Ungulates
Name: Alkana Deer
Location(s): Low-High Elevations in the Unforgiving
Appears: Rarely
Description: A very distinct feature of the Alkana Deer is it's red coat it maintains throughout the entire year, not just the summer and spring seasons like most deer. They have very well defined bodies, standing at 7 feet tall at the shoulders for most males and around 6 feet for females. They have striking red or brown eyes. Their pelts are light but very durable and capable of withstanding chilly temperatures. The males have genetically large racks ranging from 10-20 points per individual. Unlike many species of deer, the Alkana sheds their horns once every year but for only a week before they begin to rapidly start to grow back in, velveted. Velveted Alkana horns are a lot cheaper than rubbed, hardened, and pointed Alkana horns. The Alkana horns are relatively hard for antlers and have many uses, including weapons, tools, utensils, decoration, and even toys when fiddled with correctly. The Rut Season ranges from Autumn 1st-Winter 1st and during this time the males are at their worst (see Behavior). They also have around 1-2 calves a year.
Behavior: Alkana Deer are pretty even-tempered until the cows give birth (Spring) and the Rut Season (stated above) where this species is at their most agitated point throughout the year. Calfing occurs after the last snowfall (usually within the first couple weeks of spring), and during this period, bull Alkana are very watchful of their does, ensuring their protection as much as possible. During the Rut Season, the bulls are extremely territorial and are trying to woo the cows.
Purposes: Food, Meat, Antlers, Pelts, Clothing, Toys, Tools, Weapons
Name: Hillgoat
Location(s): Higher Medium-High Elevations of the Unforgiving, rocky surfaces, mountains
Appearance: Common
Description: The Hillgoat has a large bulky snow white coat that allows them to withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees fahrenheit. This pelt is definitely wanted by travelers who frequent cold locations. Hillgoats have black horns that produce one ring per year. They have black eyes to soften the light reflected by the snows in the higher slopes and noses whose interior is lined with specialized cilia to keep the air from freezing in their snouts. Their hooves are black and split much like a goat but are sharp and wide, allowing these creatures to scale rocky and steep terrains with ease. They are very bulky, most of it being muscle. They stand four feet tall from the ground to their shoulders and are about 5 feet long. The breeding season is fall and they have their young during the spring (1-3 each pregnancy). Hillgoats can be captured and bred in captivity where they can be sold for around 40GM a goat because of the rarity. Though not the fastest in Kalea, this breed of mountain goat is extremely agile with excellent eyesight and sense of smell, enabling them to flee most predators before they can be caught. As such, they are often considered excellent training for hunters, under the premise that "If you can catch a Hillgoat, you can catch anything".
Behavior: In the wild, Hillgoats are very elusive and timid. One wrong move or loud sound and they all take off, bolting over the large mountain sides. However, in captivity they can be trained just like a regular goat.
Purposes: Meat, Fur/Pelt, Weaponry (horns)
Name: Likenstorm Elk
Location(s): High Elevations
Appearance: EXTREMELY RARE
Description: Their namesake comes from the unique food source these high alpine deer feed upon: lichen. The storm comes from the thunderous bellows bull elk give during the rut each fall. These extremely rare deer are found only in the glacial parts of Northern Kalea, and even then they are difficult to track. This is due to the pale pelt they bare, flecks of grey and black in their fur giving them a sometimes blue sheen when in the right light. Looked upon from above, this Elk almost disappears against the glaciers they thrive on. Males will velvet in early summer with standard points ranging from 12 to 20. Though these elk do shed their racks after the rut, no antler has ever been recovered. Unlike goats and horses, Likenstorm will herd similar to caribou, flocking in one giant group as they move between glaciers and feed upon the lichens that grow atop them. Cows will calf in early spring when the last snow falls, baring only one calf. Bulls live markedly longer, unusually, than cows, some having been reported to be over 30 years old while cows will typically pass around age 15. This is primarily due to the hostile environs they live in as well as the difficult labor the cows endure. It is partly why these deer are so rare. The "superherd" is typically only around 40 to 50 individuals.
Behavior: A very nervous deer, Likenstorm will shy from almost anything that approaches, be it harmless or not. The dangerous life they live makes losses by predators impossible to recover from.
Notes: There is a legend surrounding these storm-coated elk. it is believed that once every 75 years, a true blue Bull is born. This blue-coated elk (a true blue, not a trick of light) is thought to be blessed of Caiyha herself. When this bull reaches maturity, the legend is it will lead the herd down into the valleys for a mass migration through the passes to the south of Wind Reach, where it will remain in the lowlands for one year before migrating back north again. None have ever witnessed this happen, but the legend remains.
