• Lore • [Rharne] Fauna

[Rumour]

Rharne Fauna

The fauna listed in this thread is local to Rharne. Please feel free to reference it and use it in your threads. If you would like to suggest a new animal to add to our list, please do so on our Development Thread.

A broader list of flora and fauna found throughout Idalos can be found in the Lore Book.

Thanks!

Rharne Fauna:
Cerberus
Eldwyn
Emberwing
Flamewrath
Fenrix
Lumen Wolves
Thundermaw
Storm Roc
Veshla
Zephyrus

[Rumour]

Zephyrus

Name: Zephyrus

Height: Males - 6 ft at shoulder / Females - 5 ft at shoulder

Length: Males - 7ft / Females - 6 ft

Weight: Males - 1000 lbs / Females - 850 lbs

Appearance: The Zephyrus are large felines that sport a colorful coat, normally composed of blue, indigo, and streaks of fuchsia or scarlet along the neck. The males of this species boast an impressive mane that further accentuates their beautiful coloring. The females have a much less defined mane, normally consisting of a raised bit of scruff along the back of their necks, giving them a much sleeker look than their male counterparts. Notable to the Zephyrus are the presence of large saber-tooth fangs, these are largest in the males and seem to be used mostly for the purpose of impressing females and frightening off other male rivals. The females have much smaller but much more functional fangs as they are relied upon to hunt most of the food for the pride. Both genders possess long angular ears and powerful muscular bodies, along with long feathery tails. Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of these big cats is the presence of a single slender horn atop their foreheads. This horn is prized by poachers and alchemists alike as it is capable of generating an electric charge capable of stunning prey within close vicinity of the Zephyrus. This ability is not lost upon the death of the animal if the horn is harvested quickly and ground into a fine powder for use in reagents and potions.

Description: Native to the northern Stormlands of Rharne, these big cats primarily live in small prides that roam large swathes of territory. The males are especially territorial and protective of their females and young. Typically each pride possess a single alpha male Zephyrus and a harem of females along with their cubs. Males unaffiliated with a pride tend to roam the Stormlands alone until they are able to uproot an existing alpha male from his position. These lone males are incredibly dangerous as they will attack nearly anything that approaches them, including other animals. The females of this species serve as the hunters of the pride, providing food for their single alpha male and their cubs. Most notable of the Zephyrus is that these beasts are used as mounts by certain members of the Lightning Knights and Thunder Priestesses of Rharne. Because of their impressive strength, size and abilities, they are incredibly prized by these two powerful factions. Due to their rarity and the danger associated with capturing a cub, the taming, capture or killing of a Zephyrus is utterly forbidden outside their use among the Lightening Knights and Thunder Priestesses. In order to attain one of these mounts, a cub must be found and taken from its mother in the wild. This must be done while the feline is very young so that they can properly bond with their rider. Once the bond is cemented, a trained Zephyrus rarely allows anyone other than their rider on their backs. These creatures seem to become very protective once properly bonded with an individual, to the point that they will fight to the death to protect their rider.

Frequency: Rare

Level of Danger: Very High

Additional Information: For the Zephyrus to be trained as a mount, the rider must spend a great deal of time with the creature to fully develop the bond between them. This can take up to several seasons before the feline is ready to be ridden into combat or used as a mode of travel. Travel with the use of a Zephyrus can be achieved at near to the speed of a horse, although they cannot travel for great lengths of time before needing rest. This lack of endurance is made up for by their impressive abilities in combat. With their fangs, claws and horn they can destroy an unprepared enemy with ease. Additionally, these beasts possess a robust resistance to lightning, as any incoming electrical energy is simply absorbed into their horn, much like a lightning rod.
Excerpt ID:

Zephyrus

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[get-post=75038 excerpt=Zephyrus]Zephyrus[/get-post]

Credit: Sephira

[Rumour]

