SITE ALPHA
LATE CRETACEOUS MONGOLIA
ENVIRONMENT
Site Alpha is a highly seasonal environment. During the dry season it is a harsh desert environment dotted by small oases, which provide foliage cover and valuable water to its inhabitants.
The yearly rains rejuvenate the Site, causing dormant plants to sprout and creating lingering pools around which there is plentiful life. While still a relatively harsh environment, this bounty attracts larger animals that are usually unable to survive in the desert.
Inspired by the famous fighting fossil, this site explores the different ways animals have adapted their behaviour to survive in such harsh conditions.
WATCH THE SITE'S TRAILER Credit: Mahikahn
NOTE TO RESEARCHERS
We have designed this Site to be highly seasonal to reflect the different environments of the two main fossil formations used as a basis.
All animals have been genetically modified to enable them to go for much longer without eating or drinking. Desert profiles especially can last a very long time on very limited resources.
DESERT PROFILES
These animals are well-adapted to desert life. They thrive all year round, but especially during the dry season as their smaller size enables them to survive even in the harsh desert.
WET SEASON PROFILES
All animals are playable no matter the season. However, you are encouraged to mainly play the smaller, year-round desert animals (listed above) during the dry season as the larger animals have migrated off-site.
Wet season animals have fewer behaviours during the dry season as with fewer resources they will struggle to survive. If you do choose to play them you should show this in your RP; a behaviourist tip can be found below with important information.
You can see what season it is in the #pot-information channel.
SEASONAL VARIATION
Site Alpha has distinct seasons, which affect both game mechanics and animal behaviour. It is hot and dry all year round, but some months experience notably more rainfall and are usually easier to survive.
THE WET SEASON
THE DRY SEASON
During the wet season the Site bursts into life. Yearly monsoons trigger the growth of dormant plants and seeds which form around lingering pools of water leftover from the torrential rains.
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The map undergoes rapid changes, with areas of denser vegetation appearing as marked on the map below.
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Water quality is turned off and more food and water is placed down.
The dry season is the toughest time of year for the majority of animals on the site. Very little rain means water sources run out quickly and vegetation is scarce.
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The water quality system is turned on during the dry season.
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The map returns to its default state.
Large wet season animals migrate onto the site, attracted by the more abundant resources which enable them to more easily survive.
Large animals have a very hard time surviving during the dry season and migrate off-site. Any that remain often die of thirst or heatstroke.
Animals of all sizes tire and overheat more easily, meaning more time will be spent lying down, especially in the shade.
BEHAVIOURIST TIP
How do I play a wet season animal during the dry season?
If you really want to play a wet season animal during the dry, here is how you should do it.
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Act lost and confused: your animal isn't where it intended to be, it's gotten lost in the dunes while its fellows have migrated away. Wander aimlessly and travel in large circles, perhaps calling out occasionally if it normally lives in a herd or pack. You can also wander around outside your normal activity cycle (such as during the day if you're normally nocturnal) but bear in mind you should not be hunting outside your normal activity.
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Starvation, thirst and heatstroke: big animals cannot survive in the desert during the dry season. Eventually your animal will find its way off-site (log off and switch) or die. If you intend to die, start walking slowly, falling over or lying down frequently, and RP panting by slowly bobbing your head slightly up and down. You can either die to the heat, or allow yourself to not fight back if found by predators or scavengers. Growth loss on death is disabled to allow you to play this out consequence-free.
Bear in mind that the map is designed so you will struggle to survive anyway. Don't expect to last long even if you try to!
MAP OF THE SITE
Our research team has compiled a pair of detailed maps of the Site and areas of animal behaviour for your use! Please see below two satellite images, with indications of key areas and where major migration routes have been observed.
EXPANDED OASES
These are the areas that become expanded oases during the wet season. Areas with permanent dense foliage or deep ponds are also marked.
Wet season animals spend most of their time here, but some may travel through the desert between patches of green or in search of food.
WATER POOLS
Pools of water that remain after the rains are a lifeline for many animals. Permanent ponds are not marked as they can be seen on your satellite map.
ROUTE TO WETLAND
The permanent wetland in which wet season animals spend the dry season is to the south-west of Site Alpha. They will travel via this route when migrating to and from the Site.