Fauna

The Ayanga—also called the Thunderhead or Stonebellie—is a large, herbivorous hadrosaur found across the temperate floodplains and river valleys of western Aeslend. Named for their deep, resonant bellows—calls that can carry for miles and often precede storms—these creatures are among the most iconic sights of the open flatlands.

Adults stand between 12 and 14 feet (3.6–4.2 meters) at the shoulder and reach lengths of 30 to 35 feet (9–10.5 meters), weighing anywhere from 4 to 6 tons. They possess broad, muscular builds, with stiff tails and powerful hind limbs that grant them surprising agility over uneven terrain. Their robust forelimbs support quadrupedal browsing, particularly in denser brush. Their hides are thick and pebbled, patterned in mottled greens, ochres, and slate-greys that offer excellent camouflage against grassland and rocky foothill environments.

Ayanga are social and form matriarchal herds of up to thirty individuals. These herds travel in loosely spaced lines along rivers, lakeshores, and floodplain corridors. As generalist herbivores, they feed on a wide variety of vegetation—including horsetails, ferns, broadleaf shrubs, and river sedge—using their strong beaks and ridged teeth to grind fibrous plant matter with ease.

The primary predators of adult Ayanga are the Daranguil and Greater Forest Raptors. Shadowcats, too, will prey upon the Ayanga, but are generally too small to bring down a healthy adult, and instead target the young, the wounded, or the sick. When threatened, the herd forms a protective ring around its young, using their sheer bulk and thunderous bellows to drive off attackers—often with remarkable success.

The Daranguil is Moren Ezen’s largest land predator—an immensely robust theropod, with mature adults reaching lengths of up to 42 feet (13 metres) from snout to tail and standing nearly 16 feet (5 metres) at the hip. The Daranguil’s skull is a fearsome structure, bristling with 60 serrated, bone-crushing teeth. Its hide—a mottled pattern of earthy tones, ranging from dark greens, rusty browns and ashy greys—serves as excellent camouflage in the dense forests, rocky outcrops, and open plains of its habitat. The skin is thick, pebbled, and often scarred from territorial disputes or battles with other apex predators. Few man-weilded weapons can pierce it.

Solitary and fiercely territorial, the Daranguil commands vast swathes of Aeslend’s western wilds. It thrives in the untamed and rugged landscapes of the region, ranging from dense forests and rocky outcrops to sweeping open plains. The low, bone-rattling, blood-curdling boom of its call can be felt rather than heard for miles.

Despite their colossal size, encounters with humans are few and far between. The Daranguil is an exceedingly rare predator, and not inherently aggressive toward humans—for it is simply not inclined to expend precious energy on pursuing such a paltry meal — and only attacks if provoked, or when its chicks are threatened—a scenario that is as dangerous as it is unlikely.

While their indifference to humans may lull the unwary into a false sense of safety, the immense power of a Daranguil cannot be understated, and should not to be underestimated. To tempt fate by disturbing such a beast is sheer folly. Those who move in the shadow of the Daranguil are well-advised to tread lightly.

Dune Dogs inhabit the hot, arid landscapes of Moren Ezen, thriving most notably across Aeslend’s Ethereal Badlands. They live in stable, cooperative packs of 8 to 12 adults, often consisting of a dominant breeding pair, their offspring, and a few closely related subordinates. These packs exhibit a clear social hierarchy maintained through posture, scent-marking, and vocalizations—ranging from sharp yips to long, mournful howls that echo across the desert plains. Temporary superpacks, numbering several dozen individuals, have been observed during the seasonal migrations of favored prey, though these gatherings typically dissolve within a few weeks.

A healthy adult Dune Dog typically stands about 70 centimeters at the shoulder and weighs roughly 30 kilograms. They are instantly recognizable by their fine, silky coats, which blend rich bronze-beige with creamy highlights. Their convex facial profile, slender legs, and powerfully built torsos make them agile and resilient desert hunters, capable of covering great distances with ease.

