WANTED: Your ideas for the bestiary, Merchant's guide, etc!

All out of character announcements and news about the channel and site.
Suzthulhu
Baron
Posts: 215
Joined: Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:49 pm
Preferred Title: Great Old One
Characters: All of them.
Location: Right Next Door to Hell

WANTED: Your ideas for the bestiary, Merchant's guide, etc!

Post by Suzthulhu »

With the wiki entries going strong, we'd like to reach out to you, the players, for ideas to flesh little things out. We're looking for:

Bestiary entries: common or exotic animals, insects, etc, that may be found within the setting, in any region. An example can be found here: http://www.arangoth.org/wiki/index.php? ... h_Scorpion

Merchants: Shops and merchants in and around Drache

Plants: Yep, plants! From walking trees in Elgar Forest to other common and not so common flora.

Simply post your ideas as a reply to this thread, be detailed, and we will add them to the wiki.
Elitist Dicks Only
User avatar
Karras
Setting Nerd
Posts: 46
Joined: Tue Jul 10, 2012 4:53 am
Preferred Title: Stoobi-Wun-Kanubi
Characters: Merrax
Xeran
Bakchost
Gethri
Location: Oz

Re: WANTED: Your ideas for the bestiary, Merchant's guide, e

Post by Karras »

I have a pretty darned good search engine and access to a lot of the BDI archives and the earlier Shoonaben from #gypsyscaravan (Secca, Griffon's Aerie, Leturia and Elvendeep early RP).

If anybody needs a topic searched related to the Wiki or on subjects on all works oflife, let me know, I'll see what I can dig up and send it to you (or post it in the setting nerds forum).
Suzthulhu
Baron
Posts: 215
Joined: Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:49 pm
Preferred Title: Great Old One
Characters: All of them.
Location: Right Next Door to Hell

Re: WANTED: Your ideas for the bestiary, Merchant's guide, e

Post by Suzthulhu »

Stu, you can either email them to me at [email protected] or post it in the nerds section. I may have it already, but it never hurts to check!
Elitist Dicks Only
Stygian
Knight
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2012 2:29 pm
Preferred Title: The Archivist
Location: Sneaking up behind you.

Sangliod's Compleat Herbalist

Post by Stygian »

I seem to have lost the compiled file I had the unique plant species saved in. It's probably in the email archives I can't figure out how to access somewhere. As I find plant species, I'll post entries here for editing/polishing/inclusion in the wiki.

From the Xiunhai-La writeup:

VEGETATION ENTRIES:


Name: Shenshu Tree

Height: Can grow from 10 to 15 feet in height

Diameter: 2 feet

Environment: Tropics

Origin: Xiunhai-la

Description:

Shenshu trees are rarely found outside of Xiunhai-la due to the tropical conditions they thrive in. They look like their distant Birch cousins, only that the bark is a smooth, stone-gray color and oftentimes dappled by white. When cut, the trunks and branches tend to produce a ring of greenish sap along the cut area, which can cause skin irritation if one is not careful. Upon cutting, or peeling the bark, a distinct, fragrant smell is apparent. The sap is often purified and mixed into candlewax or oils to give the products its scent. It is only after the tree is cut, smoothed, and dried that the wood turns into its known, clean-white color. Its leaves are pale green, and grow in long, pointed blades which are often used for basketweave when dried.

It depends on the woodworker whether to make the wood light or heavy, and for exported products, they're often used to create decorative boxes, carvings, fans, musical instruments, and other items. It is never used for furniture, as to while the wood is durable, it tends to wear and break after a period of constant pressure.


Name: Nirguen Plant ("Black Lotus")

Height: Shrubs grow up to 3 feet above the soil

Environment: Tropics

Origin: Xiunhai-la

Description:

Nirguen, or Black Lotus, shrubs are more well known due to its flowers, which resemble irises more than any other flower despite the name (and the fact that lotus plants grow on water surfaces). The blossom is characterized by a triad of wide, diamond-shaped petals that scoop upward on the tips, and long, thin pollen stems protruding from the small "knot" in the middle of the flower. While beautiful, it does not give off a scent, though indigenous animals have enough keen sense to avoid eating them. The flowers are notoriously poisonous, and Nirguen poison is often favored by those in the network of the Ishkal's overseas spies and assassins (named after the flower itself) since the antidote is rarely found out of the country. The poisonous extract is known to be able to freeze the heart, giving the illusion of a cardiac arrest.

