IC Info Northern Wastes & Reaches Linkmap

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Northern Reaches Linkmap This is where you can find all of the information for the Northern Reaches. The Northern Reaches is South of Avanthal. Encompassing a vast wilderness filled with flora and fauna of immense proportions, the Northern Reaches include all the Talderian Forest north of the Suvan and stretch into the vast permanent tundra and ice fields outside Avanthal. If you notice something important or helpful is missing please bring it to my attention. If you have any questions feel free to ask any and all questions. Also, this is always being updated, when updates are completed I will post an announcement in the OOC thread so it is good thinking to prescribe to that thread as well. |x| Locations |x| Fauna |x| Flora **If a location does not have a link it is still under development. If you are interested in working on this location's development or want to use it in your roleplay please message an ST. Hunter Savant Lodge - Hunting lodge situated just outside the city walls

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Northern Reaches Fauna Please note that Avanthalian animals are NOT Dire. Those are only the animals in the Redwood Forest. Name: Talderan Snow Hare Frequency: Medium Characteristics: Talderan snow hares are larger than your average hare, standing at three feet tall including their ears. These animals have thick, white fur that insulates them against the harsh climate. They have keen senses that help them find lichens and mosses in the snow as well as avoid predators. Talderan snow hares are very fast creatures and can reach speeds of up to 40 mph but cannot maintain this speed for very long. Snow hares eat moss, lichens, and whatever other plant life they can scavenge in the snow. Social Structure: In spring and summer Talderan snow hares burrow beneath the snow and live in large groups of 20 – 200 hares. In the fall, the hares pair up and spread out to establish mating territories. Male hares will often scuffle with each other to defend their territory but this tends to die down once the litters are born. Female hares give birth to litters of 5-9 babies in early winter and by the end of winter the babies are fully grown hares. At the end of the mating and growing season the hares will group together again and establish large burrows in the snow once more. Miscellaneous: Talderan snow hares are difficult to catch but many trappers hunt them exclusively. The hares’ pelts are very valuable both in Avanthal and in distant lands for their beautiful snowy color. Due to their high birth rate and low food sources Frostfawn Hold does not regulate the hunting of these creatures. ~Credit to Valkyrie Name: Talderan Sabretooth Frequency: Low Characteristics: The Talderan Sabretooth weighs anywhere from 400-800 lbs and ranges in height and length with a smaller Sabretooth being 8’ long (including tail) and 4’ high to larger specimens being, 12’ long and 6’ high. Females are larger than males of the species. The reader will take note that these measurements do not include the dire variety of Sabretooth, and while rare, they are extremely dangerous and capable of singlehandedly taking down a Waste Mammoth. Their fur color is usually a light grey or snow white, with slightly darker stripes or spots. The color of a Sabretooth’s tusks will show how old it is, with young specimens being a pale yellow, and aged Sabretooth’s having almost ebony tusks. The oldest reported Sabretooth ever killed was about 20 years old, though it is suspected the breed can survive for longer. Their most common food source is deer and caribou, though they have been known to take down wolves and Waste Walrus’s. Social Structure: The Talderan Sabretooth is a solitary species that prefers to live in what most would consider inhospitable terrain, far away from any vestiges of human society. Cubs are generally born in pairs and reach maturity after 2 years wherein they leave their mother’s care and make their way into the wintery world. Mating is a complex process that involves several male Sabretooth suitors bringing gifts of game to the female in order to impress her. Fatalities are common in the process of these mating rituals, but are usually caused by an enraged female, and not males fighting one another. Studies have shown that there are specific zones of Sabretooth ruled over by an Alpha female who takes the best hunting areas and dens for herself, while keeping appraised of the other Sabretooth in the area. Unless an Alpha has taken a grievous injury, they are usually not challenged for their role until they have begun to succumb to age, and many people suspect the only reason Dire Sabreteeth are rarely seen is because they do not have to leave their zone, being the Alpha of the area. Miscellaneous: While the Talderan Sabretooth is a fairly rare animal, its tusks worth 50 gm apiece and its pelt worth 40 gm, no special permission is required to hunt one, because no one would be stupid enough to try on their own, or even in a group. Generally the Icewatch organizes a bi-annual hunting party comprised of the most elite and well trained trackers and hunters to venture into Sabretooth territory, and even then the chance of fatality is still high. Credit to Sliver Name:Talderan Woollies Frequency: Common Characteristics: The Woolly is a large bovine with a silver grey coat of thick fur that keeps the cow breed warm in the harshest of Talderan weather. They are a hardy breed that can survive off of eating practically any food, and in harsh times have gotten by on tree bark and paper products when food ran low. Both males and females of the species have horns, but the males sprout a small set of tusks upon reaching maturity that are used to dig under the ice, and female’s horns are usually burnt out as infants. The breed is extremely docile and easy mannered and herds reside along the edges of Avanthal. A full grown bull can reach around 1000 lbs, but the breed itself is not a large one, more stocky and muscled in build. Woollies usually only come to around 4 feet high and 6 feet long. The milk produced by Woollies has a bittersweet taste, but is highly loved by Vantha, while being more of an acquired taste for outsiders. Social Structure: Like most cows, Woollies prefer to stay in large groups. While males are larger in size and weight, usually a few presiding females, who have been found to have superior intelligence, take lead of a herd, and if the farmer or shepherd of the herd has befriended these females the rest of the herd will do everything he or she bids. Calves are usually born in the more moderate temperatures of winter, and generally come in pairs thought triplets and single calves are not uncommon. Special Information: A great famine hit the city of Avanthal shortly after the Vantha were just beginning to recover from