Toxic Prehistoric Bites
Content
## Overview The danger posed by prehistoric parasites and creatures possessing venomous or septic bites, adding a lingering danger to any physical encounter on the plateau. ## Mechanics and Rules * **Parasitic Infestation:** The plateau is home to "enormous blood-ticks" (**Ixodes Maloni**) that can distend to the size of a grape. * **Septic/Venomous Potential:** Large saurians and flying reptiles are described as "filthy vermin." Lord John Roxton suspects their jaws may contain venom or specially toxic qualities. ## Examples from the Story Following the pterodactyl attack, both Summerlee and Malone suffer from "great pain and fever," which Lord John attributes to a "specially toxic quality" in the creatures' bites or stabs. This necessitates the use of carbolic from the surgical box to prevent infection or neutralize venom. ## Narrative Significance This mechanic increases the stakes of even a minor injury, as the environment itself is hostile at a microscopic and parasitic level, requiring constant medical vigilance from the explorers.
Category
Threats
