It’s easier than that, it’s not feeding on the creatures protein and fat it’s predating on the creatures soul, or pain.
A creature of this size wouldn’t get there or stay there on victims stumbling into it. Especially in the deep desert, it’s victims are likely few and far between. When it gets a conscious species, it tortures it for 1,000 years until the things’ spirit and consciousness merge with the hive mind. They are clearly putting energy into maintaining the life of the victim.
I do a different kind of imagination work in my head for mysteries like this. The way you think seems very mundane and boring.
It’s easier than that, it’s not feeding on the creatures protein and fat it’s predating on the creatures soul, or pain.
A creature of this size wouldn’t get there or stay there on victims stumbling into it. Especially in the deep desert, it’s victims are likely few and far between. When it gets a conscious species, it tortures it for 1,000 years until the things’ spirit and consciousness merge with the hive mind. They are clearly putting energy into maintaining the life of the victim.
I do a different kind of imagination work in my head for mysteries like this. The way you think seems very mundane and boring.