the Valterrian. The children of the aurora begged their Queen and Goddess to deliver them something to aid their failing bodies and Morwen sought the advice and aid of Caiyha. While the Goddess of Nature may have preferred to dwell in warmer climbs, she never neglected her creations of the colder variety, and saw the hardships the Vantha had fallen upon and agreed to help. She warned Morwen, however, that her gift to the Vantha would come with a price, and though Morwen tried to get the Goddess to reveal the outlying condition of her help, Caiyha remained tight lipped. Seeing that she had no choice, Morwen accepted the deal, and the Vantha of Avanthal gained the Woollies, a hardy cow that could eat anything and still provide fur for clothing, milk, and meat. It wouldn’t be until nearly a solar year later that they would discover the price they had to pay for gaining such invaluable creatures. Misc: There are two major competing beef organizations within Avanthal between Winterflame and Frostfawn Hold. They have approximately the same head of cattle, but highly laud their own herds over their competitors, and this rivalry is well known throughout the Holds. Full credit to Sliver Name: Fog Gizzins (a.k.a Fogs, or Gizzins) Common Locations: They are almost always found near the ocean on shallow beaches where they feed on small fish. They will stand on the edge of small ledges where their shadows doesn't overhang and spear the fish from the water. They are only ever seen by those who regularly fish or hunt along the ocean, those who spend their time in the middle of the wastelands will not have experienced them. They can be found on the docks in Avanthal begging fish from the sailors. The sailors are often amused by their quirky noises and will feed them to keep them around. Sometimes a sailor will even recognize a tune he regularly whistles on the beaks of these birds. Frequency: Moderate Characteristics: The largest ocean and land bird near Avanthal. They are always found in sets of two, or three if one is young, the young stay with them until they are approximately a year old. They only leave their parents when they have found another mate which is why they are never seen alone. They never gather to swap mates, mates are found when two sets of mates with young cross paths. If the male and female impress each other they will set off alone from that point onward. Other groups of three are found through song. When a mate of one is killed the other will pluck out all its feathers in distress and hover near the body wandering around it keening at the top of it’s lungs. It can be heard for miles. These birds make 2 types of songs, Inherent and copied. They copy sounds from their surroundings, (frequently; the cracking of ice or sound of crunching snow, Less Frequently; the sound of a Talderan Sabretooth or frosthawk call) they can use distinct noises, those that gather more sounds are more valuable mates. Their inherent song is a song they learn from their parents at birth. Once it’s song has been established it does not change as it acquires external sounds. They are beloved by the Snowsong hold for their song. Their feathers are frequently used by the wealthy and are a source of trade in Avanthal. Each bird is so large many feathers can be harvested from its body. They are brave creatures and are not instinctively timid unless they smell dogs. As dogs are usually used to hunt them anything smelling of dog makes them wary. They do not leap into flight quickly but they can fly for extended periods of time, as can they swim for extended periods of time. Parents only ever have one egg, the rare couple that does have two inevitably results in the two mating. Mated brothers and sisters will never produce an egg. The female becomes so distressed by this she eventually plucks out all her feathers and dies. The egg is large, dug into the snow and covered. They breed in Spring and hatch in summer. The egg is left unattended until it is about to hatch, then the parents return. They do this because they are large attractive birds, and their presence lead predators to their eggs. Their most common predator are the Wraiths who can hear them digging through the ice from a long way away. ~Credit to Ablation Name: Talderan Longneck Common Locations: Southern Taldera Frequency: Infrequent Characteristics: They are a pale cream to dark brown colour with coloured patches throughout. The young are born with very faint colours which deepen with age. These animals can live up to 50 years. At this age their pelts are as vibrant as the Vanthan eyes or precious jewels. Social Structure: They are found in small herds of 5-10 and produce a single offspring every year. However, their ungainly offspring are often hunted by other wildlife. Thus, skins are often found from previously killed individuals, though because it is damaged there is often only enough skin to make boots, gloves, etc. Each Spring season the males battle for mates, a display that is equal parts violent yet amusing to watch. They can be seen in herds in the Winter and Spring but disappear from the landscape in the Summer and Fall. Miscellaneous: Treasured for their hide their hunting is moderated by the Frostfawn hold. Hunting without permission would get the individual punished. Their meat is stringy and bitter, like raw fruit, and is used primarily to bulk broths and thick soups. Despite its rarity it isn't an acceptable solitary meat for a dish due to its strong bitter taste. Note: Permission is required for hunting OOCly and ICly (from the Frostfawn hold) but finding a dead carcass to scavenge some skin off doesn't require permission. Name: Great Crowned Owl Common Locations: Taldera. They are found all across the Northern Landscape, most typically at the very tops of Pine trees. Since the Hunters began having pine tree circles planted for rest stops they are often found nesting here and can be quite vicious to the intruding hunters if their chicks have hatched. As eggs they rarely care and will simply be remarkably quiet and remain on the nest until the hunters move on. Frequency: Rare Price: Adult: 250 GM Adult(Trained): 500 GM Chick: 100 GM Egg: 50 GM Characteristics:The largest owl in Taldera they are only possessed by the most accomplished falconers. Talented but difficult to handle, they are used to keep Frosthawks away from Avanthalian flocks. They can also be used in tandem with dogs to hunt some of the larger creatures on the tundra. Infrequently Dire birds are hatched, these are too heavy to be held by a human and are trained to ride on the saddles of horses, polar bears, and elk. Social Structure: They mate for life and will breed each year in the Spring producing two eggs. One egg is a decoy and contains only high fat yolk. If both survive the second egg is broken by one of the parents and is the first meal for the newborn bird. It is a healthy and rich meal, and