SAXAVONE - TIMELINE #81230092

(Timeline Tuesday #19)

Saxavones are a dangerous and crafty species of large insect, approximately the size of a typical saxophone instrument you’d find on this timeline. They sport a number of distinctly Voidal features, like sharp teeth and long skittering legs, but while their initial growth may have occurred in the abyss long ago, a natural reality is their home.

These carnivorous creatures hunt through disguise and deception, preferring to catch their prey in an unsuspecting state rather than chasing them down. However, Saxavones are not above hunting a target as it struggles for escape. The species accomplishes this task by curling its limbs and retracting its teeth, appearing more or less like a standard musical instrument. In this state the creature enters a trance, similar to the process of hibernation, during which time it can last for several months without food or water. Eventually, a saxavone will likely be disturbed by a curious humanoid looking to play it, breaking the trance and prompting the creature to attack.

While a saxavone’s teeth are equipped to tear flesh, they rarely use these tool alone to catch their food. Instead, the saxavone employs a powerful blast of sound to stun their prey. This noise is a thunderous eruption, capable of breaking glass or popping eardrums. There are even reports of close range sonic blasts from a saxavone stopping a victim’s heart. Typically, the frequencies of this attack render a target paralyzed for five to ten minutes, and they will remain confused and disoriented for an hour after. During this time, the saxavone will consume its prey.

Saxavone’s lay eggs, but do not stick around to raise them. Their aggressive nature would typically compel these creatures to eat their young.

While most people would be well advised to steer clear of saxavones, their empty shells are worth large sums of money to those who dare hunt them. This is because the carcass of a saxavone can be converted into a true musical instrument, one that will often sell for tens of thousands of dollars.