Illuster Meadow - Biome type: Short-grass prairie.
Rapax River - Biome type: Freshwater swift river. Brackish water near the Terminus sea sides.
Viride Forest - Biome type: Temperate deciduous forest.
The Dawn Court - Biome type:
Illuster Meadow is a short-grass prairie meadow that is populated by few (if any) trees. In their place, there is a wide variety of grass, shrubs, and flowers to occupy the landscape. A few of the more iconic species in the meadow include Purple Moor Grass, Eulalia Grass, Finestem Needlegrass, and the Lady’s Hourglass Pitcher. The flowers include various species like Butterfly Milkweed, Red Poppies, Bee Balm, Blue Vervain, Culver’s Root – and in addition to medicinal properties, they are all vivid, fragrant, and attract enormous insect life. Due to the low tree cover, there are few large species of mammals other than small herds of Wood Bison. The more pronounced and unusual of the smaller mammal species include Giant Anteaters, Burrowing Owls, and an abundance of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs. But beware, as the pleasant flowers belie the danger within: Massasauga Rattlesnakes and the Imperial Hounds prove some danger to those traversing.
None.
Eulalia Grass (Miscanthus sinensis): A herbaceous perennial bunchgrass with dense clumps of tall blades that form purplish, feathered panicles near the end. This grass can grow to be 3 to 7 feet tall on average – possibly even as tall as 13 feet.
Feathergrass (Stipa tenuissima)
A herbaceous perennial bunchgrass with dense clumps of medium length blades that form yellowish, feathered panicles near the end. This grass can grow to be 24 inches tall.
Lady's Hourglass Pitcher (Sarracenia arborescens): This mythical species is classified as a large shrub, and is a grand and hardy carnivorous plant with a tall, thick stalk (3-5 feet in height). Large fan-like leaves sprout along the stem. Flowers bloom at the very top and bottom only, and are a bulbous type of pitcher plant that features two connected pitchers, one right on top of the other to form an hour-glass like shape with an operculum on top. The first secretes a nectar along the rim to lure in prey, while the inside walls are slick with a lubricant-like secretion. It collects water and whatever may land in it, but for any prey that is too large to float on top, there is a ‘secondary’ set of jaws that act very much like a venus flytrap, grabbing prey and then receding into the second pitcher. The second pitcher is fed solely by the first, and has no opening of its own. It filters the water down into the stem, and has a very viscous and extremely acidic digestive enzyme in it to dissolve anything else in the water. The first pitcher has no digestive enzymes and is perfectly safe to drink from… so long as you don’t stick your tongue too far down!
Purple Moor-Grass (Molinea caerulea): A herbaceous perennial bunchgrass with coarse, thin blades that develop purple panicles near the end. This grass can grow to be 35 inches tall.
Feathergrass (Stipa tenuissima)
A herbaceous perennial bunchgrass with dense clumps of medium length blades that form yellowish, feathered panicles near the end. This grass can grow to be 24 inches tall.
Lady's Hourglass Pitcher (Sarracenia arborescens): This mythical species is classified as a large shrub, and is a grand and hardy carnivorous plant with a tall, thick stalk (3-5 feet in height). Large fan-like leaves sprout along the stem. Flowers bloom at the very top and bottom only, and are a bulbous type of pitcher plant that features two connected pitchers, one right on top of the other to form an hour-glass like shape with an operculum on top. The first secretes a nectar along the rim to lure in prey, while the inside walls are slick with a lubricant-like secretion. It collects water and whatever may land in it, but for any prey that is too large to float on top, there is a ‘secondary’ set of jaws that act very much like a venus flytrap, grabbing prey and then receding into the second pitcher. The second pitcher is fed solely by the first, and has no opening of its own. It filters the water down into the stem, and has a very viscous and extremely acidic digestive enzyme in it to dissolve anything else in the water. The first pitcher has no digestive enzymes and is perfectly safe to drink from… so long as you don’t stick your tongue too far down!
