Assailant -- Year 226
"But the dream, the echo, slips from him as quickly as he had found it and as consciousness comes to him (a slap and not the gentle waves of oceanic tides), it dissolves entirely. His muscles relax as the cold claims him again, as the numbness sets in, and when his grey eyes open, there’s nothing but the faint after burn of a dream often trod and never remembered." --Brigade, written by Laura
Flora and Fauna Guide | ||
Field![]() ClimatePrecipitation arrives in late summer, early spring. During severe drought wildfires may be common. Temperature ranges wildly to reflect seasonal changes, with summer heat rising well over 38C or 100F, while winter can get as low as -40C or -40F. LandscapeLarge, open field with lush grasses. Near the middle of the field, a small waterfall cascades down a cliffside and into a large lake below. Worn-down grasses form paths that lead in every direction to the different lands of Beqanna. FloraNon-mythical FloraWild oats, rabbit grass, and stunted trees. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaAssorted songbirds, jackalope, ring-tailed foxes, and musical insects. Mythical FaunaHouse-cat sized leopards, fireflies (literal glowing balls of fire), and lake fish who seem to grow multiple heads as they age. Meadow![]() ClimatePrecipitation arrives in late summer, early spring. During severe drought wildfires may be common. Temperature ranges wildly to reflect seasonal changes, with summer heat rising well over 38C or 100F, while winter can get as low as -40C or -40F. LandscapeEver-green, broad plain with tall grasses that often reach past the average horse’s belly in height. Several creeks criss-cross the lush meadow, fed by the melted snow of the northern mountains. FloraNon-mythical FloraGoldenrod, clover, wild indigo and long-stem grasses. A few cottonwood and willow trees grow near water sources. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaQuails, skunks, and coyotes. Jack rabbits and prairie dogs, beetles and grasshoppers are plentiful. Large array of blackbirds, meadowlarks, and red-tailed hawks. Mythical FaunaNone yet. Forest![]() ClimateIt is always slightly colder here than the Meadow and the Field. However, the further you go into the trees, the colder it gets. Even in the heart of summer, one might freeze to death before they made it to the center of the forest. LandscapeDense, thick forest that gets progressively more ominous the deeper you go. In the heart of the forest is a dark place; sunlight hardly ever reaches the ground. There is something far more frightening than a bear or moose bull in the darkest reaches of the forest and many horses that come this far have nightmares for weeks afterward. FloraNon-mythical FloraA variety of trees: spruce, elm, birch, and poplar. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaAt the edges, deer and foxes are common sightings, hedgehogs shuffle through the leaf litter. Elk and moose pass through the established woods, wolves and cougars are not unheard of. Maybe the occasional black bear. Mythical FaunaNone yet. River![]() ClimatePrecipitation arrives in late summer, early spring. Temperature ranges to reflect seasonal changes, with summers being muggy and high 90s and winters bringing heavy snowfall and temperatures well below freezing. LandscapeA deep, rapid-filled river surrounded by grasses and small groups of trees. FloraNon-mythical FloraThe largest tree is a gigantic oak nearly thirty feet wide. Deciduous, turkey oak, common maple, sycamore and river birch trees line the river. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaWhite-tail deer, fox and hare can be found in abundance. The treetops are home to smaller nesting owls and songbirds: screech owls, cardinals and blue jay, mockingbirds. Common gray squirrels and non-venomous snakes such as corn snakes, garter snakes. Salmon run up the river in fall, trout and pike can be found in the water year round. Blue and green herons nest along the banks in quiet stretches as well as egret and assorted ducks. Mythical FaunaNone yet. Playground![]() ClimatePrecipitation arrives in late summer, early spring. Temperature ranges wildly to reflect seasonal changes, but it is never too hot or too cold for the children here to be comfortable. LandscapeA small field dotted with ancient trees. Several fallen logs, thickets, and shallow ponds provide endless entertainment for the little ones. FloraNon-mythical FloraSeveral variants of cypress trees, thickets, and thorny briar patches. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaLarge animals steer clear of the Playground; instead, it is mostly populated by rabbits, birds, smaller reptiles and insects. Mythical FaunaNone yet. Adoption Den![]() ClimatePrecipitation arrives in late summer, early spring. Temperature ranges wildly to reflect seasonal changes, but it is never too hot or too cold for the children here to be comfortable. LandscapeA thin, shallow river filled with cobblestones runs through a rocky forest. There are several fairy-built dens beneath rock ledges for abandoned children to escape the elements. FloraNon-mythical FloraRiver birch and weeping willows grow along the river. Mythical FloraSoftly glowing "nightlight" mosses, fairy-chime flowers that ring quietly in the breeze. