Stillwater Duck

CW: Mild graphic imagery

Stillwater ducks are the result of radiation and bacteria mutating ducks in Razhea Capita's Underworld. Abandoned sewage lines have an unusual propensity to catch both wild and domesticated ducks from the Surface, dragging them down into the Underworld.

As these ducks search for a water source they discover the thousands of stillwater ponds and lakes that litter the Underworld. Low levels of radiation, mixed with ravenous bacteria and other pathogens in the water, causes these ducks to mutate and disfigure.

Anatomy

Stillwater Ducks Fighting by Mochi

Stillwater ducks are not a single species, rather just a mutated version of any duck found on Razhea Capita. They are easily recognisable, however. All stillwater ducks have vibrant green eyes, pulsating purple warts and cysts, among unique individual mutations.

Some ducks have been recorded with tentacles buried in the beak, as well as rows of serrated teeth lining the face, emerging from the mouth and running down the entire body. Other ducks have extra appendages, including tar-dripping wings.

The more unfortunate cases, where radiation mutation is too strong and destroys the ducks, results in the animals melting from the inside out. It is one of the most painful ends to an existence, as these animals have absolutely no way to fight against it.

Behaviour

These ducks are driven mad by these mutations. Bacteria slowly eat at their brains, and stillwater ducks gradually lose their ability to regulate emotions, control their own movements, and eventually, become a wandering, malevolent husk.

Nevertheless, stillwater ducks are not too dangerous, especially compared to other creatures lurking around the Underworld. These mutations weaken their immune system and ability to repair damaged body parts, making them surprisingly easy to kill. As a result, Underworld inhabitants don't fear stillwater ducks, but rather take pleasure in taunting them and using them for sport and leisure.

Lifespan

Until the body decays

Average Height

40 cm

Geographic Distribution

• Razhea Capita
• Razhea Capita's Underworld

Related Traditions
Underworld Duck Fighting

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