Where to find them

Please note that even if something is listed as living in one of the ruined heart territories, it probably doesn't yet - the Riptide Isles are physically gone, for example. :)

In addition to the fauna below, you can also find real world fauna that seem appropriate for the region. For example, it seems unlikely that you'd find a polar bear in the Eastern Flats desert, but you can definitely find some camels. It is not uncommon to find "Rift-ified" variants of real world fauna either, for example foxes with horns.

Creatures of the temperate oceans

The temperate oceans range from the west and up along the eastern coast. These creatures can be found anywhere along the coastline, or further out, from Solanis to Halcyon Flats.

Fauna found in the Frozen North

Fauna found in the Eastern Flats

Fauna found in the Heated Heart

Fauna found in the Southern Sea

Fauna found in the Western Mists

Rift Bestiary

Acriot

These giant bird-like creatures stalk the depths of the Glowworm Woods. They are massive, the tips of their long, thin, pointed beaks easily reaching the treetops, and the prized Cael Arborus flowers. Fortunately, the Acriot is peaceful towards equines, feeding only upon nectar and the glowworms.

The Acriot are flightless. Their bodies are round and heavy, their legs long and powerful, and their wings—with thin membranes, resembling a dragonfly's—are situated right over their legs. A long neck broadens into a wide head, before tapering off into the stiletto-like beak.

During full moons, the Acriot travel onto the Aldrnari Expanse, the blue markings on their otherwise earthy-colored bodies lighting up. There, they dance and sing and mate.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse

Amarok

An aggressive hunter, the Amarok is much like a sabertooth tiger; however, it differs in its intelligence and markings. Born with pale white to tan fur, as an Amarok ages dark patterns begin to emerge onto its coat. While this makes it harder for older specimens to easily camouflage when hunting, the Amarok is a highly intelligent and inventive predator. It’s favored meal is the Popup Seal.

They are largely solitary animals, coming together only to mate in Drench, during which fierce fights can ensue. Amaroks have no clear sexual preference, mating liberally with both the same and the opposite sex. It's not uncommon for females to pair off afterwards and raise their cubs together, only to go their separate ways again when the cubs are independent.

• Found in: Aurora Tundra, The Heimasborg, Frozen Sea

Asulli

The gentle giant of the forests, Asullis are softly glowing blue creatures of enormous size. However, they are extremely shy and exist on a diet of luminous fungi. Though not entirely rare, they have been occasionally hunted to near extinction for their horns and the feathery growths that line their heads. The feathers may store extremely powerful magic. And it is believed that crushing their glowing horns to powder and drinking it as a tea will cure any malady (magical or not) or reward the drinker their heart’s desire. However, removing an Asulli’s horn or feather-like growths is not only extremely painful to the shy creature, but also potentially fatal.

• Found in: Rainforest Cliffs, Bloodmountains's foothills, Western Mists, Glowworm Woods

Avelis

Small and silent, the Avelis is a proficient hunter, preferring to snack on small rodents and the occasional insect. Despite their relatively plain appearance—they're shades of gray, aside from a bright red head—they do consume a startling amount of magic, often seeking out the most magically potent mice. Because of this honing ability, they are occasionally cruelly enslaved to track down sources of magic. Usually, it is achieved by physically restraining them, or breaking their wings.

Physically, the Avelis is rather small, no larger than a small cat. They have beaks, wide wings, a swallow's split tail, and four legs with vicious claws. They are mammals, and whether or not they form emotional attachment to others of their species seems highly individual.

• Found in: The more open areas in the Rainforest Cliffs, Riptide Isles, Ennunyenda, Solanis, Siren's Summit, Uwaritace, Halyven, Aldrnari Expanse, Glowworm Woods

Baleano

• Reference: One

The great monster of the deep: Baleano. Rarely seen (perhaps because any who do meet certain death), it is unknown (but giant) proportions. A great mouth with untold amounts of razor teeth attach to a long, sharply played tail. Its bright, eerie green bioluminescence should warn victims of their imminent doom; however, the Baleano moves with such lightning speed that none truly stand a chance. Additionally, its size and speed creates another danger: giant waves wherever it moves. However, the one reprieve from the monstrous beast is that there are very, very few of them; and they generally live only in the deep.

