Flora and Fauna of Qaiyore

Flora

Gromura

A spice found in Hria. A new fast-growing subspecies was discovered in 1408.

Mugu

A shrub: food source for the Te'ngk.

Orif

A family of trees, consisting of three different species. Each specie varies slightly from the others in leaf, bark, and size. They share one peculiarity among trees: they move. Each individual tree will move perhaps one to two feet a month. Their locomotion is achieved by an uprooting of the farthest back roots, a twisting of the trunk and root ball, and finally a re-insertion of the raised roots. None of this movement is obvious to the human eye; someone would have to watch an Orif for days to become aware that anything more than an odd and specific wind was evident.

Though the object of much study, no one knows the purpose of an Orif's movement. All of the trees are not moving in a certain direction, nor are they congregating towards a certain point. It is even doubtful that they are moving towards a better growth site, as some have been found trying to climb the Mountains of the Rim. This seemingly random movement has made the development of permanent roads difficult along the Razanian Coast, and towns need to keep wary of the approaching forest. Orif are the subject of many stories in which they help a lost Razanian in the woods, creating shelter or pointing the person in the right direction. The Aryisans have started clearing away large numbers of Orif in their nation.

Rapai Bush

The food source for the Safi.

Sfika Grass

A food source for the Te'ngk and Sfika Pigeon.

Shake

A farmed plant of Hria

Shalan Tree

A tree found in the gardens of the Shalpath Palace in Hria.

Thysle

A plant that is abundant along the Mountains of the Rim range. Its strong yellow-green leaves splay out from a trunk that rises two to three feet in the air, and can be harvested by cutting the trunk or stripping the leaves, neither of which will kill the plant. The fibers of the leaves can be separated, resulting in a very light white-green strand, soft to the touch but strong. These strands are then woven into remarkably comfortable clothes.

Fauna

Abatwa

A peaceful race of peoples, they are the tiniest creatures in human form. They live in the anthills in Southern Midsea and are very shy -- only revealing themselves to children under four years old, magic users or pregnant women. If a pregnant woman sees a male abatwa, she knows she will give birth to a boy.

Barbary lamb

The barbary lamb, or barmotez, is sometimes known as the vegetable lamb or tartary. According to legend, the barbary lamb is a lamb like creature that is half vegetable. It is attached to trees by a very short stem, half hidden within the foliage. Once they have eaten all the vegetation within their reach, they die of starvation. Barbary lamb is considered a delicacy as its meat tastes like fish, and its blood like honey. Its bones can be used in rituals to give human beings the power of prophecy for a short time.

Barbegazi

These are shy gnomes who live in the mountains of Southern and Eastern Midsea. They live in caverns and tunnels that they have excavated near the tops of mountains. They hibernate all summer and emerge only when the temperature is below zero. They have very large feet which they use as a combination of ski and snowshoe. They enjoy riding avalanches. They can also use their feet as shovels to tunnel into snow drifts. They are generally benevolent to humans, warning of avalanches and digging people out after avalanches.

Burach-Bhadi

Eel or leech with nine eyes in its head and back, all of which squinted. Found in fords or murky creeks and swaps. It amuses itself by winding itself around the hooves of passing horses and drowning them so that it could then suck their blood. Found in the West and smaller versions in Northern Mid Sea? .

The Catayarsh (by Kenny Crowe & Brennan Taylor)

The catayarsh are the primary riding and companion animal of the Shanari. They can be trained to protect herds of sigru, the goat-like herds most Shanari maintain. Catayarsh are exceptionally intelligent, and those that are raised by humans are readily able to act in surprisingly useful ways, protecting their masters as well as entering battle with no apparent fear. Catayarsh can grow to a great age, between 40 and 50 is not uncommon. No Shanari would ever eat a catayarsh under any circumstances; it is considered tantamount to cannibalism. Dead catayarsh are given funeral pyres just like humans.

Boiuna

A powerful creature of the rivers, also called boiúna or mboiacu. The boiuna lives in the water and is thought to take different shapes to frighten away the fishermen. The Boiuna is actually a giant constrictor snake that grows to eighty feet long. The Boiuna lives in humid and warm environments such as the south and south eastern Mid Sea? . Rumors of such creatures have also been heard of around the free cities but no actual snake has been caught until the 1460s in Anaduan.

