About this 3D model

The humble pykpyk remains the most reliable way to send messages to and from the frontline. Radios are heavy, unreliable, and insecure. Runners make for obvious targets. The pykypyk is a hard target to hit and easy to train, and pykpyk handlers are fiercely protective of their little herds. A fighting brigade requires a staggering number of pykpyks to support messaging. Consequently, every brigade needs to find some way to keep and transport these vital little critters on the move. One such solution is the “pykpyk omnibus” - a specially converted vehicle to keep a pykpyk colony safe, secure, and fed, so that headquarters can keep a steady stream of messages heading to the frontline. This particular pykpyk omnibus is “Big Elly.” This Tootyr Cadier 50 Stone originally served as an excursion omnibus, taking picknickers for rides into the hills and forests around the famous Kipplyug Spa, before it was pressed into service. The capacious roof rack and the frame mounts for picnic baskets were perfect for pykpyk baskets, and Big Elly’s passenger benches were removed and the interior refit with plenty of perches, hides, and nest boxes. Yawdryl Mungo Twym is Big Elly’s driver and the brigade’s senior pykpyk handler. No longer serving directly under fire at the front, he, like every pykpyk handler, takes great pains to keep his pykpyks happy, healthy, and safe. He knows exactly how many pykpyks are in his colony (79, in three distinct herds), how many are currently out on the frontline (15), how many he has lost this campaign (six due to illness or old age, one to enemy fire, three captured), and which are the best messengers (Precious, no contest), and which are the worst (Shorty, who is something of a punishment assignment). Today is a good day, because Queen Myaeb has just given birth to a big litter, every one of which shares her black eye stripe. A good omen for the future of Big Elly’s pykpyks!