18 Is this a farm or a zoo? [Part 2]

One could almost call it a menagerie at this point. What farm had overweight, flame-breathing warthogs? Why did the shepherding creature look like a cross between a drunken Capuchin monkey and a platypus? So many questions, so many creatures. It would seem his initial worries about not having enough animals available was unfounded.

Bacon and other pork products would open up an entire range of possibilities for Zanir. He was salivating at the thought as he homed in on the infamous 'Fat Flame Hogs'. These bad boys were notorious for having a fiery temperament. They took the place of pigs but were much closer in resemblance to their wild boar ancestors.

A massive body frame was supported by legs that were so short and squat they almost looked out of place. The disproportionately large belly was so big that it even hindered the fat flame hog's gait. They could only waddle to and fro at a casual pace. Zanir could only wonder if they were born that fat or got that way over time.

His father assured him that they would eat almost anything and jokingly reminded him not to try feeding them by hand. He filled the trough up with some feed much to the hog's delight. There was a cacophony of squeals as they began to waddle over. Keen snouts always alerted them to the presence of meals.

They snorted and purred as they ate fervently and cleared the trough. Eating several helpings they kept going like bottomless pits. It was easy to see how they reached such a size. After so much food they entered a semi-comatose state as their eyes glazed over. Zanir knew this was the time to act. Soon enough he absorbed the first fat flame hog.

[Material analyzed:

Name: Fat Flame hog

Type: Mammal, Livestock

Rating: Level 3

Description: Fat Flame hogs are bulky, massively built animals with short and relatively thin legs. Territorial and aggressive they are voracious eaters. Reproducing rapidly their numbers are usually kept in strict control due to the cost of feeding. In times of distress they can activate unique enzymes that rapidly increase their metabolic rate. The stored fat then becomes the fuel for their flame breathe.]

One mystery had been solved with the information given. Nature gave these hefty hunks a larger than life figure so they could defend themselves with flame breath. He predicted that the little squeakers would probably be adorable when they were born. Almost everything was cute in baby form.

It didn't take long at all to gather the rest of the hogs needed. At this point a few of them had even started dozing off.

With one mystery down he wanted to find out more about the other creature he saw earlier. He asked his father about the curious little duck-billed monkey he saw herding some of the Big Horn cattle. True to Norantal's lackadaisical nomenclature it was called a 'Herder'. It seemed they just named things directly after whatever main features they had or whatever they did.

It was a small two legged creature with long arms ending in webbed hands. Strongly resembling a tiny monkey it had a duck-billed snout and a flat beaver-like tail. Similarly webbed feet showed this guy was just as comfortable on land or water. Fiercely intelligent they were known for their curiosity and playful nature. It was said that they learned to herd by observing humans during early contact.

Able to use tools, it wasn't an issue for them to herd creatures many times their size. A shepherd's crook, by itself, wouldn't cause them to even notice a herder. The reason they respected the smaller animal was it's venomous ankle glands. Potent venom was contained within that would cause excruciating pain to the point that it could incapacitate.

Young animals learned quickly why the rest of the herd obeyed the Herders.

Being curious by nature the Herders gathered around Zanir to examine him. He was able to share food with them which quickly earned the Herder's trust. It wasn't long before he was able to absorb one.

[Material analyzed:

Name: Herder

Type: Mammal, Livestock

Rating: Level 2

Description: Herders are unusual bipedal mammals. They lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young like most mammals. Highly intelligent they have been witnessed using rocks to smash open hard nuts and fruits for consumption. Domestication has allowed the animal to live together with humans and observe them. These clever creatures are able to learn to do many basic tasks.]

After the first Herder was absorbed the others reacted in a shocked manner. They backed up and watched Zanir with wide eyes. He released the Herder back out and it went over to reassure the others. The rest of the group came over eagerly after whatever explanation it gave them. It was smooth sailing once he had gained their trust.

Taking the final Herder he stopped but the remaining animals were confused. They didn't understand why they couldn't come as well. Only after he let them back out did they converse and reach and consensus on who to send in. The chosen Herders looked very proud and said their goodbyes to the rest who would stay behind for now.

The fourth species of livestock didn't unlock the subroutine. He'd have to continue wrangling around the farm. As Zanir planned to move on he heard the sound of several people approaching on horseback. As he saw who coming he rolled his eyes. It was the tax collector's men. His father shot him a serious look.

"Just let me do the talking boy. Try to stay quiet."