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaSmall goats to play with, hares, and fluffy bunny rabbits. Mythical FaunaNursemaid Elk - in appearance, these elk do not look like anything special, but these particular elk are capable of nursing the foals left in the Den all year round. These elk also speak, but only to foals, and are able to converse and comfort the children in their care. Mountain![]() ClimateAlmost always winter conditions, due to the height of the mountain. Prone to extreme winter winds, ice, and snow as you near the peak. Some seasonal changes nearer the base. LandscapeJust a big ole mountain. FloraNon-mythical FloraConiferous trees and hardy mosses and bushes abundant nearer to the base. Only the hardest of tundra type plants as you ascend. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaMountain goats, some bands of caribou and elk roam seasonally. Snowy owls with contrasting feathers of orange or red rather than black are not common, nor are the blue-violet lemmings and furred lizards on which they feast. Mythical FaunaNone yet. Icicle Isle![]() ClimateArctic temperatures that range from -20C (-4F) to 10C (50F). High humidity and quick winds makes temperatures feel colder. LandscapeThe entire land is tundra-like, and the northernmost half is covered year round in snow and ice. Every night, northern lights appear. Since the burning of Icicle Isle, the ground is exposed as mostly granite, obsidian, and some onyx, covered in soot and ash and the occasional leftover ice patch. The combining of extreme temperatures caused some of the rock to crack, leaving long but narrow crevices (a horse can easily step over them, but don’t catch your hoof in one). Some of these hold a little surprise - steam can rise from them slowly, either hot or cold, and geysers have been formed as well that force their water out occasionally. FloraNon-mythical FloraLichen, pasque flowers, bearberries, arctic willows, arctic poppy, Icelandic moss. Lots of moss and lots of sturdy tundra grass in general. Mythical FloraGlass Flowers - Flowers that appear to be made of clear glass, spread throughout the otherwise boring meadows of tundra grass. When stepped upon they make a sound like breaking glass. It is best to avoid eating them. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaArctic foxes, hares, lemmings, elk, moose, and caribou. Polar bears are more rare yet not unknown. Whales, narwhals, and seals are common off the shores in the cold water. Puffins and several species of penguin have been seen. Mythical FaunaIce Wraiths - These creatures or shadows hide in sea mist and geysers, forming into a shape that seems to be different for each horse who looks at them. Auroraflies - Similar to fireflies, but can be any color similar to the Aurora Borealis. Nerine![]() ClimateHighland moors. Misty and relatively cold year round, and it rains easily but only for short periods in the spring and summer. Winter and autumn rains can last for days. LandscapeBoggy moors, caves, some interconnected underwater moorish scrub over rocky, gently sloping terrain. FloraNon-mythical FloraPredominantly heather, common cotton grass and wavy hair grass. In the summer cranberry, crowberry and sundew could bloom. Farther north cedar trees grow, several variations of fir as well. Mythical FloraLarge, somewhat sentient plants similar to flytraps. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaRed grouse, mice, voles, short-eared owl, snipe, and skylarks. Reptiles are few due to the cooler conditions. Along the coast barnacles are plentiful, as well as clam and dog whelks, periwinkles, limpets, topshells, mussels. Kelp forests along the shoreline. Glow-worms make their home in several of Nerine's caves. Mythical FaunaNuckelavee - Large, terrifying, skinless creature that resembles a horse whose legs are part fin (like a fish) and a single giant eye which burns with a red flame. A human is merged along the back of the horse body like a strange centaur. Cloud Sheep - White sheep with fleece made out of clouds who sometimes experience tiny thunderstorms in the summer. Rock Sheep - Gray and black sheep who, at first, appear to be dark cloud sheep, though their wool is made of rock instead of clouds. They frequently have clashes with the cloud sheep - their rivals. Alicantos - Rare large, golden birds with metallic feathers most often found around Nerine's caves and cliff edges. The precious metals they eat from the caves and cliffs make up the sheen of their feathers. Taiga![]() ClimateSea climate - gets up to 20-25 Celsius in summer, often does not reach truly freezing temperatures in winter, though it can and will sometimes freeze; usually no snow, but misty drizzle, true rain, or hail during winter. LandscapeFoggy, ancient redwoods. The land rises higher in elevation the farther north one goes in the territory. The northern-most beach of Taiga is made of rough granite boulders, fitting with the border they share with Nerine. The eastern shoreline is also grey, but the rocks have been pounded into fine silvery sand. Most of the mature redwood trees are 50 to 75 feet wide in diameter, but some are twice