Muttation List

Our winners for Mutt Contest VIII are Stare (Kodama), Lei (Ahuizotl), Kay (Chupacabra), and Chaos (Cipactli). Thank you!


Dart Jaguar — (Jungle, Shrine Ruins, Overgrown Garden) Like many Capitol experiments, these beautiful mixes of jaguar and poison dart frog didn’t turn out the way they were supposed to. The idea was to create huge cats that could not only rip rebels to pieces, but also poison anyone who attempted to fight back. Unfortunately, no way could be found to make the cats excrete poison; the meat is inedible, and you’d better stay away from their bodily fluids, but their skin is safe to touch. They also lost the advantage of the jaguar’s camouflage; though their base coat is still tan, their spots have taken on the brilliant jewel-like colors of the frogs, making them gorgeous but easy to spot. Simple external contact with their poison is enough to paralyze any tribute for several hours, and if it gets into your body, a painful death will follow within half an hour. (You probably won't make it that long, though, because most victims get torn apart and eaten long before that.)
30 HP. Poisonous. No Food Classification.

Pitfall Lizard — (Everywhere but Lake) Parts lizard, snake, and some trapdoor spider, this grotesque beast was originally designed to take out supply roads and other paths frequented by rebels. They were designed to dig networks of tunnels and caves under the specified area so it would collapse when enough weight was placed on it and perhaps kill the rebels involved with its lethal venom. However, these Lizards were deemed inefficient, given that their "traps" so to speak — nearly 25 feet deep, wide holes about two feet from the surface of the ground — did not always collapse, were not always dug in the right place, and were not always inhabited by a Pitfall Lizard to finish off any unfortunate being trapped. Like many of the muttations, the project was abandoned — however, few of the Lizards were actually found by the retrieval squads. These are completely inedible — even their bright orange eggs are poisonous. If you manage to get bitten, you have about three hours to live.
30 hp. Poisonous. No Food Classification.

Cave Rats — (Tomb, Temple of Sacrifice, Hall of Treasure) Many people will tell you that bats are nothing more than rats with wings. These mutts give truth to that statement. Originally developed to light the way underground so Capitol operatives didn’t have to carry lights with them, these rodents combine the hardiness and dexterity of rats with bats’ wings, and their tail is bioluminescent (courtesy of firefly genes). They are exceedingly stupid, however, and could not be trained, so the Capitol gave up on them and left them to the caves. They were actually meant to be cleared out of the Arena, but they’re a pain to dig out of their crevices when they don’t want to be found, so the Gamemakers threw up their hands and said to leave them. It’s not like they’re very useful anyway.
5 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification.

Tree Rabbits — (Overgrown Garden, Jungle) Surprises of surprises, here we actually have a mutt that did what it was supposed to. These critters were bred as convenient food sources, and have done a phenominal job of living up to their expectations. Mostly rabbit, but with wings and hollow bones from the blended DNA of several birds, they live in or under trees. They are completely docile, allowing their breeders to kill them without fuss. However, their breeders must all but hand-raise them, as it takes some time for them to become accustomed enough to someone to allow close approach. When faced with strangers, especially loud ones, they are easily scared and will run or take flight, whichever gets them away faster.
N/A HP. Not poisonous. Classified as Small Game.

Sabertooth Bat — (Jungle, Shrine Ruins, Temple of Sacrifice, Hall of Treasure) At first glance, Sabertooth Bats appear to be regular bats. They come in various shades of black, brown, gray, and even reddish-orange, and dwell in similar types of places. If you saw one flying at you, though, the difference between the two species would be immediately apparent: protruding out of the mouths' of these Capitol muttations are two poisonous fangs that grow up to six inches in length. The Capitol combined the genes of large fruit bats, long extinct Sabertooth Tigers, and even a particularly venomous species of viper to create a creature with a wingspan of up to 6 feet with superior night vision, perfect for tracking rebels who may try to run under the cover of night. Their one weakness, though, is that somewhere in the mix they acquired glowing eyes; if you spot a luminous pair of orbs in the darkness, you may just have a chance to escape.
8 hp. Poisonous. No food classification.

