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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
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