[Bestiary] The Tropics

[squakhawk 14038]

 

The Tropics and Jungle

 

Lush and sprawling with life, the tropics and jungles of the realm serve as the most lively of all the biomes. Varying from jungle to jungle, these biomes are filled with every manner of life, from ugly and dangerous, to pretty and fragile. Jungles vary greatly on habitability, from oceanside jungles with bounties of coconuts and fish, to a tropical paradise within the center of a wallowing marshland, the former often far more preferable than deep inland jungles.

 

Flora

 

The tropics are filled with a variety of flora, though are particularly for their affinity with medicinal herbs and potent alchemical reagents. Make no mistake, however, for just as the creatures themselves, these reagents may be anything from benign to dangerous.

 

Beard Weed

Night Sap

Ponderlot

Gislocinovi

 

Fauna

 

The jungles are often the most populated biome, inhabited by monkeys, lizards, snakes, and a wide variety of other such common animals. However, one should be cautious treading through such an environment, for the unprepared scavenger may be overwhelmed by the many creatures that dwell here, and if they are not careful, perhaps taken advantage of.

 

 

 

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Aevosi Remnants

 

Dixie Dart Frog

 

 

Physiology

 

The Dixie dart frogs are large omnivores roaming the tropics floors, lingering around bodies of water such as rivers or gathered rainwater and typically being the same size as your average brown bear.



The Dixie Dart Frog prey upon medium sized fish and mammals along with bugs during their juvenile years.
While their wings are unable to provide flight, they are used for fishing. The Dixie Dart Frog has been seen forming a bowl within the water utilizing these wings, scooping up any fish which fall to its trap, the webbing of these wings are also incredibly sensitive. Thus allowing them to better know when prey have fallen into their trap. Furthermore, these wings act as powerful tools to propel them through the water in unison with their large muscular tails. While lacking teeth, their powerful jaws allow them to crush prey and consume them in a single bite.

By no means are these beasts unable to defend themselves, the Dixie Dart Frog has developed many means other than their sheer size to defend themselves should they come under attack. Their first method of attack is the release of a nauseous foul smelling gas emitted from the pads seen at their wings. This foul gas spans the radius of five meters, this radius capable of being nearly doubled in size should the Dixie Dart Frog use their wings as fans to further spread the nauseous gas. If inhaled, the gas will inflict upon a deep rooted sickly feeling- a nausea which is capable of staggering and near stunning enemies for brief periods of time.

 

Behavior

 

Passive and solitary creatures, the Dixie Dart Frogs idly roam the forest floor and vast rivers spanning from it. Passive animals, they will simply continue with what they were doing should descendents be in the general vicinity thou shall make efforts to move away should they draw too close too quickly. They prefer to disorientate or stun those attacking them so they may flee, despite their size they shy away from combat. 

 

– Dixie Dart Frogs can be used and played for only DIY, player-hosted events.

 

– The effects of the gas cloud lasts for three emotes with varying effects round to round.
1st Emote: On the first emote round, the inflicted player will be debilitated- able to move in staggers and attacks made sloppy and weak as nausea overwhelms them.
2nd Emote: On the second round, the afflicted player feels the effects loosen- they can strike with strength once more yet still lack their usual precision as their form continues to shudder- movement is no longer prohibited.
3rd Emote: On the third emote round, the player is able to act as normal however still feel rather unwell.
– Magic users are unable to prepare spells during the first round of this gas, however they will not lose their established connection to their magic.  
– Unable to be tamed by any means.
– No harvestable materials which require a st sign.

– The Gas Cloud may not be harvested, it disperses far too quickly to be contained and collected.

 

Musavis

 

 

Physiology

 

Small and agile, the Musavis are a quick moving mammalia species which reside within the understory layer of the tropical rainforests of Aevos.

Their diet consists of nectar in addition to small insects, beetles, ants, aphids, gnats, mosquitoes, and wasps. While small, their quickness and constant movement results in a high need of energy and thus the majority of their day is spent darting between flower and bug to consume the nutrients required for survival.

The Musavis have evolved to avoid interaction and predators, rather than having means to defend themselves such as claws or poison and thus are equipped to hide or flee should they find themselves in the face of danger. The Musavi’s size is typically measure within the 3-5 inch range, and when in unison with green feathers they are excellent at camouflage. 

Their large ears are adept at hearing even the slightest shift of their environment, such allowing them to locate hidden bugs or know the inevitable approach of a predator. This expert hearing makes up for their mundane vision. Small hands allow them to take hold of the various decorations they bring to dawn their nests with, along with groom the members of their family as a means of strengthening bonds and showing affection. The long tail they have, along with the slick shape and flexibility of their wings, allow them to better turn themselves amidst quick flight and maintain their balance while hovering.
 

Behavior

 

The Musavis live a hidden life, skittish by nature, they avoid interaction with others- excluding their rather extensive families. These families typically consist of multiple generations and consist of numbers between 10-30 members. They enjoy bright colors, though each individual will have a preference with which color or shade of such is their favorite.

