The mix of biota in the region is a wildly diverse one of both locally occurring and introduced species. A great deal of animals from other worlds have immigrated to Anexus just as readily as sentient beings and both have brought flora with them. The seas and their numerous uncharted gates under the water are in particular responsible for a great deal of change in the oceans over the centuries.
While not all introduced species survive in the primarily Mediterranean climate of the isthmus, others have managed to thrive, sometimes to the detriment of those who came before them. There are many considered too successful and are thus labeled as invasive and in need of elimination!
The biodiversity of flora and fauna in the region is intense not only due to the moon gates, but also to the fact that the central region being an isthmus between the east and the west - each side has their own unique biospheres, but here they overlap and become further mutated by the magics of the Central Sea.
It seems that reptiles are among the most predominate species - there are gators in the swamps, iguana on the beaches, turtles in the forest, tiny camouflaging fruit dragons in the city, and a great many more. In general it would seem fish, insects, and reptiles make up the large majority of truly local species followed by birds. There is evidence to suggest most if not all mammalian species crossed over to Anexus! Yet while many of these mundane and magical beasts may sound familiar in name, like the sentient races that have migrated here they have seen changes over the generations and become more localized. There is a notable frequency for draconic mutations and oversize insects.
Anything not a 'normal' game animal is something that people need an additional license for from the Adventurer's Guild - plus their approval to go after individual problem critters.
Submission Form:
While not all introduced species survive in the primarily Mediterranean climate of the isthmus, others have managed to thrive, sometimes to the detriment of those who came before them. There are many considered too successful and are thus labeled as invasive and in need of elimination!
The biodiversity of flora and fauna in the region is intense not only due to the moon gates, but also to the fact that the central region being an isthmus between the east and the west - each side has their own unique biospheres, but here they overlap and become further mutated by the magics of the Central Sea.
It seems that reptiles are among the most predominate species - there are gators in the swamps, iguana on the beaches, turtles in the forest, tiny camouflaging fruit dragons in the city, and a great many more. In general it would seem fish, insects, and reptiles make up the large majority of truly local species followed by birds. There is evidence to suggest most if not all mammalian species crossed over to Anexus! Yet while many of these mundane and magical beasts may sound familiar in name, like the sentient races that have migrated here they have seen changes over the generations and become more localized. There is a notable frequency for draconic mutations and oversize insects.
Mundane Biota
wild boar, deer, fox, wolf, squirrel, bear, diverse sea birds, diverse fish, diverse reptiles
Magical Biota
unicorn (non-local), gryphon, basilisk, hydra
Local Biota
manaraptor, vulcan gull, badger-eels, lunar flamingo, unicorn, kirin, swamp kelpie, mimics
Huntsman Guild License + Bounty Required
feral dragons, kirin, unicorn
wild boar, deer, fox, wolf, squirrel, bear, diverse sea birds, diverse fish, diverse reptiles
Magical Biota
unicorn (non-local), gryphon, basilisk, hydra
Local Biota
manaraptor, vulcan gull, badger-eels, lunar flamingo, unicorn, kirin, swamp kelpie, mimics
Huntsman Guild License + Bounty Required
feral dragons, kirin, unicorn
Anything not a 'normal' game animal is something that people need an additional license for from the Adventurer's Guild - plus their approval to go after individual problem critters.
Submission Form:
Code:
[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Designed By:[/b] [i][/i]
[b]Size:[/b]
[b]Lifespan:[/b]
[b]Habitat Description:[/b]
[b]Produces:[/b]
[b]Description:[/b]
Name: Manaraptor
[ Open Species ] [ DA Group ]
Designed By: Degu
Size: small
Lifespan:
Habitat Description: all
Animal Description: Manaraptor are a species of magical reptilian familiars that resemble microraptors. They have a wide variety of appearances depending on how they were hatched.
When a Manaraptor egg is laid, it is already connected to a type of magic: a source if you will. Inside the egg the embryo develops in various ways depending on what magic it has absorbed. Magic users can attempt to control this by using their magic on the egg as it develops but otherwise the creature will take on magic from its environment, even the smallest speck, and then develop based upon that. In places where magic is unpredictable or changing, a single brood can have a broad mix of magic types.
Upon hatching these creatures will live wild and actively seek to find their element if they did not hatch to it already, which is exactly why they find themselves drawn to magic users. Many eggs will lie dormant for long periods of time until the right element or person comes along and only then will they hatch. In the wild they are intelligent like crows but upon bonding with a mage their intelligence tends to grow beyond this to the point of being able to demonstrate communication and even use speech.