The branches are noticeably dark brown in color. The leaves are green, and share the diamond shape of the petals of the lotus blossoms. Unlike the flowers, the other parts of the shrubs are not poisonous.



Name: Ponchu Plant ("Fiery" plant)

Height: Shrubs tend to grow at least 4 to 5 feet in height

Environment: Tropics

Origin: Xiunhai-la

Description:

Ponchu plants are grown extensively around Xiunhai-la due to its multi-purpose nature. They are characterized by blunt, bluish-black leaves and black branches that tend to conceal the thorns on the bark. The branches are also thicker than normal shrubs, since their flowers tend to be heavier than most. The leaves secrete an inky sap that is used to make excellent red, or blue-violet dye, used extensively in the garments of the royal court.

Ponchu blossoms are of a vibrant, red-orange color, hence the name in Xiunlani, and have six, short, smooth petals that branch outward from the plants' leathery bulbs. These, when cut open, hold marble-sized nectar bubbles that are primary ingredients in making delicious, sweetened tea of a dark-amber color. It is not uncommon for Xiunlan children to pick the flower bulbs off the shrubs, and eat the nectar bubbles like a soft, juicy form of candy.

=======================

Source unknown, the Lantern Lily:

The so called 'Lantern Lily' remains notable as one of the few 'parasitic' plants that are actively cultivated. In much the same family as Mistletoe, Prickthumb and Hearthcrackle, Lantern Lily shares most traits with Hearthcrackle.
As with the aforementioned Hearthcrackle, Lantern Lilies will tend to form a root structure deep inside trees, most frequently older samples, with an apparent preference to broadleafed species.
The roots themselves are known for their barbed, saw-like shapes, and are much detested by Orchard workers for their tendancy to remain just beneath the bark of a tree - a careless slip on a tree which Lantern Lillies have infested can cause painful cuts and grazes.
However, the Lantern Lily shows the strange property of giving off a soft, yellow-green light from its bulb-like protrusions from the Tree's branches. This apparently attracts moths to it, however the Lantern Lily only flowers when both of the moons above Arangoth are in a 'New Moon' phase. When this happens, it would appear that the Moths brush up against the small, otherwise unnotable flowers. Small seedlings apparently take root in the Moths themselves, and after dawn the moth is killed as the seedlings attempt to take further root - presumably on a tree or leaf the Moth has settled on for the daylight.
The soft glow produced by the plant is sought after for those creating night-time gardens, and since the method of illumination appears non-magical in nature, the bulbs are occasionally cultivated for their glowing fluid - which when cooled, remains dark, and when heated once more, gives off its light for some hours before dulling permanently.
If one should be so unfortunate as to brush up against a blooming Lantern Lily, the procedure for removing the seedlings is much as with a splinter. Fear not, however! It would seem that the Lillies only take root fully with trees, and they otherwise remain seedlings - however the formation of piercing roots after the first day can be quite painful.
Gardeners are advised that some believe that the Lantern Lily can be 'tricked' into blooming by covering the entire host tree with a series of tarps or other thick cloths, although this can be unreliable in the summer months, for whatever reason.

==============================

From the Pentland writeup:

Flora

Perhaps the most noteworthy of Pentland’s tall trees is the Thymvraan Oak. Distinguished by their turquoise leaves, the wood of these mighty trees has a fantastic ability to regenerate itself, even when chopped down. They are prized in building extremely resilient ships that are very hard to sink. The ships of the line of the Pentlandite navy are all made from this species.

The Iridios is actually a pair of two species: the Wyrdant Nightshade and the Oneios Fungus. Primarily growing next to streams, the twisting tree spreads its night-flowering canopy overhead while the symbiotic fungi grow on the branches of the tree, feeding off its juices. Once fully mature, the fungus begins to glow with a soft light that ranges from pale blue to violet. This light attracts nocturnal insects which then pollinate the tree and keep it reproducing. Sometimes, the fungus releases luminous spores which drift through the forest like sparkling fey.

