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The Observed: Elklands Horse
The Observer: Shelby Nelmerrish The Location: Bulund, Elklands and Red River Region The Characteristics: The Elklands Horse is one of two main types of four-legged transportation on the Man-ruled continent of Bulund (the other, obviously, being cattle). The Elklands Horse is one of average height but massive size. Its shaggy hair is present on all of the horse's body, but mostly so on its long mane, thick tail, and growing down to cover its over-sized hooves. These horses are seen in a variety of colors and patterns, but most are dark, blending into the Elklands Forest in which they are most commonly found. The thick hair that nearly covers their faces and eyes make them particularly skittish and short-sighted, but their huge mass and powerful legs make up in might for what they lack in sight. The Temperament: Elklands Horses are skittish, easily found but not easily captured, and difficult to break. Over time, they can form very strong bonds with their tamers and stablemasters, though selling horses with these bonds becomes a problem, as the animal practically needs to be broken all over again. Bright lights and bad weather should be avoided, as the Elklands Horses generally reside in wooded areas, so exposure to these elements is unnatural.
The Observed: Furian Leo
The Observer: Shelby Nelmerrish The Location: Lion's mouth, Lion's Tail The Characteristics: A rare and majestic feline. Akin to lions, their manes can range from red( ruby-red) to dark brown( oaken brown), same with their fur. They stand at about 8 feet tall and 15 feet long from nose to tail, and stand in what can only be described as a 'regal' stance. The observer stood 25 feet away, and could still feel the fierce pride these creatures hold themselves too. In terms of features, they possessed the maw of a an apex feline predator, but when they are a threatened the maw will pull back completely, like an eyelid, and show a set of vicious and frightening fangs. The Furian Leo's seemed to fight and challenge by way of baring these fangs, the observer remembers feeling a sense of awe-inspiring fear when first witnessing this. Their bodies were lean and well toned, their their front elbows had spikes protruding from them. Sizes seemed to vary, but nothing under 1 metre long spikes. The tails of the Furian Leo's was different than you would expect. There was a spikes that could be retracted on the tip of each tail. The Temperament: Each different Leo would have a different nature, or personality, very much like an intelligent race. Some would show kindness and humility to other more weaker and smaller Leos, whereas others would laud and undermine those weaker and with smaller fangs. The observer couldn't find any discernible physical difference between those of light temperament and those of dark temperament. The observer doesn't know how they would react to an intelligent species, as she was much too frightened at the time. note: Only ever once observed these creatures. Could not locate them a second time.
The Observed: Renthian Molehound
The Observer: Kellam Mortimer The Location: Across "all" of Renth The Characteristics: A large dog-like creature, seemingly also taking on features of a star-nosed mole. Fully grown their backs are at the same height as a human waist. Their eyes are small and fully black, blending in with their velvety black fur; disliking bright lights they will shut their eyes fully on the surface. Their nose is very large, and incredibly sensitive; able to track prey for miles. Their body is also incredibly muscular, with their front paws being more like clawed "hands", allowing them to dig quickly. Often found in large packs in The Depths, seeming to prefer to sleep in the warmth; however the local Dwarves have taken some to the surface for work and as pets; as they make excellent companions and hunting animals. Temperament: The domesticated Molehounds of Renth are known to be loyal creatures, often fiercely so. Unlike the wild Molehound, the domesticated variety seems to prefer being the only Molehound their owner has, potentially seeing them as their pack. They also seem to be very good with children, most likely seeing them as their own, they are even more fiercely protective and nurturing. Wild Molehounds, however, are territorial. Fiercely protecting their sprawling tunnel complex of underground burrows they are omnivorous creatures, often eating large insects and roots they find whilst burrowing. However, they have been known to venture to the surface, and packs of Molehounds have been known to bring down armed people and large animals for food.