Purposes: Unknown
Moderator NoteLikenstorm Elk are not eligible for hunting at this time
Name: Quesos Sheep
Location: High elevations, snow pack
Appearance: Common
Description: An extremely rugged sheep with straight wool, these ungulates thrive in high altitudes, living off the sparse mountain grass and shrubs that grow in the upper ranges of N. Kalea along some of the ice and snow packs that stay year round. Their two toned wool gives them a slightly blue quality when the light hits them just right and is highly prized in Wind Reach for its durability and warmth. Besides the naturally straight fur, these sheep are also known for the two pair of horns they have. One set of rusty spiralling horns grows upwards in an arch over the body on the rams while the lower set (seen in both sexes) curls around both sides of the head. The primary thing which makes these sheep unique, however, is the unusual affect of djed during Ivaks' release in 512 on the ewes. Ewes posses a relatively large udder compared to other species of sheep, and while the milk they produce does not seem to affect their young (and may account for the higher aggression levels), it has a very different affect on the human races. Their milk has been altered to have the same quality as a high proof rum and is favored by the tenders at the Inclement Weather in Wind Reach as a wild and natural additive. The milk has the same texture as classic goats milk, the same general taste, but with the strong heat and alcohol content of a good rum.
Behavior: Semi-aggressive, rams are very protective of their ewes and lambs. Like their mountain goat cousins, Quesos have very sharp eyesight and sense of smell, enabling them to usually spot terrestrial predators before they can be caught. Because of the positioning of their horns, however, spotting aerieal predators is much more difficult.
Purpose: Meat, wool, milk
Name: Skygoat
Location: high elevations around Wind Reach proper
Appearance: Common
Description: Made to live on the sheer cliffs of the mountains immediately around Mt. Skyinarta, these short-horned goats fear little. They are medium sized, calfing in early spring, with variations of white, grey, black, and blonde colors and patterns in their fur. No predator can reach them on the tiny ledges they graze from save the wind eagles themselves.
Behavior: Fearless; skygoats have no master and fear none but the wind eagles. They can easily outmanuever most everything that comes their way simply by climbing or descending the mountainside cliffs.
Purpose: Meat
Other Common Ungulates:Elk: all elevations; meat and fur
Wild Yak: Low elevations; purposes include meat and labor.
Spotted deer: SKittish; low to mid elevations; purposes include meat, decoration, weaponry, and hide
Wild boar: Highly aggressive and destructive; rapid breeding; low to mid elevation; good for meat and sport
Moose: Bulls aggressive; cows aggressive during calfing season; low to mid elevations; excellent hunting, good for food, sport, and decoration
Takin: Hardy; mid elevations; large and semi-numerous; good food source
Small rodents
Name: Broad-toed Rabbit
Location(s): Low-lying elevations, valleys, brush, and forests throughout Kalea
Appearance: Common
Description: Broad-toed rabbits are called broad-toed for a reason. These rabbits have exceptionally large feet allowing them to run very swiftly through small places and weave easily through brush. These large feet allow them to have more grip when running and the result being that they have the ability to run around 15-20 miles per hour for short distances. With that being said, they are quite wily and are good at escaping, making them hard to capture. These rabbits have good eyesight, up to 100 feet before shapes become indeterminate. That's where their broad ears come in handy and allow them to hear almost anything. They can rotate their ears 270° and focus on more than one sound simultaneously. Despite being hard to catch, the Broad-toed Rabbit has little worth, it's pelt coming in at around 5SM. It's only good for a light meal, if they can be caught. The Broad-toed rabbits multiply quickly, the breeding season being summer-fall, having around 8-12 young at a time. However, there is a high death rate for young as they are very fragile and are sometimes stepped on or accidentally kicked by their mother. Gestation is around 40 days, able to reproduce immediately post-partum. Young rabbits are considered precocious approximately 5 days after birth.
Behavior: Broad-toed Rabbits are skittish year round. If they hear a branch or twig break they instantly run off into brush or some other cover. They are highly aware and attentive thus allowing no predator to be able to sneak up on them. The only way a predator could get them is to chase them down.
Purposes: Small food source; ideal for falconry training
Name: Red Squirrel
Location(s): Low-Medium Elevations
Appearance: Very common throughout N. Kalea and WR/Thunder Bay
Description: The Red Squirrel is a small mammal that feeds on nuts and berries primarily. It is very small, only being about 1.5 feet tall on its hind legs and being about 2 feet long. They are like their name with an average coat color of orange to a dark red, to a light red. They are tree climbers and foragers that like to explore. They have small black beady eyes and very small, hardly visible, ear tufts for the male individuals while the females have no tufts. They have a lifespan of 4-7 years but usually die due to predators. The breeding season is during the spring as well as the birth season.