Dune Dogs are largely carnivorous and active hunters—though they are also opportunistic scavengers—often coordinating to run down prey far larger than themselves using stamina-based pursuit tactics. Their cooperative hunting methods require an acute awareness of packmate positions and cues, and long-term studies have noted the formation of distinct hunting roles, such as flankers and chasers.

Premium Dune Dog pelts are highly sought after throughout Moren Ezen, with the majority of trade originating from Kestrana. While their meat is generally considered unpalatable for human consumption, it is sometimes used as bait or fed to companion animals. Because hunting Dune Dogs is uncommon—and their pelts command a steep price—only the wealthiest can afford them.

Though fairly territorial, Dune Dogs rarely display aggression unless provoked. Their bite is notoriously infectious—carrying a mix of virulent bacteria that can lead to severe complications if left untreated—making handling risky. Tamed individuals can serve as excellent guard dogs, but they are not suited to being affectionate pets and should always be handled with great caution.

At 18 feet from their blunt, puggish snout to the tip of their seemingly lax caudal fin, the lumpish, dowdy ens gulf shark is among the largest ocean predators, though they are hardly amongst the fiercest. Slow moving, and with small eyes and an aged, sagging appearance, ens gulf sharks have an unfortunate, dim witted demeanor. They are primarily scavengers, and an attack on humans has never been recorded. That being said, they are also among the most ancient creatures, capable of living more than 400 years. Some specimen’s lives may even have begun pre-Cataclysm. Praised for being in the Guardian’s Favor, catching one of these elusive sharks is revered as being a sign of good fortune, and atonement to the wisdom and skill of the fisherman who caught it.

While an all together rare find, ens gulf sharks are most often caught in cold waters, most notably ens gulf off Aeslend's north, for which the shark is named.

Arguably the most formidable predator to prowl the lands of Moren Ezen, the Greater Forest Raptor is a large, highly intelligent dromaeosaurid that can reach lengths of up to 22 feet (7 meters) from snout to tail, stand 1.5 meters tall at the hip, and weigh 700 kilograms. Each hind foot is armed with a sickle-shaped, retractable claw—measuring up to 9 inches in length—used to grip, slash, and disembowel prey.

Males are distinguished by a prominent bony crest atop the skull and vivid coloration along the crown, forelimbs, and tail. Females, though less colorful, are typically larger and noticeably more aggressive.

As their name suggests, Greater Forest Raptors inhabit the dense woodland interiors of Moren Ezen. They are especially prevalent in the southern tropics of  Aeslend—around Yeshi and Lat Salok—and in the mid-eastern forests of Ehiasall, particularly near Phiradit and Gyatso. These raptors mate for life and live in tightly bonded family groups consisting of three to five adult pairs. They are fiercely territorial, capable of sophisticated vocalizations, and demonstrate complex hunting strategies including coordinated ambushes and flanking maneuvers.

Greater Forest Raptors are apex predators, capable of bringing down nearly any land-dwelling animal smaller than themselves. They are known to observe roads and trails for signs of passing travelers, and have been recorded targeting isolated or inattentive individuals with calculated precision.

Some cultures warn against killing only one member of a bonded pair, believing the survivor will seek vengeance against the hunter’s kin. While often dismissed as superstition, the intelligence and memory of these animals lend the myth a chilling plausibility. The hooked talons of a slain raptor are highly prized, both as marks of valor and as valuable commodities on the black market.

The Haspar is a robust, hardy breed of horse endemic to Ehiasall - wild herds roaming the majority of the continent from Swanfall to the White Steppes - although their namesake derives from the Aeslend settlement of Haspar; where the first Haspars were introduced to the main continent for utilization primarily in the farming and fishing industries prevalent of the region, and thereafter Aeslend's first commercial breeding program was established. Feral populations of Haspars have since established themselves on the steppes around Haspar, although interbreeding with the local Jibita ponies has greatly diminished many of their distinguishing features. 