One thing to always look out for is the magical Krimian pine: short and solitary trees that have developed a frightening defense method. Their reddish needles contain traces of magic elemental fire along with hollow cavities in the stubby branches. If someone disturbs the tree with force, the cavities burst, showering the offender with incendiary needles that burst into flames and cinders. The tree self-reproduces by growing a number of rounded pine cones that explode violently when the time comes, scattering their rock-hard seeds throughout the surrounding area. These trees usually have a several yard barren space around them. Resourceful humans have learned to carefully harvest them for alchemical and military ingredients.

=============================

Courtesy of the Great Old One:

Moorish Mantrap - A fleshy vine, often having thick, fur covered trunks that sprout sticky tendrils of varying length, most in excess of four meters. The tendrils are a dark green in color, with black splotches, and covered in a viscous fluid that dries to a hard shell if allowed to set. The leaves of this vine are heart-shaped, with white veins, and grow in clusters of three. An ugly plant, its redeeming, and often deadly quality, are its flowers. Morning glory-shaped, they vary anywhere from a deep crimson to a bright purple, each bearing three yellow stamen. They emit a sweet smell not unlike jasmine, that attracts insects and even birds to them. Once the insect or bird is within range, the tendrils of the vine capture them and draw them into the flower, which bears five needle-like "teeth" surround the outside, and injects them with a deadly toxin that dissolves the innards, enabling the plant to feed until the prey is a dried out husk, which is then discarded at the base of the plant. These vines are semi-sentient, and will increase the production of their scent whenever prey is near. They have been known to take down prey as large as a yearling dear, simply from the sheer volume of venom injected. Highly territorial, this plant will defend itself if it feels threatened, by wrapping its tendrils around the intruder and secreting the sticky substance until it coats, hardens, and eventually suffocates. However, if given ample room to grow, and enough fresh prey to sustain itself, this plant will develope a strange sort of loyalty to its tender. The age of the plant can be told from the number of central vines that sprout from the base, as it will produce a new one for every six years of its life. It is an evergreen plant, and blooms twice a year, both in the spring and fall months. Commonly found in more swampy areas, this plant has spread recently to the Forest Reserve as well as being quite abundant in Elgar Forest.

=======================

Dararukia, or Illsbane:

The Dararukia is a small flowering plant with white blossoms that grows wild in many parts of Arangoth. The plant is much esteemed both as a perfume and as a preventive measure for keeping evil at bay. While most find the flower's fragrance pleasant, evil creatures find the plant's odor nauseating and intolerable. Arangothian folklore holds that when Sithire Kengail compelled Gigsin to marry him, she bore him no heirs, but instead gave birth to the dararukia when it first grew on her grave. Menxvanic clergy devoted to Gigsin's cult often give the plant as gifts and encourage its planting in gardens as a protection against evil. In many parts of Arangoth, it is traditional to string up garlands of dararukia flowers during the Sakrat ul-Melx festival.
Last edited by Stygian on Sat Nov 17, 2012 4:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Stygian
Knight
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2012 2:29 pm
Preferred Title: The Archivist
Location: Sneaking up behind you.

Re: WANTED: Your ideas for the bestiary, Merchant's guide, e

Post by Stygian »

Thanks to Ravynetti, I have access to my old email again. and I have a bunch of information that I thought was lost for good.

Plants submitted by Jaxy/Shyne:

Myosotis Sylvaticus
“Bad Breath”

This pretty, wispy plant with a mustard, fluffy blossom is known to cause bad breath to anyone who ingests it, whether in the form of a tea or crushed into food. The effects of this innocent looking bloom can cause the victim to become swiftly friendless.

Eternaflus Romanticai
“Forget-me-never”

This pretty purple blossom is the core ingredient in a successful love potion but beware, it can chain you to the wrong lover for eternity for they will never give you up once they have been given this potion. It has been blamed for several jealous murders where the giver has then turned their affections to a new source and the victim is driven insane for want of their love.

Dreamus Commosa
“Downy Hempnettle”

This rather plain looking nettle with spiked leaves is a mild sedative and can cause even the most stalwart insomniac to sleep like a baby. Best used by making the leaves into a tea, it should be used sparingly as too much could make you sleep indefinitely. While not deadly, the comatose state that too much can leave you in would naturally lead to starvation in your sleep.

Aromaticus Alyssariah
“Fragrant Weesa”
This pretty pale pink flower with tightly budded petals, resembling a tulip but much smaller, has a fragrance so beautiful that anyone passing a clump feels an urge to stop and inhale them intimately. This of course, will prove fatal since the fragrance, if inhaled closely for any period of time is a deadly poison that melts your internal organs to mushy goo, causing the victim to vomit the internal waste up violently and break their own spine in the throes of death. Experiments with this deadly flower have included biological warfare and the torture of criminals.

