FOM: Nessie (Patreon)

Although often mistaken for some archaic marine reptile, the fabled Loch Ness Monsters is descended from a far more ancient group of oceanic predators, it is one of the very last of the dinocaridids. It is speculated that the species evolved in the sub-crustal ecosystems, one passage of which once led up into the Scottish Highlands. This passage was likely destroyed by glacial movements during the last ice age, trapping one individual in the Loch Ness.

This individual, which likely emerged from the subterranean world to produce offspring, became dormant in the much colder environment. Her numerous offspring gradually died off in the cold and prey-deficient environment, or cannibalized one another, although they may have contributed to legends of lake beasts in the region over the centuries. The all-mother of these comparatively wee beasties still slumbers beneath the Loch, waiting until awoken by rising temperatures.