Purple Moor-Grass (Molinea caerulea): A herbaceous perennial bunchgrass with coarse, thin blades that develop purple panicles near the end. This grass can grow to be 35 inches tall.
Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa): A herbaceous perennial wildflower that occurs in large clumps with lance-shaped toothed leaves and lavender flowers. This wildflower can grow to be 3 feet tall. It has potential medicinal uses, including for cold treatments, poultices for minor wounds and infections, and as an antiseptic.
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata): A herbaceous perennial wildflower that has small to medium leaves, square stems, and small purple flowers on petite racemes. This wildflower can grow to be 4 feet tall. It has potential medicinal uses, including for nerve damage repair and to relieve stress/tension.
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): A perennial flowering plant with long thin leaves, with clustered orange or yellow flowers that attract various insect and birdlife. This plant can grow to be 3 feet tall.
Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum): A herbaceous perennial wildflower that has serrated leaves arranged in whorls, with densely clustered white flowers on long racemes. This wildflower can grow to be 5 feet tall. It has a slight potential medicinal use for curing liver disorders, but requires very special preparation. If not prepared exactly, it is far more toxic and dangerous than helpful.
Red Poppy (Papaver rhoeas): A herbaceous annual wildflower with thin, weed-like leaves and vivid red flowers. This wildflower can grow to be 27 inches tall, and are the most distinctive species within Illuster.
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata): A herbaceous perennial wildflower that has small to medium leaves, square stems, and small purple flowers on petite racemes. This wildflower can grow to be 4 feet tall. It has potential medicinal uses, including for nerve damage repair and to relieve stress/tension.
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): A perennial flowering plant with long thin leaves, with clustered orange or yellow flowers that attract various insect and birdlife. This plant can grow to be 3 feet tall.
Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum): A herbaceous perennial wildflower that has serrated leaves arranged in whorls, with densely clustered white flowers on long racemes. This wildflower can grow to be 5 feet tall. It has a slight potential medicinal use for curing liver disorders, but requires very special preparation. If not prepared exactly, it is far more toxic and dangerous than helpful.
Red Poppy (Papaver rhoeas): A herbaceous annual wildflower with thin, weed-like leaves and vivid red flowers. This wildflower can grow to be 27 inches tall, and are the most distinctive species within Illuster.
Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus): A medium sized rodent that has tan fur, lighter colored bellies, and black tipped-tails. They can weigh as much as 3 pounds and be 16 inches long. They dig massive burrow systems referred to as “prairie dog towns,” and can have hundreds of members in their colonies. They are intelligent, and their sophisticated alert system is a good indicator if a predator is nearby.
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia): A small owl species that has evolved to sprint as well as fly, with small beaks, large yellow eyes, and brown and white barred feathers. This bird can grow to be 11 inches long, weigh up to 8.5 ounces, and have a wingspan of 24 inches. Despite their name, they do not create the burrows they inhabit – but rather use abandoned Prairie Dog dens.
Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): A large insectivorous mammal with a distinctly elongated snout, large bushy tail, and fur that ranges from black to gray to white. They can grow to be 85 pounds and 7 feet long.
Imperial Hound (Canis geoindigator): A distant relative of the coyote, this large mythical species is found exclusively on the land of Novus. They can grow to be 5 feet long, 3.5 feet high, and weigh up to 180 pounds. Their bodies are larger than their relatives, but short and heavily muscled in stature, keeping them low to the ground while maintaining their power. Their snouts are longer and nose bridges more convex than their relatives, but their most notable evolution are their front paws. Wide with hearty joints and long, thick claws like a mole suitable for digging, each digit is connected by a membrane to make them more efficient. Their back paws feature smaller, but sharper claws, with a noticeably enlarged dewclaw, meant for clinging to prey. Overall their coats are more slick and short than any standard coyote, with their tail being far thinner and shorter. Still a highly carnivorous predator, they feast on all in the land – from the prairie dogs who they are easily equipped to dig out of their burrows, to the large ungulate prey who they can ambush in quick bursts. They are highly intelligent creatures, raising pups in matriarchal packs of 3 – 4 members.
Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae): A massive, shoulder-heavy ungulate species, with heavy, coarse fur on their front half and very thin fur on their haunches. They travel in small herds, passing between the meadow and the woods and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. While not naturally aggressive, they can be if provoked or threatened.
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia): A small owl species that has evolved to sprint as well as fly, with small beaks, large yellow eyes, and brown and white barred feathers. This bird can grow to be 11 inches long, weigh up to 8.5 ounces, and have a wingspan of 24 inches. Despite their name, they do not create the burrows they inhabit – but rather use abandoned Prairie Dog dens.
Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): A large insectivorous mammal with a distinctly elongated snout, large bushy tail, and fur that ranges from black to gray to white. They can grow to be 85 pounds and 7 feet long.
Imperial Hound (Canis geoindigator): A distant relative of the coyote, this large mythical species is found exclusively on the land of Novus. They can grow to be 5 feet long, 3.5 feet high, and weigh up to 180 pounds. Their bodies are larger than their relatives, but short and heavily muscled in stature, keeping them low to the ground while maintaining their power. Their snouts are longer and nose bridges more convex than their relatives, but their most notable evolution are their front paws. Wide with hearty joints and long, thick claws like a mole suitable for digging, each digit is connected by a membrane to make them more efficient. Their back paws feature smaller, but sharper claws, with a noticeably enlarged dewclaw, meant for clinging to prey. Overall their coats are more slick and short than any standard coyote, with their tail being far thinner and shorter. Still a highly carnivorous predator, they feast on all in the land – from the prairie dogs who they are easily equipped to dig out of their burrows, to the large ungulate prey who they can ambush in quick bursts. They are highly intelligent creatures, raising pups in matriarchal packs of 3 – 4 members.
Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae): A massive, shoulder-heavy ungulate species, with heavy, coarse fur on their front half and very thin fur on their haunches. They travel in small herds, passing between the meadow and the woods and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. While not naturally aggressive, they can be if provoked or threatened.
Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus): A venomous rattlesnake/pit viper with distinctive coloration: gray base with solid black splotches along the spine, and three rows of smaller, alternating black spots along the sides. It is generally not aggressive unless cornered or stepped on, but its venom is potentially deadly, as it is severely cytotoxic (destroys tissue) and prevents blood clotting.
None.
Rapax River - Biome type: Freshwater swift river. Brackish water near the Terminus sea sides.
Rapax River is a freshwater river – deep in some areas, shallow and rapid in others – home to hundreds of various freshwater fish of all colors, sizes, and types. One of the most intelligent and largest aquatic species within Rapax is not actually a fish, but rather a mammal! The Pink River Dolphin traverses all aspects of the massive river, aside from the exceptionally shallow portions. On the opposite end of the spectrum and in line with the dangers of the slippery slopes and sharp rocks of Rapax, the Goliath Tigerfish poses a significant risk as it roams the deeper waters. And while they may not be carnivorous, equines should note that the Tigerfish is incredibly aggressive and will often attack those wading into the waters.
None.
Water Willow (Justicia americana): A herbaceous, aquatic flowering plant found within the shaols and riffles of the Rapax River. The stems grow underwater from a creeping rhizome, with small linear leaves and pale-colored flowers.
None.
Pink River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis): A very unique and highly intelligent aquatic mammal, distinguished by its unique long snout and angular back, with their skin color ranging from gray to mottled pink. They can grow to be 7.5 feet long and weigh up to 410 pounds. Despite their size, they do not pose a significant risk to wading equines - instead, they are noted as being very friendly and interactive.
River Otter (Iontra canadensis): A semiaquatic burrowing mammal with a long streamlined body, thick tail, webbed feet, and tiny ears almost flush to their head. They are opportunistic feeders, and will prey upon whatever is most readily available - whether it be small vertebrates, fish, or crustaceans. This mammal can grow to be 42 inches long and weigh up to 25 pounds.