Cir Sith

A hound found in the around costal areas. It is the size of a two-year-old cow, and green in color. The cir sith has a long tail which is usually coiled on its back, sometimes braided like the straw rug of a pack-saddle. It is kept as watchdog, but does occasionally run loose. It moves swiftly, making a noise like a galloping horse, leaving huge footprints. It trails travelers, barks three times, and at the third it overtakes its prey and pulls him down.

Cockatrice

The cockatrice is an ugly little monster ranging in size from 9 inches long to about 3 feet. It has a serpent's body and a toad-like head with two tiny limbs like plucked chicken wings set behind the head. It is covered in slime instead of scales. Some cockatrices, particularly the large ones, have small horns on their flat heads, often with some resemblance to a crown. Cockatrice are covered in splotches of varying colors ranging from a putrid green to brown and black. Cockatrice breath is poisonous and corrosive, and it can direct a cloud of its breath over a fair distance. Cockatrice slime is also poisonous, and provides immunity to heat and fire. Cockatrices move slowly, but their poisons are rapid in effect. Cockatrice poison cannot be stored for any length of time. Cockatrices prefer to dwell in burrows near swampy areas.

The Fallanar (by Mike Shenkar)

These mythic creatures (the "double-faced" in Videssian language) that dwell in the western forests are the sacred beasts for all Videssians. It is believed to be brought from the south by Agatius Fossern. Fallanar is the embodiment of the philosophy of the Videssian religion, the reflection of the titanic struggle within the upper being. During the day's light Fallanar appear as the children of Foss - friendly bearlike creatures with a yellow fur something like 1 meter tall. They are always ready to help people. However with the day defeated by the dark forces of the Night, Fallanar turn to the most deadly creature of the woodland. Almost nobody have survived the encounter with Fallanar at night, so there is no clear information how it looks. This is the only reason that the forest natives have abandoned the western forests. It is forbidden by law to cause harm to Fallanar, the punishment is to survive a night in the western forests.

Galeb Duhr

Very large but extremely slow these creatures resemble the terrain of the area in which they live. A Mountain Galeb Duhr will resemble boulders, Swamp Galeb Duhr resembles mud, and even Desert Galeb Duhr resembles sand.

Sleeping for long periods of time and being hardly active Galeb Duhr are rarely dealt with. However if one is awakened they will exact revenge upon the trespasser unless a deal can be struck. Galeb Duhr not being very intelligent is easily bribed.

Galeb Duhr are solitary beings who mate once every hundred years. They are found throughout Mid Sea? in every environment and are impossible to locate due to their exact appearance of their environment.

Goblins

Many different types of Goblins exist. They live in base family groups but do have a structured society in the far south. They are responsible for most of the major wars in Mid Sea? . The southern society has been labeled the Ice Demons if they come from the south. With a more animalistic side than most intelligent being they are seen as evil throughout Mid Sea? .

Goblin types vary greatly as well as powers and sophistication. They live in many areas throughout Mid Sea? .

Gryphon

A larger beast of flight the Gryphon has the appearance of a large lion in body with the head and fore legs of an eagle. Its beak is strong and pointed and its front talons are incredibly sharp. The ears of a Gryphon are that like a horse, straight up to a point. The Gryphon does vary in appearance of some having horns on their heads or tusks by the side of their beaks though some have neither of these attributes.

Gryphons live in the southern Tavar mountain regions sleeping in caves and sunbathing on the rock faces in the sunlight.

It is believed that the feathers and claws of a Gryphon have special magical powers. It is said that a poisoned liquid will change colors if served in a cup fashioned from a Gryphon's claw. The only way one could acquire a Gryphon's claw though, is by a mage who cured a Gryphon of some illness and received the claw as payment for his kindness. A Gryphon's feather is said to be able to cure blindness. The Gryphon lays eggs of agate which are said to have magical and medicinal properties.

Hippogriff

It has the head, wings and front legs of a gryphon, and the back and hind legs of a horse. It is a large powerful creature that can move through the air more swiftly than lightning.

Though fearsome in appearance the hippogriff is quite calm and can be more easily tamed. Hippogriffs dwell in caves set in cliffs or rocky hillsides that are near open, well-watered lands. They live in the Tavar mountains south of the straits. Hippogriffs have been known to aid people in distress.

