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 Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:21 pm
Table of ContentsIntroduction
Kingdom: Plants
Animal Phylum- Arthropoda
Class Mammalia
Class Mammalia (cont.)
Class Aves
Class Reptilia
Class Reptilia (cont.)
Superclass Osteichthyes
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:31 pm
Introduction  Many an uninformed visitor to Mordache might unwittingly refer to our local species of wildlife as a plethora of 'monsters, ghouls, and disgusting fiends', when such a claim is ignorant and foolish. Within this guide, published by the gracious hand of the Baroness, I (a scientist who prefers to go unnamed) hereby present a very brief guide to some of Mordache's more... infamous species. Hopefully, with this, I can assure foreigners and assuage the minds of locals- the species here might be misunderstood, and might occasionally make a snack of an unwary traveler, but they are beautiful as a whole.
This is not to say that these species are to be approached without any sort of respect, however. We've lost only a few researchers in an attempt to chronicle these species in their native habitats, but that is not to say that these lack the potential to harm. It is with respect and love that we are to treat these creatures and flora, and with a view that must not be tainted with prejudice. After all, the swamps, mountains, and estuaries in our lovely home are their storehouses for food and shelter! It is we humans who are doing the crime by intruding on their homes, as we do them an injustice by trespassing. Is it not our right to stab a trespasser with a pitchfork, as well? This makes us more savage than they.
As you read this guide, keep in mind that this is for scientific purposes, not to be used as a guide for survival tactics or any such garbage. The behavior of wild animals is always unpredictable, and the mere decade we've spent chronicling their behaviors does not even scratch the surface of these remarkable organisms.
It appears I'm running out of space- included are pictures, if applicable, so that you may better identify these wonderful creatures and plants. Enjoy Mordache safely and peacefully, and don't step on the plants!
((For those who are curious- the genuses are real. The species names, however, are impromptu. Feel free to look them up, if you'd like.))
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:36 pm
Kingdom: Plantae Species: Ulva citica, commonly referred to as 'swamp lettuce'.
Distribution: Brackish or fresh water, mostly in areas with high nitrogen content. Especially prevalent in areas where Physignathus mimisus hunt and nest, the two are considered keystone species to one another (despite the fact that neither are truly dependent on the other). This is due to the fact that Physignathus mimisus often buries parts of their prey adjacent to nesting areas, and the anaerobic nature of the marshy soil prevents full decay of the amino acids- sources of nitrogen essential for the swamp lettuce to thrive.
Swamp lettuce thrives in water as deep as two feet, but generally cannot grow deeper due to a lack of sunlight or nitrogen deposits.
Size: Fully-grown specimens have been documented at weighing 80 pounds, sans the root systems. With the roots, the weight can be nearly triple the total weight.
Human Impact: Swamp lettuce is perfectly edible while still alive, but cannot be harvested in large quantities for food due to their fast rate of decay. Decaying swamp lettuce is infamous for producing hyrdogen sulfide, a gas toxic to humans, and decays at such fast speeds when removed from water that long-term transport becomes impossible unless frozen by an adept mage. The leaves are higher in salt than the surrounding water, making them dangerous to eat in large quantities but nutritious in small amounts. The roots are rich in water and nutrients, and though they taste bitter, can allow a man to survive in the swamps for many days.
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Species: Drosera ignius, commonly referred to as 'Imperial Sundews'.
Distribution: Throughout the swamps in Mordache, often found climbing and hanging from trees that are still exposed to sunlight. Patches of soil exposed to shafts of light for at least one hour per day may harbor several different variants of this, including subspecies D. dendris. Due to the non-dangerous nature of D. dendris, it has been omitted from this guide; can be differentiated from D. ignius by size differences and color.
Size: This species of sundew, like every other member of its genus, has leaves coated with sticky, nectar-excreting tentacles that smell delectable. Unlike most other species, however, D. ignius makes itself infamous due to its large size; while most other species do not extend as high as a person's knee, this species makes itself known by extending itself along vines that can extend itself up and around the boughs of mangrove trees.
Human Impact: The leaves, covered in sticky, sweet-smelling tentacles, are as large as a man's hand. While not dangerous on their own, a person who cannot free themselves will find that the sheer number of sticky leaves can possibly immobilize them. Most people are fit and alert enough to tear themselves free with little problems, but the inebriated and unaware may find themselves coated with the digestive enzymes and drawn into the center of the plant.