Behavior: Adaptable but only slightly flighty. When food in the conifers lessens, they will flock to Wind Reach to scavenge any and everything they can from the scraps Inartans leave behind.
Purposes: Small sources of food or decoration
Name: Dusklight Chipmunk
Location: Shrubs, logs in Thunder Bay area
Appearance: Common
Description: Closely related to the squirrel, it retains most of its cousin's features, however, it cannot climb trees and lives in deep burrows. It mainly eats ground berries and grains during the dusk hours (hence the name). It has a tan coat with white stripes that run down it back and tail with black stripes outlining it. The Dusklight Chipmunk is very small, being only 5-6 inches long and 2 inches tall at the shoulders. The Dusklight Chipmunk is only food for small predators raptors and provides almost no nutritional value. Their breeding season is through early spring, and summer as their young are born and grow up within the same season. They have 1-2 young per pregnancy. They hibernate during winter months. They can be caught when young and raised to be a pet but they are not the best of pets.
Behavior: Dusklight Chipmunks are highly skittish and scoot to cover as quickly as possible if they hear a twig snap. They are very jumpy and can have a good temperament if caught young.
Purposes: Pet
Name: Golden Marmot
Location: Mid to high elevations
Appearance: Uncommon
Description: Marmots make up one of the highest population of rodents in Kalea and can be found from mid to high elevations alike. What differs from Kalean marmots and the golden marmot, however, is that this species was drastically altered by the djed storm in 512. Golden marmots are known to be ten times the size of Kalean marmots (which weigh in at around 1.5lbs), with large, beaver like teeth, and a ridge of bony projections over both eyes. What gives it its name, however, is the glassy golden color of its fur and the similar color of its webbed feet. Why its feet are webbed is unknown for this animal does not live around water. Its habitat is commonly steep and rocky terrain with sparse growth of shrubs and low grasses. The semi-long tail is bushy and full, almost resembling a raccoon's with the golden bands around it.
Behavior: Loud; Golden marmots greater size means bigger lungs to project its sharp barks and clicks across the mountainscape when communicating with others in the area. While not inherently aggressive, these marmots do have a nasty bite due to the large teeth they posses. Farmers in the rice paddies of Wind Reach consider them a pest and reward highly for any golden marmots killed in or near the paddies.
Purpose: Meat (not ideal)
Name: Ginger Cliff-mouse
Location: mid to high elevations, Mt. Skyinarta and a few neighboring mountains
Appearance: Common
Description: Tiny compared to some rodents surrounding Wind Reach, these ruddy furred creatures live in complex nest-burrows along the cliffsides of Mt. Skyinarta. They typically have a pale underside and cheeks with bright orange or red fur along the top, flecks of black sometimes visible. Their ears are small and dished while black or dark brown eyes are standard. They feed mostly on grain or food refuse.
Behavior: Relatively gentle, their flighty nature makes these mice extremely difficult to catch by all but four legged predators (primarily foxes. Cliff-mice do not often experience predation because of this, and so populations can escalate quickly.
Purpose: None
Notes: These rodents experience a 7-year population boom which commonly results in a plague. It is considered top priority in Wind Reach to exterminate these vermin quickly before stores can be too decimated.
Mod NotePlagues will be pre-determined and noted in the calendar of events
Name: Dusk Lop
Location: low elevations, forests
Appearance: Common
Description: Found throughout the forests of N. Kalea, these modest sized rabbits are best known for their tawny to bronze fur and their floppy ears. The feet on grasses and grains in the valleys, primarily, and breed twice a year, typically birthing at the first of spring and end of summer, baring a litter of 9 semi-precocious kits.
Behavior: Dusk lops are very gentle. While they spook easily and tend to be predated fairly heavily by nearly all medium or larger sized predator, they are catchable when cornered. Yasi enjoy cuddling with these fluffy bunnies.