• Found in: Akvo City, Riptide Isles; the deep oceans of the south

Beaked Bear

A distant relative to griffins, this species of bear is common in the forests of the West and is mostly spotted at night. The head of the bear resembles that of an owl and feathers fade into thick, coarse fur that covers the rest of it’s body. Although they can come in a variety of colours, a mottled brown and black is the most common as it enables them to camouflage in the dark.

The darker and more twisted souls have reported that consuming the eyes of a Beaked Bear will give one future-sight...however, not many have tried such a delicacy. They are curious creatures by nature, but their curiosity usually involves taking a bite out of whatever has peaked their interest so beware if their attention turns to you!

• Found in: Forests of the Western Mists

Bellavo

Reminiscient of the Uwaritace's Loricatrunc, the Bellavo are great, lumbering beasts with trunks and large ears. However, that's where the similarities end. The Bellavo has a tan underside, then their thick hides range in greens and vibrant, cold blues. Double tusks protrude from their mouths, and their ears seem almost flower-shaped.

Bellavos are generally calm, but wary, beings, preferring to travel in small family groups and solve their disputes by moving out of each other's way. However, when the cows are in heat, the bulls can occasionally fight, or go on rampages. The most dangerous Bellavo is a cow defending her young. Unless threatened, the Bellavo simply roam forests and slopes in peace. They steer clear of Uwaritace and the Loricatrunc at all costs.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse, Bloodmountain foothills

Bird-Eating Whale

The Bird-Eating Whale (also called the BEW for short) is a unique creature of the Southern Seas. Moderately sized (for a whale), this creature swims almost exclusively near the surface near land. This is due to its feeding habits, as great fronds tipped with colorful lures sprout from its back. These interesting appendages aim to lure unsuspecting birds close where it then swats them from the skies with the fronds and consumes them. Unfortunately, this often leads to beaching and death of the great creatures, as they pay more attention to the birds around their lures than to the ocean tides.

• Found in: All of the temperate oceans

Capitocoral

Unlike most corals, this living rock can grow in any formation—staghorn, brain, etc—and be any color, depending on the surrounding water’s climate. However, this coral is unique in that it has the ability to store images and messages when magic is nearby or touches it. It will replay these images during reproduction, its sperm and eggs releasing and condensing into replicate scenes.

• Found in: All of the temperate oceans

Carrel

A small, burrowing creature, the Carrel is an opportunistic feeder; although it preferentially eats eggs. Short legs and a long, curved spine allow it to burrow and scale trees with relative ease. A cat-like face with flared jowls and tufted ears are generally tabby-colored. A thick coat is mottled dark brown and black in Scorch and Drench; however, most become white in Freeze. Mating for life, they are fiercely territorial and protective of their burrows, mates, and young.

• Found in: The northern ice plains; a non-white subspecies exists in the Bloodmountains and the mountains around Halyven

Cervavo

Affectionately called the “Peacock Deer”, these gentle creatures are the sweeter and more curious cousins of the Rift Deer. Though their population waxes and wanes due to their deliciously sweet meat, this species never seems to go extinct from its home in Solanis. Found in an array of greens and blues, with plumed tails and brows as bright as the Solanis forest they live in, these docile creatures are known to be rather idiotic. Perhaps that is what endears them to many Riftians. Aside from decorative plumes and delicious meat, these creatures have little magical value.

• Found in: Solanis

Ceteyan

The Ceteyan is a curious, magical whale of the Southern Seas. It’s a massive creature, grown large with the vastness of the warm waters. However, it size is also due to its curious eating habits. The Ceteyan feeds solely on magic. It does this by luring any kind of magical creature towards its massive, toothless mouth with calming lights on its body that weave illusions for its prey. Once consumed, the ‘stomach’ of the Ceteyan then morphs into a liveable space for the meal, where the creature may live for an extended time until the Ceteyan has finished digesting its magic. Then the great whale opens its mouth, allowing the meal to swim free.