While out scavenging for various foods, the Musavis will often find their quick constant movement tiering and thus shall fall asleep within the very flowers they drink from. The fur upon their chest allows pollen to stick to them, thus making them incredible pollinators and an important aspect of the ecosystem.
 

Their nests are small, crafted carefully by the males and typically dawned with various decorations such as leaves, petals, feathers from themselves or other species, and occasionally clumps of fur. These small nests are made within dense epiphyte species clinging to the outstretching branches of tall trees, thus protecting them from the drastic weather of the rainforest and the gaze of predators both above and below them.

 

– Musavis can only be roleplayed during DIY, player-hosted events.

– Musavis may be tamed but can never be weaponized.

– Any material extracted from a Musavis is wholly aesthetic and player-signed.

 

Caedilus

 

 

Physiology

 

The Caedilus are stalkers of the jungles, able to near perfectly merge with their environment to watch and lurk- waiting for the predators of the tropics to conclude their consumption so they may knaw upon the scraps.

Lurking within the thick foliage of the rainforest floor, the Cadilus are opportunity predators and scavengers-  thus their diet greatly varies and consists of whatever they can find. Be it the remains of a predator's meal, berries, bugs, or small mammals in some instances. Such a means of gathering food has resulted in them developing an incredible sense of smell, capable of catching the smell of decay from up to miles away.

Looming within their environment, the Cadilus have evolved to conceal themselves away within nearby surroundings. Should they linger in place for a brief period of time without moving, the Cadilus sprouts leaves from itself and its limbs seemingly become akin to branches, disguising themselves as a tree. During this mimicry of a tree, the heart rate and other biological functions of the Caedilud slow- thus putting them into a near comatose state where they require far less to function.This unique ability allows them to remain in place undetectable for weeks at a time should it be needed, silently waiting for the smell of decay.

 

Behavior

 

In their constant hunt for scraps of food, they are often drawn to descentend settlements. Far from shy, they do not seem to  mind the constant noise and simply stand idly during the day before emerging at night to scrounge the streets for scraps of food or trash left uncovered.

If faced with a person or predator amidst their scavenging they will turn heel and scamper to the closest forest where they will once again conceal themselves as a tree. 

 

– Caedilus can be used and played only for DIY, player-hosted events. They may not be tamed.

– Their conceal ability is non combative and takes three emotes for the creature to perform, or five narrative minutes. They can remain in this state for up to three weeks.
– When communing, druids are able to sense the disguised Cadilus is a animal rather than a plant

– All components harvested from a Caedilus are player-signed.

– If a Caedilus is killed while camouflaged, its body reverts to its normal state. No camouflaged parts may be taken from its corpse.

 

Hernta

 

 

Physiology

 

The Hernta are large passive herbivores which reside upon the forest floor, idly grazing and using their long legs to adequately move through the thick shrubbery they camouflage themselves within as they move across the lands.

Consuming various plant matter, the Hernta have developed a strong beak which allows them to easily bite through thick stems, branches, and rip rooted plants from the soil. A strong stomach means they are capable of digesting most plant matter without issue, thus allowing them to thrive in climates other than their natural home within the tropics.

Standing between 7-8ft, their large leathery legs allow them to move through thick foliage without the risk of injury brought on by brushing against sharp objects while also acting as a means of natural defense against predators.

Passive creatures, usually finding themselves the prey of Throqal, the Hernta rely on camouflage to defend themselves. The Hernta has formed a symbiotic relationship with some foliage, amidst their constant travel and slumber amidst bushes the seeds of these plants find themselves caught within the Hernta’s coat and proceed to thrive- thus providing the Hernta with natural camouflage.

 

Behavior

 

The Hernta spends the majority of its time meandering about the floor of the rainforest. Naturally lazy, the majority of their time not spent grazing is spent sleeping within whichever thick shrub was closest to them at the moment.

While not hostile to one another, they are not sociable creatures. The Hernta spending the majority of its life alone while in the wild, though seem to do well in herds while in captivity due to this passive view of their kin.

 

Taming

 

Easily tamable, the Hernta is often used as a form of livestock. Their nature to graze has found them utilized as a means to clear large areas of land for farms of the construction of  foliage.

 

– Hernta can be used and played for only DIY, player-hosted events or tamed as livestock.
– Tamed Hernta as livestock cannot be used inside of any form of combat.

– Their conceal ability is non combative and takes three emotes for the creature to perform, or five narrative minutes. They can remain in this state for up to three weeks.

– When communing, druids are able to sense the disguised Cadilus is a animal rather than a plant

– All components harvested from a Caedilus are wholly aesthetic and player-signed.

 

Bearded Pike

 

 

Physiology

 

As many Descendants have learned, some at the cost of their own lives, the creatures of the jungles and rainforests of the world are truly some of the vicious and horrifying predators to be found. The Bearded Pike is no exception, this ambush predator swings from branch to branch in the overgrown canopies of the jungles. Its deep, crimson eyes searching the darkened swamps for any prey unfortunate enough to  come into view.

These creatures are riddled with all manner of diseases, from rabies all the way to flesh eating bacteria, as a result they live very short lives but in that span still prove to be extremely lethal predators and horrifying creatures.