Double-Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus): An iconic semi-aquatic bird with black body feathers, orange skin around their hooked bills, a stocky body with long neck, webbed feet, and fan-like tail. They are a species of bird that is best known for diving into the water to spear fish. Their feathers do not have an oily layer that keeps them dry - which would make it hard for them to dive and swim underwater - so after each time, they must dry out their feathers. They will often be spotted sitting on banks or logs with their wings spread out. This bird can grow to be 35 inches long, weigh up to 5.5 pounds, and have a wingspan of 48 inches.
River Otter (Iontra canadensis): A semiaquatic burrowing mammal with a long streamlined body, thick tail, webbed feet, and tiny ears almost flush to their head. They are opportunistic feeders, and will prey upon whatever is most readily available - whether it be small vertebrates, fish, or crustaceans. This mammal can grow to be 42 inches long and weigh up to 25 pounds.
Double-Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus): An iconic semi-aquatic bird with black body feathers, orange skin around their hooked bills, a stocky body with long neck, webbed feet, and fan-like tail. They are a species of bird that is best known for diving into the water to spear fish. Their feathers do not have an oily layer that keeps them dry - which would make it hard for them to dive and swim underwater - so after each time, they must dry out their feathers. They will often be spotted sitting on banks or logs with their wings spread out. This bird can grow to be 35 inches long, weigh up to 5.5 pounds, and have a wingspan of 48 inches.
Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus): One of the largest species of salamander, this amphibian is unique in more than one way. Once larva transition to become adults, they are able to become either semi-aquatic (like a standard salamander), or stay fully aquatic (referred to as a "Neotenic adult" or "Neotenes") and retain their gills. Their coloration ranges from a reddish-tan to a dark reddish-brown, with a dark reticulate pattern. Neotenes will lack the reticulation and be a fully reddish-brown color. Large adults can grow to be 13 inches long and weigh up to 114 g/.25 pounds.
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata): A medium sized turtle with a long tail, dark brown or dull olive shell, and a yellow-ish underbelly with dark splotches. Males have a pale yellow throat. They can grow to be 10 inches long.
Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei): A small-sized aquatic frog found in the fast-flowing sections of Rapax. Adults are roughly 1-2 inches long, with tadpoles being less than an inch in length.
Green Snaketail Dragonfly (Ophiogomphus cecilia): A vibrantly green, insectivorious dragonfly with black patterning and translucent wings. They can grow to be three inches long.
Dobsonfly (Corydalus cornutus): A large, insectivorious flying insect with long mandibles, tan body, golden semi-translucent wings, and long antennae. Their larvae are aquatic creatures called hellgrammites, and are a top invertebrate predatory of the stream. The larvae can be 2.5 inches long, and the adults can be 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 5 inches.
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata): A medium sized turtle with a long tail, dark brown or dull olive shell, and a yellow-ish underbelly with dark splotches. Males have a pale yellow throat. They can grow to be 10 inches long.
Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei): A small-sized aquatic frog found in the fast-flowing sections of Rapax. Adults are roughly 1-2 inches long, with tadpoles being less than an inch in length.
Green Snaketail Dragonfly (Ophiogomphus cecilia): A vibrantly green, insectivorious dragonfly with black patterning and translucent wings. They can grow to be three inches long.
Dobsonfly (Corydalus cornutus): A large, insectivorious flying insect with long mandibles, tan body, golden semi-translucent wings, and long antennae. Their larvae are aquatic creatures called hellgrammites, and are a top invertebrate predatory of the stream. The larvae can be 2.5 inches long, and the adults can be 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 5 inches.
Goliath Tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath): A highly predatory fish that is easily recognizable by its massive, sharp teeth. This fish can grow to be 5 feet long and weigh over 110 pounds. While it normally feeds on smaller fish, it can pose a threat to equines that wade within the waters. It is highly territorial and a bite from this immense fish can inflict serious damage.
Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis): A freshwater trout with a distinctive red underbelly and cloacal fins, dark brown or olive green body, and yellow and red speckles. At their largest, they can grow to be 35 inches long and weigh up to 15 pounds. Average sizes are up to 25 inches long and 6.5 pounds.