• Found in: All of the temperate oceans

Cobravi

This frightening creature dwells in the sand dunes of the desert. The snake’s scales are camouflaged with the color of sand, and it moves as a sidewinder across the hot sands. However, it has another unique way of avoiding the sand’s searing heat: its cobra-like hood extends down the length of its body, allowing it to glide on thermals from the tops of dunes. They can grow rather large (up to 3m), but have hollow bones to facilitate this gliding flight. Cobravis are somewhat venomous; however their venom is rather weak as it usually depends on ambushing its prey.

• Found in: Eastern Flats inland desert

Crazed Cuttle

• Reference: One

A small, beautiful, and unassuming creature that is responsible for many deaths in the Southern Sea. Tiny, translucent, and remarkably colourful, this small derivative of the cuttlefish is unique in that the venom that coats the suckers of its tentacles induces short bouts of pure insanity in victims. This, for an unknown reason, usually manifests itself in the stung prey to dive to and remain at the nearest ocean bottom.

• Found in: All of the temperate oceans

Cyanolutra

A playful, eye-catching creature, the Cyanolutra is about the size of an otter, and have the same elongated body. Their tail branches into a swallow's split tail, and from their shoulders sprout powerful wings. The Cyanolutra is primarily gray or brown, with tints of bright blue on their feathers—which grow all along their spine. They have mobile ears and long, saber-like fangs.

The Cyanolutra live by lakes or rivers, and feed primarily on fish, which they hunt both by swimming, stalking, or snatching them from the surface in flight. They are friendly and a tad naive.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse

Desert Walker

This eerie monster of the desert is cousin to the Forest Walker, and equally as rare and unknown. Though, due to the dry and sunny environment, their skin is leathery and bronze colored. Two long tentacles serve as a tail to act as a counterbalance to its powerful hind limbs which allow it to sprint across hot desert sands. Forelimbs are pincher-like and end in claws and are lined in teeth… though none have survived a close encounter to tell what other properties lie in its massive jaws.

• Found in: Eastern Flats inland desert

Drinker

Drinkers are massive, slow moving creatures of the desert with four great limbs and strange, upturned jaws. A thick, leathery hide protects them from losing water in the dry, unending heat. However, water is scarce in the scorching eastern desert; even the great rains of Drench cannot overcome the dryness of the sands. Thus, the giant Drinkers survive the desert’s desiccation by standing still throughout all of Drench’s rains. The reason for their strange, huge, and upturned jaws are revealed then: they open wide to collect water and store it in the massive pouches in their gullets for years.

They survive on the algae and other flora that grows in the warm moisture of their pouches. Having very few predators due to their size and not needing to look for forage, they have small eyes with very poor eyesight.

• Found in: Eastern Flats inland desert

Dusk Howler

A large land-living bird loosely resembling an ostrich, the Howler has a bright blue and red plumage and a large crest of shimmering feathers crowning the head while a massive cascade of iridescent tail feathers trail behind them as they go. With a heron's long beak and legs powerful enough to break bones with a sharp kick, these temperamental giants are the terror of the southern beaches as their territorial nature refuses to overlook anything or anyone who is not food or another Howler. They sustain themselves largely by foraging for clams and crabs in the shallow pools during low tide, but are also known to haunt the edges of forests where they catch snakes, lizards and amphibians. Their name comes from the haunting scream they emit towards the end of each day.

• Found in: Rainforest Cliffs, Ultima, Floating Key, Riptide Isles, Mangrove Tidepools

Ennunyenda Cat

• Reference: One

Found most commonly in the caves where this strange species of cat received it’s name. A dark grey, panther-like body with feathers that grow along its back from its head to part way down its tail. Hard spikes line the cat’s shoulders and an exoskeleton face mask obscures its features. In the darkness of the caves, markings on the forelimbs and body of this cat glow an eerie green. Naturally a skilled hunter among the rocks, the true trick of this creature is its ability to transform into smoke at will - allowing it to seep through cracks in the stone.