The Bearded Pike has several distinct features, its overgrown and matted fur usually covered in dried viscera and blood or falling away due to disease and it has two sets of arms. The first set of arms, the largest of the two, are used for grappling from tree to tree in the canopies above the thick underbrush, while their smaller set of arms are used for helping tear apart their prey or killing it.

Any scratches or bites received from a Bearded Pike need to be tended to immediately, for they quickly get infected by the wide variety of diseases that plague these creatures. They have several large bone-like structures coming out of their bag at odd intervals that crack and break with sudden movements.

The Bearded Pike is an affront to nature.

 

Behavior

 

Bearded Pikes are solitary creatures, never staying near the rest of its species, saving for when it comes time to produce offspring. The Bearded Pike’s main method of hunting is by dropping onto unsuspecting victims below it and either crushing or grappling onto their prey and tearing into its neck with its smaller arms.

Once its prey is dead they will drag them back into the trees for eating, where it is safer from the other denizens of the swamp.

 

– Bearded Pikes can be used and played for only DIY, player-hosted events.
– May not be tamed.

– All components harvested from a Bearded Pike are wholly aesthetic and player-signed.
– The flesh and hide of a Bearded Pike is riddled with all manner of diseases, if eaten one will fall incredibly ill. This meat cannot be used to kill another as if it were a poison; because it isn’t.

 

Bush Tortoise

Physiology

Bush Tortoises are large creatures, generally ranging from the size of a dwarf to that of an elephant, though the largest recorded have scaled up to the size of a house! They continue to grow in size the longer they live, allowing for moss, flora, and even small fauna to make their homes atop the turtle’s verdant back. Generally, how long the turtle has lived is told by their size and the foliage on their back. This makes for decent camouflage for smaller tortoises, though larger ones can appear like walking hills. They are incredibly slow, regardless of size.

Habitat

Bush Tortoises live in their shells, which are hard and sturdy, requiring a few hits from a steel hammer to crack. They have often been used by goblin tinkerers as homes, assuming one can manage to clear out the turtle themselves. These creatures tend to roam where foliage is dense, leading them to reside deep within tropical and warm forests.

Behavior

Despite their size, Bush Tortoises are relatively docile. They generally tend to leave most things alone and will retreat within their shell to hide should they believe danger to be near. Oftentimes, they don’t care for smaller creatures and will ignore people should they come close. Though gentle, it will fight back with its powerful jaws should it feel threatened.

Abilities

While slow, the sturdy shell of a Bush Tortoise allows a decent amount of protection. Should the tortoise still feel threatened, it will attempt to snap back at its aggressors with powerful jaws much like snapping turtles, capable of cutting a man clean in half if large enough. Still, it is slow and often can be outmaneuvered with sufficient awareness.

Redlines

- Bush tortoises may range widely in size. Player-event ones cannot scale larger than that of a hut. Regardless of size, they will still move slowly.

- Bush tortoise flora have no unique or special effects/properties.

- Bush tortoise shells can be used for aesthetic housing, at most equating to concrete.

- Bush tortoise shells cannot be used to make armor.

- Bush tortoises cannot be tamed or controlled, though druids can speak with them.

 

Throqal

Physiology

Similar to that of large alligators, the Throqal is a gigantic beast with black and green scales. It possesses four legs and two “arms”, each of them being webbed, though it may crawl and swim upon all six. It can hold its breath for tremendous amounts of time, and its rigid skin helps it to blend in with swampy water. Generally the Throqal grows up to the size of an adult orc, though some older ones have even grown to the size of small ologs. Their difficulty to defeat in combat has made them ideal targets for coming-of-age rituals among the orcs.

Habitat

The Throqal lurks in murky jungle or swamp waters, easily blending in with its surroundings. It often choses muddier areas to make its dens, and lays its eggs underwater.

Behavior

Throqal are vicious creatures who often prowl waters seeking prey. Though they may attack smaller creatures when desperate, most Throqal are ambitious for animals and oftentimes can aspire to take on creatures twice their size. Though most generally range around the size of a fully grown orc, Throqal may choose to even attack young ologs and devour them with ease. They generally tend to be cunning and are surprisingly patient despite their aggression, capable of waiting hours for prey to fall into its trap.

Abilities

The Throqal possesses powerful jaws that can gnaw at iron and even bite through bone, making it best to keep one's distance when fighting these creatures. Lastly, their tail is capable of swinging back and throwing even orcs to the ground, knocking the wind out of them easily with a direct hit. Paired with their raw strength, they can be quite formidable foes that can require an entire squad of men to effectively take down.

Redlines

- Throqal scales are generally no stronger than regular alligator skin. It might be able to resist slashes and stings, but a sword could still pierce it with some difficulty. If harvested to make armor, it is water resistant but is no stronger than regular leather.

- Throqal cannot be tamed nor controlled by druidic influence.

- Throqal can rival, if not exceed an orc in terms of raw strength. Taking one down would require a fairly prepared squad of at least three strong men.

- Throqal are not at all gentle or docile. They often cannibalize their young before they hatch, and the young that do live are quick to consume whatever they can.