that. There are a handful of small meadows in Taiga, most often made by a redwood falling and taking out its neighbors. The largest meadow is in the northern part of the territory, where a rocky granite outcropping in the center makes it an ideal place for large gatherings and meetings. FloraNon-mythical FloraMassive redwood trees, large ferns. Mythical FloraCrystal Flowers - Flowers that bloom from crystals, which need special attention to grow and flourish. They chime when healthy and drink starlight. Silvergreens - Evergreens that grow silver bark and have needles varying in color. Sporadically found throughout Taiga. Giant Mushrooms - Mushrooms that can grow to tower over horses, but none as tall as the redwoods. Rare species may give off bioluminescent light. Be careful though, as some are poisonous to the touch. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaSquirrels, rabbits, white-tail deer, along with moose, brown bears, and a local roaming wolf pack. Several different types of fish - trout, sturgeon, and salmon - swim along the coast for most of the year. Mythical FaunaNeedle Mammals - Small northern mammals ranging from squirrels to porcupine, all altered to grow needles, pinecones, bark, and leaves that help them blend into the redwoods. Lunaflies - Rare, glowing butterflies that only come out by the light of the moon. Glass Frogs - Glass-skinnied amphibians of various species that live in the meadow ponds or by the trickling streams in Taiga. They eat Lunaflies especially. Mammoose - A mammoth/moose hybrid creature, dangerous when spooked into a stampede or when disturbed during mating season, but otherwise herbivorous and calm in nature. They feed off evergreens, bark, and Taiga flora. Canis Araneae - Wolf/spider hybrids that dig web burrows into the ground, oftentimes underneath the largest, oldest redwoods. They carry their litters on their back and feast off the herbivores of Taiga. Rock Tortoises - Tortoises covered in moss that can be easily mistaken for rocks when not moving. They range in size from hoof-sized stone to large boulders. Loess![]() ClimateLoess is a cold desert type of climate manifested in hot summers and cold winters with a meager amount of rainfall throughout the year. Spring is a mix of wet and warm weather with occasional stormy and sunny days. Summers are hot with an average high temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) in the peak of July, as afternoon thunderstorms are common which frequently lead to flash floods; day highs sometimes touch a blazing 110°F (43.3°C), while nights are comparatively cold. Autumn is usually mild. Winters are cold and damp as the lows regularly drop below freezing in the 20°F (-6.7°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C), while highs are at a mild 55°F (12.8°C) to 60°F (15.6°C). Snowfall accumulates up to 4.2" (106.7mm) during the winter, while the annual precipitation is scanty to the tune of 16.1" (408.9mm) spread throughout the year. LandscapeMountains, rocky hills and deep canyons, fresh and saltwater springs of varying temperatures. The heart of the land is sandstone cliffs and rock formations carved by centuries of wind and water that slowly fade into softer hills at the edges of the land. FloraNon-mythical FloraPlants from any type of climate grow here, but most commonly found are low scrub, cacti, and small trees. Mythical FloraUnnamed plants whose flowers glow in shades of blue during the night and bloom no matter the time of year. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaKoalas, kangaroos, dingoes, and opossums. A variety of poisonous snakes thrive in this habitat. Mythical FaunaFluertles - Turtles that carry large swatches of flowering plants on their backs. They often glow and are said to be the pets of fairies. Elkear - Large, carnivorous, antlered bear-like animals that are the color of fire, ranging from black to red. They are capable of breathing fire in very short spurts. Sylva![]() ClimateEternally mild, stuck in autumn. Summer temperatures aren’t hot nor does winter truly grasp the landscape, though snow is common enough in winter. LandscapeDense woods whose leaves are perpetually autumn-colored. Tumbled boulders occur in random placements and a dried out riverbed runs across the northeast corner. FloraNon-mythical FloraOaks, maples, beechnut, chestnut, hawthorn, rowan, and ash trees. Clearings are occupied with grasses and patches of wild strawberry and blackberry briars. Wildflowers grow in the warm months where the sun can reach them. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaWolves, black bears, squirrels (grey and red), rabbits, and foxes. Smaller bird species such as robins and thrushes are also common. Mythical FaunaFluertles - Turtles that carry large swatches of flowering plants on their backs. They often glow and are said to be the pets of fairies. Elkear - Large, carnivorous, antlered bear-like animals that are the color of fire, ranging from black to red. They are capable of breathing fire in very short spurts. Brilliant Pampas![]() ClimateTemperate, four seasons. However, it is known to have unpredictable natural disasters on a semi-regular basis - wildfires, tornados, etc. LandscapeExpansive field, cool and clear stream. Some gently rolling hills but predominantly flat. FloraNon-mythical FloraLarge variety of wildflowers that bloom in 3.5 seasons, leaving out only the deepest parts of winter. Most are edible, though there is a species of red flower known to cause sleep and hallucinations when their pollen is inhaled. A few large trees provide cover from the weather. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaResidents share the Pampas with many burrowing mammals (mice, hares, groundhogs, etc.) and ground-nesting birds. Deer are not uncommon, and neither are small predators such as foxes and hawks. Larger predators are less common due to a lack of large game and shelter to hunt from. Mythical FaunaFluertles - Turtles that carry large swatches of flowering plants on their backs. They often glow and are said to be the pets of fairies. Elkear - Large, carnivorous antlered bear-like animals that are the color of fire, ranging from black to red. They are capable of breathing fire in very short spurts. The only creature of his kind, nicknamed Steve. He looks like a woolly mammoth, though his fur is made entirely of long grass and his tusks of ancient ombu tree branches. There is no evidence he has an actual physical body beneath the grass-coat and small songbirds are known to nest within it. For three ripe guarana berries, you may ask his advice but he is either insane or extremely cryptic as he answers entirely in near-indecipherable riddles. Hyaline![]() ClimateThe temperature here does not have a wide range - winters are in the mid 20sF and summers in the lower 60sF. Snow is common three-quarters of the year, and the snowmelt from the mountains feeds the River that runs through Beqanna. LandscapeA clear lake surrounded by rugged mountains. Some of the slopes are covered in mixed forests, others are naked stone and shortgrass meadows. FloraNon-mythical FloraOne large, lone wisteria near the shore of the lake. More wisteria can be found in the forests, particularly the lower ones. Pine and leaf trees are mixed, higher up there’s more pine and lower bushes, until you reach the treeline. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaAll fauna is pastel colored. Hares, mountain lions, snow leopards, and lots of crow and raven bird species. Hawks and the occasional eagles. Mythical FaunaRock Sheep - Gray and black sheep who, at first, appear to be dark cloud sheep, though their wool is made of rock instead of clouds. Rodents of Unusual Size - Large, cow-sized mole creatures who rarely venture from their cavernous tunnels. Silver Cove![]() ClimateSea climate that is influenced in the south by Pangea’s daytime heat but also frequently receives colder northwestern winds from the cooler Taiga and Hyaline region. LandscapeThe cove reflects silver at night and is surrounded by grassy hills and cliffs on one side and black sand beaches on the other. FloraNon-mythical FloraLow, sturdy bushes, salt-resistant grass, and the famous silver grass. Lots of samphire with a few kelp. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaSmall mammal species such as mice, hares, and groundhogs are common in the grassland, as are deer, dwarf goats, capybaras, and small predators. Amphibians run rampant along the beach and cove. There are also several white owls who screech when strangers approach the Cove. Mythical FaunaRock Sheep - Gray and black sheep who, at first, appear to be dark cloud sheep, though their wool is made of rock instead of clouds. Rodents of Unusual Size - Large, cow-sized mole creatures who rarely venture from their cavernous tunnels. Silver deer species that light up under the moon, just like the grass they eat. Opossums that use magical camouflage to blend in with surroundings and scream horrifically when approached. Pangea![]() ClimateArid and warm most of the year, light snow in the winter that often doesn’t stick. Very cold at night. LandscapeYellow, red, and brown canyons make up the bulk of Pangea. Dry and dusty except for a wide, deep river in the middle of the largest valley. FloraNon-mythical FloraCoyote willow, arrowweed, seep willow, western honey mesquite, catclaw acacia, and saltcedar. One could also find remnants of dead sea plants such as coral, giant kelp, and anemone here. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaGhost fish, coyotes, spiny lizards, rattlesnakes, ring-tailed cats, bighorn sheep, bats, elk with barnacles attached to them, and vultures. Mythical FaunaRock Sheep - Gray and black sheep who, at first, appear to be dark cloud sheep, though their wool is made of rock instead of clouds. Rodents of Unusual Size - Large, cow-sized mole creatures who rarely venture from their cavernous tunnels. Lobsters who have evolved to have lungs, fire-breathing chuckwallas, and mule deer with coral horns. Tephra![]() ClimateTropical climate - generally hot, wet, and humid with frequent summer storms. Temperature has little changes throughout the year and most plant life grows year-round. LandscapeA small volcano and a large spring broke through the earth’s crust together at the center of this land. The resulting steam keeps this place humid and warm all year long, and waters the tropical greenery that grows aplenty between crisscrossing streams of lava. FloraNon-mythical FloraOrchids, strangler figs, elephant ears, pitcher plants, cotton-silk kapoks, monkey brush vines, passion fruits, banana trees, heliconia flowers, bromeliads, rubber trees, ferns, and mosses. Mythical FloraNone yet. