Zoops
Basic Information
Zoops are small burrowing rodents, distinguished by their stripes, many eyes, and a pouch to carry food or objects. Zoops are extremely skittish and prefer small spaces. Zoops belong to a collection of original species that live in Marrowood.
Realm: Fowbrah
Role: bringing creatures to Marrowood, and later to pai.
Endless vision: Zoops have complete vision in every direction, with no blind spots in any amount of light. It is rare for a zoop to close their eyes even when sleeping. They prefer dark places where they are closed in to avoid the overstimulation of the outside world.
Habitat: Caves
Diet: Roots, seeds and bugs
Temperament: hypervigilant, skittish, and protective
Bo the Zoop
On earth, Bo was a domesticated rat released onto the edge of a farm. They lived in constant fear of poison, traps, heavy machinery, and being discovered. Even so, they wanted to be around humans. Once in Marrowood, they took the form of a Zoop. This allowed them to see everything around them, and finally feel safe. They became close with the Marrowood creatures that used to be human becoming a part of a human family like they craved on earth.
Design
Zoops design is inspired by a variety of rodents and other creatures that are considered vermin including: rats, raccoons, skunks, possums, and chipmunks. I find the human relationship with these animals to be artistically interesting because of our tendency to devalue their lives out of inconvenience or a fear of disease and destruction. I hope the many eyes on the Zoops will get you to imagine the lives of these creatures as they constantly look out for danger.