Creatures of FASA

FASA 365 Day 356, Zarathan (aspidochelone, wandering island)
Written by Alexander Eyre, for 1879
Only two incidents are known where one of these immense creatures have been seen by people from earth. Thefirst involved a group of ottoman fishermen who saw a new island appear overnight near their village. The island was surrounded by shoals of fish and the 5 fishermen decided to set up camp on the island. Not long after lighting a campfire a massive tentacle slammed down on it, killing 2 of them. They fled to their boat and back to their village. At the time their tale was not believed and the island disappeared. Around a year later, one of these. Creatures began tearing off parts of the shore line near a British village, and placing the debris on its back, replacing areas that had fallen away. The British fired rifles and even a small cannon at the creature, which paid heed. After about 3 hours, the creature left.
The Zarathan (named for a Persian myth) is possibly one of the largest creatures in the Gruv, at over 1 mile in length and ½ mile across. The main body lies within a thick shell, while 6 massive tentacles provide mobility through the water. Its head Is on the end of a long and prehensile neck. the artificial island on its back serves to provide an environment where trees can grow, these trees grown down into the shell of the Zarathan becoming symbiotically linked, providing energy tot he creature.