Veshla

Name: Veshla

Height: 3 feet

Length: 6 feet

Weight: 150lb - 200lb

Appearance: The Veshla are a common, semi-aquatic drake often seen along the shores of Lake Lovalus. These creatures are roughly the size of a large dog, at least until their long fish-like tails and lengthy elegant necks are taken into account. With beautiful gleaming indigo or cobalt scales, the Veshla are often a sight to behold. They possess a narrow snout, with fish-like feelers at the base of their chin and four glittering blue eyes. Ridges of scales mark the area above their eyes and around their nostrils. These animals do indeed breathe air rather than use gills so they are often seen emerging on the surface of the lake for a few moments before diving back down to the depths. The Veshla's four legs are somewhat short but they do possess webbed feet that end in pointed curving claws which they use to clasp their struggling prey. Their mouth is full of dozens of needle-like razor sharp teeth that are excellent at capturing passing fish. One of most notable traits of the Veshla is its lengthy tail. With beautiful wide horizontal flukes and a central ridge of scales, this beast is able to become a graceful acrobat when in the water. Perhaps what they are best known for, however, are their bioluminescent markings that are best seen at night. Their eyes, nostrils and scales along their backs light up during the dark breaks of the trial. They can often be seen in the late evening, hunting in the darkened waters of the lake.

Description: Veshla are rather numerous within Lake Lovalus, although they can appear from time to time in other bodies of fresh water near Rharne. They are solo hunters, only joining together to hunt when there is a large school of fish that merits the attention of so many predators. Breeding is accomplished once an arc during Vhalar when males and females alike return to shore for at least a week to choose their mates. The males spend much of this time attempting to attract a female by utilizing bioluminescent displays at dusk and quarrelling with other males during the brighter, earlier breaks. The Veshla greatly ignore the presence of mortals, aside from frequenting popular locations used by fishing vessels in the hope of catching an easy meal. Locals know to give these aquatic creatures their space, as the Veshla are quick to lash out if they feel they are threatened.

Frequency: Common

Level of Danger: Medium

Additional Information: The bioluminescent properties of the Veshla's hide are treasured by chemists and alchemists alike. When these animals are killed or meet a natural end, their hides are often taken to be used in chemical and alchemic ingredients. From time to time, seamstresses will use the glowing parts of a Veshla's hide to embellish clothing. It is not uncommon to see luminescent embroidery on clothing made locally in Rharne. These creatures are also most active at twilight and at dawn.\

Excerpt ID:

Veshla

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[get-post=75050 excerpt=Veshla]Veshla[/get-post]

Credit: Sephira

[Rumour]

Fenrix

Name: Fenrix

Height: 1.5 - 2ft

Length: 2 - 3ft

Weight: 20 - 30lb

Appearance: The Fenrix are elegant winged creatures with bright colorful plumage, often being cobalt blue, violet, or fuchsia along the wings paired with either black, gray, and very rarely white fur. Female Fenrix tend to have slightly more muted colors than their male counterparts. Both genders sport sleek bodies similar to that of a fox along with long arching necks and heads with large pointed ears. The Fenrix’s legs are equally lithe, ending in tiny claws that aid them in climbing. Their teeth are small and unassuming as most of their diet relies upon snapping insects out of the air or lapping up the nectar from flowers. The tail of a Fenrix is a fairly short, with a mixture of downy plumage and fur that the males often used to attract females. With the face of a fox, paired with inquisitive blue or purple eyes it is evident upon an onlooker’s first encounter with these creatures that they intelligent and curious.

Description: In the wild, the Fenrix live in the Ywyngyll Forest, often taking up residence in treetops where they hunt insects and occasionally seek out nectar from flowering plants. Fenrix have rather long tongues to aid them in finding nectar and lapping up insects. They are very sociable amongst each other which has led them to be widely adopted as a popular pet in Rharne. These creatures are playful and inquisitive, bonding well with mortals if they are adopted at a young age. In the wild, a Fenrix family unit normally includes the parents, grandparents and one to two generations of young that all hunt and live in the canopy of the Ywyngyll forest together. They easily live to be roughly twenty arcs of age, remaining lively and spry up until around their eighteenth arc. They can live a bit longer in captivity if they are well cared for. Fenrix are now also bred in captivity to satisfy their growing popularity as companions and house pets, allowing breeders to create members of the species with novel colorings and patterns that are not normally seen in the wild.