Contact with the leaves' tentacles requires immediate action, lest the digestive enzymes leave chemical burns on the victim's skin. Ripping off the sticky leaves will also tear off the top layer of skin, more often than not.
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:36 pm
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:37 pm
Class: Mammalia Species: Tarsius chiroptermimus, otherwise known as 'Scorpion monkeys' or 'Owl-eyed tarsiers'. Foreigners have taken a liking to the term, 'Big-eyed, creepy monkey thing.'
Distribution: Found in areas where there are trees, thatched roofs, or any other area that provides substantial cover and plenty of insect life. These are scarce in colder areas, as their ears release too much of their body heat on a daily basis to make breeding colonies remotely reasonable.
Size: Very small- the size of a small cat, weighing at the most 15 pounds.
Diet: Out in the wild, they are insectivorous. However, if given the chance, these tarsiers will steal meat from travelers, backpacks, pots, or right from peoples' hands. They've been seen stealing from several different species of animals, so at least it's not confined to people.
Physical Adaptations: Large eyes and large ears allow the tarsier to see in all light conditions, though it prefers to move about at night or on overcast days. The ridges on its eyebrows are warning beacons, turning bright reds, oranges, and yellows when it becomes distressed or aggressive. This is due to blood pumping at higher volumes to its ears when adrenaline floods its system- this color change also turns its tongue from a light pink to a bright red, in an attempt to deter predators.
Its delicate fingers are perfect for grasping insects and reaching into small cracks for beetle grubs. It's also terribly handy for reaching into backpacks and pulling out snacks...
The scorpion-like tail is not venomous, but a bluff. It's actually a very delicious portion of the animal- and one of the only safe parts to eat- that is rich in nutrients and fat. By acting as a scorpion mimic, however, it dissuades many would-be predators. Its fur, not its tail, is imbued with toxins, as are its major veins. Eating its meat is not advised.
Human Impact: It's a pest, though it initially looks cute. Though they've learned to react 'nicely' to people, they are also quick to turn vicious if food is being withheld from them. Desperate travelers have lured them close and killed them, hoping to eat their meat- however, the powerful paralytic in their fur often leads to asphyxiation. They rarely attack to kill, and can be tamed if fed regularly.
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:38 pm
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:39 pm
Class: Aves Species: Ardea cerilicathus, otherwise known as the Mordache Herons. These are not to be confused with laguz herons, but due to the rarity of the laguz, many have taken to (falsely) hypothesizing that these are the remnants of the once-proud tribe.
Distribution: Throughout wetlands, and occasionally seen near mountain streams and rivers. These birds do not venture into areas with people, further emphasizing the (very wrong) hypothesis of Serenes relations. They are rare, though their crooning, singing voices can be heard for miles during courtship season.
Size: From head to tail, the bird ranges from 5-6 feet in length, while it stands up to four feet tall with its head tucked down on its long neck. The wingspan is large- nearly six and a half feet- though its weight is typical of a bird its size at five to six pounds. Different population groups have different colors on their ruffs, from a muted orange to a pure white plume. This has done nothing to dissuade the people who are firmly convinced that the Serenes laguz had devolved into common birds.
Diet: Fish, frogs, reptiles, smaller birds, and goodies baking over a campfire. It's been said that they're partial to human entrails and eyes, but this has never been proven or witnessed by our staff. They will only feed on carrion if it is a very recent kill, but they have been known to chase off the predators if it means that they'll be able to snag the soft, warm entrails. Though they can steal an entire carcass, their beaks are meant to pluck and slice- they cannot go through tough muscle tissue, and thus can only eat the guts inside before abandoning the carcass.
When it comes to eating live prey, the Mordache herons pluck them up and swallow them hole. Behaviorists have witnessed these birds using bait, including (but not limited to) worms, pieces of bread left behind by travelers, fruits, seed pods, and travelers' rations.
Physical Adaptations: A long neck allows them to see more around them, while their long, scaly legs allow them to move about without fear of getting their sensitive bellies wet. Their beaks are long and sharp- perfect for plucking fish, reptiles, and amphibians out of the water. Their movements are delicate but deliberate, creating a walk that's rather interesting to watch; almost like an aristocrat walking past a commoner.
Human Impact: They are notorious for attacking anyone who starts a fire in their vicinity, whether it's a campfire or a torch; for reasons yet unknown, they despise the sight of fire and will do all in their power to attack those responsible. After chasing the instigators away, these birds have been known to stand vigil and watch the fire until it goes out; only then will they move away.