Madiccus Banuroony
“Lunatics Bane”
A tea made from the pollen of this thistle-like flower can calm even the most violent lunatic with its sedative effects for a short time. It can temporarily render the subject sane in some cases. However, continual exposure can cause immunity to the drug in gradual stages.

Frostivalus Wintrus
“Snowbane” (Or Blight’s Blossom)
Is a rather violent poison. The innocent looking white wild flowers, when crushed to a powder and ingested have a similar effect to freezing up the innards of the victim, hence its slang name of Blight’s Blossom. Drinking hot tea directly after ingesting, if you knew that you’d been infected, has been known to stop the spread of internal death but the victim is never the same again and most likely would remain paralysed.

Romanticus Stabbulie
“Love Lies Bleeding”

This rather pretty flower bush is not a popular gift for lovers though can be very useful if the couple down the road are so mushy and kissy that they are getting on your nerves. They are crimson, hanging blooms with a pleasant, fruity odour. However, if inhaled they will cause the subject to immediately fall out of love with the person with whom they are enamoured, even if the person they are enamoured with is not in the immediate vicinity.

This is not a cure for Eternaflus Romanticai “Forget-me-never” but Eternaflus Romanticai “Forget-me-never” is a cure for Romaticus Stabbulie.

Wangotosis Droopus
“Brewers Droop”

This wild plant is small and often grows in the shade of its more dangerous cousins. If the leaves are made into a tea, this will cause impotency in men of all ages. We have to state this isn’t endorsed by the Deity and that she categorically disapproves of its behaviour. She does allow it to abide within the Forest though its growth is carefully controlled because it is very rare. Experiments have included subtle biological warfare.

Pollups Wortshiver
“Trembling Weed”

This innocent looking plant, is often over looked by those seeking for faster acting and more virulent poisons. When crushed and applied to spring water the juice of this plant, if ingested, can cause a sort of palsy in the victim, making them tremble violently. The effects will wear off without harm but if reapplied frequently over a period of months it will eventually cause death. Such a death could be put down to natural causes due to the symptoms that mimic several debilitating diseases. This poison has salty taste and is odourless.

Atrumulis Rosa
“Black Rose”

The most deadly poison found growing in the forest. This black petal bloom resembles the daisy more than the rose which shares its name but grows on a stem, thick with thorns. The bloom usually flowers inside a wild tangle of the thorns, one prick is instant death via the literal explosion of the heart. When crushed the petals make a poison to which immunity can be built up over time with minute amounts. Used by the famed ‘kissing killer’ as a lipstick, a very small amount can cause death. The victim’s internal organs will literally explode as the poison travels through the blood stream. This poison is pleasantly sweet, with a faint, floral aroma.

Luponus Lycoctobum
“Wolfs Bottom”

This foul smelling plant is grey and lightly furred which causes it to sometimes be mistaken for a clump of rather large fur balls. It is a treatment for infection by a werewolf in the earliest days of contamination, before the next full moon. It is said to cure the victim so that they will not become were wolf. The stench, however, is so rancid many victims would rather take their chances with the moon than eat it raw. It is also claimed to make canines of any kind ill to the point of making them compliant to your every whim, though will not kill them.

Ajuga narcissiflora
“Blue Narcissus”

This charming little poison is ingested via the pores and is best used in the form of a perfume which can perfectly mask the faintly spicy odour. It takes several hours to kill the victim and the symptoms closely resemble a flu, but with visible swelling of the joints to accompany the ache. It is one of the most dangerous poisons to prepare as even a drop, accidentally spilled on the skin will cause death. There is no known cure.


Cirisheepus Eriophoram
“Woolly Thistle”

This rather strange, fluffy white plant is thought to be the missing link between man and sheep and is considered largely to blame for any cross species mating that might be whispered about on dark nights. It is such a powerful aphrodisiac that it can make the next person you come across of the opposite sex appear as the most stunning specimen of your own species and make them irrisistable to you. It is believed that a patch of this plant is why the Egyptians of ancient Earth are often pictured with animal heads. It tastes like your favourite food, whatever that is. The most power is in the seed but the leaves and sap must not be dismissed. Best drunk as a tea, it is rumoured to be a secret ingredient of the Forest’s famous aphrodisiac ale. The effects are thought to wear off gradually over 28 days, depending on how much is given, based on one drop per week of effect.


