VHU, or Visualizing the Halo Universe, is a series created by PostMortem where Halo fans are invited to imagine what never-before-seen subjects of the Halo universe look like. This Round the subject chosen is: Merse.
As posted at the VisualizingTheHaloUniverse blog:
The merse were a strange aquatic creature, bred by the Librarian to guard Djamonkin Crater on ancient Earth, where the Didact was exiled in his first Cryptum. Said to resemble fleshy lily pads, they were carnivorous, possessing long black teeth, and a territorial behavior likely to scare away any wishing to cross the waters they inhabit. Fortunately, merse are also easily fooled into various behaviors, as they communicate with one another through an easily replicated form of song. The Ur-Didact has stated that he was never fond of merse, even though his wife raised them in the gardens of their home.
Whether you’re an artist, a fan of the Halo universe, or just plain feel like having some fun and jumping right in, all applicants are welcome to join in.