These birds have been hunted for their feathers in the past, but this grew to be too dangerous- the birds will also attack anyone wearing herons' feathers, especially the white ones.
They're also one of the prime sources of controversy among the common people. Curse-bringers or saviors, they might all say, but such is unscientific drivel.
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:40 pm
Class: ReptiliaSpecies: Physignathus mimisus, known by many names by the locals. 'Swamp mimic', 'Scaled bride', and 'Maned menace', among others. Foreigners take well to the title, 'The thing that ate my ____!' after meeting it once in the wild.
Distribution: Found throughout the swamps that litter Mordache, though some have wandered into towns by night. Anywhere with six inches of cover- at ANY height- can be potentially used as an ambush spot. Prefers areas with Ulva citica, as their nests are often above these plants, which attract many forms of life.
Size: Depends on the individual. Males are the shorter of the species, reaching up to six feet in height when fully reared. Females may reach seven feet tall. This is partly due to their long necks. Males reach up to 180 pounds, while females can reach 270 pounds, if laden with eggs.
Diet: As one might expect, this creature is fully carnivorous, and is not all that picky when it comes to meat. Due to its arboreal and terrestrial nature, this creature is equally at home hunting in the trees as it is hunting on the ground.
Physical Adaptations: Long, strong, dexterous fingers allow the reptile to cling onto branches as well as grasp prey, while its feet are strong enough to hold its own body weight if circumstances demand that it hang itself upside down from a tree. The tail is used for balance while running, and is dexterous enough to serve a prehensile function, as well. Its long neck allows for a larger field of vision, while the feathers on its head and neck serve as wonderful sources of communication... and deception. Ask any survivor, they'll tell you.
Being halfway between reptile and bird, as not many lizards have feathers to begin with, let alone that peculiar way of holding their arms, this lizard reputedly mimics sounds extremely well during the courtship season. This is done by both sexes.
Human Impact: Occasionally (more than that, the locals say) preys on humans, as their silhouette can be deceptive. Watch your children!
As a Note: It has been said that a bard of some esteem shares a resemblance- however superficial- with these creatures. These, though intelligent, are not declared a sentient species by the Mordache Institution of Biological Sciences.
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 Species: Draco minoris, otherwise known as the 'Lesser Mordache Wyvern' or 'Pygmy Wyvern'.
Distribution: The pigeon of Mordache, this ravenous species of wyvern lives virtually everywhere. Their burrows can be seen in flatlands, while perches and nests can be seen in trees and on rooftops. They're quite literally a pest and- venomous or not- the natives often hit them with broomsticks to get them out of their walkways.
Size: Small and squat- these wyverns are only the size of a large cat, compared to the monstrous size of the other wyvern species that occupy this world.
Diet: Strictly carnivorous, and cannibalistic if given the chance to attack a smaller, wounded member of their kind.
Physical Adaptations: Their short, squat bodies are perfect for storing fat, aiding in their ability to live just about anywhere, once their stores are sufficient. Their wings are short and rounded, perfect for swift bouts of flight- however, these wings are too small to carry them farther than perhaps 200 feet before exhaustion returns them to the ground.
Their tails are covered in a venomous barb, which administers a fairly potent paralytic. In humans, this normally numbs the afflicted limb, making it nearly impossible to feel as the little beasts gnaw on said limb until they're removed. In their intended prey, this normally paralyzes the victim's entire body, making eating it an easy task.
Human Impact: If struck by their venomous tails, remove the wyvern promptly from your leg (the locals won't mind if you beat one to death in order to do so) and seek a healer to remove the toxin. The long-term effects are fairly mild, but having a wyvern chewing on your leg while it's still attached makes for a very unpleasant experience.
Several intelligent wyverns have been trained as guard dogs. Since... well... they tend to EAT normal guard dogs. The locals have made do.
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:41 pm
Class: Reptilia (2) Species: Basiliscus avius, otherwise known as the 'Mordache Bat Lizard', 'Flying Lizard', or 'Greater Mordache Wyvern'.
Distribution: Throughout the mountain regions, particularly areas with steady water flow. While they can thrive fairly well in dry areas, they always return to areas with water for the sake of comfort and familiarity. Found most frequently in high elevations, rarely venturing to ground level (with the exception of the domesticated population).
