What about a hairy rhino?

Also Icemen, I partially think they are a yeti, but they are described as not being taller than a man but wider with longer arms and heavy strength.
Anyone have thoughts on what the Children of the Sun and the other named only enemies -any idea what they are referencing?
Same thing about the Marat
I mean the Vord reminded me a bit of the Borg..

Levianthans cant be Gamera. For one thing they dont breath fire :p

I thought that Gargants were like Dire badgers. I think there is some reference to their smaller cousin the badger in First Lord's fury.  But Giant Sloth makes sense too.

I had a thought about Tarugas. maybe we split the difference and its one of the different dinos in the Triceratops family?

I am wondering if taurgas were hairy versions of Pachycephalosaurus

Also, I got confirmation from Jim that cats live 60-70yrs in Cinder Spires

Okay I know Im not the only one thats trying to figure out various costume details/questions so I figured that a thread that just on that area would be useful.

So my questions:
1. What are considered the colors of Spire Olympus?
2. How would their Guard attire vary (if at all) from Spire Albions?
3. Is there a Word of Jim on any colors that crystals can or cannot be?
4. Are there any other visual things for showing someone is a warrior born?

In re-reading through Aeronauts Windlass, I had a thought.
Everyone or it seems its common to all to have some minor telekinetic ability while Etheralists have major ability at a high cost.

Consider this, crystals are turned on and off by personal will. Over time crystals become less sensitive to individual's level and can only be activated/follow the mind of an etheralist.

For the spires, it sounds like they keep a higher than normal O2 ratio, which makes sense in a mostly enclosed environment but I also think the etheric currents have something to do with the rust fears. This would increase the chances of oxidation in copper but more than that, the Spirestone is specifically designed to harness and provide clean energy for all. The nexues and flows of etheric energy follow specific pathways on their jouney form the top to the surface.  The crystals absorb it. Also they have found a way to both contain energy in crystals and release it. Note the different types of grown crystals - lift, power, trim, gauntlets, and lumin. Yet as Folly explains they are based off the same core concept.  It also explains why the old power crystals get better over time. they are naturally grown and with the constant power fed to them grow, and reshape itself internally to become more efficent. I think the original power cores like the one in the Predator were found, not made and it was from them that was how the templates were made.

Gen Con, and PensaCon would both be cool if he came.
PensaCon is end of next month and is in Pensacola Fl. I think he d like all the DnD and other gaming thats being offered too.
GenCon would be cool too!

Incidentally, does anyone know what happened to Harry's shield bracelet or rings in Changes?  He's not wearing them at the end, but I don't recall him ever mentioning them being destroyed or lost.

Bottom of the lake?