Frequency: Common

Level of Danger: None

Additional Information: These creatures are a common sight among the citizens of Rharne, often seen perching on the shoulders of their owners in public places. Normally a pet Fenrix is equipped with a long leash or harness to give them a bit of freedom to fly when not being held or petted. Depending on their coloring, Fenrix can cost anywhere from 20GN to 100GN (1 wp or Tier 7 availability as a pet). Novel coats developed through selective breeding will always be more expensive than the more common colors.

Excerpt ID:

Fenrix

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[get-post=75290 excerpt=Fenrix]Fenrix[/get-post]

Credit: Sephira

[Rumour]

Eldwyn

Name: Eldwyn

Height: 4 ft at shoulder

Length: 8 ft from nose to tail

Weight: 350 lb

Appearance: The Eldwyn is an extremely rare creature that lives almost exclusively within Mistral Woods. There is almost no written record of them, and certainly no image of them has ever made its way into a bestiary. Although beautiful, these creatures possess the ability to camouflage themselves almost perfectly within their environment at will. Their exquisitely vibrant fur and plumage is breathtakingly beautiful when they are seen in all their glory. Coming in nearly every naturally occurring color, the Eldwyn often take on colors and patterns similar to that of local butterflies. Their svelte bodies are covered in a silken fur that can grow to nearly three inches in length, being especially long near the chest and along the back of the legs. Their feet end in large feline-like paws with short claws that they use for safely perching in large trees. The Eldwyn’s tail is exceedingly long and capable of being used as an extra limb for grasping branches and keeping their balance. Short bursts of flight and longer sessions of gliding are accomplished with the use of their beautifully feathered wings. The head contains soft features that give the beast a kindly appearance. Sporting an elongated snout paired with two glittering angular eyes. Their ears are quite long and narrow, sitting just below a large pair of antelope-like horns that grow in size as they age. Lastly, a crest of downy feathers extends along the back of their necks. This crest can be used to indicate the approximate age of the age for the Eldwyn as the crest increases in size as they grow older.

Description: Living deep within the borders of the Mistral Woods, the Eldwyn are rarely seen by mortals. They often dwell near undisturbed bodies of water where their solitude is unlikely to be encroached upon. Their diet mostly consists of grasses, leaves, and occasionally nectar. The large oak trees common to the area are sometimes used as a perch or nest for these creatures when they require rest or when they give birth to their young. There is a unique attribute associated with the Eldwyn that is likely responsible for the absence of the species ever being properly documented. Should a mortal catch sight of these beasts, they will lose all visual recollection of the creature the moment they look away. They will possess only a dim recollection of meeting something within the forest before their memory resumes just after the encounter. This is a survival mechanism, much like the camouflaging nature of the Eldwyn’s hide. These creatures are extremely rare, commonly living for hundreds of arcs and only reproducing a few times during their life.

Although elusive, the Eldwyn possess an otherworldly and impressive intelligence that leads them to encountering mortals from time to time out of curiosity. The Eldwyn are vastly responsible for the lore surrounding Mistral Wood as they frequently guide lost children and travelers home before omitting themselves from the memory of those that they have aided. They are also the guardians of the Wood and are capable of using their long sorrowful calls to shift the trees and paths of the forest to their whims. Although mortals often lose the visual recollection of meeting an Eldwyn, they somehow always recall the sound of their call, a low mournful song that can sometimes be heard echoing among the trees.

Frequency: Extremely Rare

Level of Danger: Low

Additional Information: Eldwyn are extremely rare, appearing only to mortals when harm is being done to the forest or when aiding children and lost travelers. Use of these creatures should be considered carefully due to their rarity and their elusive nature. Characters WILL NOT be able to recall meeting them. The only memory that can be retained is the sound of the Eldwyn’s call and perhaps a few details of their activities during the encounter if they’re lucky.