those that receive it typically have the healthiest lives. These birds are remarkably terrible parents often leaving the chick alone. However, this also ensures only the strongest survive. Other owl species may take advantage of this placing their own eggs in the nest to be cared for by another owl. Crowned Owls will willingly take in as many eggs as placed in their nest and though many of these die due to the harsh temperatures they are left alone for several owls looking spectacularly different from their parents are easily raised and invested in by the Crowned Owls. Miscellaneous: They are coveted by Wind Reach Falconers. Due to the lack of well trained Falconers in Avanthal if they can be caught and maintained until the Wind Eagles arrive they are usually traded handsomely for glass baubles and other Wind Reach specific product. Name: Shitza Common Locations: Taldera in Winter and Fall when the weather is warmest and will migrate into the spires during the colder months of Spring and Summer. Frequency: Infrequent Price:20GM Characteristics:Their head and body are covered in gentle hollow spikes. These are flooded with calcium when the animal feels threatened making them stand up, sharp and threatening. This can't happen instantaneously and takes several minutes to occur. They are different shades of brown with white or black markings on their faces. They are friendly and quirky pets but are infrequently kept since they pose such a danger when scared. They love the taste of salt and when excited they will hop around, legs tense and parallel. Social Structure: They live in small herds grazing and eating insects in the Winter and Fall when the weather is warmest and will migrate into the spires during the colder months of Spring and Summer. All the colonies will migrate to form one large group within the spires forests. Here they will exchange mates and breed often returning to the tundra with rearranged colonies. Miscellaneous: Since metal is incredibly rare in Avanthal and needs to be imported, their spikes are used as needles. Plentiful and tough they wear out quickly but are cheap and easily replaceable. Name: Talderan Gryphs Common Locations: Southern Taldera Frequency: Very Rare Price: 400GM Characteristics:These bird-like creatures are characteristically black and incredibly fast. The classic position showed in the image is common before copulation and is taken advantage of by the Frostfawn hold who uses it to make them easier to mount as they are significantly larger than horses (2-4 hands higher). They are finicky and difficult creatures to ride and are found in both the wild and in Avanthal. They are traded outside Avanthal to Wind Reach and Lhavit sometimes but are difficult to maintain in transport. They are controlled by verbal directions instead of a bridle, but are often decorated with elaborate saddles. Their are two large herds well known south of Avanthal. Their feathers are used for writing, decorations, and jewellery. Social Structure: Not much is known about their Social Structure as they can't give birth in captivity. In the wild their mating dance is elaborate and can last for up to a week. They usually give birth to twins. Miscellaneous: They are used sometimes as mounts for the Vantha but do not traverse the tundra easily and are too fragile to pull a heavy sleigh. However, they move with great style and once they warm up to their riders can be incredibly amusing and delightful critters.

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Northern Reaches Botanical Taxonomy Name:Makutsi Moss Frequency: Low Major features: Unique smell, Relaxant, Glow Uses: The Makutsi Moss has the ability to be used as a relaxant. Individuals who inhale the smell of the moss automatically relax. The plant may be harvested once a season and, after being dried for seventy-two bells, used to freshen the air. When harvested, the moss loses the crystal blue glow it is known for. This plant is a common decoration in medical centers. Most common in: The Makutsi Moss is only found, unless harvested, in the Makutsi Springs. Miscellaneous: The Makutsi Moss has a scent that is a mixture of Lavender and Chamomile. To harvest the Moss, an individual must carefully scrape it away from the sides of the springs. It must then be laid out on a flat, dry surface and heated at mild temperatures for seventy-two bells. In the Makutsi Springs, the moss causes the water to glow a crystal blue. When, and if harvested, the moss loses this ability. The glow is not transferrable. **Full credit to Capricious Name: Morwen’s Orchid Common Locations: Northern Wastes Frequency: Uncommon Description: A beautiful flower that blooms in various shades of blues and purples, Morwen’s Orchid creates only a few flowers on a long and delicate vine. Its leaves and stem are crystalline, and cold to the touch, shattering as easily as ice, so anyone who recognizes the flower approaches it with extreme care: Though the plant is easily broken it can be restored with careful and concentrated ice reaving. Uses: While the stem and leaves have almost identical properties to ice, the colored blooms when not used for decoration can be melted down and used to help treat a number of ailments, ranging from the flu to shingles, but are most commonly used to make poultices for burns. While not as common as aloe, the effect of Morwen’s Orchid are twice as effective at numbing pain and healing burn marks. Special INformation: A plant created by a traveling Alchemist who stayed in Avanthal after meeting and falling madly in love with the Ice Queen, he devoted his life to creating something that accurately portrayed her beauty and could live on after he had passed. Due to his use of magic and the way the Vantha treated him, he lived out in the tundra, and it was said that his skill with glyphs and spells made sure his home was always protected from attack whether animals or bandits, though no one knew the precise way he managed to survive for so long. The alchemist scoffed at any art made in Morwen’s image, thinking that creations that served no purpose other than aesthetic value were not worth the time it took to make them, and eventually using his skills with herbalism, created a plant breed like living ice that mimicked plants, and presented it to Morwen. It was said that once she received the token of affection the Alchemist died shortly afterward, his mission fulfilled. The legend of his house and laboratory located in the snowy wastes has consumed many an adventurous Vantha, and it is said that if every found the tomes on alchemy and Talderan plants would be invaluable if still preserved. Miscellaneous: Morwen's Orchid is a coveted flower for weddings and holidays, but due to the fragile nature of the plant it is extremely difficult to maintain as an ornament or decoration for long periods of time. Full credit to Sliver Name: Cobalt Potatoes Common