beautiful background noise. The waterfalls faintly glow blue.
The Midnight Chamber, the deepest region in all of the Underbelly. The roof of this hard to find cavern is littered with sparkling stalactites that produce an enzyme that causes the water that drip down from the limestone roof to turn a vibrant, sparkling blue. This can be blinding when stared at directly, but pools on the floor in brilliant puddles. It is always, always dead silent. Not even a step creates a noise.

The Subterranean River is the source of water and the carrier of offerings [and food] to each of the main biomes. Prey that doesn't live in the Crest is brought there through its complex and neigh unreadable currents. Any animal, Cryptid or otherwise, that falls into its depths is likely lost for good.

Physiology

The Hounds

The Hounds are canine like creatures, and as such it is little wonder that they are the highest looked upon Cryptid of all. They are not feared, rather loved by humans of all ages. They tend the gardens of the Sunfields, growing herbs and many other plants to sustain and support all life within the Underbelly

Built like Golden Retrievers, Hounds are stocky creatures with thick, muscular legs and a long flowing tail. Their paws are large and soft, allowing them to move in near silence. Their ears are flopped over and down, their muzzles blocky and soft. They have medium jowls that hang slightly lower than their lower lips. Their hair is long, especially at their tails, cheeks, and ears, and slightly wavy. Upon the top of their head are two long, curved horns, stretching up in the rough shape of a 'C'. Floating above their shoulders are a pair of large wings, mostly non-functional. They provide extra warmth in winter, and a shelter from the rain or chronic dripping of the ceilings. They cannot fly with these wings, though with some effort they can glide across the surface of the Sunfields for a moment or stir up some wind with the flapping.

They are omnivorous, eating a mix of the fruits, plants, and herbs grown in their gardens and the sacrifices dropped into their fields. They have sharp canines, allowing them to tear meat, but also flat, coarse molars that allow them to grind and chew plants.

The Hound's possess a type of magic based around healing, growth, and water. Very intelligent, the canine-like Cryptids will either be able to knit flesh and bone with a thought, grow herbs and plants with near effortless motions, or summon and bend the water around them. A peaceful race, they almost never use their abilities to harm, choosing to rather heal and save those they can. They are the caretakers of the Underbelly.

The Serpins

The Serpins are a strange hybridized beast, appearing to be slightly canine, but also slightly reptilian. They are the least appreciated of all of the Cryptids, feared as the Spectres, but lacking in the power to be respected too. They are the vermin hunters, keeping in control the populations of deadly creatures that would wreck havoc upon the human population.

Built like Doberman Pincers, Serpins are long legged, thin and short furred, exceptionally muscular and toned. Their paws are small and highly padded, the paw pads hardened from regular use, When they're born, their paw pads are small and pink, soft, but as they grow, they turn grey and leathery. With highly sensitive split tongues, they can operate in near darkness, though they do better with enough light to easily navigate the sheer cliffs of the Crest. Their noses are sensitive as well, but it is their serpentine tongue that truly lets them work. Heat sensing and powerful, they allow them to see even when their eyes cannot. Short, bobbed tails seem counter intuitive on slopes that need such brilliant balance, but they are such a small size [about half the length of the Hound's tails], so that they do not catch on anything while the Serpins navigate the Crest. Narrow cracks and crevasses are too easy to snag some piece on while lunging from outcropping to outcropping.

Serpins are carnivorous, eating the creatures they catch (vermin, of the ethereal sort), as well as the occasional sacrifice washed to their shores through the Subterranean River. Their fangs are exceptionally sharp, and rather long, with molars made for tearing.

Serpins are masters of illusions. Generally, their coats are dark colored with bright luminescent markings, made to lure in and confuse or mesmerize potential victims. They can change the brightness of these markings, making them ripple or change in effect. Some of the more powerful Serpins also possess the ability to cloak themselves in darkness, or conjure hallucination-like visions to trick their prey.

The Spectres

The Spectres are the oldest and most powerful variety of Cryptid. Deeply misunderstood, these mostly blind creatures are thought to be malevolent and cruel. Rather, they are gentle, sad creatures, wandering the endless Labyrinth in the darkness with only scent and smell to guide them. The Spectres are the guardians of the world. They control many more things than the humans could ever imagine, but they sense the strength and power they command. As such, they are feared, and respected.