Excerpt ID:

Eldwyn

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[get-post=76583 excerpt=Eldwyn]Eldwyn[/get-post]

Credit: Sephira

[Rumour]

Thundermaw

Name: Thundermaw

Height: 3 feet at the shoulder

Length: Body - 5 feet, Tail - 10 feet

Weight: 250lb

Appearance: These deadly creatures’ are ravenous pack hunters of the Stormlands. With a mouth full of small but fearsome serrated teeth and a tail that can be wielded as a deadly concussive weapon, the Thundermaw is a beast that is best avoided by mortals. Their bodies are at least five feet in length, with a short bristly coat of black or indigo fur. A tangled mane of thick crimson or orange fur wraps around their necks before reaching a pair of wickedly pointed antlers atop their head. The Thundermaw possesses four small forward facing eyes that allow it to track the movement of prey with heightened accuracy. They do possess a blind spot to either side of the head that can be used to the advantage of those that might wish to bring down one of these creatures. Their mouth and the tip of their tail are covered in a strange bioluminescent fluid that seems to be highly acidic in nature. The acid produced by the Thundermaw does not seem to harm the creature, but animals and mortals bitten or struck with this substance will experience heavy burns to the skin that require extensive treatment to heal.

The tail of the Thundermaw is very thin and is often longer than the body of the creature in question. With its tail this predator can not only deliver heavy blows at a distance but can whip the tail so quickly that it is capable of creating sonic booms. This booming sound is the reason that the Thundermaw is often called a Boomtail by locals in the Stormlands. At the base of the tail is a slightly club-like protrusion of bone that the animal uses to stun prey before going in for the kill. The legs of a Thundermaw are rather short, but lean and fast, allowing the predator to run at high speeds when hunting. Two to three inch long talons serve as additional weaponry on the claws of each foot.

Description: The Thundermaw is a creature that is found exclusively within the Stormlands of Rharne. These beasts roam in packs of three to more than a dozen members that are often seen congregating for hunts at the edge of storms. Known locally as Boomtails, the Thundermaw is a ravenous beast that possesses a constant unwavering need to hunt. They will kill anything capable of being stunned by their lengthy ten foot tails. They possess a clever predatory mind that in seen at work in their carefully planned hunts. Thundermaws are known to work in groups where they utalize the loud sounds produced by their tails to scatter or group up their prey. They hunt a variety of wild game, but are not above hunting mortals should they present themselves as an easy meal. Farmers of the Stormlands often employ guard dogs and extensive fencing to ward off the creatures. For some unknown reason these beasts tend to congregate in large hunting parties when a thunderstorm is approaching. They hunt just at the edge of the storm wall, racing ahead of the rain and lightning to catch their prey unawares.

Frequency: Uncommon

Level of Danger: Extremely High

Additional Information: Thundermaws are occasionally hunted and killed so that alchemists can harvest the strange bioluminescent acid that is produced in their mouths and on their tails. This substance can be bottled to preserve its potency.

Thundermaw

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[get-post=76645 excerpt=Thundermaw]Thundermaw[/get-post]

Credit: Sephira

[Oracle]

Storm Roc

Name: Storm Roc

Appearance:
Storm Rocs are massive eagles with beautiful golden brown plumage. Their only notable markings are the streaks of dusky indigo feathers along the tips of their wings and on the back of their tail feathers. These birds are swift and agile fliers that display an aptitude for jaw dropping acrobatics in the air. As this species survives primarily by fishing and catching their prey from a swoop or a dive. They also have long curved black talons at the end of each toe. With three talons on each foot in total, the Storm Roc is an incredibly efficient hunter that can make kills in a single swipe. These giant eagles possess bright golden or silver eyes that clearly convey a keen intelligence.
Height: 5-6 ft

Length:(With Tail) 7-8ft

Wingspan: 35-40 ft

Weight: 450-500lbs

Description: Storm Rocs live and hunt in the territories surrounding Lake Lovalus. They survive by fishing in the lake and will consume nearly anything they can catch. Their most common prey are Veshla, these dog sized aquatic lizards make an excellent meal for these eagles and their young.
Storm Rocs are social animals and so they often nest in small colonies of about a half a dozen individuals. Nesting is preferably done on cliff sides or on rocky surfaces where they will then construct a nest out of brambles, driftwood and grass.

A Storm Roc is considered a juvenile until the age of two seasons old, by their third season they are nearly fully grown and capable of taking down adult Veshla in the lake with a single targeted strike. When they are born Rocs are entirely golden in color, it is only once they are full grown that they begin developing the indigo and blue colorations near the tips of their feathers that they are known for.