Tent-Making Anteater — (Jungle, Shrine Ruins, Temple of Sacrifice) Despite their name, these mutations actually owe more to bats’ DNA than giant anteaters’. With bodies that are four to five feet long and wingspans to match, they look formidable. However, since their only real use was to build shelter for Capitol forces, they were specifically designed to be as neutral as possible. This is the primary reason for using anteater material; the bats’ upper and lower jaw are fused into an anteater’s long, thin tube, restricting them to a diet of ants, termites, and the like. Their introduction to the Arena has little to do with fighting, and much more to do with the fact that they are fascinated by makeshift shelters and have a tendency to get so enthusiastic in examining tributes’ housing that they collapse it on the tribute. That said, they will attack if they deem it necessary, and those large claws pack a nasty punch.
20 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification.

Guard Granadillos — (Everywhere but Lake) Guard Granadillos are usually knee high in size. These Granadillos were bred to serve as guard dogs, because of their rocky appearance they could be posted outside restricted areas and be mistaken as rocks and therefore ignored. Guard Granadillos are extremely vicious, and will attack anyone who gets too close to the place they are guarding. They can be trained to guard a specific area and to patrol up to a one mile radius. Guard Granadillos work well in packs, and are actually capable of setting up guard rotations, if adequately trained.
20 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification.

Digitamole — (Snake Pit, Tomb, Overgrown Garden) As a means to rid roots of undesirable plants (like rebel food supply), the Rootnibblers would dig underground and basically eat any root - along with their invertebrate diet. The special Rootnibblers are given the name 'Digitamoles'. In the Hunger Games, they are modified, developing an 'acquired' taste for human toes. While hardly bigger than a beagle dog, they have extremely strong upper limbs, breaking through the earth and grabbing by the legs. Giving a thorough licking with long tongues, the dark-brown moles taste the shoe or toes, and their sharp teeth pierce any armor and munch off digits. They will take as many as they can, blinking beady eyes and blood smearing on their long snouts. They hardly look different from a normal mole, minus the detail of a white triangle on the back. They are mostly-blind creatures.
10 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification.

Swallowfish — (Lake) During the dark days, the rebels had a tendency to make their encampments near water. Because of this, Capitol scientists created the Swallowfish, a two-foot-long mutt with the combined genes of a gator and a piranha that had the capacity to swallow practically anything - namely invaluable rebel plans - and return it to Capitol spies waiting nearby. The main problem, though, was that the creatures would not consent to spitting whatever-it-was back out; the rebel plans would remain inside the chamber in the stomach of the Swallowfish unless surgically removed. Nowadays, the Swallowfish can be found in any body of water, large or small. The scaly, four-legged creature enjoys sneaking up on unwary beach-goers and gobbling up their belongings - and maybe their fingers, too, as an added bonus.
15 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification.

Macromantula — (Jungle) The intent was to create a larger species of spider, one that would spin thicker, stronger silk that could be used by the Capitol for various purposes. Capitol scientists were able to achieve this with the genes of a normal tarantula and some growth hormone; however, rather than the house cat-sized spider they’d been aiming for, they’d ended up with a massive brute of an arachnid, as tall as a small elephant with a legspan of over ten feet. These beasts were untamable; they would encase their caregivers in thick webs of silk, then inject their lethal poison into their bloodstream, killing them within the hour. After seeing how serious the problem was, the Capitolites decided that these creations could not be allowed to live; they managed to kill most, but some of the Macromantulas escaped into the wild, and continue to multiply deep within the darkest forests of Panem.
Poisonous. No food classification. 30 hp.