Purpose: Pet, meat
Name: Hiald
Location: Mid to high elevations
Appearance: Uncommon
Description: A relative of the chinchilla, these large eared, soft-furred creatures live in higher, colder altitudes and elevations. They are specifically built for rocky extremes and cliffs, wielding a powerful jump to navigate steep cliffs with. Their large ears enable them to keep a lookout for predators more easily as well as locate tasty insects in the rocks they live among. Their soft fur is idolized for use in the fur industry and, as such, has relegated this species to a less than common state. It is not surprising to find their furs used for decoration. In the wild, they tend to be fairly aggressive, biting the unfamiliar, but bonding for life. Like most animals in the Northern peaks of Kalea, Hialds do hibernate in winter, birthing their young during this period and emerging as soon as the snows begin to melt. Their burrows exist along steep cliff-sides and are usually identified by a strong, musky odor emanating from them.
Behavior: Somewhat aggressive, they live solitary lives in the high peaks and cliffs and rarely venture into lower altitudes.
Purpose: Fur, pet.
Other small animals:
Mice: All elevations; pest, training prey for falconry
Various hare: Good meat, fur; low elevations primarily
Marmot: Mid elevations; fair meat, fair fur
Felines
Name: Zynx
Location(s): medium Elevations
Appears: Common
Description: The Zynx is a medium member of the feline family. It averages a little over 3 feet at the shoulder but has a relatively short length. The Zynx has a dark to light grey coat. They have black tufts at the ends of their ears and also have two large tufts of fur on their neck. They have blue to yellow eyes and are very stealthy. Their large claws help them scale trees and rocks alike and their large paws act like snowshoes in the during the winter. They are very durable creatures that can withstand very cold and hot temperatures. They prefer dry climates, however, avoiding high-humidity if they can. They can run at speeds of 35 mph for short distances. Better known for their jumping ability, this long-legged feline is capable of leaping upwards of ten feet vertically and twice that horizontally to catch prey.
Behavior: Large and vicious, will flee before attacking, but are extremely territorial and if provoked they can be very nasty creatures. Often considered more dangerous than a kougara, eventhough they are smaller, it is recommended that individuals team up when hunting in a known Zynx's territory.
Purposes: Meat, Pelt, Income, Decoration
Name: Kougara
Location(s): All Elevations, sometimes seen in W. Kalea
Appearance: Uncommon
Description: The Kougara is a large cat made of pure muscle. It is a very lethal, but elusive predator. This big cat relies on stealth and precision for success during hunts; it will typically stalk prey for hours before making a move. Oftentimes, hunts are unsuccessful. The Kougara has a tan or grey coat with sometimes a red/orange tint to it. This beast stands 4.5'-5' from the ground to it's shoulders and is nine feet long. The Kougara has either grey eyes, pale blue eyes, pale yellow eyes, or sometimes even green ones. The Kougara has three and a half inch long canines; rare reports of individuals possessing longer teeth have been found. Kougaras have large long retractable claws that grasp prey with ease. Their long tail helps by offering them balance whether in a tree or on a steep incline. The breeding season for a Kougara is midsummer and cubbing occurring before the first snows. They have 1-2 cubs a pregnancy and the life expectancy is 14 years, however, that can be shortened by hunters and the elements. Their large pelt provides them with excellent warmth up in the higher mountain ranges and snow. For this reason, hunters want this pelt as well as other for home decorations. The canines of a Kougara are also a prize because hunters are rarely able to obtain them from a kill. Kougaras can run speeds up to 40 miles per hour for short distances. They have a lot of agility but common of most cats, little stamina. They are a patient hunter. They contain a high meat content and are very rewarding when killed.
Behavior: Solitary lives until breeding season, highly territorial, extremely aggressive. Extreme caution should be taken when in terrain a kougara would frequent (mid-altitude peaks, shrubs and mountain grasses, rocky slopes).
Purposes: Pelts, Teeth, Meat
Name: Snowshoe Leopard
Location: All elevations
Appearance: Rare
Description: One of the most elusive felines in N. Kalea, finding one is considered a blessing. These beautiful cats sport a pale white and sometimes cream coat with a mottled pattern of black and grey rosettes. Their long tail is commonly banded in black stripes while their large ears are tipped with dark brown "eyes". The snowshoe leopard is specifically named for the large, snowshoe like feet they have, enabling them to hunt even when winter snows are at their deepest and competing predators are forced indoors. Their fur is very dense and duo-layered, helping them survive the harsh and frigid winters of the Unforgiving. It is for this reason it is one of the most prized pelts, and the hardest to come by. Average lifespan is 12 years; animals mate for life and can have up to 3 cubs, having post-partum estruss and a gestational period of 1 season. Maturity is reached around age 2 and a half. Cubs remain with parents until age 2.
Behavior: Extremely shy, Snowshoe leopard are well adapted to survive the cold and terrain of their region. They tend to follow medium prey more than larger.