Hsigo

The Hsigo is a small monkey with wings that allow it to fly from tree top to tree top. Although it is thought that they can not fly great distances sometimes it is said that if something is missing that a Hsigo must have found it and flew away to the jungle.

O'ku (by Brad Snape)

A small mammal, approximately 1.5 feet long. It is brown in colour and quite furry, and has a flexible tail that is over 1 foot long. It is arboreal, and found in the Northern jungles, eating a diet of fruits berries and leaves. It is popular as a pet, and has also been the model of a plush toy made out of te'ngk hide for children.

Phoenix

Unique in life, the Phoenix has no brothers or sisters, nor mother or father. She gives birth to herself. This bird will live anywhere from 100 to 12,954 years, though the most common life span for it is 500 years. Nearing the end of this time frame, the Phoenix feels the weight of time and knows that her end is near. So she builds herself a nest of spices, herbs, leaves and twigs atop of a tree and rests inside of it, her wings outstretched. Soon the heat of the sun will ignite the nest, and the Phoenix inside will burn to ashes and die. Yet under the evening stars, life awakens inside of the ashes, and with the morning sun a young Phoenix will fly from the nest, to greet the new day and it's new life with all of the birds of the air flying behind it in homage. Phoenix come from the sun and do not procreate.

Phoenix have been said to live mostly in arid regions though sightings happen all over Mid Sea? . The coast is also a supposed resting sight for these creatures when they are ready to burn.

When drunken the ashes from a phoenix grants extremely long youth, vigor, strength, and life. The span is not exact but rumored to be around five hundred years.

Raken (by Aaron Nowack)

The Raken is a scaly reptilian beast which is about the size of a small horse. Its hide ranges in color from a bright emerald green to a dirty greenish-brown. Raken are effective warbeasts, with sharp claws and teeth and capable of carrying a grown man's rate. They were domesticated by the Asagmari and are used as mounts for their calvary. There are still some today living in the Tavar mountains. Unfortunatly, few Raken survived the Exodus, and the Asagmari continue to attempt to increase the numbers of Raken. By now most of the calvary is once again mounted on Raken, but there are not enough for use for other purposes. They are related to the Taigan and Teeg.

Saci

Said to be the father of the mischief, the Saci (sa-see) is a one legged humanoid who lives in the deep forest of Southern Mid Sea? . He constantly tricks travelers into becoming lost and will torment them with tricks for days on end. The Saci is harmless though and always leads his victims back to the trails and leaves them with food as a gift for his entertainment.

Safi (by Brad Snape)

A small insect that feeds on the leaves of the rapai bush for three moons before spinning itself a cocoon. After a further month, it hatches as a beautiful butterfly with blue wings and a black trim. The fabric of the cocoon is used in the production of Safi silk, a valuable cloth. Safi farms are beginning to develop in the area north of the Bega River.

Sa Oten

Found in Rivers the Sa Oten King Otter is larger than other otters, and the tale is told that should you catch one you will be granted one wish to secure its freedom. It is believed that a warrior could become impervious to swords and arrows if he wore the King Otter's pelt.

Sfika Pigeon (by Brad Snape)

A small grey bird with pink underwings. Sings a rapid song whilst in flight. It has a single feathered 'horn' on it's head. Lives on the grain of the sfika grass, hence it's name, and is quite common in the South and East.

The Sigru (by Brennan Taylor)

The sigru are goat-like creatures which are herded by most Shanari.

The Taigan (by Peter Bonney)

A beast of burden of desert origin, or at least, being well adapted to desert life. The creatures stand about5-6 feet high at the shoulder, and some 12 feet from nose to tail. They are not generally pleasant company, being short-tempered and agressive. However, the Taltherani have learned a trick from certain desert tribes involving various herbal preparations which, when added to the taigan's feed, renders them somewhat docile. However, even drugged in this manner, they require special handling (taigan handlers are a highly regarded profession in Taltheran). Taigan have a nasty aversion to being over water. An expert handler can usually coax the animals across a shallow ford (2-3 feet deep). Or they can be ferried across a river if blindfolded & surrounded with incense and offloaded within a couple minutes. Although they have an uncanny ability to scent water from a considerable distance making them priceless in desert travel. They can also travel long distances without water. Taigan are herbiverous, and are typically found eating rushes and leaves in desert oases. (Experienced desert travelers always take care when entering an oasis to ensure they don't startle any resident taigan.) A smaller relative is common amongst the swamps lining the River Tal, but the Taltherani use the sturdier desert stock for domestication. Cold-blooded, taigan do not fare well in cooler climes, though they are sometimes seen in the south during the hottest months of the year bearing loads for Taltheran traders. As long as the temperature is low 20's/70's (C/F) or above, they get around okay. The hotter the weather, the more active they are.

