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calderamods) wrote2024-05-15 08:19 pm
calderamods) wrote2024-05-15 08:19 pm
Entry tags:
FLORA AND FAUNA
Calderan Flora and Fauna
Sky
Sea
Land
Flora
SKY BEASTS | SEA BEASTS | LAND BEASTS | FLORA
Sky
Massive dragons with scales that resemble diamonds. They are intelligent creatures that can be communicated with normally. Air dragons are able to shed their scales and become with the wind, and are often responsible for controlling weather fronts.
Cloud sheep are particularly hostile creatures, but their heavy wool is the best for crafting the softest fabrics. Though hostile, their main form of attack is head butting and they are more likely to knock someone over than actually injure them.
Turtle-like behemoths with metallic scutes on their shells. slow, but devastating if provoked.
Shimmering with gemstone-like scales and translucent wings, crystal dragons are rare, telepathic beings born from diamond-shaped eggs. Highly intelligent and empathic from birth, they bond deeply with trusted companions.
Dragonfly-like insects the size of horses. Harmless unless provoked; wings refract light like crystal..
Some of the most massive creatures in Caldera, Great Wyrms are rarely seen outside of their home in the depths of clouds. They resemble air dragons in shape, but have no scales and their skin is pale white--and, unlike dragons, they do not seem to have any particular intelligence. There is a small faction of Sylphs that worship the Great Wyrms and the deliciously spun sugar they produce. As such, Great Wyrms are beneficial to the people of Caldera and revered as a religious creature. Coming across one is considered deadly for even the most skilled adventurers, and killing one is nearly impossible.
Harpies are violent creatures that take the form of a bird-like woman. They are responsible for many of the storms that rage through Caldera, and the ones that they bring are some of the most devastating. The storms can be stopped by fighting the harpies responsible, but that is no easy feat as they fight with long talons and seem to have no fear.
A terrifying fey creature said to command the realm of nightmares. Said to be one of the most intelligent beings in Caldera, it is still inadvisable to ask her any questions--for the price she demands is not worth the answer she gives. None know where precisely she dwells within the Sky, but often she can feel desperation and makes her way to it. As she draws near, she always brings about her the weighty aura of despair.
Massive, tree-eating sloths with moss growing on their backs. Passive unless attacked or startled.
Tressym are large, cat-like creatures with feathered wings that roam the skies. They are responsible for most of the passive pest control within Heaven's Bow. Though it can be hard to gain their trust, a tressym makes an invaluable companion. Tressym are able to resist most poisons and diseases.
Other creatures that may be found are moths, butterflies, and various species of birds. The sky is nearly endless, and there are new creatures being discovered by the Sylphs quite often.
The Banshee Dolphin is a species native to the Violet Drop. In hues of purple and blue, they are a beautiful sight to behold, but can be extremely dangerous if approached without the knowledge of how to calm them. Banshee Dolphins travel in pods and will encircle anyone perceived to be a threat, screeching loud enough to deafen their victims for hours, days, or even permanently. The only way to assuage them is to sing a song they have never heard before, and if you can manage that, the pod will happily frolic with you and even allow you to take some of their coveted milk (an ingredient you may need at some point...)
Large white jellyfish that bob near the waters surface, making them look like clouds drifting across a clear blue sky when spotted from above. Their tentacles do not contain any venom, and they taste terrible.
These massive deep diving beasts can grow up to 30ft long and have terrifyingly large eyeballs that can see well into the darkness of the sea. While not instinctively inclined to attack those swimming nearby, a territorial or hungry giant squid will gladly snatch someone up in their tentacles and try to tear them apart with the hundreds of sharp radula within their beaks.
Hydras are often found not far from Blueshore Post in dark, deep caves that locals try to avoid. They are violent and each of their heads has a new and terrible trick: icy breath, poison fangs, increased strength for each head it regains, and numerous other abilities that make it a terrifying opponent.
Water spirits that take the form of a black or grey horse whose goal is to lure unsuspecting victims to their deaths to drown and devour them. Touching their fur will cause the victim's hand to stick, and the Kelpie will drag them underwater unless (usually unpleasant) means are utilized to dislodge themselves. The easiest way to discern a Kelpie from a regular horse is their backwards facing hooves. Some say that stealing their bridle will cause the creature to flee, but they will die if it is not returned to them within 24 hours.
✨UPDATED✨ The Giant Squid's significantly larger, deadlier, and rarer cousin, the Kraken is widely feared amongst those that frequently traverse the sea. No sightings have been officially documented, but that's probably because those that see the Kraken never live to tell the tale... DECEASED thanks to the efforts of the visitors during the Wreck of the Leviathan quest.
The Megalodon is a rare breed of shark living deep in the depths of the ocean. Ranging from 15 to a whopping 80ft in length, they are a divers worst nightmare, and always seem to be lurking around shipwrecks, making it difficult to recover any valuables lost in the wreckage.