More powerfully built than the Jibita, Haspars have a great capacity for weight pulling and heavy lifting, making them ideal work horses for farmers, fishermen and merchant traders hauling heavy loads, although it is not uncommon to see them utilized as saddle horses for herding and hunting. Less commonly are they seen as scouting mounts, for their bulk renders them less swift and agile than the smaller, more nimble Jibita. Haspars are generally not well suited to racing (although the occasional success story has been observed wowing onlookers and ruffling the feathers of disgruntled competitors).

Sometimes referred to as the “Tropic Stoat,” these small, agile nectar-eaters are most often compared to stoats in body shape and movement, though they are curiously more closely related to certain species of primates. Their long, serpentine bodies have earned them their most common name: the Hibiscus Dragon.

Playful, curious, intelligent, and highly social, Hibiscus Dragons can make entertaining pets. However, prospective owners should beware—they lack loyalty and are prone to escape if not properly enclosed. Their high metabolism demands a near-constant supply of sugar water, making them relatively high-maintenance in captivity. While nectar is their primary dietary staple, they also nibble on flower petals, sugar cubes, and small pieces of fruit.

Though typically quiet, Hibiscus Dragons can produce a range of vocalizations—chirps, squeaks, and warbling chortles—especially when defending food or territory. These sounds are often accompanied by animated body language, including tail-flicks and expressive ear movements.

Despite being classified as mammals, these peculiar creatures exhibit vibrant, reptile-like colors across their pelts—iridescent greens, fiery oranges, and brilliant fuchsias are not uncommon. Even more unusually, they reproduce via egg-laying. As monotremes, females lay a clutch of one to two eggs, which they incubate in concealed, humid nests constructed from fallen leaves and forest debris. Once hatched, the young are nursed in a manner typical of mammals until they are mature enough to forage independently.

Hibiscus Dragons are endemic to the tropical regions of Ehiasall, thriving in flower-rich canopies and sun-dappled forest clearings. However, a small feral population has taken root in Aeslend’s mid-south, descended from escaped or released pets involved in the exotic animal trade.

Jackalopes are small, omnivorous, desert-dwelling marsupials best described as having the body of a macrotis, the head and ears of a rabbit, the tail of a lion, the front paws of a housecat, and the cloven hind hooves of a goat. Mature specimens typically weigh between 5 and 7 kilograms and are predominantly fawn in color.

Primarily crepuscular—though not uncommon during daylight or late evening—jackalopes rely on high-speed endurance running and exceptional agility to evade predators. They are widespread across the continents of Moren Ezen and have proven remarkably adaptable, thriving in all but the most extreme climates.

Their tender meat and soft pelts make them a favored target for hunters of all skill levels, though they are notoriously elusive and difficult to catch without traps or coursing hounds. Despite this, jackalopes are also popular as pets, especially in larger metropolitan centers, due to their manageable size and generally easy temperament—making them a common companion animal for children.

The Jibita is a hardy pony breed endemic to Aeslend, emerging after the cataclysm and now the most common mount across Moren Ezen. Wild herds roam widely—from the coniferous forests north of Eclein to the Wastes, south to Isolon, and across the steppes between Haspar, Belakei, and the southern Kihsh coast. More sporadically, they can also be found in the Etherial Badlands.

Known for their lighter build and agile maneuverability, Jibitas excel as scouting and hunting mounts. They are a favorite among herders, especially for managing small, nimble livestock like sheep and goats. Though less robust than the Haspar, they’re still commonly used in fishing and farming, often hauling loads in teams of two or three.

Jibitas are also purpose-bred for steppe racing—a popular and highly competitive sport thriving across the continents.

Significantly smaller than their enormous forest-dwelling cousins, mature Lesser Plains Raptors measure just 6.8 feet from snout to tail, stand about 1.6 feet tall at the hip, and weigh up to 19 kilograms. Despite their size, they share many of the same anatomical features. Males are distinguished by their vivid plumage and a prominent crest of elongated feathers atop the head. Females, by contrast, are more subdued in coloration but noticeably larger.

Unlike the monogamous Greater Forest Raptors, Lesser Plains Raptors do not mate for life. Instead, they select new partners each breeding season. They live in large flocks ranging from 10 to 30 individuals and are commonly found on the open, grassy flatlands of Aeslend and Ehiasall. Cathemeral by nature, they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. Their diet consists primarily of small lizards, rodents, and bird eggs.

