The DNA Ravager

An apex predator of the Biggle Forest, the DNA ravager begins as a microbiota that attacks bacterial waste management sites on the epidermis of plant leaves. Once the ravager breaks through one plant cell, it copies native access keys and pattern recognition receptors that allow it to exchange with neighboring cells. It then hides its infiltration devices and consumes the plant. After feasting, ravager grows its digestion toolkit out, starting with familiar defenses and survivable poisons. By the time the ravager can attack organisms, it has evolved learning capabilities: it tests out VOCs on defense toxins, identifying which can neutralize them or turn them into food. Chak is fighting a ravager that can transform hundreds of attacks into substance for growth. If unchecked, these organotrophs eat through tree stands. The Dynasties offer hefty reward for their capture.