A Cloudy, as photographed by a person who claims the creature later collected their entire house.
"The Cloudy" (scientific name: Nubes varia), often affectionately nicknamed "False Clouds," is a peculiar creature known for its unique adaptations. These remarkable organisms exhibit a fascinating behavior of literally collecting any objects they encounter, incorporating them into their form. They are also capable of significantly changing their physical size, expanding or contracting based on their environment or collected matter. Often mistaken for regular weather phenomena or unusual geological formations, their true nature is revealed only upon closer inspection, making them a master of natural deception.
Behavior
Cloudies are renowned for their insatiable drive to collect. They absorb a wide range of materials and structures into their amorphous forms, from small debris to entire houses. This collection process is not purely for growth; it also serves as a primary method of camouflage and defense. Their ability to alter their mass and volume allows them to adapt to diverse environments, often blending seamlessly with their surroundings by mimicking local topography or existing cloud formations, which is why they are so commonly mistaken for atmospheric clouds or landmasses.
Sustenance and Habitat
While Cloudies are not known to actively hunt, their collected matter is believed to be slowly broken down and absorbed, providing nutrients or energy. The exact metabolism of Nubes varia is still under study, but it is hypothesized they can extract residual energy from organic compounds or derive sustenance from atomic bonds within inorganic materials. This unique form of sustenance allows them to thrive in environments with limited traditional food sources. Cloudies are exceptionally adaptable and can be found in various biomes, from high altitudes mimicking atmospheric clouds to terrestrial environments, where they often appear as unusual formations or large, moving heaps of debris. Their global distribution is wide, spanning nearly all continents and oceans, meaning they can be encountered almost anywhere on the planet, though specific populations tend to concentrate in areas with abundant discarded objects or complex weather patterns.