Armored Sloth — (Jungle, Shrine Ruins) The sad thing about the Armored Sloth is that it actually works exactly like it's designed to. Why on earth the Capitol scientists wanted to combine two of the slowest creatures is beyond anyone, but it does its job: that is, it drops out of trees and onto the heads of whoever is passing by below. Their shells and tough, scaly skin protect the Armored Sloths as they fall and their sharp claws make a good defense once they are on the ground. The trouble is, the sloths are exceedingly slow and can only make one attack in the time most other creatures make two.
55 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification. (Attack every other post.)

Kantutzan – (Everywhere) Although the giant snake is cold-blooded, his resemblance to regular serpents ends there. In past Games, Kantutzan held his main job in the after-Games cleanup, prowling the Arena after being let loose by the Gamemakers to clear out all of the smaller, weaker mutts the Capitol produced. In fact, he does his job almost too well. With a head at each end of his giant body and the ability to slither over the ground at great speeds, he gobbles up any living – and often non-living - thing in his path with his giant fangs as he crushes his way through the landscape. Sensitive to changes in temperature, he sometimes likes to take shelter away from the sweltering heat in the shadows provided by the Arena.
40 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification. (Two attacks per post.)

Nakom — (Jungle, Shrine Ruins, Overgrown Gardens) As beautiful and brutal as the jungles they inhabit, Nakoms travel in colorful swarms that move as one mind. Small animals stream out in front of the hand-sized butterflies, almost comical in their desperate escape from army ant jaws. Years ago Nakoms cleared out dangerous predators so Capitol armies could travel safely, but the swarms were gassed and the project discontinued when they lived up to their name—conquerors—a little too well, leaving the land devoid of all food and then turning on their creators and charges. They are hard to frighten and even harder to escape, which is what makes them such exciting opponents for tributes—along with the fact that they have little regard for whether they kill something before eating it.
25 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification.

Snapping Deer – (Lake, Overgrown Garden, Tomb, Pyramid) Bow-legged and short, Snapping Deer are awkward creatures both on land and in water. Fortunately, effectiveness is rather more important than beauty. They were originally intended as a docile and durable source of venison, but turned vicious when a lab technician accidentally mixed up snapping turtle genes and green sea turtle genes during the final round of synthesis. The old formula was easily recovered, but the failed batch was saved for use in the Arenas.
20 HP. Not poisonous. Classified as Large Game.

Etmut – (Everywhere) This vicious bird of prey is a hawk and toucan mix, most notably recognized by the colorful, serrated beak in the center of its face. This species of bird has a body about two feet in length, but with a larger wingspan due to its hawk genes. With the spectacular eyesight and claws of a hawk and the colorful appearance and serrated bill of a toucan, it’s an especially gifted hunter. The Capitol scientists originally started with dozens of species of birds, and planned to create an animal that might bode well as an expensive pet. Soon, however, their mixture created the Etmut, and found that the bird was extremely majestic – but with an ugly temper and the habit of clawing at anyone in close proximity. Accident or not, the scientists decided to throw the birds into the Arena, where they are more than likely to be unfriendly.
20 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification.

Ichtecqui – (Hall of Treasure, Jungle, Overgrown Garden, Golden Pyramid) One can be forgiven for making the mistake of trusting an Ichtecqui. Their wide eyes and tiny limbs beg to be picked up, and their soft fur is enticing. But those lithe, adorable muttations were built to steal, and they aren't afraid to tear up anyone who gets between them and their objectives. Most of the time they work peacefully; one or two will distract an item's guardians while one or two others grab and run. If that fails, though, they can and will attack, flinging rocks with their delicate-looking hands or biting fiercely. All the while they shriek at the top of their tiny lungs, hoping to disconcert their victims or draw allies to the scene. Rarely used in the field because they often ignore their directions, they are nevertheless invaluable in the Arena—after all, what viewer doesn't like a fuzzy killing machine?
15 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification.

