Mammalians

Fenris

Though they resemble wolves at first glance, fenris are far less common and far more dangerous. Solitary ambush hunters, fenris are the size of small horses and typically hunt alone. Their arsenal of weapons is impressive, from the powerful fangs more commonly associated with canines, to knife-like claws and a mane of keratinous spikes. Fortunately for sentient races, fenris give settlements - and people - a wide berth, and only rarely prey on livestock.

Fenris are top predators anywhere they roam and are feared by almost every race. Humans and elves have tried to tame them over the centuries, but almost all attempts end poorly. This untamable nature combined with their elusiveness and raw power has earned them near legendary status in many cultures. They appear on the crest of the Tranthic royal lineage and are also represented in the banner of one of the largest Lumish mercenary companies.

Other Names: Spike Wolf, Prowler

Origin: Fenris arrived alongside the humans of the fifth migration

Range: Fenris inhabit Kindreth and Torin. They live in a wide range of habitats but prefer forested territory

Wyvern

Best known as the eyra counterpart to the elves' storm falcon companions, wyverns are a species of giant bat who live both in the wild and in eyra tree-cities as domesticated mounts. Smaller and weaker than storm falcons, wyverns are still large and intimidating creatures with no small amount of intelligence. They are capable of unleashing sonic attacks that can incapacitate all but the largest of animals if maintained for more than a few moments.

Unlike most bats, wyverns have long tails that help them maneuver in flight, as well as large and sensitive eyes. Their wings are also more robust and most wyvern subspecies are capable of soaring for extended periods without flapping their wings. Both domestic and wild wyverns exist in four distinct subspecies that inhabit different habitats.

Wyvern Subspecies

Origin: Wyverns were brought to Solitude by the eyra during their migrations

Range: Satra, southern Kindreth, Evendark, the Jur'ngo Isles

Great Tusker

Great tuskers are a very large herbivore standing somewhat taller than the more common elephant. Like elephants they also have greatly elongated teeth that protrude from their jaws – however theirs are more fang-shaped, and curve down from the bottom of the chin.

Great Tuskers are best known from the majestic herds that inhabits the western plains of Faidmirr, though they also exist in localized areas of Akuul and Satra. They’re known to be somewhat temperamental, making studying or observing them a challenge. What is known is that their feeding and herding has a distinct effect on the land around them.

Origin: Great Tuskers appeared during the first kobold migration. 

Range: Southern Kindreth, Satra

Plains Mammoth

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Saber Seal

Resembling large, slim seals with long protruding canines, saber seals are a common sight along certain coastlines around the world. During their mating season they congregate in small colonies, defending the area from anything they perceive as a threat. Unfortunately, boats, fisher people, and anyone else unlucky enough to be nearby seem to qualify. Though not as large as walrus or elephant seals, saber seals are agile enough to launch themselves onto the decks of ships, and mobile enough on land to pose a serious threat to anyone they can slash with their wickedly sharp fangs.

Though they do pose somewhat of a threat to people living on the sea, saber seals are regarded as a sign of healthy fisheries. Usually, colonies will only remain in areas rich with other sea life. Areas thick with saber seals also tend to be free of other large predators such as sharks and sea scorpions, so - outside of mating season at least - they are viewed by most as beneficial.

Origin: Saber Seals arrived during the Naz Migration 

Range: Oceans and seas worldwide. 

Lin

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Noctis

Among the most elusive of Solitude's large animals, the noctis is known only from a few accounts and the remains of bones and skin. They reside in the far north, in the forests and mountains just south of the tundra line, in areas where few besides kobolds live. Until recently, their diet and behavior could only be speculated on - it is now known to be a lone hunter that is at least partially carnivorus.

Studies of noctis remains have revealed a monkey or squirrel-like creature with a physiology built for climbing. However the creature is nearly human-sized and has eyes that take up most of the space on its face. The large eye size hints at a nocturnal nature and agrees with the few reports of them only being seen at night. 

Noctis Sightings

Origin: The origin of the noctis remains unknown, though some viz-kobolds oral histories make mention of them. 

Range: Mistlorn, Lacsland

Grandillo

Grandillos are creatures similar to the much smaller armadillo. Both have shells composed of plates of skin and bone that protect the majority of their body, as well as short legs with robust claws used for digging. Beyond those major similarities however, the two are very different animals.

