Ep. 203 The Mimic Cycle

Vampires are the one monster that seems to have been around forever (I mean they are immortal), and they never seem to go away.  Their popularity may wax and wane, but these predators are always present, ready to suck away our life force in order to preserve theirs.  Even when it seems like we have discussed everything there is to say about these creatures of the night, the Brain Trust comes through with a new perspective.  This week we discuss their relation to the mosquito, how blood types play a major factor, and how a virus could keep you alive while you are biologically dead. Podcast Links Castlevania Man-Eating Plants Facebook Twitter

Everyone remembers the famous line in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” where Indy says “Why did it have to be snakes?”  Well our Daring Druid (and resident ophiophilist) Ben Siepser often wonders “Why isn’t it ALWAYS snakes”?  So this week we take a look at a few of our favorite snake-based humanoids including the naga, the ophidians, and the dreaded Yuan-Ti.  Just a bit of a warning, the reproductive cycles of these creatures gets REALLY weird, so make sure to have a pen and paper ready.  Also keep an ear out (no pun intended) for my DeKalb Flying Corn shout out! Facebook Twitter

Are you ready for MORE petrification!  This week we discuss the basilisk, a creature that can turn you to stone just by looking at you.  Well it has to meet your gaze, but we get into the specifics so you won’t get fooled.  It is also gigantic, which is something to consider.  Listen as we talk about how near-sightedness as an advantage, the deliciousness of magic shell, and how spitting on goggles may or may not prevent fogginess. Facebook Twitter

There are certain creatures in myth and legend who have been said to have the ability to turn those they encounter into stone.  This week we profile one of those creatures, the cockatrice.  With the head of a rooster, the body of a lizard, and the wings of a bat, this tiny creature can petrify the largest of creatures with a single touch.  They are feared in the fantasy world, since their small size and extreme accuracy make them fearsome opponents.  This week we discuss how this would be possible, and what to do if you find one of your companions looking more statuesque than usual. Facebook Twitter

There is a reason every little girl wants a pony:  Because horses are really cool.  They are so great that the world of D&D is filled with horse-based creatures including the unicorn, pegasus, nightmare, and even the centaur.  Why this form?  What tactile advantages does it provide?  How can a horse fly but a pig can’t?  We will answer all these questions on this week’s episode. Facebook Twitter

As human beings, we are lucky enough to be at the top of the food chain.  Being at the top means there is nothing above us.  No predators to watch out for, nothing evolving to eat is specifically.  We never have to check our rear view.  Or do we?  In this episode we discuss what makes a good human predator, and it turns out its plants!  That’s right, if we are going to be taken out, it will be by an attractive, seemingly harmless plant with beautiful flowers and hallucinogenic pollen.  Listen as we discuss the dangers of high coconuts, using a pitcher plant as a toilet, and how Ben deals with nightmares of Muppets. Podcast Links The Muppets on Fascinating Fights Facebook Twitter

The forest is filled with all kinds of creatures great and small. It is also home to one of the most mischievous and dangerous creatures: The Dryad. The woodland spirits are tied to a singular oak tree. They are so tied in fact, that they cannot stray more than 1000 feet from their home. This can be a problem, so they have devised ways of tricking and charming beautiful men to come and stay with them. Some break the spell and are able to return home, some are never seen again. This episode is filled with all sorts of interesting revelations, which include quantum waviness, the discovery of true commensalism, and whether there is such a thing as consensual abduction. Facebook Twitter

Everyone knows that trees are alive…but today we are only concerned with the ones that run around.  We are talking treants from D&D, Ents from Lord of the Rings, and the Fighting Trees of Oz.  Are these creatures plants with animal traits, or secret animals that look like plants?  We discuss the possibilities.  The answer may be found in upside-down jelly fish & leafy sea slugs.  Plus we show you the importance of poemifying your life, and indulging in a little tree sap. Facebook Twitter

When it comes to D&D, there is one apex predator:  The Dragon.  It is even in the name!  These winged creatures come in all sizes and colors, which is lucky for adventurers.  See, a dragon’s color tells you a lot about the creature, including their alignment, their powers, and their magic resistance.  When you are going after something so powerful, you will take any advantage you can.  We discuss why this is the case, and how it works.  We also explore the idea that much like predators in our world, there have to be a whole host of smaller creatures that live around the dragon to ensure their survival.  Why not hitch your wagon to the most powerful creature in the land! Podcast Links The Mimic Cycle Gelatinous Cubes Megalodon Facebook Twitter

Once you sign up to be an adventurer, it is a given that you will raid every chest you come across.  Some will have locks, some will have traps, and some may even eat you.  That last option is the topic of today’s show as we discuss mimics in D&D.  These creatures can take the form of anything wooden, metal, or stone, which is usually a treasure chest.  Not only that, but we will unveil a new natural cycle that includes the mimic and a mind-altering parasite.  It may not save your party from getting eaten, but it may help you appreciate the dungeon’s natural cycles. Podcast Links Fascinating Nouns Ep. on Mind-Altering Parasites What You’ll Learn 00:01:46 Introduction to the Mimic as a classic D&D monster. 00:02:02 Is the Mimic an evolved biological creature or the creation of a wizard? 00:02:56 A deep dive into what a Mimic is, its abilities, and its common forms. 00:05:03 Exploring the ecology of the Mimic, comparing it to a land octopus. 00:07:18 Real-world examples of aggressive mimicry, including the spider-tailed horned viper and the orchid mantis. 00:09:17 The potential connection between Mimics and carnivorous plants like the sundew. 00:14:17 Introducing the concept of “arthropod treasure” from Delicious in Dungeon. 00:15:59 The parasitic life cycle of the treasure bugs and their relationship with Mimics, compared to the jewel wasp. 00:18:55 How adventurers fit into the dungeon’s ecology. 00:22:11 Unveiling the “Mimic Arthropod Treasure Adventurer Cycle.” 00:23:23 A real-world parallel to the cycle: the green-banded brood sack, or “disco snail.” 00:25:13 Brainstorming creative ways to use mimics and mimicry in a D&D campaign. Where to Find the Hosts & Show FGGGBT X (Twitter): @fgggbtpod Facebook: FGGGBT Website: fgggbt.com Daniel J. Glenn X (Twitter): @DanielJGlenn Instagram: @theDanielJGlenn Website: danieljglenn.com Merch Shop: Glenncodesigns.com Dr. Michael Dennin Instagram/X: @denninmichael X (Twitter): @denninmichael Facebook: @ProfDenninMichael YouTube: Michael Denin Website: deninmichael.com Ben Siepser Social Media: @bsiepser Key Terms & References Creatures & Concepts: Mimic (Dungeons & Dragons) Gelatinous Cube Kobold Spider-tailed horned viper Orchid mantis Venus flytrap Sundew plants Jewel wasp Green-banded brood sack (“Disco Snail”) Media & People: Dungeons & Dragons Ed Greenwood (creator of the Forgotten Realms D&D setting) Delicious in Dungeon (Manga/Anime) Baldur’s Gate 3 (Video Game) The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (Film) Fascinating Now (Podcast) Gaming Terms: DM (Dungeon Master) Metagaming XP (Experience Points)