Locations: All across Northern Taldera (requires the shelter of other plants or rocks to grow) Frequency: Rare Description: The section of plant found above ground displays forest green sword shaped leaves. Upon digging or pulling the plant out of the ground an individual will find deep blue purple tubers connected to the leaves. The skin is edible, though tough and chewy, but if cut through the inside which is an off white color is very tender. Cooking: The Cobalt Potato is most commonly used in soups and stews, though it can be mashed as well as steamed, boiled, and served with other vegetables in cubes or sections. The inside of the plant is rather bland and tasteless, and though the outer skin is tough and chewy when raw, it is soft when cooked and adds a tangy flavor to an otherwise banal meal. Uses: The sword shaped leaves have no medicinal properties, but are often used for decoration because once dried the leaf takes on an almost turquoise hue and purple veins appear in the plant, the tuber itself is one of the easiest staples to grow in the harsh landscape because this particular variety of potato requires little sunlight and water to grow and the thick skin acts as a protective mechanism, trapping in heat and water when the plant is lacking the necessary nutrients. Miscellaneous: Sometimes the tuber is referred to as a Frostbite due to the color and several menus in Avanthal list Cobalt Potatoes as such, usually just for a point of discussion for newcomers. Full credit to Sliver Name: Winter Snap Frequency: Medium Major features: Spongy leaves, odd fruit Uses: Edible Most common in: Only at the Tree Retreat in Avanthal Miscellaneous: The Winter Snap is a hybrid tree, although the original influential plants are unknown. It grows only to five feet in height and can live up to thirty years. The stem is long and crooked, looking more like a walking stick than a trunk. At the very tip of the trunk, the tree splits into multiple stems and creates an umbrella effect. The Winter Snap has large, spongy leaves that are elongated. Between the leaves, the plant will grow fruit. The fruit of the Winter Snap is very unique. It is the size of a fisted hand and is covered in large bumps with dots in the middle. The fruit itself has the most unique taste, but tastes different to each individual person. Once an individual bites into the fruit, the chunk of Winter Snap will literally dissolve. To tell the age of the Winter Snap, one should count the number of times the trunk twists. The older the tree, the more twists. The Winter Snap is the most popular exotic tree found at the Tree Retreat. Credit goes to Capricious Name: Avanthalian Pine Frequency: High Major features: Large circumference, sharp needles Uses: Wind breakers, lumber Most common in: Northern Taldera Miscellaneous: The Avanthalian Pine is a hardy creature. It can withstand temperatures as high as seventy degrees Fahrenheit and as low as negative sixty. Even the toughest winds struggle to topple this magnificent beast that can grow to seventy feet tall and fifteen feet wide. Starting only inches off the ground, the first limbs extend and tickle against the snow. The limbs are covered in straight, green needles that range from dark to light depending on age. The branches at the bottom are the longest, while the ones at the top are the shortest. Littering the branches are tiny brown cones. These cones are the seeds of the tree and, once a season, the Tree Retreat collects the cones from all Avanthalian Pines within the city, so they may plant more. So set up are the limbs that if someone in the wilderness were caught in a snowstorm, it would be suggest they dig through the snow at the base of the Avanthalian Pine because the branches create a wall and underneath is dry. Credit goes to Capricious

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Northern Wastes Linkmap This is where you can find all of the information for the Northern Wastes. This area is North of Avanthal. Longer than it is wide this expanse of wilderness is bordered by the immense northern ocean. While little flora other than mosses grows in this area the fauna is immense. The Northern Wastes include all that is north of Avanthal from the Northwest point to Desperation Bay in the East. If you notice something important or helpful is missing please bring it to my attention. If you have any questions feel free to ask any and all questions. Also, this is always being updated, when updates are completed I will post an announcement in the OOC thread so it is good thinking to prescribe to that thread as well. |x| Locations |x| Fauna |x| Flora **If a location does not have a link it is still under development. If you are interested in working on this location's development or want to use it in your roleplay please message an ST. East Hunter Savant Lodge - Hunting lodge situated just outside the city walls Desperation Bay - Seal birthing and breeding place, location of many medicinal mosses West Northwest Point North The Wastes Cottage - 7 days north of Avanthal, a secluded house of secrets

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Northern Wastes Fauna The wiki describes Talderan Fauna and Flora thusly: "Dire" is a word that is generally used to refer to creatures that are overly large. It is a bastardization of the actual word 'dire' which means fraught with extreme danger or terrible consequences. Within Mizahar, we use the word "Dire" interchangeably with the term "Talderian" for a very specific reason. During the Valterrian, wild djed raged across the land reshaping the world. In various places, this huge unleashing of magical energies had various consequences. But within the region of Taldera, the magic reacted with the native creatures and caused them to grow to extreme sizes. Beautiful and delicate ferns suddenly became monstrous. Mice grew to the size of house cats. Trees increased their growth to the point that they made even the redwoods and cedars of Syliras look like small shrubs. So when something is referred to as "Talderian" on Mizahar, it is meant that the living thing is incredibly large. Talderian creatures rarely stray form Taldera because there simply isn't enough food to support them outside the region; especially grazing animals and those that feed on them. If a Talderian Wolf strayed from Taldera and expected to feed itself, it would soon wipe out herds, local deer populations, and other resources. Facing starvation, it would either be forced back to Taldera or would perish. The exception to this is the occasional Kelvic Talderian wilderform (their animal half). These kelvics, though demanding a higher caloric intake in their diet, can survive outside of Taldera so long as there is not a large concentration of them in any one place. The one main problem with Talderian kevlics is that they are not easily accepted into society. Ravok covets them for pit fights