Kodama — (Everywhere) If one did not know better, they would think the Kodoma a ghost. The creature moves in absolute silence, with a body that looks somewhat similar to a human's in that it stands upright and have two arms and two legs. The similarities stop there, though, for this particular mutt has a wide, round abdomen, no fingers or toes, and an oval head with two dark eyes and an equally dark mouth, so that the three features can barely be distinguished from each other. The rest of its body is opalescent, smooth, and free of even the slightest feature, and it's tiny, maybe a foot and a half tall at most (link). The Kodama are generally a puzzling creature. Unlike most mutts, they were created to cheer up people in the Capitol who were old, sick, or depressed, meant to be a kind of therapy. Their behavior didn't exactly go as planned, though - the creatures would often just stand there, making an occasional call that sounded high pitched and distant. They amused patients, however, and were therefor kept. In the Arena, they have been known to be actually helpful. They travel in packs and often do little more than watch tributes with their wide eyes and bring them food. Still, their presence has been known to be greatly calming to many, even the unlucky teenagers slated for almost certain death.
N/A HP. No food classification. Not poisonous.
Credit to Stare.

Ahuizotl (or Water Mongrel) — (Lake, Tomb, Golden Pyramid, Temple of Sacrifice) The Ahuizotl were developed by the Capitol as a means to keep the Avoxes that work beneath the streets in the intricate network of sewers from wandering too far from their stations, as well as to keep rebels from entering the Capitol through the underground maze. A cross between a dog and an over-sized otter, the Ahuizotl can stand up to three and a half feet tall with slick, rubbery fur and black, bottomless eyes. It possesses webbed feet that help propel it through the water as well as a dog-like snout set with several rows of straight, sharp teeth similar to that of a piranha's. It's not the teeth and claws you have to look out for, though - the real threat is in the large, clawed hand at the end of its tail, which it uses to latch on to its victims and drag them to a watery grave. Victims of the Ahuizotl are usually found intact but missing bits of their flesh as well as their nails, eyes, and teeth. They're rather picky eaters.
25 HP. Not poisonous. Classified as Large Game.
Credit to Lei.

Chupacabra — (Everywhere) A mutt experiment gone horribly wrong, the Chupacabra was always intended to be used in the Games. It just wasn't intended to be quite so horrific. This creature stands at 3" maximum, with oval-shaped pure obsidian eyes, a plume of razor-sharp spines over its head and back, a thick tail and reptilian skin. It walks upright like a human, but its humanity ends there. Evidence of the Chupacabra can be seen throughout the arena, as it always dismembers its kills, leaving the majority of the carcass behind to mark its territory. If the Chupacabra is released, the Gamemakers will be watching it very closely, in order to whisk the bodies of fallen tributes away before it can use them as territory markers.
30 HP. Not poisonous. No food classification.
Credit to Kay.

Cipactli — (Lake, Hall of Treasure, Overgrown Garden, Jungle) In true Capitol form, this beast was never meant to become what it is today. This little crocodile started out as a potential scientific breakthrough - what if it was possible to regenerate tissue into specific organs? They kept it in a little watery tub deep in one of their laboratories, separated from others, and initial signs were promising. Cutting off part of its tail resulted in it growing back, albeit stunted. Yanking teeth saw them returning. But, as most scientists do, they grew bored with the predictable results and decided to try something entirely different; splicing it with foreign DNA and seeing what the results would be. Unfortunately, it didn't work out too well. Its tail grew wider and more fish-like, gills sprouted upon the sides of its neck, and the webs between its hands increased for silent water movement. The strangest - and perhaps most terrifying - problem was that it grew mouths upon every joint of its body with the same rows of razor-sharp teeth to compensate for its now unsatiable appetite. They had to try and dispose of it because it was then deemed too dangerous with its intimidating size and unpredictable temper... what better place than a waterlogged arena?
30 HP. Not poisonous. Classified as Large Game. (2 attacks per post)
Credit to Chaos.