Arctic Grayling (Thymallus articus): A freshwater fish with a silver-gray body, black flecking, and fins that have a distinctive red, pink, or yellow tinge. They are most easily recognized by their uniquely shaped dorsal fin tha thas distinctive red spots.
Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula): A large freshwater fish with a shark-like body with a unique paddle-shaped rostrum that inhabits the slow-moving areas and basins of Rapax. They can grow to be 5 feet long and weigh up to 75-100 pounds.
Butterfly Peacock Bass (Chichla ocellaris): A large freshwater chichlid with a vivid yellow body, red eyes, reddish lower fins, blueish upper fins, and dark brown to black banding. Their tail fin is half blue and half red with a singular eye-spot near the top. They can grow to be 30 inches long and weigh up to 20 pounds.
Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus): A medium sized freshwater sunfish with a reddish-brown body, darker banding, golden belly, and red eyes with similarly colored streaks running across the cheek scales. They can grow to be 10 inches long and weigh up to 2.25 pounds.
Additionally, various species of freshwater fish (ranging from 4 to 10 inches).
Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis): A freshwater trout with a distinctive red underbelly and cloacal fins, dark brown or olive green body, and yellow and red speckles. At their largest, they can grow to be 35 inches long and weigh up to 15 pounds. Average sizes are up to 25 inches long and 6.5 pounds.
Arctic Grayling (Thymallus articus): A freshwater fish with a silver-gray body, black flecking, and fins that have a distinctive red, pink, or yellow tinge. They are most easily recognized by their uniquely shaped dorsal fin tha thas distinctive red spots.
Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula): A large freshwater fish with a shark-like body with a unique paddle-shaped rostrum that inhabits the slow-moving areas and basins of Rapax. They can grow to be 5 feet long and weigh up to 75-100 pounds.
Butterfly Peacock Bass (Chichla ocellaris): A large freshwater chichlid with a vivid yellow body, red eyes, reddish lower fins, blueish upper fins, and dark brown to black banding. Their tail fin is half blue and half red with a singular eye-spot near the top. They can grow to be 30 inches long and weigh up to 20 pounds.
Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus): A medium sized freshwater sunfish with a reddish-brown body, darker banding, golden belly, and red eyes with similarly colored streaks running across the cheek scales. They can grow to be 10 inches long and weigh up to 2.25 pounds.
Additionally, various species of freshwater fish (ranging from 4 to 10 inches).
Viride Forest - Biome type: Temperate deciduous forest.
Viride Forest is a temperate deciduous forest that sits along the border of Illuster Meadow. It’s most certainly dominated by vegetation in the way of trees, with the most notable species being Beech, Largeleaf Linden, and Shagbark Hickory (and their Sentinels). The significant lack of sunlight that is able to pierce through the canopy means that there are few vivid plants, although some – like Lady Ferns, Evergreen Blackberry, Woodland Bluebells, and Bloodroot - have been able to survive the unique conditions. The Bald Eagles help drop nuts to the forest floor, while Wild Boars often uproot useful herbs… and maybe if you’re especially lucky, you will be blessed to walk alongside the Shagbark Sentinels. But while the forest may be initially peaceful, do not forget that many predators call this place home! They all vary in levels of danger – from Tasmanian Devils and Honey Badgers to Aspic Vipers, Timber Rattlesnakes, and Bramblebears. But despite the perils, the sights and benefits of Viride are truly beyond measure.
Beech (Fagus grandifolia): A deciduous tree with smooth silver-gray bark, dark green leaves, and fruit in the form of husked edible nuts. This tree can grow to 65 to 115 feet tall.
Largeleaf Linden (Tilia platyphyllos): A deciduous tree with furrowed/fissured dark gray bark, branches that spread upwards at wide angles, large leaves that are dark green with white downy hair on the underside, and fragrant off-white flowers. This tree can grow to be 130 feet tall.
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata): A deciduous tree with rough dark-gray bark when mature (smooth when young), green pinnate leaves, catkin flower clusters, and sweet green-husked edible hickory nuts. This tree can grow to be 100 to 150 feet tall.