The Teeg (by Peter Bonney, Dylan Martinez & Steve)

A much smaller relative of the Taigan common amongst the swamps lining the River Tal. The export of Teegs brings Taltheran a useful source of revenue, though the creatures in the wild are facing extinction as the city of Tal continues to grow, draining the swampland that is the natural habitat of the creature, forcing the Taltherani traders to search further upstream, towards Hadrair, for new supplies. The Zelkori are occasionally ridiculed for the odd position of Teeg within elite Zelkori families. Teeg, lizard like creatures larger then dogs, are considered sacred and accorded a religious significance. The Teeg have several feast days, and are frequently pictured in Zelkori art. Injuring or slandering a Teeg is legally identical to injuring or slandering the head of the house where the Teeg lives. Individuals have been executed for murdering Teegs. Teegs can also inherit property and are represented by a seat in the House of Stewards, reserved for the Prince’s Teeg.

The Te'ngk (by Brad Snape)

A distant relative of the Sigru, the Te'ngk stands about 3 feet tall, is a quadruped with thin grey wool. Unlike the Sigru, it has 3 horns (Te'ngk is Hri for 'three-spired') and looks quite distinct from it's cousin in this respects. It is herbivorous, eating sfika grass and mugu shrubs, and as such is found throughout Hria territory. It is sure-footed in rocky areas, and was recently used a pack animal by the Celpali expedition to Bel'Adne. It is also used to plow fields of shake, and when a fesitval occurs, is a prized source of meat. They are quite docile, but have a habit of being stuborn at times.

The Theranth (by Peter Bonney & Brennan Taylor)

The theranth are ostrich-like birds which make a fast and reliable mounts, but which are very hard to obtain and train. Moreover, while taming and training theranth is difficult, breeding them is well-nigh impossible. These factors combine to restrict their use to the wealthy or important. Theranth range throughout temperate to subtropical climes, and are predominantly found in open terrain where their speed is an asset. They are omniverous, eating insects, very small animals, and succulent vegetation. While not aggressive except in self defence or in defence of an egg clutch, theranth are effective fighters. Theranth do not have the powerful kick of our ostriches, but they compensate with a vicious toothy bite. Moreover, their heads are protected by a bony structure which terminates in a hard-edged crest, which is both useful protection and also effective for delivering a stunning blow to an attacker. Domesticated theranth are usually captured as eggs or as young hatchlings. The training process is arduous and specialized. Best results are obtained if the young theranth is encouraged to bond with its prospective rider; however, a theranth trained in this way will only be usable by one individual. Unbonded theranth, on the other hand, can not be trained to the same level of sophistication, and are less cooperative. Theranth can not carry as much weight as our horses: Riders above average human weight (including humans in heavy armor) will significantly impair the theranth's mobility. Moreover, the theranth will not carry any loads in the absence of a rider. Finally, while they are competant climbers, theranth tend to balk at skirting steep drops, and if forced may be vulnerable to vertigo. The wild theranth of the eastern Calarnar desert are only hunted as food animals by the Shanari, not as mounts. They do capture some alive to sell to traders who are interested in them, though.

Tora Bird (by Brad Snape)

Rainbow coloured birds of every shape and size imaginable in the Northern jungles. Only record seems to come from some patrols out of Tolshath Mahla, and further investigation and classification is required.

Sacred Fish

These fish only inhabit wells near churches and temples. There are usually two to a well and they are regarded as sacred. They live off of hazel nuts which fall from the tree above the well. These nuts give the fish magical properties, including the ability to speak although no record is had of one doing so. To kill the fish would invite divine retribution.

Unicorn

Commonly they are described as creatures with a horse body, white fur, and a twisted horn on the forehead. It has been said that they live a thousand years and that if touched they grant one wish or can heal any ailment. Unicorns are extremely intelligent and rare. They avoid all human contact if possible.

-- Chad Powell - 11 Sep 2006