and slaves. Other more benign cities like Syliras look at Talderian Kelvics with extreme suspicion and have a tendency to blame them for unusual lifestock losses. In Cyphrus and Eyktol, herds are extremely valuable and one of the primary food sources around. These locations are less likely to tolerate Talderian Kelvics than anywhere else. These cities have a tendency to take care of the problem quietly and without asking the kelvic first. These individuals are always in extreme danger of 'disappearing' mysteriously and suddenly especially if unbonded. Talderian animals can be anywhere from half again to twice the normal size of their mizaharian counterparts other places. Plant growth, however, can reach double or triple the size of the same species found other places in Mizahar. Name: Talderan Snow Hare Frequency: Medium Characteristics: Talderan snow hares are larger than your average hare, standing at three feet tall including their ears. These animals have thick, white fur that insulates them against the harsh climate. They have keen senses that help them find lichens and mosses in the snow as well as avoid predators. Talderan snow hares are very fast creatures and can reach speeds of up to 40 mph but cannot maintain this speed for very long. Snow hares eat moss, lichens, and whatever other plant life they can scavenge in the snow. Social Structure: In spring and summer Talderan snow hares burrow beneath the snow and live in large groups of 20 – 200 hares. In the fall, the hares pair up and spread out to establish mating territories. Male hares will often scuffle with each other to defend their territory but this tends to die down once the litters are born. Female hares give birth to litters of 5-9 babies in early winter and by the end of winter the babies are fully grown hares. At the end of the mating and growing season the hares will group together again and establish large burrows in the snow once more. Miscellaneous: Talderan snow hares are difficult to catch but many trappers hunt them exclusively. The hares’ pelts are very valuable both in Avanthal and in distant lands for their beautiful snowy color. Due to their high birth rate and low food sources Frostfawn Hold does not regulate the hunting of these creatures. ~Credit to Valkyrie Name: Waste Mammoth Frequency: Low Characteristics: Waste mammoths are large land mammals that reside only in the frigid and desolate Northern Wastes. These creatures stand at 16 ft tall and are covered in shaggy silver fur. Both sexes of mammoths have tusks. These tusks are often used to gage the age of a mammoth as they grow around 2-4 inches each year of its life. The oldest mammoth that the Vantha have found was estimated to be 54 years old. Mammoths eat moss, lichens, and tree bark in large quantity. Social Structure: Waste mammoths are matriarchal herd creatures. Their herds are predominantly made up of females and young males. When males reach the age of sexual maturity, around ten years old, they leave their herd and live solitary lives, though some males have been known to band together in pairs or trios. These males will roam the landscape searching for food and willing females to copulate with. The large herds of females are more stationary and tend to stay near a particular food source. Mammoths do not have a particular mating season and females will come into estrous several times a season if they do not have a nursing calf. Roaming males will attempt to mate with any female in estrous that they come across and will fight other males in the area for this right, though death occurs very rarely from these fights. Gestation periods for these creatures are around 7 seasons. Miscellaneous: Due to their low numbers Frostfawn Hold highly regulates the hunting of this animal. Anyone who has been found to have hunted a mammoth without the explicit permission of Frostfawn Hold will be charged with poaching and punished by Icewatch. Many visitors to Avanthal attempt to hunt Waste Mammoths for their beautiful tusks and skulls as trophies but soon find themselves behind the icy walls of Svanhildur. ~Credit to Valkyrie Name: Frost Hawk Common Locations: Coasts and Port of Avanthal Frequency: Low Characteristics: Frost hawks are one of the largest birds of prey in Northern Taldera and the Northern Wastes with wingspans of up to 12 feet. Their feathers are completely white as well as their talons and beak. The diet of a frost hawk consists primarily of fish though they will eat land mammals if the opportunity presents itself. Frost hawks have incredibly keen eyesight that allows them to spy fish in the water as they circle high above and then swoop down to capture the fish in their large talons. Frost hawks kill their prey by using their powerful talons to crush what they’ve caught and then take home to their nest to eat. Frost hawks are long-lived birds and Vantha have recorded frost hawks in the wild living up to seventeen years. Social Structure: Frost hawks mate for life shortly after reaching sexual maturity at 2 years of age and leaving their parent’s nest. They make permanent nests along the coast in rocky cliffs and sturdy trees. Frost hawk couples lay two to four eggs in mid-fall that hatch in the early part of the winter season. Both parents will work to keep the eggs warm or provide food for hatched chicks. Parents will care for their chicks until they have reached sexual maturity at which time they chase them out of the nest and prepare for a new batch of eggs. Frost hawks pairs are willing to allow other pairs to live near them if the food source is plentiful enough. If the food source should become scarce them frost hawks will assert their territory and become aggressive to any other predatory birds in the area. Miscellaneous: Frost hawks are considered a pest by Avanthalians because the birds often prey on livestock and pets if ice becomes too thick in the sea to allow for fishing. Citizens are encouraged to shoot to kill any frost hawk seen flying too near Avanthal. When the ice is too thick for fishing it is not uncommon to see frost hawks dive into the middle of Avanthal to pick up dogs, cats, or even sheep wandering the area. Icewatch and Frostfawn hunters try to keep an eye on the skies when thick ice is reported. ~Credit to Valkyrie Name: Waste Walrus Frequency: Medium Characteristics: Waste walruses are marine mammals with large fat deposits that keep them warm in the icy northern seas. These creatures are quite large with males reaching weights of up to three tons and females reaching weights of up to two tons. Both sexes of waste walruses grow tusks of up to four feet in length surrounded by thick, bristly whispers. Their bodies are sparsely covered in thin hair and most of their insulation is due to a seven inch layer of blubber beneath three inches of skin. Waste walruses prefer to reside on shallow sea shelves so that they may hunt mollusks, shrimp, and