Shagbark Sentinel (Carya ovata custos): This mythical ent looks strikingly similar to a standard Shagbark Hickory tree, with one key feature: at their base, frequently hidden by vegetation and shrubbery (often intentionally), is a large tree hollow in its trunk. The cavity in this hollow is deep - seemingly receding even down past the soil level, as if it retreats down to become one with the roots. Tales say that if a visitor brings a token of their gratitude (hint, shiny or exotic items) and places it within the Sentinel’s hollow, a golden hickory nut will drop at their feet. Should the bearer stick around, they may be blessed with seeing the Sentinel uproot itself - come to life, some could say - and spend some time gathering hard to find herbs with the guardian of the forest. Should the bearer not stick around, but instead return another day... the Sentinel may place herb bunches in lieu of where the golden hickory used to be. But we’re sure that is all just a superstitious fable... right?
Largeleaf Linden (Tilia platyphyllos): A deciduous tree with furrowed/fissured dark gray bark, branches that spread upwards at wide angles, large leaves that are dark green with white downy hair on the underside, and fragrant off-white flowers. This tree can grow to be 130 feet tall.
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata): A deciduous tree with rough dark-gray bark when mature (smooth when young), green pinnate leaves, catkin flower clusters, and sweet green-husked edible hickory nuts. This tree can grow to be 100 to 150 feet tall.
Shagbark Sentinel (Carya ovata custos): This mythical ent looks strikingly similar to a standard Shagbark Hickory tree, with one key feature: at their base, frequently hidden by vegetation and shrubbery (often intentionally), is a large tree hollow in its trunk. The cavity in this hollow is deep - seemingly receding even down past the soil level, as if it retreats down to become one with the roots. Tales say that if a visitor brings a token of their gratitude (hint, shiny or exotic items) and places it within the Sentinel’s hollow, a golden hickory nut will drop at their feet. Should the bearer stick around, they may be blessed with seeing the Sentinel uproot itself - come to life, some could say - and spend some time gathering hard to find herbs with the guardian of the forest. Should the bearer not stick around, but instead return another day... the Sentinel may place herb bunches in lieu of where the golden hickory used to be. But we’re sure that is all just a superstitious fable... right?
Evergreen Blackberry (Rubus laciniatus): A large bramble-forming shrub with prickly shoots, green five-leaflet leaves, edible blackberry fruits, and pink or white flowers. This shrub can grow to be 10 feet tall. It should be noted that the brambles pose a significant entrapment risk to equines with long fur, manes, or tails.
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): A medium fern with light yellow-green fronds arising from a central point and sori located on the underside of the fronds. The fronds themselves can grow to be 35 inches long. It should be noted that unfurled fronds and roots are poisonous.
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): A medium fern with light yellow-green fronds arising from a central point and sori located on the underside of the fronds. The fronds themselves can grow to be 35 inches long. It should be noted that unfurled fronds and roots are poisonous.
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): A small herbaceous, perennial flowering plant with a bright white flower with a vivid yellow center and one large green basal leaf. When the flower is in bloom, the basal leaf folds around the stem. When the flower is not in bloom, the basal leaf will stay open and flat. The plant itself can grow to be 8 to 19 inches tall, with the basal leaf growing up to 4.5 inches across. It should be noted that Bloodroot sap is toxic and escharotic (tissue destroying), and can cause severe illness and loss of consciousness/death if ingested.
Woodland Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta): A small, perennial flowering plant growing from a bulb, with up to six linear leaves that bear downward-drooping, vivid violet-blue flowers at the tips. This plant can grow to be 20 inches tall.
Woodland Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta): A small, perennial flowering plant growing from a bulb, with up to six linear leaves that bear downward-drooping, vivid violet-blue flowers at the tips. This plant can grow to be 20 inches tall.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus): A large bird of prey with a very distinct appearance: adults sport a brown body, white head and tail, and yellow beak and feet. They can grow to be 40 inches long, weigh 14 pounds, and have a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet.