Cymbala ribbetis
“Wart-leafed Toadflux”

This slimy, vile tasting plant is a curative for several veneral diseases and will also clean the scum from your bath without any scrubbing involved. It is a bitter price to pay for a cure and is best drunk to numb the infected area before applying as a douche. It hurts and stings.


Carthusorum
“Clusterhead”

This extremely rare plant has a thick, brain-like purple fruit as large as a child’s head. Its flavour resembles a return to your mouth of last weeks rat dinner. It is believed to cure ugliness and physical deformity, if you are courageous enough to eat it and can stomach the taste.

Euphrasia Miniman
“Dwarf’s Eyeball”

The berry of this bush closely resembles a loose eyeball, freshly plucked the tendrils of leaf even appears to be the globs of bloody flesh by which the eyeball was attached. The flavour and texture also resembles an eyeball. It is a known hair restorative if eaten regularly at the close of a meal but the results of the growth can be extreme and it is not recommended to females, unless they are balding wolves or the bearded lady of the Drache circus.

Coughmigan Phlegmilis
“Lungwort”

This plant’s healing properties are said to be most beneficial against lung infections and diseases. It should be crushed and fed to the patient at two hourly intervals through a twenty four hour period. It can cause phlegm balls the size of rum bottles and coughing one up can be life threatening. That aside, once it is all up the condition should not recur and the patient is left in the best of health, if a little hoarse. It is odourless and tastes of mothballs.

Extendus Eterniflus
“Life’s End”

The name of this bush is deceiving as to its true nature. The rich, yellow sap of this thick stemmed, black leafed plant can actually be used to elongate life and retain the appearance of young for several hundred beyond the normal life span. It is however, very rare, and often kept secret by those who know its properties, probably resulting in it’s common name. It is not without side effects and some users can develop a twitch and flatulence. Oral hygiene is also important as it can rot your teeth and who wants to be a 300 year old babe with black molars and skank breath?

Lexichus Busheroni
“Burning Lexi Bush”

This small bush without flower has a faint aroma of decayed flesh and is rather stark and lacking in an abundance of leaves. However, the leaves it does have are a powerful halucingenic narcotic that is highly addictive and can lead to insomnia. It is usually crushed and smoked in a pipe, one leaf lasting for a very happy, if dangerous month. Those enjoying this plant include Mutt the Mubbler who thought he could walk on water, and sadly drowned, and Dibbler the Chimney Hopper who sadly fell to his death in the fire of the Tavern.

Cheebulis Annoris
“Annora’s Cheeb”

This weed, resembling a tomato plant, was brought to the Forest by a mysterious flaxen haired visitor who set the trees off something dreadful with her fired up use of this drug. It has both pleasant, sedative and theraputic properties when used as a tea, or rolled in parchment, or a pipe and smoked. It is a sensory enhancement and a mood stabliser.


Funglus Halucinii
“Popping Cherrooms”

This small brown mushroom is highly narcotic, best chewed it has wild halucinigenic properties and is responsible for several shocking events in history. The flavour of these fungi is similar to that of cherries and they have a strange popping sensation that is not unpleasant when coated with saliva. This leads to the street phrase ‘Popping the Cherry’.
Stygian
Knight
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2012 2:29 pm
Preferred Title: The Archivist
Location: Sneaking up behind you.

Re: WANTED: Your ideas for the bestiary, Merchant's guide, e

Post by Stygian »

The Gyrchin, by Tom Long:

Gyrchin

This creature appears to be a sort of primate similar to a spider monkey, only having a number of goblinoid characteristics. Some sages believe that it is the product of magical crossing of a type of monkey and a goblin.

The Gyrchin is hairless, but it's hide, which ranges from dull green to grey, is thick and leathery. It's lower jaw juts out from it's face, allowing two long sabre-teeth to rise up several inches, rising even above it's head. These are used to kill larger beasts, and also are used like a ram's horns during the mating season, when males fight each other. It's hands hold two thick fingers and an opposable thumb for grasping, but it's knuckles are also heavily padded, enabling it to scamper on all fours at high speeds.