Purpose: Fur
Other common felines:
Lynx: low and mid elevation forests; fur
Bobcat: low and mid elevation, all terrain; fur
Mountain lion: mid to high elevations, forest and rocky terrain; fur
Canines
Name: Evenstra Warm Wolf
Location(s): Low-High Elevations throughout the Unforgiving
Appearance: Uncommon; high threat level
Description: The Evenstra Warm Wolf is a large breed of wolf ranging anywhere from 4-4' 8" from the ground to their shoulders and just over 6' from nose to tail. The Evenstra Warm Wolf travels in packs of 3-5 no. Lone Evenstra are exceptionally rare. There's a reason they have 'Warm' in their names as they retain striking warm colors in their coats. They have a minimum of three of these colors in their pelts. These colors are a deep red, light red, orange tinted cream, orange, light orange, light brown, and a dark brown. They also have remarkable eye colors which can be clear, a pale yellow, a pale orange, a light brown, a light red, or even a deep rich brown. These pelts are highly sought after, costing around 25GM a pelt. They have very tender meat that when cooked right, has a very savory taste. Their breeding season is in the fall and the birthing season is spring. They usually have 2-4 pups per pregnancy. The Evenstra Warm Wolf live to around 15-20 years at max.
Behavior: The Evenstra Warm Wolf is only moderately territorial and very vocal. Because of the ease of communication in the peaks surrounding Wind Reach, this species is often heard howling in the twilight and mid morning hours, or during hunts. Being exceptionally gregarious, the packs will often greet one another when borders must be crossed or food is low and work cooperativey to survive the harsh winters that often blanket the northern slopes. However, these wolves are considered very dangerous to races who risk the wilds of the Unforgiving. Their sense of smell being quite powerful, they can detect trespassers quickly and will converge on the threat just as quickly to either harry it off their territory or outright kill it.
Purposes: Pelts, Meat
Name: Chameleon Wolf
Location: All elevations
Appearance: Somewhat common
Description: A creature of great elusiveness, the chameleon wolf is also one of the quietest of the wolf species in Kalea. It relies almost entirely on stealth to catch prey. The true colors of a chameleon wolf are inherently unknown as they tend to literally blend into their surroundings in much the same way as a chameleon lizard does. This is due to the introduction of a vast amount of djed when Ivak was released in 512. The wolves, as a result, lost their ability to howl while retaining their ability to still "speak" to one another via growls, snarls, and low woofs. In exchange, they gained the ability to camouflage themselves more naturally to their surroundings as opposed to relying on strength of the pack only. It is believed these wolves have a uniform color of silver with faint streaks of blonde throughout their thick coats. Their large feet are well adapted for hunting in the high peaks and loose scree of upper elevations as well as navigating the moister lower terrains that can at times be covered by dense vegetation and forests. They are not generally considered a threat to Northern Kalea's residents, but can be dangerous if hunting alone or threatening a den sight. This species of wolf has typical bi-annual mating seasons, birthing an average of three pups a litter. Females seasons occur commonly in late spring and late fall. Maturity is 2 years.
Behavior: A highly intelligent but altogether shy species of wolf, Chameleon wolves tend to avoid conflict with the sentient races as much as possible. Hunts are dissimilar to other wolves in that this species hunts by utilizing the djed-effects of their fur. They will approach prey from down wind, blending perfectly into their surroundings before attacking. It is rare that kills go unsuccessful.
Purpose: Fur
Name: Sky Wolf
Location: Any elevation throughout N. Kalea
Appearance: Rare
Description:Wolves are always a commonality in forested regions. The Unforgiving meets the mountainous badlands of Wind Reach to create a very unique biome, home to a vibrant host of fauna not usually found elsewhere in Kalea, let alone Mizahar at large. The Sky Wolf is one such beast, named for the striking images found of these glorious animals standing upon the peaks of mountains with nothing but the mighty sky about them. During three quarters of the year, the Sky Wolves boast a coat as pure and white as the finest snow. During the summer, it becomes tinged with greys, browns, and other tawny, earthy hues - a transient (and still progressing) evolutionary step towards more efficient hunting during the day in the warm season. During the midst of winter, poaching can become a problem for the species, as theirs are among the warmest natural pelts to be found without too much alteration. Their comparatively massive size also lends to the appeal of the pelts; a healthy, sexually-mature male may stand, at the shoulder, but a few hands shy of a standard pony. However, much of the species tends to be either a bit shorter than this, or very much on the lean side, as there isn't an incredible abundance of game to feed such a large species in their biosphere. Scholars postulate that the breed is slowly shrinking, through the painstakingly slow process of natural selection, to the size of more standard feral canines. The fact that they are still as large as they are lends itself to the postulation that they are a generation or so "older" in the evolutionary timeline than most modern pack wolves. It is a subject definitely worth research. Sky Wolves can form the same sort of packs as their various and sundry counterparts across the Wilds, with an Alpha Pair as the bonded leading unit. However, these particular wolves are also quite likely to spend their lives in solitude; it is not yet understood what drives certain members of the population away from the packs, which are usually quite large for a rarer species - up to twelve animals in one pack, which will often "rule" an entire mountainside, valley, or glade of the forest.