There are occasional reports of Lesser Plains Raptors making affectionate and loyal pets when hand-raised from hatchlings. However, such cases are rare. Most attempts at domestication fail, as the species is notoriously temperamental. Their moderately venomous bite can induce severe vomiting and diarrhea in healthy adults and may prove fatal to young children or the elderly. Additionally, a strike from the six-centimeter retractable claws on each hind foot can inflict deep lacerations, deterring all but the most experienced handlers.

Classification: XXXX
Dangerous. Requires specialist knowledge/skill to handle.

Mammoths are among the largest land mammals of Moren Ezen, with the biggest bulls standing up to 11 feet at the shoulder and weighing over 6 tons. Like elephants, females live in tight-knit matrilineal family groups led by a matriarch, often the eldest female. These family groups generally coexist peacefully with one another, and some even form familiar bonds. Males, on the other hand, are predominantly solitary; immature bulls form bands of two to four individuals, occasionally remaining together after reaching maturity.

Ehiasallian mammoths gather en masse twice a year during their annual migrations—from the white steppes to the grassy flatlands between Tseten Thaye and High Harbor in late autumn to early winter, and back again to the steppes with the arrival of summer.

In many cultures, mammoths are revered as manifestations of the Sixth Guardian or vessels of the Guardian’s Spirit. It is widely frowned upon to kill a female mammoth, and in some societies, the killing of a pregnant female is punishable by death. Only the largest bull mammoths are considered worthy quarry, and only during the migration to Tseten Thaye at winter’s onset, which also marks the beginning of musk season when bulls are at their most ferocious.

Aeslend mammoths are fewer in number and, due to the warmer climate, only move south of Blindhelm when food becomes too scarce. They return as soon as the worst of winter has passed. Considered a protected species, Aeslend mammoths are illegal to hunt nationwide.

Beyond the mainland, the remote islands of Meozas are home to the lesser known Meozan Dwarf Mammoths. These smaller relatives stand roughly half the height of their mainland kin—about 5 to 6 feet at the shoulder—due to island dwarfism, but are significantly more aggressive. Despite their fierce temperaments, some Meozan herders deliberately graze their flocks near dwarf mammoth herds, as their natural hostility helps repel common predators.

Classification: XXXXX
Extremely dangerous. Impossible to train or domesticate.

The Moonskink is a shy and elusive lizard reaching up to 20 inches in length, with smooth, pale grey scales that shimmer with an iridescent, pearly hue beneath moonlight. Though nocturnal, Moonskinks have poor eyesight, which limits their activity to the brightest nights—particularly those under the full moon—when their surroundings are sufficiently illuminated for effective hunting.

They emerge during these lunar peaks to forage for soft-bodied prey such as snails, grubs, and beetles. Their ghostly glow and silent movement make them seem more like apparitions than animals.

These reptiles favor cool, damp environments like moss-laden ravines, shaded riverbanks, and temperate woodlands in northern Ehiasall and western Aeslend. Limestone caves and forest undergrowth rich in decaying matter provide ideal habitat, especially where moisture supports their preferred invertebrate prey.

A particular favorite delicacy of the Moonskink is the Sleep Lantern—a bioluminescent fungus whose golden glow draws the lizards like moths to flame. While the Sleep Lantern’s soporific spores induce gentle, dream-filled sleep in mammals, the Moonskink—like all reptiles—is immune to these effects. They can often be found nestled among clusters of the fungi, nibbling delicately on the slender stems and lace-like caps. The Sleeping Caves of Apora, where both species occur in abundance, are a favored haunt.

Moonskinks are solitary and secretive, each maintaining a small home range and relying heavily on the illumination of the moon to navigate their nighttime world. When threatened, they display a unique bluff-warning: rolling their broad, white tongue into a tight ball and flashing it briefly to startle would-be predators. If ignored, they retreat swiftly into shadows.