On rare occasions these raptors will hatch for non-magic users, for example: potion themed raptors may normally seek an alchemist but on occasion they may seek out an adventurer as if sensing that they'd be most useful there.
[ Open Species ] [ DA Group ]
Designed By: Degu
Size: small
Lifespan:
Habitat Description: all
Animal Description: Manaraptor are a species of magical reptilian familiars that resemble microraptors. They have a wide variety of appearances depending on how they were hatched.
When a Manaraptor egg is laid, it is already connected to a type of magic: a source if you will. Inside the egg the embryo develops in various ways depending on what magic it has absorbed. Magic users can attempt to control this by using their magic on the egg as it develops but otherwise the creature will take on magic from its environment, even the smallest speck, and then develop based upon that. In places where magic is unpredictable or changing, a single brood can have a broad mix of magic types.
Upon hatching these creatures will live wild and actively seek to find their element if they did not hatch to it already, which is exactly why they find themselves drawn to magic users. Many eggs will lie dormant for long periods of time until the right element or person comes along and only then will they hatch. In the wild they are intelligent like crows but upon bonding with a mage their intelligence tends to grow beyond this to the point of being able to demonstrate communication and even use speech.
On rare occasions these raptors will hatch for non-magic users, for example: potion themed raptors may normally seek an alchemist but on occasion they may seek out an adventurer as if sensing that they'd be most useful there.
Name: Mimic
Designed By: Tar
Size: Small; about the size of a housecat
Lifespan: ??? years
Habitat Description: A mimic will thrive in any environment with a healthy population of warm-blooded creatures. They are increasingly adapting a preference for larger settlements as sentients are their preferred prey as creatures who constantly pick things up.
Animal Description: The isthmus is host to a native species of ‘mimic’ - they are small and relatively harmless, unable to mimic anything larger than a chair, but quite dangerous in large swarms. It is a monochrome toned parasite that vaguely resembles a tardigrade in shape, but extends its six ‘legs’ in the manner of an amorphous octopus. They have no visible eyes, but sensory spots, head ‘whiskers’ that extend in a manner similar to their legs, and a leechlike sucker mouth. They seem to live very long lives, but reproduce sparingly under yet unknown circumstances; as a result they presumably tend to live in social groups for protection and hunting efficiency.
While intelligent enough to mimic items and hide in wait for prey, they are otherwise quite unaware creatures. They will drink the blood of any warm-blooded creature and consume until they fall off unless removed, which is nearly enough to kill a man and send the mimic seeking a dark corner to enter into a state of hibernation. They can take up to a year to digest a full meal, but in special cases will fall into a deeper sleep state and magically ‘cocoon’ inside a preferred item state. While not particularly intuitive creatures, individual mimics seem to pick favorite shapes to take over the years (usually based on what have been the most effective disguises).
It seems mimics prefer to live in small groups that share prey due to their size, typically spending all of their lives in one location (sometimes lying in wait for years). Yet on spontaneous occasion they will all at once begin gathering together in large swarms to travel to the black sand beaches. It is presumed this has something to do with their reproduction, but those studying them are still mystified.
Designed By: Tar
Size: Small; about the size of a housecat
Lifespan: ??? years
Habitat Description: A mimic will thrive in any environment with a healthy population of warm-blooded creatures. They are increasingly adapting a preference for larger settlements as sentients are their preferred prey as creatures who constantly pick things up.
Animal Description: The isthmus is host to a native species of ‘mimic’ - they are small and relatively harmless, unable to mimic anything larger than a chair, but quite dangerous in large swarms. It is a monochrome toned parasite that vaguely resembles a tardigrade in shape, but extends its six ‘legs’ in the manner of an amorphous octopus. They have no visible eyes, but sensory spots, head ‘whiskers’ that extend in a manner similar to their legs, and a leechlike sucker mouth. They seem to live very long lives, but reproduce sparingly under yet unknown circumstances; as a result they presumably tend to live in social groups for protection and hunting efficiency.
While intelligent enough to mimic items and hide in wait for prey, they are otherwise quite unaware creatures. They will drink the blood of any warm-blooded creature and consume until they fall off unless removed, which is nearly enough to kill a man and send the mimic seeking a dark corner to enter into a state of hibernation. They can take up to a year to digest a full meal, but in special cases will fall into a deeper sleep state and magically ‘cocoon’ inside a preferred item state. While not particularly intuitive creatures, individual mimics seem to pick favorite shapes to take over the years (usually based on what have been the most effective disguises).
It seems mimics prefer to live in small groups that share prey due to their size, typically spending all of their lives in one location (sometimes lying in wait for years). Yet on spontaneous occasion they will all at once begin gathering together in large swarms to travel to the black sand beaches. It is presumed this has something to do with their reproduction, but those studying them are still mystified.