Behavior: A strangely quiet wolf, these canids only loose their haunting howl at the peak of the hunt. It is a frightening sound to behold.
Purpose:
Name: Silver Box Fox
Location: Mid elevation, steppes
Appearance: Uncommon
Description: One of the largest species of foxes in Kalea, it is a close cousin of the white box fox. They are so named because of the larger than normal head (which oddly resembles a cube or box) and box-like build. Their legs are of similar length to their body with large, broad shoulders. The fur of a silver-box fox is a combination of grey, black, and white hairs that give it the illusion of being silver in the sunlight. Large jaw muscles and a relatively short snout make the animal look awkward in the wild, though it seems to thrive fairly well. Like all foxes of Kalea, it sports slitted pupils. These animals live only on the steppes of N. Kalea. Sightings outside of these locations is fairly rare.
Behavior: Relatively docile, though do not make good pets. Box Fox can be fairly shy.
Purpose: None
Name: Rock Fox
Location: Forests mid and low elevations
Appearance: Common near Wind Reach
Description:Rock Foxes usually have thick white fur in the Winter season. Spring and Fall are when the foxes grow a thicker undercoat or lose the thick undercoat, preparing them for the coming cold or hot. They have large, bushy tails that are only a bit less than half their length, providing them warmth for cold nights. Their eyes are usually a dark colour, ranging from dark green, blue and brown to golden. Rarely, they will be a light form of blue and green. These foxes are commonly called "Tree Foxes" or "Wind Foxes" because of the largest population being centered near Wind Reach, and for the fact that they usually den in trees, be it a small nook or a hole at the base. They're incredible climbers, with balance rivaling that of a cat or mountain goat. In extreme circumstances, they can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes, perhaps in case of an avalanche or rock/mudslide, giving them a small amount of time to dig themselves out.
They have large, webbed paws made for traveling over light snow, and curved claws for climbing trees. They also have very strong legs for jumping from rocky ledge to rocky ledge.
Behavior: Excellent trackers with a natural climbing ability due to their strong legs and longer than average claws. They are at times mistaken for cats for their incanny balance. Primarily scavengers
Purpose:
Other common canines:
Red Fox: low elevations; meat and fur
Arctic fox: coastal glaciers, mid-level snow packs; meat and fur
Swift fox: Mid elevations; fur
Mustelid
Name: Grey banded Vecerem
Location:Appearance:
Description: A close relative of the honey badger and wolverine, the Northern Kalean native is notorious for its viciousness. It closely resembles the wolverine in build but weighs three times as much, with males standing eye to eye with Falivan Elk Dogs. They are stocky creatures, with short legs compared to body length, giving it a low and rolling side-to-side canter. Its namesake is from the horizontal bands of grey that run across its snout, head, and neck, dissipating into broken stripes down the back and eventually to spotty flecks of grey and white at the tail base.
Behavior: One of the most savage predators of Kalea, that is not considered a sentient race, Vecerem can even bully bears and wolves off of kills, claiming it successfully more often than not. They are markedly territorial as a result, marking their swarths of land with both dung, claw marks on trees, and even spray. Similar to a skunk, their spray is quote potent.
Purpose: Fur
Notes: Vecerem are extremely dangerous and should be avoided under normal circumstances. If hunting in a known Vecerems territory, it is advised to bring a few
Spicecoats for protection. Vecerem do not typically enjoy the harassment of Spicecoats and will try to avoid conflict with these hardy sled dogs.