Merfolk make up the majority of the inhabitants in the Calderan sea. With the upper half of a humanoid creature (human, elf, goblin and all between) usually speckled with scales, and the lower half of any manner of fish or other sea dwelling creature, the merfolk tend to live in pods just outside of the main cities. They have the ability to shapeshift into a standard humanoid form with legs so they may walk on land, but most tend to remain in their original forms.
Found sparingly in the sea, these small jellyfish use their ever shifting colored tentacles to hypnotize potential predators and drive them into a panicked frenzy. It works just as well on anyone that stares at them for too long! They're so damn pretty though...
A fey creature of unknown origin who is said to be able to grant wishes but usually with an unexpected caveat. She can only be found by those she deems worthy to see her, and does not take appointments. Not that you would be able to find her yourself anyway - her ability to blend in with her surroundings is near uncanny.
Sea serpents are long, snake-like creatures dwelling not far from the surface of the water, their shimmering, iridescent scales often mistaken for those of a (sometimes) friendlier mermaid. They are aggressive and will attack anyone or anything that treads into their territory, but they have notoriously bad eyesight.
The more devious cousin to the common Merfolk, Sirens use their hypnotic voices to lure their victims to their dooms to devour them. Some stories also claim they steal the voices of their victims to add to their repertoire.
Glowing angel fish that leave iridescent trails behind them as they swim that can only be seen under certain conditions: in low light and when illuminated by bioluminescent plankton. Their trails shimmer in hues of gold, teal, and soft violet, making them a breathtaking sight for those who venture into the depths. However, the trails dissipate quickly, lasting only a few hours before fading into the surrounding waters.
Large dragons with a serpentine body and birdlike wings, the water coatyl is a threat both in and out of the sea and have been known to leap from the water to divebomb unfortunate ships within their sight, often times looking for treasure to take and hoard in their underwater caves. With any luck, that's all they take and anyone in their path manages to get away unscathed...
Serpentine predators with crystalline fangs and skin like shattered glass, voidspawn eels dwell in deep underwater caves. Their bodies glimmer with eerie light, and they strike silently from the shadows.
Dolphins, many variety of fish, sharks, whales, sea turtles, etc. all can be found in the oceans of Caldera. The sea is vast and seemingly endless, so many more could pop up with some exploration!
Burrowing subterranean creatures that consume minerals and produce the magic infused gems that help fuel much of the Grey Ward's infrastructure. They are a protected species, and it is illegal to harm them.
A sapient, humanoid race that are especially attuned to the element of fire. Their skin tones can range into the inhuman, such as bright orange or dark charcoal, and is warm to the touch. Some have patterns of glowing marks upon their skin, as if coals burn beneath the surface. These are the main denizens of the volcanic region.
Serpentine creatures that burrow through volcanic ash and rock. Their breath clouds the air with suffocating ash storms.
Winged humanoid creatures that perch on volcanic cliffs. Their talons are as sharp as obsidian, and their screeches mimic the roar of eruptions.
These odd little creatures are mostly just domestic cats, but with some features associated with dinosaurs: tusks, horns, thick scaley hide. In spite of their fearsome appearance, if socialized young, they make for excellent pets. They live mostly in the grasslands and feed on small rodents and birds.
Ghostly entities made of flickering embers. They haunt volcanic ruins, guiding or misleading travelers.
Mischievous, fairy-like beings of pure flame. They dart between the lava flows, feeding on heat and sparks.
Gemlins (gem-gremlins) are pests live in the mines and eat minerals: rocks will sustain them, but they prefer gems, particularly magically infused gems. Some think it's these gems that keep their tiny gem-like horns glowing, allowing them to navigate even deeper into the mines than the kobolds have dug.
Twisted fey creatures known for making deals that never turn out the way one expects. It's unknown if this frightful creature even truly exist. Some say she lives in a swamp deep in the woods. Some say she lives in the city, disguised as a mundane civilian. No one knows for sure what the truth is; possibly anyone that has that answer is in no condition to tell it.
Flaming bats with wings made of fire and ash. They roost in volcanic vents and swarm prey, engulfing them in flames.
These odd creatures appear to be a blend of draconic and mammalian heritage. They work the mines for minerals and gems, but refuse to harvest anything magically infused. No one is quite sure why.
Living embodiments of molten rock, these creatures form from the lava itself. Their movements are slow but devastating, leaving trails of fire and destruction.
Small, agile dragon-like creatures with scales of molten rock. They glide on superheated thermals and spit streams of lava.
These maggot-like creatures are always smouldering. They leave a burning streak in their wake, and swarm crops, making them terrible pests for farmers. Attacking their burning bodies is difficult, even dangerous, unless they are doused with water first.
Amphibious creatures that thrive in pools of lava. Their bodies glow with an inner heat, and their touch can melt stone.