Name: Vulcan Gull
Designed By: Degu
Size: Same as a Herring Gull (large bird)
Lifespan: 25 years
Habitat Description: The Vulcan gulls hail from anywhere volcanic. They nest on extrusive igneous rocks and are most fruitful in the months following a well timed eruption of any size, however rare that might be. Unfortunately they also venture into towns for easy food.
Animal Description: They're aggressive to each other but usually fairly neutral to people, unless stealing food. Smarter still than the average gull they'll plan out solo attacks on unsuspecting civilians. They can superheat their beaks and this makes their bite more painful, and can even breath a little fire. Ouch!
They tend to be slightly more frustrating than the average gull...
...but so far they haven't caused any major fires.
Name: Badger-Eel
Size: Leopard Sized
Lifespan: 14-16 Years
Habitat Description: Badger-eel's are blind, nocturnal creatures that live in temperate forests near lakes. They spend a lot of time in the water during the day, often buried down in the depths of the lake beneath silt until they migrate to the surface at night and go hunting.
Animal Description: They can swallow large prey whole (up to the size of a small deer), the larger the prey the longer they can go without feeding again (up to a month). Boars are often territorial near their lakes, but sows only become territorial when they have offspring (Elver). It's very rare they actually attack anyone, a lot of posturing and charging usually scares away opponents before any force is needed. When males fight each other they often slam their heads into each others necks initially, as well as whipping the ground with their tails. If this doesn't work, biting and tearing begins and they often rise up tall onto their hind legs like bears. If two determined males continue to fight it often results in death.
Name: Lunar Flowers, Moon Flowers, Moon Drop
Designed By: Tar
Size: small flowers
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Habitat Description: The coastlines of the central sea - found nowhere else, all attempts to cultivate have failed.
Produces: Moonroot
Description: The root of this flower, commonly known as 'moonroot', is a rare and highly sought after reagent.
It has no nutritional value (on top of being bitter and unpalatable), but is a major ingredient in therianthrope based relief medications and may have additional benefit to other lunar based beings. However, it is notoriously difficult to work with.
The moon flower is an aquatic, night-blooming perennial plant that grows from tubers latched deep into the mud of shallow coastal waters. It is among the more notable plants of the sacred isthmus, said to grow there due to the central sea washing the light of the moons onto shore. It is found nowhere else and tends to be difficult to procure due to locale and harvesting requirements.
A silvery little blossom with faintly glowing purple veins, it is easiest to spot blooming under moonlight. It remains closed during the day, tiny silver buds appearing much like droplets upon the water. It becomes dormant during colder months.
A delicate species outside of isthmus waters, it requires special care in both harvesting and transportation. It must be picked within the summer or early autumn, when blooms are full and before colder weather begins to settle in. A wise harvester will also seek out plants more than a year old, with mature blossoms and the strong roots. It appears more potent when picked directly following a full moon.
However, it spoils quickly when removed from water and must be preserved immediately, power fading and entire plant crumbling to dust within days.
Designed By: Tar
Size: small flowers
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Habitat Description: The coastlines of the central sea - found nowhere else, all attempts to cultivate have failed.
Produces: Moonroot
Description: The root of this flower, commonly known as 'moonroot', is a rare and highly sought after reagent.
It has no nutritional value (on top of being bitter and unpalatable), but is a major ingredient in therianthrope based relief medications and may have additional benefit to other lunar based beings. However, it is notoriously difficult to work with.
The moon flower is an aquatic, night-blooming perennial plant that grows from tubers latched deep into the mud of shallow coastal waters. It is among the more notable plants of the sacred isthmus, said to grow there due to the central sea washing the light of the moons onto shore. It is found nowhere else and tends to be difficult to procure due to locale and harvesting requirements.
A silvery little blossom with faintly glowing purple veins, it is easiest to spot blooming under moonlight. It remains closed during the day, tiny silver buds appearing much like droplets upon the water. It becomes dormant during colder months.
A delicate species outside of isthmus waters, it requires special care in both harvesting and transportation. It must be picked within the summer or early autumn, when blooms are full and before colder weather begins to settle in. A wise harvester will also seek out plants more than a year old, with mature blossoms and the strong roots. It appears more potent when picked directly following a full moon.
However, it spoils quickly when removed from water and must be preserved immediately, power fading and entire plant crumbling to dust within days.
Name: Lunar Flamingo
Designed By: Degu and Tar
Size: Greater Flamingos, slightly taller.