Name: Jieval
Location(s): Low-Medium elevations, valleys, forests, shrubs
Appears: Frequently
Description: The Jieval is closely related to it's regular striped cousin, the striped skunk. However, the Jieval has spots on it's back rather than stripes. It has large claws used for digging up insects, small mammals, and the occasional lowland reptile. Being omnivorous, the Jieval will also feed upon berries and roots it digs up during the course of its nocturnal escapades. The Jieval grows to 3 feet long and 1 foot high from the ground to it's shoulders. It has medium sized teeth with a pair of sturdy molars in the back for crushing and grinding both meat and fruits. Like several other members of the ermine family, the Jieval can also spray a noxious mixture that will immediately deter most predators or threats. There is no known relief to the spray other than time. Clothing should be replaced if contact with a Jieval is made. Jievals can spray up to 15 feet. The breeding season is late summer and pupping occurs in early winter, the mother typically denning in the hollow of a tree or homemade burrow until spring. They can have up to 4 babies per pregnancy.
Behavior: Moderately aggressive, and will spray.
Purposes: Fur, predator deterrent (scent gland harvesting).
Name: White-throated kyper
Location(s): Valleys around Wind Reach
Appearance: Somewhat common
Description: A relative to the common weasel, kypers have long been used by hunters to flush small game from burrows in much the same way as terriers do. White throated kypers, common in the lowlands in and near Wind Reach, are exceptionally intelligent ermines sporting ruddy coats remniscent of Inartans ginger hair. Their fur lightens on the throat to snowy white with black bands around their eyes that let them see more easily during the winter when snows are heavy in the valley. They have a keen sense of hearing and smell and are extremely agile, known for going into snake or rabbit warrens fearlessly. They tend to be a larger variety of ermine at a little over three feet in length, but their slender and limber body and relatively short legs mean they remain close to the ground. Females will come into season three times a year, but will only be able to pup twice a year. They are relatively good parents, though can be protective during pupping season. Considered semi-gregarious, kypers will establish overlapping territories with others but will not share dens.
Behavior: Kypers are well known for being intelligent, wiley hunters, digging, climbing, and harassing prey with whatever means it can. Though larger than some other species of weasel, this species of kyper makes for a very entertaining pet and favorable hunting companion when dogs would otherwise be unwise to take.
Purposes: Pets
Bears
Name: Neyka Bear
Location(s): Low-High Elevations, N. Kalean forests
Appearance: Somewhat Uncommon
Description: The Neyka Bear is an extremely large predator that stands around 4-6 feet tall at the shoulders and is around 5-7 feet long. The Neyka bear, no matter what gender, has antlers. Males sport large, multi-point racks while females only grow smaller two point spikes. The Neyka Bear's antlers are shed every year but they quickly grow back in within two weeks. The Neyka Bear's mating season is during the fall and they have their cubs during spring averaging 2 cubs a litter. The Neyka Bear's coat is very thick and always maintains a blonde color. Their fangs average 4 inches but have been recorded to grow shorter and rarely longer. They have large black paws and have brown or blue eyes. A Neyka Bear pelt is well sought after for coats and as a warm protection from the elements and averages 21-50GM a pelt. It acts like an armor for the bear. Claws from the bear are around 4-5 inches and can be used as charms and necklace ornaments and sell for around 12-20GM. The antlers are a prized possession and help gain bragging rights. You can tell a set of antlers are a Neyka Bear's because they will have a white ring around the trunk of the antler. Antlers can sell for 30-35GM depending on the size as they are much more common with the Neyka Bear's shedding. A Neyka Bear's meat can sell for around 30-150GM depending on the cut and pounds of meat.
Behavior: Territorial, aggressive, beasts they are but with a cause. During the breeding season and birthing season the Neyka Bear is highly aggressive and moody. They try to flee a threat such as humans or the like but at last resort they will attack violently. They are very shy bears with an average lifespan of 10-25 years.
Purposes: Meat, Pelt, Decoration, Jewelry, Bragging Rights, Income
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Name: Rusted Umos Bear (legend)
Location: All elevations
Appearance: Extremely Rare
Description: A giant species, the Umos bear looks a bit like a hyena with high shoulders and a sloped back upon powerful legs. The thick head and short jaws of this bear gives the illusion of a forager rather than a hunter. The Rusted Umos bear is particularly distinguished by its rusty red belly fur and rusty face and dorsal stripe. The jaws are broad, not unlike some fighting dog varieties with wide-set almond shaped eyes and round ears. Both ears are slightly tufted at the tips. Furthermore, the Rusted Umos bear sports a longer than average tail. It stands at the shoulders 9 feet in height and can raise itself upon haunches to a frightening fourteen feet. An apex killer of Northern Kalea, even Kougara and Zynx and most of the wolves will shy from these fierce predators.