Tiny nocturnal fey creatures that grow more powerful as the moon becomes fuller. They are mostly harmless, but do enjoy a bit of mischief, and will often play tricks on unsuspecting townsfolk. Thankfully they are easily soothed by a small gift, a trinket or a bit of food. Though they aren't violent, they will defend themselves with their innate magical abilities, and can project a powerful beam of moonlight, blinding their attacker and allowing them to run away.
Humanoid constructs made of volcanic glass. They are nearly indestructible and serve as guardians of ancient volcanic ruins.
Rumored to be the product of a magical experiment gone wrong, owlbears are precisely what their name implies, a blend of bear and owl. They are vicious creatures that live in caves in the foothills of the mountains; direct contact should be avoided, but their feathers are highly valued as fletching and for spellcraft.
Wolf-like creatures formed of burning rock and smoke, hunting in packs. Their howls trigger small eruptions.
Large, lizard like creatures made of flame coming from the recently revealed crack in the earth that attack on sight - although it seems to be an instinctive fear response, like they haven't seen another creature in a long, long time.
Small fey creatures that live exclusively in the forests and will often come to the aid of a distressed traveller. While considered good luck by many, they are quick to attack and bite if their burrow is disturbed and their young are threatened.
As would be expected, one can find various deer, moose, boar, foxes, gophers, squirrels, anything one would typically consider a land creature that lives in a forest or grassland, as well as river fish, snakes, reptiles, and so forth.
One can find cows, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks in the farmlands, as well as dogs for herding and hunting.
The Aetherbloom is a radiant, ethereal flower that glows softly even in darkness. Its translucent petals shimmer with hues of blue, silver, and lavender, surrounding a pulsing, star-like core. Delicate silver tendrils and metallic leaves give it an otherworldly appearance, while a calming mist with a wildflower scent rises from its bloom. Believed to purify the land, it may aid in farming or magical crafting.
Ash Ferns thrive in the ash-covered soils surrounding the Ember Veil, their silvery-gray fronds absorbing toxins from the scorched earth. They’re valued for healing salves that detoxify and soothe burns caused by fire and smoke.
A creeping vine with dark, mottled leaves that grow in shadowy swamps. Its sap is toxic but valued in small doses for potent poisons and antidotes.
Cloudberries grow in the misty meadows outside Dusklight, thriving in cool, damp soil. Their tart-sweet flavor makes them popular in preserves and teas.
only found during the winter snows, grows in frozen caves. Requested by seers to brew into a tea that allegedly helps clear visions.
Deep Sea Mushrooms grow in the pitch-black caverns of the ocean floor, thriving in high-pressure, low-light environments. Their caps emit a faint bioluminescent glow, often in shades of blue or violet.
velvety, dark purple flowers that bloom only at midnight in graveyards. They grow near weathered headstones and are known for their faint, sleep-inducing aroma.
A fiery red herb found near lava flows. When dried and crushed, it’s used to create heat-resistant salves and protective charms.
Fire Lilies blaze with vibrant orange-red petals and flourish near the volcanic vents of the Ember Veil. Their flickering flames seem almost alive.
Frostbloom is a pale, delicate flower found only during the winter snows, growing in open, frost-covered fields. Its icy petals glisten under moonlight, and it’s best harvested beneath a half or full moon for peak potency. Often used in potions that protect against extreme heat.
Icicle Ivy clings to icy cliff walls and snow-covered rocks, appearing only during the winter snows. Its sharp, frosted leaves are prized for crafting charms that conceal the wearer from monsters, especially sea creatures.
Laughing Mushrooms grow in troll dung piles deep in the forest and are known for their unpredictable, giggle-inducing spores. Harvesters must be cautious—breathing in the spores can cause fits of uncontrollable laughter. Despite the risk, these mushrooms are prized for their use in potions and remedies that lift spirits or induce euphoria.
Mandrake Roots are a vital ingredient in sleeping draughts used to soothe those plagued by terrible night terrors. These roots awaken and emit their strange, haunting song only during the Moonfall Bloom—a rare moment when the full moon shines perfectly through the thicket, as known by the local druid coven.
Silverpaw Blossoms grow on the mid peaks of the Skyward Mountains, thriving in the crisp mountain air. They are sought after for their rumored ability to cure lycanthropy, making them a rare and valuable herb for those seeking relief from the curse.
Snowshoe Fern grows deep in snowy forests beneath towering pine trees, appearing only during the winter snows. Its cooling, soothing properties make it a trusted remedy for treating burns and skin irritations.
Starblossom Fern is a delicate white plant that glows faintly in the moonlight. It grows along the shores outside Grey Ward.
Winterheart Berries appear only during the winter snows, growing wherever deep snow blankets the ground. Their sweet, rich flavor makes them a prized ingredient in seasonal recipes and winter dishes.