Lifespan: 60-70 years
Habitat Description: Lunar flamingos reside on any of Anexus' beaches or within its marshlands where they feed. They migrate only to breed on an island bordering the western kingdoms during the summer and then return to the beaches when their offspring are old enough, though many domestic flamingos will stay locally to breed.
Animal Description: These flamingos change colour with the phases of Aetheros, their plumage seeming utterly at the mercy of the magical moon. For this reason, they are considered deeply connected to the moon and many who favour Aetheros consider them sacred animals. To kill a flamingo is to bring the wrath of Aetheros upon yourself. When Atheros is full, these birds emit light and radiate auras of lunar magic and appear to have some small command over the water around them.
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Name: Bleeding-Heart Coot
Designed By: Yamashta
Size: Coot Sized
Lifespan: ???
Habitat Description: ???
Animal Description: ???
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Name: Unnamed Lava-Fish
Designed By:
Size: Beluga
Lifespan: ???
Habitat Description: ???
Animal Description: ???
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Name:
Designed By:
Size:
Lifespan:
Habitat Description:
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Name: Swamp Kelpie
Designed By:
Size: ???
Lifespan: ???
Habitat Description: ???
Animal Description: They look like moose!
Name: Gryfruit
Designed By: Tar
Size: large tree, medium fruit
Lifespan: 10-200 years
Habitat Description: A plant that only grows in hot, dry regions. It is primarily found in the Northern Wastes, Raakshason Steppe, and The Nameless Desert.
Plant Description: A fruit that grows on a very large form of rather tree-like arborescent cactus. It is a tall succulent plant that blossoms rather high up with fruit presented in bunches at the top of candelabra branching arms with long-spiked areoles. These fruits look not unlike more rounded prickly pears, but white in coloration with pale blue accents that deepen and spread as the fruit ripens. The flesh of the fruit is a richer sky blue on the inside and comparable to an earthy apricot in taste and a dragon fruit in texture - very soft and juicy with many tiny seeds, perfect for making into spreads, juices, and even wine. They are beloved by griffins, whom ignore the thick skin and spines entirely. It is believed these plants were brought with them to this world as they appear to have evolved together - the strong arms of these trees curve upward where the bright and strong smelling fruit appeal to both their avian and mammalian natures. They are also eaten by some species of dragon and other large birds partial to fruit. The flowers that appear before fruit begins to grow are huge, blue-purple blossoms known for making excellent dye.
Designed By: Tar
Size: large tree, medium fruit
Lifespan: 10-200 years
Habitat Description: A plant that only grows in hot, dry regions. It is primarily found in the Northern Wastes, Raakshason Steppe, and The Nameless Desert.
Plant Description: A fruit that grows on a very large form of rather tree-like arborescent cactus. It is a tall succulent plant that blossoms rather high up with fruit presented in bunches at the top of candelabra branching arms with long-spiked areoles. These fruits look not unlike more rounded prickly pears, but white in coloration with pale blue accents that deepen and spread as the fruit ripens. The flesh of the fruit is a richer sky blue on the inside and comparable to an earthy apricot in taste and a dragon fruit in texture - very soft and juicy with many tiny seeds, perfect for making into spreads, juices, and even wine. They are beloved by griffins, whom ignore the thick skin and spines entirely. It is believed these plants were brought with them to this world as they appear to have evolved together - the strong arms of these trees curve upward where the bright and strong smelling fruit appeal to both their avian and mammalian natures. They are also eaten by some species of dragon and other large birds partial to fruit. The flowers that appear before fruit begins to grow are huge, blue-purple blossoms known for making excellent dye.
Name: Spectre Drake
Designed By: Topolok, purchased by Rook
Size: 9-10 Feet long, 4 feet at the shoulders.
Lifespan: 50-100 years
Habitat Description: Desert regions, or humid locations. Anywhere cold is dangerous to them, but some can be found by volcanic regions.
Physical Description: WIP!
Name: Eastern Steppe Cow
Designed By: Tar
Size: large draft animal, slightly larger than standard cattle
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Habitat Description: open ranges; grasslands, scrub forest, steppe
Animal Description: A grazing animal common in the steppe and to a lesser degree the northern wastes. There are many domestic breeds as the chosen draft animals of the dwarves, but despite their efforts they have not been able to eradicate the appearance of draconic traits. These cows notably differ from their standard counterparts by having bony deposits in the form of scutes (scalelike plating), horny growths around their jaws, extra actual horns, and odd patterning. The dwarves have tried to reduce these traits in domestic lines, but wild steppe cattle have continued to mutate over the years. A comparison between a domestic and wild cow can look like two entirely different species!