Behavior: Known to travel in pairs or trios, Umos bears make the Neyka bear look sweet. This variety has been known to stalk prey for days, sometimes weeks, tracking it from first scent to first death. It does not hibernate the way other bears of the region do, its thickly muscled form covered in a heavy layer of fat during the cold months. This lack of hibernation makes it a particularly great threat to hunters. However, the Rusted Umos bear is extremely rare and can usually be spotted from the air before a location for hunting is decided upon. Nonetheless, brands are encouraged to be used when hunting around the last known whereabouts of this creature.
Purpose: Meat, fur; Wind Eagle hunts only.
Notes: There is a legend that exists about this bear.
Mod NoteThese animals require moderation
Other
Name: Tasseled Llama
Location: High Elevations
Appearance: Very Common
Description: One of the most useful animals in the mountains of Northern Kalea, the tasseled llama is recognized for the long, dread-lock curls of hair. Typically around five feet tall, this long necked camel relative thrives in the high elevation shrub and grasslands where most creatures simply cannot survive. Their two-toed feet spread their light weight evenly over the rough and rocky terrain, helping the llama to maintain balance on the slick scree that covers the mountaintops. Herds average around 20 individuals with no distinguished leader and a breeding season that occurs during the late spring, which coincides with calfing as well. Tasseled llama babies are called cria. This is one of the few animals Wind Reach can manage. A small herd is sometimes maintained if summer and fall harvests are smaller than expected. They are not ideal eating, but are easy to handle and well-rounded when it comes to uses. Their fur is of finer quality than sheep's wool and can sometimes be exported, but more commonly stays in-house.
Behavior: Generally non-aggressive, tasseled llama are a very alert high-mountain species, sporting excellent eyesight and hearing and a well developed sense of smell used for grazing during the winter months. These camelids do have a nasty habit of spitting when annoyed by something and may kick.
Purpose: Fur, meat, milk.
Medium mammals
Name:Spotted Raccoon
Location: Low to Mid elevations
Appearance:Very common in Coastal N. Kalea and Thunderbay
Description: Only slightly similar to common raccoons, these spotted individuals differ in that they lack a mask but are covered in black spots over a mostly white coat. Males are sexually dimorphic by having a rusty red stripe down their back and banded tail. They are also a little larger than common coons with longer legs and thickly webbed toes. They are great lovers of water and their sensitive paws let them scour the river bottom and shallows in the Bay for tasty treats. They have a very versatile diet of all kinds of aquatic life, rodents, and berries and have been known to raid bird nests during the nesting months.
Behavior: Semi-amphibious, these raccoons love water and are commonly found hunting in it. They make entertaining pets due to their relatively curious nature. They are not known to be very aggressive.
Purpose: Meat, Fur, Pets(3GM)
Name:Glossy Oppossum
Location: Low to mid elevations
Appearance: Uncommon
Description: One of the few marsupials that live in the mountains of Northern Kalea, the glossy opossum is immediately recognizable for the shine of its coat. A trick of light, the mixture of grey, white, black, and yellow hairs give this creature a glossy appearance when the light strikes it. It averages a little over two feet in length and weighs in at eight pounds. It is considered very good to eat if one can track them. Glossy opossum tend to travel only at night, feeding on insects and roots they dig up.
Behavior: Docile and shy, these marupials tend to play dead often when threatened. They are known for carrying rabies, however, and do not make good pets because of this.
Purpose: Meat, fur
Name: Ground Porcupine
Location(s): Low-Medium Elevations, throughout
Appearance: Rare
Description: Just like their name, Ground Porcupines live, sleep, and eat on the ground. They're not climbers and would rather walk around a 1 foot tall boulder than climb over it. They have a black or brown dominant colored body with white bands around their quills. Most Ground Porcupines are 3'10" long and stand in at around 1'6. Their body contains more than 10,000 quills, each containing a small amount of neurotoxin that can immobilize a threat for a short period (around 1 and a half bells). The porcupines breeding season starts in mid-fall with a gestational period of around 50 days. These large rodents will seek a burrow, then, and birth within the burrow, feeding the young via fat-reserves filled during the course of the year so that they survive the winter. A female will birth no more than 4 pups. Ground Porcupine quills are wanted for decoration and can even be braided into hair. Ground Porcupine can be eaten and usually suffice a family of four.They are very slow. A doctor can use the toxin in the quills if so desired as a numbing agent for patients. Quills can also be harvested as weapons, though the toxin inside degrades quickly after being removed from the porcupine.
Behavior: Ground Porcupine are very sensitive and usually will shoot quills at anything larger than them that approaches. They keep their distance and are very solitary animals until breeding season.
Purposes: Meat, Decoration, Hair Accessory
by Harrier on October 13th, 2013, 7:38 pm 