In folklore, sightings of Moonskinks beneath a full moon are considered omens of good fortune or fertility. Their lustrous hides are highly coveted for crafting valyut pouches and ornamental items, especially among the affluent classes of Moren Ezen’s major cities. Ownership of Moonskink leather is widely regarded as a mark of wealth and refinement.

Few creatures in Moren Ezen inspire as much fear as the shadowcat—also known as the Night Stalker or Shadow of Death. These formidable predators are endemic to the mountainous regions of Ehiasall and Aeslend, particularly in the north—though their range extends as far south as the rugged divide between the open flatlands and Wriysh Lake—as well as the southernmost peaks of Apora.

Shadowcats are instantly recognizable by their powerful, muscular frames—particularly their heavily developed forelimbs—and their signature upper canines, which remain perpetually exposed and can reach up to 11 inches in length. Regional differences are notable: highland shadowcats are bulkier, with thicker fur and shorter limbs adapted for cold climates, and almost uniformly sport sleek, black coats marked with faint, countershaded striping that breaks up their silhouette in low light. These highland cats are specialized ambush hunters, relying on stealth and power in rugged terrain. Lowland populations—sometimes called Forestcats or Sandcats—are lighter, leaner, and faster, with more varied coloration ranging from sandy beige to copper-tinged dusk tones that provide superior camouflage; while still ambush hunters, they are better adapted to more open environments and thus are more effective at pursuing prey over short distances. 

Adult males typically sport a thick ruff of longer fur around the neck and chest, creating a subtle, mane-like appearance—less dramatic than a lion’s, but enough to emphasize their size and presence. The largest highland males may stand at 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) at the shoulder, reach 9 feet (2.7 meters) in length, and weigh as much as 500 kilograms. Females are generally smaller, the largest standing around 4 feet (1.2 meters) at the shoulder, measuring 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length, and weighing 350–400 kilograms, though they are no less fierce.

Though often thought of as solitary, shadowcats are semi-social. Breeding pairs may stay bonded for several years, raising young together in secluded dens hidden within cliffside hollows or alpine caves. Juveniles remain with their parents for up to two years, forming tight-knit family groups. Outside the breeding season, however, adults are fiercely territorial and rarely tolerate other adults in their range.

Shadowcats are steeped in superstition, their reputation born from their expert skill and infallible patience as nocturnal ambush hunters. It is believed in some cultures that they and the darkness are one and the same, and they will follow unwary travelers home in the shadows of their torch light to take their families in their sleep. Such legends are not without merit, and constant vigilance is advised when travelling through shadowcat territory, especially after nightfall.

Their pelts and massive canines are highly sought after, coveted both as hunter’s trophies and symbols of valor. While proudly displayed by seasoned trackers, they are also traded on the black market for small fortunes.

The Tatakh are sturdy, stocky ponies once thought to be extinct. Accounts written during the beginning of the cataclysm describe Tatakh as having “rounded noses, small ears, and thick necks” along with both a short summer coat and a shaggy winter coat. Though only a few Tatakh fur garments have survived, the incredibly lightweight and warm fibers insulate the wearer against the bitterest cold. Tatakh were also prized for their meat. Mention of the breed waned at the start of the cataclysm, coincidentally around the same time as mass famine plunged the world into chaos. Scholars have theorized that both domestic and wild populations were hunted to near-extinction, and only a few herds deep in the White Steppes survived.

 A few specimens of the breed have recently been sighted in Ehiasall's frigid south. Though their rediscovery has made the breed an expensive novelty, new breeders are cropping up on other continents. More people are using the hardy miniatures in their daily lives. Masters of rough terrain, Tatakh excel at carrying supplies. They can be trained as pit ponies or to pull small seaweed or peat carts. Tatakh may also be used as a food source when times are lean. Due to their small size, Tatakh can only reproduce with other Tatakh, and may only be ridden by small children.

The Totigürvel, or "Tot," is a curious little creature endemic to the Meozas, though they have spread across Moren Ezen through the lively pet trade. Popular household companions, Tots are thought to bring good fortune to any home they settle in. 

Classification: XXXXX
Extremely dangerous. Impossible to train or domesticate.