clams on the sea floor. They dislike diving into deeper waters though they are capable of staying submerged for almost half a bell. Waste walruses are capable of living up to thirty years in the wild. Social Structure: Waste walruses live in large groups of up to a couple hundred individuals. They breed in late summer and have a lengthy gestation period, giving birth the winter of the following year. Young waste walruses nurse their mothers for a full year before weaning and will typically stay near them until they reach sexual maturity around seven years of age. Due to this long child rearing period waste walruses tend to have very low birth rates. Miscellaneous: Waste walruses are very dangerous to approach and hunt although their tusks and blubber are highly sought after by both Avanthalians and visitors to the region. Tusks are usually carved in intricate ways by Snowsong Hold who organize occasional hunts with Frostfawn Hold. Their blubber is an excellent source of fat and oil and can be used in many different products including paint, cooking lard, and grease for tools. ~Credit to Valkyrie Name: Talderan Sabretooth Frequency: Low Characteristics: The Talderan Sabretooth weighs anywhere from 400-800 lbs and ranges in height and length with a smaller Sabretooth being 8’ long (including tail) and 4’ high to larger specimens being, 12’ long and 6’ high. Females are larger than males of the species. The reader will take note that these measurements do not include the dire variety of Sabretooth, and while rare, they are extremely dangerous and capable of singlehandedly taking down a Waste Mammoth. Their fur color is usually a light grey or snow white, with slightly darker stripes or spots. The color of a Sabretooth’s tusks will show how old it is, with young specimens being a pale yellow, and aged Sabretooth’s having almost ebony tusks. The oldest reported Sabretooth ever killed was about 20 years old, though it is suspected the breed can survive for longer. Their most common food source is deer and caribou, though they have been known to take down wolves and Waste Walrus’s. Social Structure: The Talderan Sabretooth is a solitary species that prefers to live in what most would consider inhospitable terrain, far away from any vestiges of human society. Cubs are generally born in pairs and reach maturity after 2 years wherein they leave their mother’s care and make their way into the wintery world. Mating is a complex process that involves several male Sabretooth suitors bringing gifts of game to the female in order to impress her. Fatalities are common in the process of these mating rituals, but are usually caused by an enraged female, and not males fighting one another. Studies have shown that there are specific zones of Sabretooth ruled over by an Alpha female who takes the best hunting areas and dens for herself, while keeping appraised of the other Sabretooth in the area. Unless an Alpha has taken a grievous injury, they are usually not challenged for their role until they have begun to succumb to age, and many people suspect the only reason Dire Sabreteeth are rarely seen is because they do not have to leave their zone, being the Alpha of the area. Miscellaneous: While the Talderan Sabretooth is a fairly rare animal, its tusks worth 50 gm apiece and its pelt worth 40 gm, no special permission is required to hunt one, because no one would be stupid enough to try on their own, or even in a group. Generally the Icewatch organizes a bi-annual hunting party comprised of the most elite and well trained trackers and hunters to venture into Sabretooth territory, and even then the chance of fatality is still high. Credit to Sliver Name: Frostfawn Deer Frequency: Low Threat level: Medium Major features: Ice-like Fur, Camouflage, Gracefulness, Clear Horns Abilities: Piercing most objects with horns, given birth to iceblocks Most common in: Northern Taldera Physical characteristics: The Frostfawn Deer stands at nearly five feet in height and three feet in length. They can weigh over a thousand pounds. The body of the Frostfawn Deer blends perfectly into the Taldera environment. Along the body runs carved lines. When the deer moves, it is akin to watching a thousand layers of ice shift. The thing of color on the deer is the eyes, which range as much as the Vanthas', but tend to be brown. At the top of their head, each Frostfawn Deer has a set of horns. These can grow up to fourteen points per horn. The horns may become longer than the arm of a Vantha and lift over a thousand pounds. The amazing thing about the horns is that, unless the sun hits them at the right angle, an individual will have trouble viewing them because they are perfectly clear and see-through. The tips of the horns are dangerous weapons because they are sharp enough to pierce even the thickest material. The Frostfawn Deer does not truly bleed. When the Frostfawn Deer is injured, the drops of blood are icicles. Social Structure: The Frostfawn Deer lives in herds of ten. The herd is not a male and all female, but instead five pairs of two. The deer will choose a mate and bond for life, or until the mate dies. The pair will not travel more than a mile without the other. Each fall, the pair will mate. The female will proceed to dig a hole in the snow and not move until Spring, when one or two Frostlings are born. The female survives this length of time by the thick layer of fat surrounding her flesh. To reach maturity takes three years. During this time, the Frostling will not move. Not because it does not wish to be near its parents, but because it is ice. When born, the Frostling will be only a chunk of ice with eyes. Each season, the Frostling will gain a new piece for its body. The first they gain are their horns. During this time, the Frostling is the most susceptible to outside predators. For this reason, the mother will try to choose a secluded spot in the wilderness, where she believes the young will not be found. The Frostfawn Deer never give birth in the same place twice. Miscellaneous: The Frostfawn Deer has never been caught, but individuals who have been lost in the Taldera Wilderness share magnificent tales about the creature helping them. The stories range wildly, from the deer helping them find civilization to fending off predators. The Frostfawn Hold takes their name from the Frostfawn Deer. Full credit to Capricious Name: Fog Gizzins (a.k.a Fogs, or Gizzins) Common Locations: They are almost always found near the ocean on shallow beaches where they feed on small fish. They will stand on the edge of small ledges where their shadows doesn't overhang and spear the fish from the water. They are only ever seen by those who regularly fish or hunt along the ocean, those who spend their time in the middle of the wastelands will not have experienced them. They can be found on the docks in Avanthal begging fish from the sailors. The sailors