>>5417241The Shuffler’s stubs have reached such a size, flexibility, and power that their name no longer applies. Epochs of Shufflers writhing in the sand are no more, as their descendants, the Stompers, stand proud over the rock and crush all in their path. Like the Flounder Feeders, they’ve taken evolutionary notice of the benefits of digesting smaller chunks but their approach to “chewing” has been more… overt. More than the nutritional benefits this has given them is the exponential increase of their mobility, allowing them to walk, climb, and lunge with an agility unrivaled by any other species. This allows them to hop and catch Flesh Gnawers from the ocean, shaking them in their mouths, then dropping them on the ground, disoriented, to stomp into conveniently shattered smaller pieces. They’ve even managed to “kick” in some favourable circumstances when they have the high-ground, and while an edge case, the blunt impact is comparable to a chunk of ice with the waves behind it. The Stomper population has exploded and though they can’t reliably down Flounder Feeders or break their shells, in time, they may become a contender for apex predator.
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