While not commonly domesticated, these avians are most often trained and used by Lightning Knights as mounts. They are trained to bear a special saddle and harness that allows a Knight to remain seated or standing during airborne combat. Expertly trained Storm Rocs are used in concert with lance bearing Knights who use the long polearms to strike at targets on the ground or in the air. Bows and slings are far too unwieldly in the air, but specially made spears and lances are commonly used as a means of striking an enemy quickly from a dive before escaping to higher and safer altitudes. This behavior is an extension of the Storm Rocs natural hunting techniques.

These magnificent birds can be quick learners when approached with a firm hand, and especially ferocious in a fight. However, they are very difficult to train properly. Lightning Knights are only allowed to fly with a Storm Roc if they have shown an aptitude for working with animals and wielding a polearm with accuracy. These eagles are also occasionally used by the Lightning Knights for delivering messages, but this is only done when necessary because of the rarity of this species. Relegating a Storm Roc to the life of a delivery bird would be seen as wasteful.

Frequency: Rare

Level of Danger: Medium (In the Wild)

Additional Information: These avains are primarily used by the Lightning Knights of Rharne. Training a wild or even a domestic born Storm Roc is a costly process that requires a great deal of time and effort.

Excerpt ID:

Storm Roc

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[get-post=82927 excerpt=Storm Roc]Storm Roc[/get-post]

Pricing:
See the Exotic Mount section of the Shoppe for pricing.

Credit: Oracle

[Oracle]

Emberwing

Name: Emberwing

Appearance:

Height: 2 – 3 ft

Wingspan: 4-5 ft

Weight: 15 lbs

Emberwings are a recent addition to the ecosystem of the Stormlands. It is believed by some locals that these creatures were once common eagles that were experimented upon by a dangerous mage, or perhaps even an Immortal. Commonly they have dark brown or black plumage that covers the entirety of their bodies. The main distinction between these outlandish avians and normal birds of prey is the unnatural gout of blue or red flames that erupt from their wings during flight. There is also an unnatural fiery glow of flame that sometimes erupts from their beaks during an attack, further adding to the fear and stories told about these birds.

Description: Emberwings are a rarity in the Stormlands, but a handful of attacks have been witnessed starting in Ymiden 718 , of fiery birds assaulting farmers tending to their fields, along with passing travelers. These creatures are incredibly vicious and aggressive, attacking anything that moves within sight. Contact with an Emberwing can mean severe burns if they manage to bite a victim or batter them with their flaming wings. Some have suggested attempting to capture one of these rare creatures and taming it, but no one has managed to do so yet.

Emberwings are deadly predators that will readily assault anyone that attempts to domesticate them. Only a couple have allegedly been killed, however upon death their unnatural flames disappear and they appear similar to normal birds.

Frequency: Rare

Level of Danger: High

Additional Information: Upon death, the intense flames of this creature will completely consume it's body, leaving nothing behind but ash.

Excerpt:

Emberwing

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[get-post=83228 excerpt=Emberwing]Emberwing[/get-post]

Credit: Oracle

[Oracle]

Flamewrath

Name: Flamewrath

Appearance:

An unnatural combination of flame and flesh, the Flamewrath takes the form of what appear to be a local species of elk. The difference between this beast and its mundane kin is their flaming rack of antlers along with glowing red or orange eyes and a penchant for violence and destruction.

The hide of the Flamewrath is much thicker than a normal elk, allowing it to take dozens of arrows or strikes before dropping the first ounce of blood. These creatures have an impressive rack of antlers are always burning with bright orange flames. Their eyes share the same hue as their flames, and normally possess an unnatural and frightening glow. The coat of the Flamewrath is always a dark brown or a dusky ashen black.

Height: 5 ft to shoulder

Length: 8ft

Weight: 700 lbs

Description: Flamewraths are more myth than reality in the Stormlands, but stories are beginning to emerge that detail their encounters with mortals. They are incredibly aggressive, bordering on bloodthirsty in nature. These creatures will seek out confrontation, making them prone to charging other living things that they come across. The wield their flaming antlers like deadly daggers and their hooves like punishing maces. If an individual is gored by a Flamewrath they will be forced to contend with potentially fatal puncture wounds along with extreme burns.