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaToucans, capuchins, sloths, birds of paradise, a rare leopard or two, phoenix hummingbirds who nest in Tephra in the summer (said to be good luck), aye-ayes, anacondas, capybara, macaws, giant otters. Rumored to have a carnivorous albino anaconda. Mythical FaunaShadow Shrimp - Shrimp in the surrounding ocean that have a black body, purple glow, and beady yellow eyes. They resemble Mantis shrimp, have clubs and/or pinchers, and live in colonies like ants. Highly toxic - eating one can cause up to three days of intense stomach pain or possibly even death. Felis Marus - Semi-aquatic felines the size of a housecat, often with fish tails or fins. Puffkeets - Small birds the size of parakeets, with puffin-like behavior and beautiful songs. Very aggressive in defense of their nests. Semi-terrestrial octopi with a very deadly sting. Ischia![]() ClimateIschia is a chain of tropical islands and is warm and humid year round. The temperature varies little throughout the year. Temperatures vary from 75 to 86 °F (24 to 30 °C) and rainfall occurs every few days. Harsh tropical storms occur during the spring, but true hurricanes are rare. LandscapeLow tide at two points during the day reveals a sandbar that can be used to cross from the mainland to the big island. The smaller islands are reachable only by flying or swimming. The big island is stamped by a large waterfall leading into the northernmost lake. Bioluminescent phytoplankton light up the sand at night on every beach. FloraNon-mythical FloraEdible plants including breadfruit, dragon’s blood, cashews, cinnamon, mangoes, bananas, coconuts, starfruit, passionfruit, pineapple, and papayas. Flowering plants include several varieties of orchid and hibiscus. Mythical FloraCreeping Tangleweed - A fast-growing vining plant. Leaves are spade-shaped, lime green on top and maroon below. Surprisingly strong for such a delicate looking plant; almost impossible to break the stems once caught in them. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaIschia has very few native large animals, but is home to lots of birds, including a few flocks of large semi-intelligent parrots. Tropical primates are also not unusual but large predators and mammals are few and far between. Small predatory creatures can be found, such as fossa, mongoose, boas or pythons, and assorted small lizards like green anoles and crested geckos. Sea life tends to be of the warm-water variety. Mythical FaunaBeakies - Beakies (singular Beaky) are a species of parrot that appears to be part griffin. These birds have the front half of a parrot and the back half of a lion, are relatively large in size, semi-intelligent, and herbivores. They have a basic grasp of language and may communicate with others of their species and occasionally horses, though they do not typically like horses and may not be friendly. Felis Marus - Semi-aquatic felines the size of a housecat, often with fish tails or fins. Puffkeets - Small birds the size of parakeets, with puffin-like behavior and beautiful songs. Very aggressive in defense of their nests. Crystal Crabs - Small hermit-type crabs with translucent jewel-toned shells. Ghost Eels - Eels with clear skin and flesh, their skeleton and organs visible. They have a nasty bite but prefer hiding in the reef. Semi-terrestrial octopi with a very deadly sting. Islandres![]() ClimateA temperate climate. It has cool, wet winters (lows in the 40s) and mild, relatively dry summers (highs in the upper 70s). LandscapeBlack sand beaches, clear turquoise water, wooden figures on the beach similar to totem poles of the American Pacific Northwest. FloraNon-mythical FloraHearty bluegrass, palm trees, and date trees. Papyrus grow near the frequent freshwater streams, citrus plants like lemon, lime, and grapefruit are found here. There is also a small garden of carnivorous and poison plants and flowers, as well as fruit trees with some mysterious type of intoxicant when eaten. Mythical FloraRainbow Trees - Just like the name suggests, these trees have rainbow-colored bark and leaves. Color-changing Shrubs - The shrubs and many of the tall grasses change colors randomly. Grapple Bushes - These are a main food for herbivores here, with thick lemony leaves and apple-like fruit growing in clusters. FaunaNon-mythical FaunaMouse deer, wild boar, feral beach pigs, nile perch, tilapia, giant betta and koi fish, and the very rare, occasional crocodile or fennec fox. Different types of parakeets, parrots, and macaws - sometimes glowing. Several lemur species can be found here. All of the native animals are either black, white, or a combination. Mythical FaunaFelis Marus - Semi-squatic felines the size of a housecat, often with fish tails or fins. Puffkeets - Small birds the size of parakeets, with pufflin-like behavior and beautiful songs. Very aggressive in defense of their nests. Semi-terrestrial octopi with a very deadly sting. |