• Found in: Ennunyenda, rarely found on the slopes of the Siren's Summit as well, and there's been some sightings near the Pinnacle

Ericula

A shy creature found only in certain areas of the Rift, the Ericula is a small creature—looking a bit like a hedgehog, porcupine, or echnida—with flower petals in place of spines. The Ericula have uniform petals, however they may be of any plant. Very sensitive to corrupted magic, they are almost never seen outside the Floating Key and Glowworm Woods. Lightweight and capable of reaching impressive speeds despite their diminutive size, they are often mistaken for being capable of flight as they leap through the underbrush. Partial to drier climate they inhabit leafy forests, groves and meadows where they subsist on a diet of dry grasses and leaves.

• Found in: Floating Key, Glowworm Woods

Esshing

Another giant bird of the Heated Heart, the Esshing is monstrously oversized, and unpredictable to boot. While standing still, they resemble trees. Their legs are thick and wood-like, covered in vines and other plant-like growths, and their massive green bodies are covered in both feathers and foliage. Their long necks end in a head with a thick and sturdy beak. Adult Esshings are fiercely territorial, though only against other Esshings. They photosynthesize, and thus lay claim to forest clearings, often cultivating them to improve the amount of sunlight coming down.

Aside from feeding on sunlight, they can eat meat. Newly hatched Esshings, which typically hatch in Scorch, eat only meat, and thus, their mother hunts for them—hence the unpredictable aspects. Most of the time, an Esshing won't try to eat you, but you can't tell if it's got young hidden back in its clearing. They hibernate in Drench, after soaking up as much sunlight as they can in Scorch, and if the Freezes are very cloudy, even the adult Esshings might eat meat to sustain themselves.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Solanis; a few have settled in the Rainforest Cliffs

Fey

Small and glowing, the Fey are beings made of pure magic. Where they come from, and where they go, no one knows, but at times, the Fey have been near extinct for the magic-eaters prize them greatly. Since the Glowworm Woods came to the Rift, the Fey have found a home among other luminous creatures, leading to their population slowly recovering and stabilizing.

Physically, the Fey are only a couple of inches long, and resemble tiny dragons, complete with scaled undersides and all. They are playful and mischievous, and also possess healing capabilities, often choosing to alight near wounds to cleanse them and hum healing songs. It is said the Fey can ease the pain of heartbreak too, or offer warmth to the cold.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse

Fimalgo

The Fimalgo is an interesting bird of prey that lives in the Flats. Obtaining its alarming shade of pink by consuming mass amounts of Quarabs, the Fimalgo also has a taste for non-crustacean flesh. However, it is not an incredibly intelligent bird and so they may only truly hunt when in large flocks. Though, the Fimalgo does become a rather fearsome predator when in these large groups and they have been known to be able to fall even an equine with their combined sharp beaks and small talons. Alone, however, they pose little threat.

• Found in: Halcyon Flats, Mangrove Tidepools, occasionally the Rainforest Cliffs and Floating Key

Flauwka

Perhaps more plant than true creature, the Flawuka is a relatively stupid and common animal that lives in the salt flats. It survives on solar energy and the minerals dissolved in the briny water.

Standing just slightly smaller than the average horse on tripod, slender legs with a metallic and nearly transparent solar sail that sprouts like a leaf from its back to harness meals from the sun’s limited light. Though it does have two relatively sharp, arm-like appendages, the Flauwka is sightless and thus can only wave them blindly towards any threats. The Flauwka is edible, though their meat is though and tastes as salty and metallic as the minerals it subsists on.

• Found in: Halcyon Flats

Flysh

• Reference: One

Flashes of colorful iridescence both above and below the surface are the beloved Flysh, which are beta-like fish that live in both the tidepools and the mangroves, grow no larger than a hoof and come in a rainbow of colors. This curious, but often sassy, species never hesitates to investigate any creature that enters their territory.

However, they are just as quick to land tickling nibbles to see if whatever—or whoever—enters may be apart of their opportunistic diets. Beware! Male Flysh grow increasingly territorial can land more painful bites with sharp teeth that grow in during mating season, which is early Drench.

• Found in: Halcyon Flats, Mangrove Tidepools, small colony on the Floating Key

Foliava

This bizarre creature is native to the forest of Solanis but has since spread throughout the western regions of the Rift. Part plant, part animal, it has no eyes but can sense other life forms and is quite adept at navigating, though mistakes are still occasionally made.