The armor of the grandillo is somewhat less comprehensive than that of their smaller cousins. Their heads, legs and tails do not possess the same kind of leathery protective pads. In fact, if not for the shell, grandillos would resemble a squirrel or other furred rodent. Their ears are large and shell-shaped and their tail is long and bushy. Grandillos live in herds of up to 200 in the Cadian plains and several other areas of Kindreth. They eat squashes and dig for roots and tubers, and will also graze on Forbes. When they sense danger they raise their bushy tails to signal the rest of the herd.

Other names: Shell dog, snailrat

Origin: Uncertain, likely the kobold migrations

Range: The plains of Kindreth, also introduced in the Red Savannah

Dire Wolf

Dire wolves are a species of canine that inhabits the northern regions of Solitude. They are slightly larger than more common wolf species and have different coloration and skull structure. Dire wolves were domesticated by the humans of the Fifth Migration and bred for size and strength. This has lead to their widespread use as sled haulers and even as mounts in the case of some massive breeds. 

Dire wolves only exist in the wild on the continent of Mistlorn, where they live in large packs and prey on creatures as large as young mammoths. Where dire wolf and grey wolf territories meet, it is almost always the dire wolves that win out.

Other Names: Sled Wolf

Origin: Dire wolves arrived during the fifth human migration. 

Range: Mistlorn, domesticated in northern Kindreth

Reaver Bat

Particularly common in the cave systems of the Viper's Tongue Mountains, reaver bats are spread throughout Solitude. The size of a hawk or owl and with a multitude of razor sharp fangs, reaver bats hunt in swarms of up to three-dozen individuals. Their targets are anything small enough to be taken by the swarm, including humans, elfkin, eyra, and other medium sized to small races. 

The swarm attacks using hit and run tactics, slashing at victims with their fangs. Their saliva is capable of causing numbness in their prey, as well as preventing blood from clotting. Thanks to their saliva, reaver bats are often kept in captivity (in small numbers) by clerics and physicians. The saliva is collected from the captive bats and used in a number of medicines, including some which can reduce pain and swelling. 

Origin: Uncertain, though some Televadian sources culture claim they followed the eyra during their first migration

Range: Temperate and tropical regions, including deserts, and especially cave systems


Jungle Wraith

No other animal in all the world evokes more fear in an eyra than a jungle wraith. These extremely elusive creatures were native to their origin world and followed them through the Rift Gate during each of their migrations. It is unknown whether jungle wraiths are rare or whether they simply avoid sentient beings when they aren't hunting, but sightings have always been uncommon. 

Jungle wraiths are said to prey on eyra preferentially. Indeed, eyra legend states that the creatures were once eyra themselves, but transformed into cannibalistic beasts due to a curse. And indeed, jungle wraiths do have some similarities with eyra themselves. They are long-bodied, arboreal creatures with features reminiscent of both weasels and cats. They can climb trees with incredible speed and are said to be capable of running very quickly as well. It's also thought that they have the ability to alter the color and pattern of their fur, much like a thirapsi. However, their most well-known feature is their cry. Eyra tales says that wraiths hunt in complete silence, but when they make a kill, they dance and let out a haunting shriek of joy before consuming their prey. It is not unusual to hear such cries coming from just beyond the edges of eyra settlements deep in the night, and for one or two eyra to be missing the next day. 

Origin: Jungle Wraiths followed eyra through the Rift Gates during each of their migrations. 

Range: Satra, Southern Kindreth

Forest Mammoth

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Ice Cat

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Bog Strider

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Gwergen

Large and powerful predators the size of big cats, gwergens are recent arrivals that have begun to spread across the eastern plains of Torin. Just as strange as the thirapsi they likely migrated with, gwergens are significantly different from other predators of similar size - namely big cats and wolves. Gwergens are relatively slow and clumsy runners, being heavier on their front half than the back. However their jaws are easily capable of crushing bone and are complemented by large, crushing teeth that can regrow if broken. 

A dozen live gwergens were recently gifted to the Academy by the King of Palisade, allowing for a much more vigorous study of this fascinating new species than would otherwise be possible.

Origin: Only recently described, likely appeared alongside the thirapsi

Range: Eastern and central Torin