The Observed: Timber wolves
The Observer: Shelby Nelmerrish The Location: Leonidan, the Great Reserve Observations: From continuous observation, the observer has identified three different packs of timber wolves living in the Great Reserve. The Northern Pack wolf is large in size(6 feet tall, 8 feet long), with shaggier fur. The colour of their coats range from silver to grey. They have not had very much interactions with humans, so the observer was cautious with his approach. The Northern wolf pack growled and rose on their haunches but did not preemptively attack, they were cautious of the observer. The South-Western Wolf pack were smaller, though not by much, than the Northern Wolf pack( 5 1/2 feet tall, 7 feet long). Their fur had the largest range of colours, some being pure white to pitch black. They seemed to be the most docile of the wolf breeds in the area. The observer noticed if she played submissive, the pack welcomed and tolerated her. The observer also noticed the wolves often were entranced by the beacon over at Providence temple. When ever there was a gap in the treeline, or a clearing, the pack would all howl in unison towards it. The observer has no clear thoughts as to why. The South-Eastern Wolf Pack was the largest breed of wolf in the Great Reserve, but the least numerous in number( 6 1/2 feet tall, 9 feet long). The colour of their fur was mostly brown, reddish brown or grey. Due to the constant hunting by the occupants of the Wild Retreat, the South-Eastern Wolf Pack was very hostile towards humans. The observer saw the pack viciously feed on a young hunter they had killed. These wolves are man-eater and should be avoided at all costs.
The Observed: Centaur, AKA Elklands Guardian, AKA The Mythic Damned
The Observer: N/A The Location: Bulund, Elklands Forest The Characteristics: The Centaur of Elklands Forest is thought by most Bulundians to be myth or legend, depending on who is asked. There are no confirmed sightings but several reported glimpses of the creature. What we know about the Centaur of the Elklands is as follows. The creature is supposedly male, and a mixture of Half-Elf and elk, unlike the children's tales of man and horse centaurs in the forests of Dracos. He is reported to stand a Man's height at the elk portion's back, and nearly the height of two Men at the tip of the creature's antlers, of which he has two, powerful and spreading several feet in both directions from his Half-Elf head, though some uphold the belief that he has none. He is supposedly clothed in the vestments of a Ranger, a leather jerkin falling to the fur on his lower chest, and his lower body is adorned with jewels and scale mail. He is said to carry a long bow as well as a short sword. Reports are conflicting as to the creature's facial features, as well as eye and hair color, and there are even a few reports of the creature simply being a Forest Ranger that rides an Elk as mount. The Temperament: Some Rangers call this creature the Elklands Guardian, as he is said to have rescued some Hunters from snares and traps laid by Elklands predatory animals, as well as assisted in the clearing of large pests like Forest Wasps, Spiders, and Goblins. Others call him the Mythic Damned, proposing the origin of the Centaur as a Hunter who was cursed by Vargen for taking dishonest kills, or worse, leaving wounded creatures to die unnaturally. The myth goes on to say that Vargen took the Hunter and his last kill to another realm, where he wove the two together, punishing the Hunter by placing him back into the Elklands Forest as prey instead of predator. Those that uphold this story hunt the Mythic Damned with furious determination. There are several stories and opinions surrounding the Centaur, but the ever-present danger of the Elklands Interior shields anyone from proving them, one way or another.
The Observed: Stronghold Owl
The Observer: Shelby Nelmerrish The Location: Bulund, Highlands Stronghold Region The Characteristics: Migrating from the western ridge of the Taurus Mountains, the Stronghold Owl was originally known as the Coastal Owl. Larger than most birds, with a wingspan of nearly eight feet, the Stronghold Owl is an impressive creature. Its head and body are only slightly oversized versions of the common Woodlands Owl, but the large wings and talons of this bird make it a menace to most small animals of prey. The Stronghold Owl is found in a range of colors, from deep brown and grey to a light orange, and occasionally a hint of blue in its feathers. Nestled high in the pine treetops, the Owls are rarely seen during the day, but they can be heard crying out at night with terrible high pitched screams, or even worse, swooping in from above with loud and fearsome wings. The Temperament: The Stronghold Owl is very territorial but only comes out at dark. For this reason, many creatures of prey (and even a few misplaced predators) may find themselves beset upon by the Owl during the night, if they've incidentally encroached upon an Owl's nesting tree. The Stronghold Owl is one of a few species of animal to have aided in the fight against the Dark Evil on the Withered Shore, wreaking havoc on the Evil's hosts during the cover of darkness. At some point during the long war, the large Owls moved away from the fighting, apparently having had enough of it, and have taken up residence in the tall trees on the Highlands side of the Mountains. There, they live peaceably and overlook the Stronghold, where the villages and Men-at-Arms dwell. A few villages have taken to leaving tributes to the Owl, as a sort of thanks for their species' help in the fights. The aim is to one day domesticate the creature, though the Stronghold Owl seems much to intelligent to fall for such plans.
