Meet the Hostiles - Evolved Cactus

Evolved Cactus

Common Name: Evolved Cactus

Scientific Name: Adenium Ginorsum Pointyfoliata

Height: 3-6.5 m

Weight: 450-1133 kg (990-2500 lbs)

A pair of evolved cacti, blending in. photo taken by union sentry drone

Bio

The brooding Evolved Cactus was one of the first new creatures documented after the Union resurfacing. Though the ecosystem of our planet was irreparably damaged by the Cure, curious new lifeforms began to take shape while mankind took to the shelter of subterranean bunkers. These particular creatures have been dubbed "flauna," for their mix of both plant and animal behavior.

Researchers had expected to find a few anomalies upon reaching topside, but none were so unexplainable as these mobile and dangerous creatures.

It is still unknown as to how the Evolved Cactus reproduces, as studies prove difficult due to their belligerent nature, as well as the fact they need constant nourishment from nutrients in the ground.

To obtain these nutrients, the Cactus uses its leg-like roots to soak up anything it can, which it then filters through its body, secreting anything unnecessary through its thorns. This can make the thorns themselves dangerous weapons.

Casual studies of the creature in the wild have shown researchers many interesting things:

• Evolved Cacti can eject its thorns like projectiles, using the water pressure in its body.

• Occasionally, the Evolved Cactus travels in herds until finding a prime pasture to “graze” in.

• The creature also has been known to try and camouflage itself among non-mobile cacti when feeling threatened.

• Hostile Evolved Cacti are generally found with red or yellow markings.

• When a Cacti is wounded, it produces an aloe-like substance which is highly restorative to lacerations and wounds.

• The water found inside the body of these Cacti is thought to be the healthiest, cleanest, and most restorative in the wastelands.

Clean Water

Because of the cleanliness of the water which can be found within the Evolved Cactus, researchers have been attempting to harness the power of their natural filtering process for nearly two decades. Though some have been discouraged, stating the filtration process can only occur naturally, many men and women still strive to make this dream a reality for all the survivors of the wastes.

Certain civilians have gone a slower, more laborious route with the advent of Cacti Farms, in which some of the more docile creatures are herded and processed daily, providing up to seven gallons of fresh water a day per cactus. This however, is a hard life on the Cactus and its life span can be cut by nearly 75 percent under these conditions.

One thing is certain - though potentially lethal, the Cacti is one of the keys to healing this planet and its people.

Combating the Evolved Cactus

As stated before, the Evolved Cactus can be quite vicious at times. Should one ever encounter a hostile Cacti, the tactics to come out alive are simple but easy to forget when under fire from hellacious thorns whizzing past.

Much like many things in this dangerous world, keep the creature at a distance. The damage it can do up close is far worse than the potential poison from thorns. Wearing armor can reduce the impact of the thorns and the possibility of getting infected by one. Cacti are slow moving, and easy to flank should they become aggravated.

With that being said, simply running away is the best way to defeat Evolved Cacti. They will quickly lose interest in the chase and go back to grazing.

Cacti Facts

Here are some wonderful Evolved Cacti facts to share with your loved ones:

1. The Evolved Cactus was the most popular pet in the year 2270.

2. The smallest Cacti on record (4 inches tall) had over 12000 thorns!

3. On average, 20 deaths in the wastelands are attributed to the Cacti per year.

4. The largest mobile Cacti ever found was over 20 feet tall!

5. An average Evolved Cacti secretes more than 1 liter of fluids per hour.

6. Mobile Cacti have also been known to be mounted for transportation! Ouch!

7. Upon death, an Evolved Cactus' water is soiled by the fluids that would normally be secreted.

8. The fastest Cacti ever seen clocked in at 5mph!