are often amused by their quirky noises and will feed them to keep them around. Sometimes a sailor will even recognize a tune he regularly whistles on the beaks of these birds. Frequency: Moderate Characteristics: The largest ocean and land bird near Avanthal. They are always found in sets of two, or three if one is young, the young stay with them until they are approximately a year old. They only leave their parents when they have found another mate which is why they are never seen alone. They never gather to swap mates, mates are found when two sets of mates with young cross paths. If the male and female impress each other they will set off alone from that point onward. Other groups of three are found through song. When a mate of one is killed the other will pluck out all its feathers in distress and hover near the body wandering around it keening at the top of it’s lungs. It can be heard for miles. These birds make 2 types of songs, Inherent and copied. They copy sounds from their surroundings, (frequently; the cracking of ice or sound of crunching snow, Less Frequently; the sound of a Talderan Sabretooth or frosthawk call) they can use distinct noises, those that gather more sounds are more valuable mates. Their inherent song is a song they learn from their parents at birth. Once it’s song has been established it does not change as it acquires external sounds. They are beloved by the Snowsong hold for their song. Their feathers are frequently used by the wealthy and are a source of trade in Avanthal. Each bird is so large many feathers can be harvested from its body. They are brave creatures and are not instinctively timid unless they smell dogs. As dogs are usually used to hunt them anything smelling of dog makes them wary. They do not leap into flight quickly but they can fly for extended periods of time, as can they swim for extended periods of time. Parents only ever have one egg, the rare couple that does have two inevitably results in the two mating. Mated brothers and sisters will never produce an egg. The female becomes so distressed by this she eventually plucks out all her feathers and dies. The egg is large, dug into the snow and covered. They breed in Spring and hatch in summer. The egg is left unattended until it is about to hatch, then the parents return. They do this because they are large attractive birds, and their presence lead predators to their eggs. Their most common predator are the Wraiths who can hear them digging through the ice from a long way away. ~Credit to Ablation Name: Great Crowned Owl Common Locations: Taldera. They are found all across the Northern Landscape, most typically at the very tops of Pine trees. Since the Hunters began having pine tree circles planted for rest stops they are often found nesting here and can be quite vicious to the intruding hunters if their chicks have hatched. As eggs they rarely care and will simply be remarkably quiet and remain on the nest until the hunters move on. Frequency: Rare Price: Adult: 250 GM Adult(Trained): 500 GM Chick: 100 GM Egg: 50 GM Characteristics:The largest owl in Taldera they are only possessed by the most accomplished falconers. Talented but difficult to handle, they are used to keep Frosthawks away from Avanthalian flocks. They can also be used in tandem with dogs to hunt some of the larger creatures on the tundra. Infrequently Dire birds are hatched, these are too heavy to be held by a human and are trained to ride on the saddles of horses, polar bears, and elk. Social Structure: They mate for life and will breed each year in the Spring producing two eggs. One egg is a decoy and contains only high fat yolk. If both survive the second egg is broken by one of the parents and is the first meal for the newborn bird. It is a healthy and rich meal, and those that receive it typically have the healthiest lives. These birds are remarkably terrible parents often leaving the chick alone. However, this also ensures only the strongest survive. Other owl species may take advantage of this placing their own eggs in the nest to be cared for by another owl. Crowned Owls will willingly take in as many eggs as placed in their nest and though many of these die due to the harsh temperatures they are left alone for several owls looking spectacularly different from their parents are easily raised and invested in by the Crowned Owls. Miscellaneous: They are coveted by Wind Reach Falconers. Due to the lack of well trained Falconers in Avanthal if they can be caught and maintained until the Wind Eagles arrive they are usually traded handsomely for glass baubles and other Wind Reach specific product. Name: Horned Bear Common Locations: Northern Talderan Mountains Frequency: Rare Characteristics: Horned bears can often be found rubbing their ever growing horns against the rocks of the mountains in which they reside. They sleep throughout the summer and fall, leaving their dens with one or two cubs they have given birth to in the winter. They adore frost berries and can devour entire bushes easily. Their tongues are ice blue from their chilly diet and when bitten their tongue can cause frostbite to exposed skin. They range from chestnut brown to a deep midnight black though their muzzles and paws are always lighter than the rest of their body. They have deep brown eyes except those born during the Djed storm of 512AV who were born with eyes of varying colour and horns of varying shapes, some have been reported with Frostfawn horns, others with spoon-like horns. Because of the magical effects these are given an even wider birth and no report has ever been proven. Social Structure: Their social structure is very similar to a black bears. The fathers are only present during mating season in the Spring and can be heard calling their long warbling gruff cries throughout the day. The mothers raise the cubs until they are about 4-5. The male cubs will leave, or be chased out, at this time. The females will remain with the mother until their first litter is 4-5 years old. This means that there are often groups of females, with a mother head and her grown children raising their first brood, teaching them the ways of motherhood. When the first litter has grown the grown daughter will leave. If she had a daughter, the daughter will accompany her to be trained in motherhood. These animals, though feared, are regarded as excellent mothers and Vanthan women often aspire to the ideals represented by these animals. Miscellaneous: The Dire individuals are much larger than the Avanthlian Polar Bears and are conceivably their only threat in the Talderan wastes. Despite the potential food residing in these creatures extensive territories the Kelvic Polar Bears do not allow the Vantha to hunt or occupy an individuals territory. It is assumed they are avoided because of the level of danger they pose to the bears but has never been explicitly explained by any Kelvic.