Spectres are built unlike almost any other animal. They do not possess true paws, rather small stubs, spreading slightly to provide a stable walking surface. They are covered in a thin layer of fur, except for their manes which run thick between their ears and down most of their spine. Their ears are very large, allowing them to hear almost everything they need to, rightfully so, given their eyes are almost entirely useless. Though they can handle very dim light, their white pupils are too sensitive for much exposure. Moonlight is all they can tolerate, and only a halfmoon or below. These luminescent pupils shine very faintly in the dark caverns, the only light any Spectre seeing regularly being the light of their own gaze. The inversion of their gaze is largely what causes this. Their tails are long and tapered, until they reach the end and stretch out into a diamond shaped point. This end of their tail is sharp and can be used as a weapon if absolutely needed, though most Spectres prefer peace over war. They are tall and thin, their tails as long as their bodies. They wander in near silence, though when they choose to, they can speak in every existing language through a simple telepathic connection. It is not words they speak, but rather thoughts and meanings, feelings and ideas. These translate to every language without hesitation.

Spectres do not eat. The subsist upon their memories, their presence in the minds of others. When their power becomes inconsequential, for example, when a type of flora one controls becomes extinct, they in turn fade away from existence. They have retractable teeth, which they use as a weapon if needed, but more commonly are hidden.

Their powers are telekinetic, based almost entirely in their minds. Most can control some type of element, though others tap into more ancient powers, control of light and shadow, seasons, warm and cold, storm and electricity. The variations are nearly limitless. They are those who keep the world in balance, who keep it from falling. Their captivity below in the Labyrinth was an ancient human's way of assuring they would never abandon their posts.

The Unknown

Nothing is known about them, they are rarely, if ever seen. Perhaps with enough perseverance, one could glimpse or even interact with one of these fabled beasts.
These can only be found through explore. They cannot be created as customs. They cannot be purchased. If one is discovered and successfully claimed it will become your Cryptid and you can interact with, breed, and explore with it but otherwise it will remain an inaccessible surprise

Available Cryptids

Pricing Guide
Hound, 3-Color Palette - 1 GB
Serpin, 3-Color Palette - 2 GB
Spectre, 3-Color Palette - 3 GB

4-Color Palette - +1 GB
5-Color Palette - +2 GB
6-Color+ Palette - +3 GB

No Base Adjustment Mutation - +1 GB
Minor Base Adjustment Mutation - +2 GB
Major Base Adjustment Mutation - +3 GB

Hounds
Working on another

Serpins

A Banded Bean
4-Color Palette, Serpin
3 GB

Spectres

Ocean Breezes
5-Color Palette, Spectre
5 GB


Spring Flowers
4-Color Palette, Spectre
4 GB

Custom Order
Custom Hound - 2 GB + Palette and Mutation Addition Prices
Custom Serpin - 3 GB + Palette and Mutation Addition Prices
Custom Spectre - 4 GB + Palette and Mutation Addition Prices
Fill out the following form, with as much detail as possible!

Username + ID:
Species of Cryptid:
Basic Color OR Color Palette: [Use the color wheel on the breeding page OR colourpod.com for the basic color or a palette] [You can provide a few palettes if you're uncertain on which one you want most]
Palette Distribution: [Do you want the Cryptid to be light based with darker markings? What color do you want the eyes? What color goes where, basically, or what colors should cover the most area]
Markings: [If you CAN provide an image with the general marking pattern you want, that would be great. If not, please be very very specific on what you want. You can give me a general theme (ex, swirls), if you're not certain]
Mutations: [PM for the lines on these if you want to see before choosing. Hounds have Shorthair or Perky Eared. Serpins have Tailed or Maned. Spectres have OG Fur or Spade-Tailed AS OF NOW]
Anything you wish to add?:
Total Price:

Other Links

Cryptid Catalogue [Owned Cryptids]
Breeding [Breed Your Cryptids]
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Item Catalogue [Explore Prizes and Possessed Items]