Size: Large- with a wingspan of up to five meters, these lizards are excellent soarers and gliders. While this makes them an easy target for arrows while soaring, archers will find that these flying lizards are more than willing to fold their wings and divebomb straight towards them.
Diet: Omnivorous- they eat eggs, fruits, flowers, and virtually all species that are smaller than they are. Anything that isn't too big to swallow whole, they'll step on with their clawed feet and tear apart with their sharp teeth. ...Anything that isn't poisonous, anyway. If not domesticated properly, humans fall under this category.
Physical Adaptations: Their bones are light, allowing for flight- they are nowhere near as dense as traditional 'wyvern' bones. Unlike the traditional bone structure that leaves vestigial claws on the 'wrists' of normal wyvern wings, the Mordache wyvern has fused all of its digits into one. This extends into a hypetrophe of the entire 'finger' system traditionally found in wyvern wings, making for a stronger, sturdier wing that doesn't risk catching during combat. The 'wrist' created by the fused phalanges is thicker and more clublike than most wyverns, and allows a joint of rest- and a somewhat effective bludgeon- to be used by the Mordache wyvern. See the illustrations (to be inserted).
The membrane of skin that reaches from the end of its fused phalanges to its waist is covered with protective scales on the tip side, but not the bottom.
Due to their affinity for water, perhaps it's no surprise that the wings can lay flat, if the wyvern only pulls them back towards its body. Its strong tail acts not only as a rudder in flight, but powers it through the water. In domestic wyverns, the riders are given a rudimentary course in Air magic, lest they be drowned when their mounts suddenly take to the sea, lakes, or rivers they love so much. As the wyverns stay underwater for up to twenty minutes at a time- occasionally running over the surface as their smaller cousins do- their riders always need to be prepared.
The crests on their heads are a layer of scales covering bone, and are the densest parts of their bodies. Hitting it with an arrow might shatter the crest, but will generally leave the wyvern unharmed.
Human Impact: This species has been domesticated, but wild populations live in the mountains. Those that travel through the territories of wild wyverns will find that this species is less than kind to humans. If you lose children in the mountains, this is probably the culprit.
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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:41 pm
Class: Actinopterygii Species: Pterois erectus, otherwise known as the 'Scorpion Eel', 'Firebrand', or 'Firefish'.
Distribution: Anywhere with standing pools or lakes- it's one of the few species in the area that migrates regularly from brackish to fresh water. This is further covered in the 'adaptations' section. This species is not found in areas where the water is below 46 degrees F, or areas where the current is exceptionally strong.
Size: Undefined. This scientist laments to report that we've yet to pull one completely out of the water. This species is locally protected by superstition, and so we have not even been able to kill one to pull it from its den. What we do know is that it can rise out of the water at least three feet, and it didn't seem at all perturbed by that.
Diet: Specializes in ambushing anything near the water. Unlike the other species covered in this guide, it is known that this species is large enough to pull horses underwater. Unfortunately, with no documentation, it's difficult to prove that this behavior exists without being on the receiving end. Seeing as the locals go nowhere near the placid lakes where these creatures live with their horses in tow, perhaps it is up to foreigners to instigate this behavior. If, in fact, such a behavior is not simply an old wives' tale.
Physical Adaptations: This beast is covered in striped, mud-hued, and can sting with its long, venomous dorsal and pectoral fins. Strangely, they appear to be actively used only until adolescence- after that, these fins become a passive form of self-defense, rather than a means of catching prey. Their color changing skin morphs gradually over the course of several days, where thereafter they remain perfectly stationary until prey happens to pass them by. These ambush predators appear to have a snakelike body that they use to launch themselves forward, whereupon they snap their wide jaws on their prey and drag them into the water.
These fish also appear to have a sac in their throats for holding water, for on more than one occasion this species has been documented with its head above the water for more than five minutes while water continues to gush out of its gills.
Its pectoral fins, like a sculpin's, can only support the weight of its frontal body if it's underwater. After this, the fish must support its weight with its serpentine body, rather than with these fins.
This species, native to fresh water, must gulp in more water when moving into areas with higher salinity. Its urea becomes more concentrated in order to compensate for the amount of salt that it gulps in, but in this regard the fish's habits are relatively unchanged from when it lives in fresh water.
Human Impact: Routinely preys on travelers, especially those traveling alone. This species is also held in high regard by Mordache citizens, and may not be hunted or killed without repercussions.
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