The Gyrchin originally dwelt in the northern reaches of the Ferluxebi desert, possibly close to the place where they were made. They were hunted into near extinction by the native tribes, Yosp and Sibdar as well as the Gutting Spear gnolls for both sport and to protect animal herds. The Zul Kiran expansion nearly sealed their fate, as their native habitat was civilized, but goblins of the Dark Torrent clan captured a number of them and began to breed and domesticate them. They are now found almost exclusively in the Dark Torrent lands north of the Lake of Serpents, though a few survive in Ferluxebi.

The Gyrchin are now used as herding animals, like humans utilize dogs. Trained expertly, if harshly, from birth for this, they have proven immensely useful. Their most effective tool in their work being their high-pitched screech, which can shy off even the most steadfast and violent animals.

Gyrchin are carnivores with three stomachs rather than any chewing teeth. They gulp down large chunks of meat for digestion, usually torn with the help of their huge fangs. Hunting, they use their grasping hands to fasten themselves onto their prey and then tear at it with their mouths. Fighting each other, they prefer to pummel each other with fists and headbutt using the fangs, displaying an almost vicious glee in bruising and beating their foes rather than drawing blood.

Packs live in burrows governed by an alpha male and female. Litters are usually between 10 and a dozen, but only about one half survive thanks to inter-litter vicious play, bloodthirsty parents, and harsh training by their goblin masters.
Stygian
Knight
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2012 2:29 pm
Preferred Title: The Archivist
Location: Sneaking up behind you.

Re: WANTED: Your ideas for the bestiary, Merchant's guide, e

Post by Stygian »

Suz sent me these. I don't know if she wrote them herself, or collected them from somewhere else:

Tikii - The Tikii plant is a distant relation to the modern aloe vera plant. This plant possesses thick, spiky stalks that are a light bluish green in color and filled with a sticky, clear sap. The sap has healing properties, but is primarily used as a local anaesthetic due to its numbing qualities. Useful for minor wounds to aid healing, it is mainly used for major wounds, to reduce pain and scarring. While the tiny white flowers that bloom along the edges of each stalk emit a pleasant odor, the sap itself is extremely unpleasant and very pungent. It produces its own moisture, condensed from the sap and absorbed, and thus can grow in any environment, however, the variety found in more arid regions is considerably more potent than its wetter environ kin. In dry climates, the plants are found in colonies, growing in large clumps together. In more fertile areas, they are commonly found growing around the base of a tree trunk. They produce an abundance of orange berries in the spring months that can be harvested, dried, and then later used as a headache remedy.

-----------

Drumrodhel - Elgar forest is strange in and of itself, but stranger still, is when certain portions of it simply get up, and walk away. Maps of the region are impossible to accurately draw because of a species of migratory tree that makes its home there. The Drumrodhel, so named because of the low, drumming sound they make when they are on the move, migrate from one spot to another sometimes more than twice a year. Generally the migratory patterns have them moving from north to south, crossing the river Darian at some points, but they have been
known to make completely random choices in their movements, as well as the times in which they do them. It is unknown why these trees do this, though some unfortunate enough to have been able to observe them (unfortunate to be in Elgar to begin with), seem to think it occurs during dry spells, when the trees might be in search of better water sources. They appear like any other tree, tall, with thick, bark encrusted trunks. However, their roots run extremely thick and shallow, enabling them to pull them up from the ground and use them to "walk." Before and during their movements, the trees emit a low, drumming sound, speculated to be a form of communication between them. They are not aggressive, however, they will plow over anything and everything in their way once they get moving. Where a clearing was one day, might find itself filled with a stand of these trees the next.

--------------------

Blue Mort - Every now and then the pale mysterious glow of the Blue Mort algae attracts another unsuspecting victim. While not predatory in and of itself, the alga that coats the surface of many of Elgar Forest's standing bodies of water is a deadly trap. Just after sunset, the algae begin to emit a soft, blue glow. This glow tends to attract passerby, who, curious of course, take a closer look - especially those unfamiliar with the area. When said passerby leans over to examine the pretty lights, the algae shoots a poisonous gases into the observer's face, causing immediate paralysis. In most cases, the newly stunned victim fall into the water, where the algae surround and consume them. The algae does not seem to bother the fish that live in these ponds, or any of the other native animals that visit them to drink. It seems to prefer non-mutated victims. Shortly after they feed, the algae will release spores, which attach themselves to the edges of the colony and grow into new areas of algae, using the nourishment from the recent meal to flourish.

