SNAPDRAGON's PLAGUE ETTINS
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HINTS and TIPS

Plague Ettins require slightly different care to normal Ettins. The most noticeable
difference in their physiology is a requirement of histamines in order to function 
properly. Histamines are chemicals usually found in creatures due to poisoning and
infection, and they cause internal damage and sneezing and coughing. In Plague
Ettins, these toxins are necessary metabolic catalysts in the digestion of starch
and protein. A Plague Ettin won't die instantly if it is deprived of histamines, but
it will starve to death over time. The following FAQ style list may be of use in
their care:

Q. Will Plague Ettins make my other creatures ill?
A. Not if the Ettins have never been exposed to bacteria. They aren't born with bacteria
already attached, although they do have an initial histamine and antigen concentration 
which they can replenish providing they don't eat anything healthy! But this isn't a 
natural state for a Plague Ettin to be in, so the best thing is to keep them away from 
your other creatures.

Q. Some of the food in Docking Station has medicinal properties. Can it harm Plague 
Ettins?
A. Yes. If the Ettin isn't carrying bacteria, antibodies and antihistamines can do it
a lot of damage. If your Ettin is well and truly filthy, the bacteria should release 
fresh histamines and antigens into their systems, so they won't really be a problem
unless eaten in large quantities, although they can give your Ettins a bit of a sore 
stomach.

Q. So how do I ensure my Plague Ettins are nice and unhealthy?
A. Make sure they are kept somewhere there is plenty of bacteria! They'll tend to make 
for the jungle by instinct, but you can give them a quick pick-me-up by encouraging them
to eat detritus or manky, although this is no real substitute to being infected!

Q. Can I keep Plague Ettins with Toxic Norns?
A. I don't have Toxic Norns, but I downloaded and imported one to see. So far they seem
to get on quite well, so I would say yes. The only other currently available creature 
with an immune system strong enough to cope is Lis Morris's Gaia.

Q. Can I splice or breed them with normal Ettins?

A. You can, but the Plague Ettins are likely to sneeze on their prospective partners and
make them horribly ill. The other problem is that a lot of the offspring would be unable
to survive through having incompatible immune and digestive systems. You could try 
splicing them with Toxic Norns, although I don't know what you might get out.

Q. Will they steal things like normal Ettins do?

A. No. They get bored easily, just like normal Ettins, but they'll tend to play with 
toys or pester other Plague Ettins!


TIPS

Don't worry if they complain of being ill -- take it as a compliment!

Sneezing and coughing is normal -- it doesn't hurt them.

If you're using them in Docking Station, a third party bacteria maker and jungle smell
emitter may be very useful. I plan to release a bacterial spray and some other handy
objects with the Plague Ettin pack once it's complete.

Use the HoverDoc or the medical equipment in C3 to monitor histamine and antigen levels.
If your Ettin seems to have picked up antibodies from somewhere, try injecting it with
toxins. Plague Ettins are immune to toxins, and they can have a beneficial action against
antibodies.