The Observed: Hill Giant
The Observer: Niklaus Veralaeos The Location: Bulund, Highlands Stronghold Region The Characteristics: You'll want to be extra careful when traveling through the Highlands Stronghold. If the ever-squabbling clans don't decide to kill you over some minor slight of their culture, which you'll undoubtedly and accidentally make on a daily basis, the wildlife most certainly will. However, you may find some safety in the most unlikely of places. Some hills are just mounds of dirt and grass. Some have trees. Others have stones. And occasionally, some are living creatures. Hill Giants are known for their immense strength and reclusive nature. They range in size from the height of four men to that of a small mountain, and because their physical makeup appears to be mesh-work pattern of plants, vines, and boulders, they are considered by some more plant than animal. The Temperament: Hill Giants are ever-watching, and because they live and exist as the very soil itself, they are believed to have a sort of hive mind. The way you treat one Hill Giant will likely be remembered and noted by every other Giant on that particular landmass. Due to this, Hill Giants are seen in one of two ways; either as a place of refuge or a symbol of approaching destruction. Although the actual creature's goals and ambitions are unclear, and while each Giant holds its own distinct look and markings, it may be best to assume every hill upon which you stand may be living. For that reason, be careful of where you shed blood.
The Observed: Black Beast
The Observer: Father Aenor of the Southern Riders The Location: Bulund, Withered Shore The Characteristics: The term "Black Beast" is more of a category of many species that live, and unfortunately, thrive on the ashy sands of Bulund's Withered Shore. These creatures were once quadrupeds, whether wolves, boar, deer, bears, or bulls. But now, they exist as dark entities full of anger and malice, vessels for the Black Evil that still seeps from the ground itself. The tell-tale sign of a Black Beast is not necessarily the color, which may range from white to grey to midnight. Nor is a Black Beast known by its physical features; many seem almost as normal versions of their untouched species. The giveaway will be the eyes. It is as though the colorful orbs have been scooped out of the animal's head, and it their places now lie two of the darkest marbles you have ever seen. The Temperament: Black Beasts are known for their aggression. The Black Evil that so eagerly swallowed up Shattered Rock, most of Bastion, and crept onto the Withered Shore took the lives of thousands of Intelligent Races, but the animal life has suffered numbers in the tens of thousands. These creatures have no intelligence like a man or woman; their base instincts, when harnessed, turn only to rage. Black Beasts will attack on sight and are extremely dangerous, for they will almost always fight to the last breath as the Evil drags them onward. Take care when combating these creatures; their former self's characteristics are vastly heightened. Black Beast bears will be monstrously ferocious; Black Beast elk will rip and tear flesh with antlers; Black Beast wolves are terribly fast and impossibly quiet. Anything an animal of Bulund may do, a Black Beast does better, and with more ferocity. Wipe them out. Kill them all.
The Observed: Phoenix (novo-ignis avum)
The Observer: Idrin the Black, Smith at Dragonforge The Location: Dracos, Dragon's Wings and Redwind Shores The Characteristics: The Phoenix is a bird unlike any other. It is large, somewhere between the size of a Lion-Hawk from Bulund and a Serpent-Dragon from Leonidan. It has a short sharp beak, small slits for yellow eyes, and incredibly bright plumage made of surprisingly soft feathers. Its wingspan is enormous, its talons sharp, but one of the most noteworthy features is its tail. The Phoenix's tail is long and heavy, used both as a rudder in flight, or a weapon and shield on the ground. Phoenixes were first discovered when my family built the Dragonforge near the Redwind Shores. The birds seem to love fire, and they were originally though to be ghosts or small dragons. Dragons because of the fire bit, and ghosts because of the Phoenix's most interesting characteristic. A phoenix doesn't seem to "die". Not like most creatures do. Instead, it self-immolates in the very flames it adores, burning away in an intense heat and shower of color before being reborn inside the ashes of its former self. I've known one particular phoenix with tinges of blue on its spine to have done so at least seven times during my life. The Temperament: Phoenixes are cautious, solitary birds. No one is quite sure how they came to be, as they seem to reincarnate rather than reproduce. They can be defensive, and while most of them share certain features, their defense mechanisms vary depending on the color of bird you're dealing with. Best practices include simply steering clear of them should one be in your path. I once took five days off work because I couldn't get past the front door of the forge, where a green-tinted phoenix stared at me each morning. Beautiful but dangerous, the Phoenix should be respected. That last bit goes toward all you fools who have captured the poor things on ships and brought them across the oceans to your homes.