Spider Ferns - These colorful ferns resemble sea anemones, their fronds being tentacle-like and mainly yellow, with dark brown or black bands. Strictly arborea, they can only be found growing in clumps in the crook of a tree branch or clinging to the ends of twigs. These ferns are parasitic, though thankfully rare, as they leech nutrients from the trees they live on. Too many of them could quite possibly kill a young tree. However, the relationship of fern and tree could be considered somewhat symbiotic, as the ferns produce a natural bacteria and insect repellant, which generally keeps the trees free of disease and swarms of leaf-eating insects. It is because of this natural repellant that these ferns are highly sought after in summer months. Purchasing their extracts of fresh fronds, however, could proove very expensive, considering the hazards involved in harvesting them.

Screamers - Also called Red Banshee Grass; not to beconfused with Shiekers, Screamers are not members of the fungus family. They grow in patches along the shores of the Darian river, and are distinguised from other grasses and lichens by their dark red color. They bear bright yellow flowers in the winter months, and while they are in bloom, each night of either a full or new moon, these flowers literally scream. The sound is chilling, and when enough of them scream in chorus, it can be quite unnerving. These screams have contributed to rumors that Elgar forest is haunted, as the sound resembles a wailing woman, or banshee.

----------------------

Nightmares - In the horsepeople's land of Kahlahra, this rare breed of horse can be found living amongst the native wild breeds of the region. The result of an unfortunate accident, this breed came about following an incident in which the summons of a planar demon horse went horribly awry. The summoner was killed, and the stallion he summoned left to roam wild on the earthly plane. The stallion took control of a herd of males, breeding with each of the six of them before disappearing. It is rumored he still roams the land and continues to breed with the wild mares. Of those first six, three gave birth to the beginnings of those that can be found today. These half-breeds retain almost all characteristics of their hellspawn grandfather, save for becoming flesh and assuming a "normal" place on the earthly plane. They are able to reproduce, though this happens very rarely as they tend to be quite hostile towards normal stallions, and almost every mating attempt ends brutally. All young are born female, bearing the same coal black coats as their demon kin. They possess red eyes, and their fetlocks are of flame, sprouting from metallic hooves. Highly aggressive, only th most patient and skilled horsemen are able to tame and use them as mounts. Once broken, however, the mare will remain fiercely loyal to her rider, and will defend them to the death in battle. Othewise, they are known to have an abnormally long lifespan, the actual length of which is unknown. The mares are wonderful mothers, and despite their aggressive natures, they are uncommonly gentle with their rare young. These horses are also quite intelligent, able to understand complex voice commands and carry out detailed instructions.

Keeri Callers - Native to Griffon's Aerie, this predatory species of bird possesses bright plumage. The males are a brilliant royal blue, bearing a purple crest atop their heads, and the females are a fiery red in color. Each sex has functional claws at the joints of their wings, used to climb about as an alternative to flying. As adolescents, they are born a dull grey in color, and remain this color until they reach breeding age. It is impossible to tell the chicks apart until they reach their fifth season, when during the spring, they molt completely, leaving them bald and defenseless. This is when the claws come in handy, as they are unable to fly and are dependant on their brethren to survive. By the fall, their new feathers have grown in, and they begin searching for a mate. They mate for life, and a good thing too, as the courting process could take up to four months. The males will sing to the females, sometimes going days without hunting in order to keep up the serenade. If the female accepts, they mate on the wing, soaring to high altitudes before joining. The mating must be complete before they hit the ground, otherwise, they seperate, and the courtship begins all over again. If the female does not accept the male, she signals her displeasure by displaying her tail feathers to him, splayed out when she turns her back to him. If she accepts, she turns to face him and displays the brilliant white underfeathers of her wings. Approximately four to six weeks after a successful breeding, the female will lay a clutch of three eggs, which she will care for until they reach one year of age. These birds are often prized possessions for hunters, as they have excellent vision, and are capable of understanding brief commands, and responding with their own distinct set of vocalizations. A social species, they are often found living in groups of ten to fifteen birds, of varying ages. They are most known for their primary call, a soft "kee-ree" sound, which gives them their name.
Stygian
Knight
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2012 2:29 pm
Preferred Title: The Archivist
Location: Sneaking up behind you.