Bramblebear (Ursinae baceolus): This fearsome giant creature is a distant, mythical relative of the bear genus Ursidae. Bramblebears are larger than any other bear species, and can grow to be 11 feet long, 7 feet tall, and weigh up to 1000 pounds. They are the true apex predator of the woods, and will tower above most other mammal life! Physically, they appear to be a missing link somewhere between Ursidae and Felidae. The Bramblebear’s muzzle is slightly more elongated than a typical bear specie’s would be, with their lower jaw additionally being much stronger. With said strong jaw, they also have a significantly pronounced underbite and their noses tend to be quite squashed to their snout. Eyes are small, set far down their head, and close together. Ears are small but pointed, and set close to their head. They possess a similar imposing stature to most bear species (stout but thick torso and a naturally hunched back), although their limbs are marginally longer but just as, if not more, muscled. Their fur is shaggy, dense, and littered with spots that help them camouflage and blend in among the trees. Their paws match closely with most other bear species. And while they may be larger than most other species that occupy the woods, their intelligence suffers incredibly. They are often not able to outsmart their prey, and survive as mostly ambush or short-burst predators.
Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis): A primarily carnivorous aggressive mammal with black fur, flat head, short muzzle, a long body that is distinctively thick-set and broad across their white back, short and sturdy legs, and very strong claws. They can grow to be up to 11 inches tall at shoulder, 30 inches long, and 35 pounds. It should be noted that they are extremely territorial, and will attack equines should they traverse too close.
Timber Wolf (Canis lupus occidentalis): A large, feral canine with a robust frame that ranges in color. They are carnivorous and range in packs to hunt big game, and at night can often be heard howling deep in the forest. They can grow to be 36 inches tall at the shoulder, 72 inches long, and up to 150 pounds. Although they are not known to be overtly aggressive towards equines, attacks have happened and residents harbor a healthy, collective fear of them.
Tasmanian Devil (Sacrophilus harrisii): A carnivorous, solitary, den-dwelling marsupial with black fur and white chest markings, large heads, squat and thick build, long tail, and very strong jaws. They can grow to be up to 25+ inches long and 20 pounds. It should be noted that they are extremely territorial, and will attempt to attack equines should they traverse too close. Additionally, they can run up to 8 MPH in short bursts, and climb moderately sized trees and shrubs.
Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): A large swine that has coarse fur, short legs, and small tusks. They are herbivore scavengers, adept at using their snouts to dig around for vegetation. They can grow to be 60 inches long, 30 inches tall, and up to 225 pounds. While they are herbivores, they are significantly aggressive – especially when piglets are present. An adult boar can easily cause substantial injury to an adult equine.
Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus): An incredibly tall cervid that despite its name, is not technically an elk or found only in Ireland. The main of its body has course dark brown, almost black fur - along its forehead, sides of its muzzle, crest, withers, back, and cannon bones the fur lightens to a chocolate brown and its inner thighs are a lighter brown-gray in color. The most striking and noticeable feature of this cervid is its antlers: massive and heavy, they weigh approximately 90 pounds and have a span of up to twelve feet! The main palm is wide and very similar to moose antlers, with the branching tines almost irregular in appearance. They are commonly seen towering above the tallest Novus residents: up to 7 feet tall and weighing up to 1,500lbs. They are herbivores and a rare sight to behold - they aren't seen often, but when they are... no one knows how they manage to navigate the Viride forest without their antlers snagging. Some say the forest yields to them...
Bramblebear (Ursinae baceolus): This fearsome giant creature is a distant, mythical relative of the bear genus Ursidae. Bramblebears are larger than any other bear species, and can grow to be 11 feet long, 7 feet tall, and weigh up to 1000 pounds. They are the true apex predator of the woods, and will tower above most other mammal life! Physically, they appear to be a missing link somewhere between Ursidae and Felidae. The Bramblebear’s muzzle is slightly more elongated than a typical bear specie’s would be, with their lower jaw additionally being much stronger. With said strong jaw, they also have a significantly pronounced underbite and their noses tend to be quite squashed to their snout. Eyes are small, set far down their head, and close together. Ears are small but pointed, and set close to their head. They possess a similar imposing stature to most bear species (stout but thick torso and a naturally hunched back), although their limbs are marginally longer but just as, if not more, muscled. Their fur is shaggy, dense, and littered with spots that help them camouflage and blend in among the trees. Their paws match closely with most other bear species. And while they may be larger than most other species that occupy the woods, their intelligence suffers incredibly. They are often not able to outsmart their prey, and survive as mostly ambush or short-burst predators.
Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis): A primarily carnivorous aggressive mammal with black fur, flat head, short muzzle, a long body that is distinctively thick-set and broad across their white back, short and sturdy legs, and very strong claws. They can grow to be up to 11 inches tall at shoulder, 30 inches long, and 35 pounds. It should be noted that they are extremely territorial, and will attack equines should they traverse too close.
Timber Wolf (Canis lupus occidentalis): A large, feral canine with a robust frame that ranges in color. They are carnivorous and range in packs to hunt big game, and at night can often be heard howling deep in the forest. They can grow to be 36 inches tall at the shoulder, 72 inches long, and up to 150 pounds. Although they are not known to be overtly aggressive towards equines, attacks have happened and residents harbor a healthy, collective fear of them.
Tasmanian Devil (Sacrophilus harrisii): A carnivorous, solitary, den-dwelling marsupial with black fur and white chest markings, large heads, squat and thick build, long tail, and very strong jaws. They can grow to be up to 25+ inches long and 20 pounds. It should be noted that they are extremely territorial, and will attempt to attack equines should they traverse too close. Additionally, they can run up to 8 MPH in short bursts, and climb moderately sized trees and shrubs.
Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): A large swine that has coarse fur, short legs, and small tusks. They are herbivore scavengers, adept at using their snouts to dig around for vegetation. They can grow to be 60 inches long, 30 inches tall, and up to 225 pounds. While they are herbivores, they are significantly aggressive – especially when piglets are present. An adult boar can easily cause substantial injury to an adult equine.
Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus): An incredibly tall cervid that despite its name, is not technically an elk or found only in Ireland. The main of its body has course dark brown, almost black fur - along its forehead, sides of its muzzle, crest, withers, back, and cannon bones the fur lightens to a chocolate brown and its inner thighs are a lighter brown-gray in color. The most striking and noticeable feature of this cervid is its antlers: massive and heavy, they weigh approximately 90 pounds and have a span of up to twelve feet! The main palm is wide and very similar to moose antlers, with the branching tines almost irregular in appearance. They are commonly seen towering above the tallest Novus residents: up to 7 feet tall and weighing up to 1,500lbs. They are herbivores and a rare sight to behold - they aren't seen often, but when they are... no one knows how they manage to navigate the Viride forest without their antlers snagging. Some say the forest yields to them...
Aspic Viper (Vipera aspis): A venomous viper with a tan body, brown segmented line markings, and a distinctly cream-colored underbelly. They can grow to be 30 inches long. Their venom is potent, but does not often produce neurotoxic symptoms. Instead, victims will experience immediate and sharp pain at the bite site, edema, vision impairment, and eventually haemorrhagic necrosis. The venom may cause renal failure or neurotoxic symptoms in particularly severe cases.
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): A venomous rattlesnake/pit viper with a distinctive, but easily camouflaged, color: their base color is a tan, with a distinct rustic orange stripe down their spine and brown-black bands. They can grow to be 60 inches long and up to 3 pounds. Their venom is neurotoxic, causing rapid muscle necrosis, paralysis, and severe blood clotting/coagulation.
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): A venomous rattlesnake/pit viper with a distinctive, but easily camouflaged, color: their base color is a tan, with a distinct rustic orange stripe down their spine and brown-black bands. They can grow to be 60 inches long and up to 3 pounds. Their venom is neurotoxic, causing rapid muscle necrosis, paralysis, and severe blood clotting/coagulation.
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The Dawn Court - Biome type:
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