These beasts are incrediably rare and only a couple of been seen since the beginning of Ymiden 718. Some suggest that they are the unnatural work of mages,alchemists or perhaps even Faldrun.

Frequency: Extremely Rare

Level of Danger: Very High

Additional Information: Upon death, the intense flames of this creature will completely consume it's body, leaving nothing behind but ash.

Excerpt ID:

Flamewrath

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[get-post=83229 excerpt=Flamewrath]Flamewrath[/get-post]

Credit: Oracle

[Oracle]

Lumen Wolves

Name: Lumen Wolves

Appearance:

Height: 3ft at the shoulder

Males: 120-180 lbs

Females:100-140 lbs

These creatures exhibit the epitome of bioluminescent displays found in the fauna of the Stormlands. Aptly named, Lumen Wolves are canines that possess a thick silky coat flecked with occasional feathers that is also intertwined with bioluminescent filaments that allow this creature to shift the color of their hide as they desire or to match their surroundings. They can appear in any color of the rainbow and display any style of pattern upon their coats. Local farmers have been known to report back stories of packs of Lumen Wolves sauntering across the Stormlands under the night sky with their radiant coats reflecting the starscape of the sky above. There are two primary uses for this unique ability.

The primary use of their color changing pelts is that it grants these canines the ability to perfectly camouflage themselves within their environment. These beasts can also completely darken the light emitted by their fur as to expertly blend in with their surroundings.

The secondary and equally important use of their coats is the ability to communicate and engage with other pack members. Members of a Lumen pack can alter the colors and light levels emitted by their fur in order to communicate emotions and general information. It takes focus and experience for a wolf to learn how to control the patterns, colors and lights emitted by their coats so often young pups will be flush with rippling colors and wild patterns until they can better control the ability.

Aside from their strange resplendent fur, these canines possess sharp angular ears and long flowing tails along with a svelte body that is perfect for slipping through foliage and underbrush.

Description: Lumen wolves dwell in the northern reaches of the Stormlands, especially near to or within the Ywyngwll Forest. They prefer dense woodlands or tall grasslands where they can fully take advantage of their agile bodies and camouflage abilities. It is rare but not unheard of to sight them crossing open land in order to access fresh hunting grounds.

These creatures tend to be most active from late afternoon until after the sun has set. Locals sometimes call them “Dusk Wolves” simply because this is the time of the trial when they appear most often. It is believed that they prefer this time because it allows them to hunt during the brighter breaks before convening to socialize at night when their bioluminescent coats are put on full display to their fellow pack members.

Lumen wolves travel and hunt in packs of varying sizes, but they tend to grow no larger than twenty members. Due to their social nature these creatures are wonderfully intelligent; possessing a sharp predatory instinct along with the desire to play and bond with their fellows. This level of intellect had led them to being captured as pups and sold as companions and pets to hunters and collectors. These wolves can do well in captivity but only if their owner appropriately bonds with them as a pup and gives them plenty of space to run and hunt. Lumen wolves respond well to positivity and will quickly grow depressed if they are not given the attention and freedom that they require to thrive. Their health quickly fails if they are kept indoors and forced to simply be a pet.

Frequency: Uncommon

Level of Danger: Medium

Special Properties: If one of these creatures is killed then the pelt will retain the most recent coloration and light level that the wolf was displaying right before it’s death. This means that Lumen wolf pelts can be used in all manner of clothing and accessories. It is because of this that their numbers in the wild have begun to diminished lately, due to excessive poaching.

Additional Information:
Prices: Untamed Pup: 200gn – Puppies bought from traders are often emotionally traumatized from the aggressive nature of their capture and will require more time and effort to properly bond with and train. You may attempt to find and locate one of these pups in the wild yourself, please let the local prophet know if you wish to do this, and submit a brief summary of your plan to acquire them.

Excerpt ID:

Lumen Wolves

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[get-post=90056 excerpt=Lumen Wolves]Lumen Wolves[/get-post] 

Credit: Oracle