Re: WANTED: Your ideas for the bestiary, Merchant's guide, e

Post by Stygian »

More from Tom Long:

QUROI

In the second century Telemenxek Guards began to confiscate small pouches of acrid-smelling pink leaves from certain street gangs and bandit groups. An herbalist from Kazamki was finally brought in by a wealthy merchant to identify it, as the drug known as Quroi which comes from across the eastern sea via the Berjeron mariners.

Quroi has since spread through the underground of many cities throughout the continent, especially amongst street gangs, gladiators and strongmen. For chewing the leaves of quroi regularly makes one grow stronger and larger all the more easily and effectively. Unfortunately for it's chewers, it also had debillitating effects on the mind, and makes one's thinking slow and ponderous.

Quroi is grown as a flower, with pink leaves, thorns, and a black blossom. Once the leaves are plucked from the mature flower, they must be bathed in salted icewater, then dried. Typically, the resulting leaves are shredded and stored in casks of oil for any travelling. Once withdrawn from the oil, washed and dried, they will retain their potency for a fortnight in a leather pouch.

IRNIQUI & AMBE MAMMOTHS

This relative of the elephant is covered with thick, woolly hair and is one of the largest natural animals known to man, elf or dwarf. The tallest stand at nearly 16ft tall, and weigh tons. Mammoths are fairly aggressive and will attack with little provocation, especially if the cows of the herd have calves. The bull's large most curious and dangerous features are it's long prehensile trunk and dangerous tusks, respectively.

The mammoth is not difficult to train if captured young, and a number of different cultures use them as mounts, including the Saku Irniqui of Panguro. In battle, not only is the mammoth physically imposing and possessing of a thick hide, but can attack predators with its tusks and its heavy front legs. Mammoths do however, have an unfortunate fear of fire.

Two different breeds are apparent to the learned observer of menageries and foreign artwork. The Irniqui mammoth is somewhat smaller and much more thickly haired. Its ears are smaller, though its tusks are larger. In addition, it rarely travels in a herd, preferring to live with a mated cow and whatever calves in the barren subarctic plains of Panguro.

The Ambe mammoth of Mwayambi is larger and less woolly, surviving in more arid conditions. Its smaller tusks are not as necessary for foraging under snow, and its larger ears speak of more natural predators. It travels in large herds of a dozen or so adult beasts, with one alpha male and a scattering of calves. The Ambe mammoth is very seldom trained, and is considered much more aggressive and violent.

WOOLLY CAMELS

Typical mount of the swordsmiths of Panguro, the woolly camel is similar to its cousin the Dromedary in size and shape. However, surviving in the harsh winter climates of the northern-lying archipelago has required it to grow thick, dark fur more akin to the Bactrian.

The Woolly Camel of Panguro is also somewhat leaner and slightly taller than its cousins. It is no surprise then, that though it cannot go as long without sustenance, it is more nimble and swift.
Suzthulhu
Baron
Posts: 215
Joined: Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:49 pm
Preferred Title: Great Old One
Characters: All of them.
Location: Right Next Door to Hell

Re: WANTED: Your ideas for the bestiary, Merchant's guide, e

Post by Suzthulhu »

YAY!!!! Thank you Dan! I wrote those YEARS ago and thought they were lost for good!
Elitist Dicks Only
Varian
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:06 pm
Characters:  
Varian apBlanc duMonde
Amarex duMonde
Marin Taldett

Re: WANTED: Your ideas for the bestiary, Merchant's guide, e

Post by Varian »

A small addition to the list. Dan and I came up with this one a few years back.

Skordat ul-Musigire
"Dead Man's Bane"
This blue-black vine is believed to have originated in the Elgar Forest, and has spread throughout the Darian river valley. The vine is thin, wiry, strong and covered in tiny, near imperceptible nettles. Despite the fragile appearance of these microscopic thorns, they are not easily pulled from the plant and can repeatedly extrude their nectar. It is mostly considered a weed, though some have intentionally cultivated this vine on the fences surrounding cemeteries.

The vine's nettle-like thorns produce a painful, itchy rash on the living flesh, but its effects on the undead or what give the plant its name. To lifeless flesh, exposure to the nettles or a liquid extract of the vine causes rapid and violent necrosis.
Post Reply