The Observed: The Gryphon/ The Griffin
The Observer: Merric Falghern (close personal friend of Shelby Nelmerrish) The Location: Leonidan, Southern Darkmane Mountains The Nest Like woven gold on solid shadow. It was large, very large. One can only guess the source of the gold, gold that crests and turns with the circular motion of the nest. The chaos of the nest only added to beauty, the beauty in the simplicity of the nest. Twig, branches poking at odd ends from the chaotic swirls of griffin's home. First Sighting The slash of talons, in but a moment. The quiet flap of wings, that one could mistake for faraway birds. To the observer, it was as though the gargantuan raptor simply feel from the sky, and picked up the deer the observer was sketching. With a single beat of the griffin's wings, the creature was airborne again. The griffin turned and faced the observer for a moment, before returning to the skies. The observer was carefully hidden, with the appropriate camouflage and scent-blocking poultices. The observer watched it fly away, and followed. Estimated to have a fifteen foot wingspan, then a length of eight feet. Too far at this moment to accurately describe or sketch. The observer then followed the creature back to it's nest. Characteristics They have two distinct parts. Chimeras, blending seamlessly from sharp raptor beaks, talons and wings to lithe feline haunches, back paws and tails. Golden feathers changing to golden fur, like the sea remaining clear on a bright day. A plume of golden feathers above the tail, is theorised to help control them in flight, like an eagle. They are glorious in flight, as though the wind itself is at their beck and call. A small glimmer of movement, and the griffin soars to the heavens. They seem to live in pairs. A male and a female. They live harmoniously, even lovingly. An assumption could be that Griffin's mate for life. They are carnivores, but not voracious in appetite. They hunt approximately twice a month, and eat much less than their size would have us believe. The feather As golden as the dawn itself. Legends spoke of such a beautiful object. The observer managed to take a feather, as he went to investigate the Griffin nest when there were no occupants. Examinations will be commencing to see if the legends were true. -- The legends are true. In the presence of this feather, one can only speak the truth. Over the course of the examinations, the observer discovered many things about himself. Some that were upliftingly good, some that were horrifyingly bad. The observer couldn't even begin to comprehend the information being presented to him. He learned the following about himself: - He had been in love before, but without further information an answer as to who is a mystery. - His love for fauna came from the story his mother told him as a child about a dog who didn't know where he came from. Further investigation into the observer's psyche led to the frightening conclusion that he despised the society the intelligent races as a whole, and preferred to abandon it rather than attempt to change it. -He found the idea of bread morally wrong. No further information could be divulged at the moment of questioning. As he learned these truths, the observer came to realisation of the power of this small, delicate feather. This was freedom itself. Freedom from the horrifying restrictions placed upon civilised society. The Observer learned of his own feelings, and as he did, his own principles as an intelligent being. Freedom was truth itself. -- Just as freedom was fleeting as a feather, the feather itself flew from the observer's grasp by some unseen wind. It was as though the air in his hut has a mind of it's own, as the observer felt a warm breeze and the feather slipping from his grasp. He followed the feather, leaving his camp. The feather returned to the nest from where it came. -- The Observer has resolved himself to retrieve the feather. Regardless of the danger, he will find a closer vantage point and wait for the Griffins to leave. The obsession with the truth that reside within all sentient creature is too much to hold within. The entry will be when the observer has retrieved the feather. (Last Entry) Please log in to add a comment. |
That's why I, world-renowned Animal Collector, Studier, and Observer, Shelby Nelmerrish, have made it my life endeavor to catalog the many beasts of our lovely Zaelia! Most of the accounts are firsthand, though traveling the world is tough these days, and so I've recruited the help of my colleagues from around Zaelia to fill in the blanks, so to speak! Onward and upward, my glorious Animal-Loving friends!
The following are several excerpts from Shelby Nelmerrish's "Guide to Unintelligent Life", available at local bookstores, libraries, or universities.