[Ablation]

Northern Wastes Botanical Taxonomy Name: Chill Berries/ Chill Berry Bushes Common Locations: Northern Taldera/ Especially around Avanthal Frequency: Low Description: Medium in size with icy blue leaves and snow white berries, the Chill Berry Bush is a hardy plant with unique properties. It thrives in the harshest, coldest climates and cannot flourish in even slightly warmer environments. Chill berries themselves have the distinct ability to lower the body temperature of anyone who ingests them. They are most commonly found in the forest areas surrounding Avanthal but have been seen throughout all of Northern Taldera. Their low frequency and incredibly sweet taste (as well as their special properties) make them very valuable, especially to the medical professionals of Avanthal and most are willing to pay a decent sum for even a small supply of them. Uses: They are most commonly used by doctors to help ease the suffering of the ill, reduce their fevers and return their body’s overall temperature to a normal level. Ingestion of too many of these berries can also have a severe if not fatal effect. As a general rule of thumb no more than two berries should be eaten a day for anyone who isn’t running a high temperature. Below is a list of effects that berries can have on the body based on the number eaten: 1-2 Berries: The body feels much cooler, as if a chill has run up your spine or you just walked outside on a frigid day. 3-4 Berries: You feel as if you have been outside in harsh cold for many hours. Your feet and hands begin to numb and you have an uncontrollable shiver. 5-6 Berries: Your whole body is numb and activity of any kind is very difficult. Certain parts of your body begin to shut down and if medical help isn’t sought out it can have lasting effects. 7+ Berries: The body begins to shut down completely. Medical attention is necessary at this level or death is eminent. Miscellaneous: The effects of these berries are lessened if the individual ingests them in a very warm atmosphere or if they berries are smashed up and mixed with other ingredients, especially warmer foods. The effects themselves can last anywhere from 3-8 hours or longer in certain cases. It is advised that even after the effects have dissipated that the individual wait at least 24 hours before consuming anymore. Credit to Balthazaar Kraigen Name: Cobalt Potatoes Common Locations: All across Northern Taldera (requires the shelter of other plants or rocks to grow) Frequency: Rare Description: The section of plant found above ground displays forest green sword shaped leaves. Upon digging or pulling the plant out of the ground an individual will find deep blue purple tubers connected to the leaves. The skin is edible, though tough and chewy, but if cut through the inside which is an off white color is very tender. Cooking: The Cobalt Potato is most commonly used in soups and stews, though it can be mashed as well as steamed, boiled, and served with other vegetables in cubes or sections. The inside of the plant is rather bland and tasteless, and though the outer skin is tough and chewy when raw, it is soft when cooked and adds a tangy flavor to an otherwise banal meal. Uses: The sword shaped leaves have no medicinal properties, but are often used for decoration because once dried the leaf takes on an almost turquoise hue and purple veins appear in the plant, the tuber itself is one of the easiest staples to grow in the harsh landscape because this particular variety of potato requires little sunlight and water to grow and the thick skin acts as a protective mechanism, trapping in heat and water when the plant is lacking the necessary nutrients. Miscellaneous: Sometimes the tuber is referred to as a Frostbite due to the color and several menus in Avanthal list Cobalt Potatoes as such, usually just for a point of discussion for newcomers. Full credit to Sliver Name: Avanthalian Pine Frequency: High Major features: Large circumference, sharp needles Uses: Wind breakers, lumber Most common in: Northern Taldera Miscellaneous: The Avanthalian Pine is a hardy creature. It can withstand temperatures as high as seventy degrees Fahrenheit and as low as negative sixty. Even the toughest winds struggle to topple this magnificent beast that can grow to seventy feet tall and fifteen feet wide. Starting only inches off the ground, the first limbs extend and tickle against the snow. The limbs are covered in straight, green needles that range from dark to light depending on age. The branches at the bottom are the longest, while the ones at the top are the shortest. Littering the branches are tiny brown cones. These cones are the seeds of the tree and, once a season, the Tree Retreat collects the cones from all Avanthalian Pines within the city, so they may plant more. So set up are the limbs that if someone in the wilderness were caught in a snowstorm, it would be suggest they dig through the snow at the base of the Avanthalian Pine because the branches create a wall and underneath is dry. Credit goes to Capricious