Designed By: Tar
Size: large draft animal, slightly larger than standard cattle
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Habitat Description: open ranges; grasslands, scrub forest, steppe
Animal Description: A grazing animal common in the steppe and to a lesser degree the northern wastes. There are many domestic breeds as the chosen draft animals of the dwarves, but despite their efforts they have not been able to eradicate the appearance of draconic traits. These cows notably differ from their standard counterparts by having bony deposits in the form of scutes (scalelike plating), horny growths around their jaws, extra actual horns, and odd patterning. The dwarves have tried to reduce these traits in domestic lines, but wild steppe cattle have continued to mutate over the years. A comparison between a domestic and wild cow can look like two entirely different species!
Name: Dragon Pepper
Designed By:
Size: large shrub, small fruit
Lifespan: 50 years
Habitat Description: hot, dry, sunny regions
Plant Description: A hot pepper found in the jungles to the east, it is a well-known orcish export and one highly sought after by dwarves. It is NOT recommended for human consumption and can be used to ward off pests. A main ingredient in an infamous dish known as "Dwerg's Bane".
Designed By:
Size: large shrub, small fruit
Lifespan: 50 years
Habitat Description: hot, dry, sunny regions
Plant Description: A hot pepper found in the jungles to the east, it is a well-known orcish export and one highly sought after by dwarves. It is NOT recommended for human consumption and can be used to ward off pests. A main ingredient in an infamous dish known as "Dwerg's Bane".
Name: Honeypot Beetle
Designed By: Tar
Size: small, regular beetle sized
Lifespan: 3-6 months
Habitat Description: arid or semiarid environments; wasteland, steppe, desert, transitional areas
Animal Description: Honeypot Beetles live where the environment is dry and food is scarce, which is why they use their bodies as liquid storage for when times are hard. While called 'beetles' due to their overall appearance and docile natures, they have some characteristics of wasps and live in ground based nests of high numbers. They are beloved as a delicacy by many locals; they look like swollen little berries and their flavors (as well as abdomen liquid colors) vary depending on the diet of their colony.
Designed By: Tar
Size: small, regular beetle sized
Lifespan: 3-6 months
Habitat Description: arid or semiarid environments; wasteland, steppe, desert, transitional areas
Animal Description: Honeypot Beetles live where the environment is dry and food is scarce, which is why they use their bodies as liquid storage for when times are hard. While called 'beetles' due to their overall appearance and docile natures, they have some characteristics of wasps and live in ground based nests of high numbers. They are beloved as a delicacy by many locals; they look like swollen little berries and their flavors (as well as abdomen liquid colors) vary depending on the diet of their colony.
Name: Glass Frill Lizard
Designed By: Tar
Size: small
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Habitat Description: coastal beaches, jungles, and swamps
Animal Description: A strange little lizard that makes for an almost chiplike treat when fried or baked - often coated in flavorful powders afterward. They are quite small and fast breeding, purposefully kept and raised by some for distribution to restaurants. An example of orcish cuisine that has become commonplace across the region! In the wild they can be quite hard to catch without traps, fast moving and hard to see with largely translucent extremities and partially reflective scales on the body that they use to confuse predators with in numbers.
Designed By: Tar
Size: small
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Habitat Description: coastal beaches, jungles, and swamps
Animal Description: A strange little lizard that makes for an almost chiplike treat when fried or baked - often coated in flavorful powders afterward. They are quite small and fast breeding, purposefully kept and raised by some for distribution to restaurants. An example of orcish cuisine that has become commonplace across the region! In the wild they can be quite hard to catch without traps, fast moving and hard to see with largely translucent extremities and partially reflective scales on the body that they use to confuse predators with in numbers.
Name: Snow Gourds
Designed By: Tar
Size: normal pumpkin sizes
Lifespan: single growing season
Habitat Description: bloom dramatically in frost, the opposite of normal pumpkins
Plant/Animal/Fungi Description: A species of winter squash that seem to thrive only in the cold, with a sugary taste akin to sweet potato - they make excellent pies and are heavily featured as seasonal decorations (specifically lanterns with pretty patterns like snowflakes). These winter crops come only in shades of white, pale blue, and light green. Their interiors are more of a pinkish orange or even salmon in tone.
Designed By: Tar
Size: normal pumpkin sizes
Lifespan: single growing season
Habitat Description: bloom dramatically in frost, the opposite of normal pumpkins
Plant/Animal/Fungi Description: A species of winter squash that seem to thrive only in the cold, with a sugary taste akin to sweet potato - they make excellent pies and are heavily featured as seasonal decorations (specifically lanterns with pretty patterns like snowflakes). These winter crops come only in shades of white, pale blue, and light green. Their interiors are more of a pinkish orange or even salmon in tone.