About the size of a small horse, these creatures feed are capable of photosynthesizing through their skin but also feed on nectar from flowers. They have developed a fondness for the sap of Deviltrees and can often be seen in some numbers using their long tongues to dart past the sleeping fairies.

• Found in: Western Mists

Forest Walker

Perhaps one of the most mystic—and ominous—creature of the dark Rainforest, Walkers are extremely rare. Some aren’t even convinced that they truly exist. These ghostly creatures are rumored to have been birthed from the nightmares of tortured children, and so they feed upon misery and terror. The few, unfortunate souls that claim to have seen them report that they have transparent skin, strong forelimbs, elongated necks, black predatory teeth, and fluorescent tendrils that drift from their backs. They may elicit a scream that births a black cloud; and caught in the cloud begin to experience magical amnesia and lose all sense of self, making them vulnerable to the Walker's feeding.

• Found in: Rainforest Cliffs

Galeae

One of the more dangerous beasts in the Rift is the Galeae. Intelligent, strong, and prone to violence, these thick-limbed creatures find their home surrounding Uwaritace. Gorilla-type bodies are coated in a thick, armor-like skin and vibrant colors paint their ventrum. Females sport cooler colors while males are in the warmer palette—though it is only lead males that sport massive, colorful, metallic-looking shields on their brow.

They live in bands of 3-6 females with one lead male and occasional submissive males. They are opportunistic omnivores, though their favorite treat is gem fairies. If you are a brave enough hunter, it is said the brow-shield of a Galeae will defend against any magical attack.

• Found in: Uwaritace

Gem Fairy

Similar to their smaller leaf brethren, the gem fairies have rather grouchy tendencies. Their small, hummingbird-like bodies appear to to be composed of gemstones and they live in the cracked trunks of Deviltrees. Beware touching or being too noisy around them, for they will attack with their viciously sharp claws and beaks! Only the Galaea, gem fairies’s natural predator, is brave enough to routinely subject themselves to their attacks.

• Found in: Siren's Summit, Ennunyenda's foothills, Green Labyrinth, Uwaritace, occasionally in the Bloodmountains and Blood Falls

Giant Drifter

• Reference: Female, Male

Very little is known about these gentle ocean giants, as they are rare and generally found far out to sea. They are massive creatures that subsist on sea carrion, various planktons, and sunlight. They cannot move much on their own accord, but instead drift along with ocean currents. It is said that looking one directly in the eye brings good luck.

• Found in: Akvo City, Riptide Isles, occasionally near the Floating Key

Glimmer Bird

The gorgeous, gliding creatures obey the magical laws of the eastern lands in that they usually hover just within their own illusion. A small body, large head, and massive wings support this legless bird over the eastern flats, as well as a billowy third sail that extends from the crest of its head.

Indeed, this creature is elusive to spot because its colorful skin morphs to match that of its surroundings. However, three bright spots along its wings are always reflective and occasionally glowing, which give Glimmer Birds away to any with a sharp eye. When not cloaked in their camouflage, the male birds’ leathery skin is a bright blue while the female’s are a deep and rich red. Like most creature in the east, they are opportunistic feeders; however, their size—roughly a massive eagle—makes them dangerous only to small foals.

• Found in: Eastern fringes of the Eastern Flats inland desert, Halyven, Halcyon Flats

Harpax

These predators are the size of mountain lions, but that is where the resemblance between them and any known species of feline ends. Their bodies are hairless and muscular, built for hunting in the forest of Solanis. Large feathers sprout from their shoulders and can be flared to help leap from tree to tree. Their head is dominated by a hard, black exoskeleton that protects their brain from damage and shields their eyes while hunting.

Like the forest they are native from, these predators are splattered with vibrant colours. Horses are their favoured prey and it is strongly encouraged that you keep an eye out while wandering the deceptively peaceful world of Solanis.

• Found in: Solanis, though they seem to be spreading to the Siren's Summit

Ignatis

A mixture of bird and something vaguely canid, these bright creatures are theorized to be a distant relative of the Avelis. They have narrow wolf-like faces, with a bright red crest, and double wings—a main pair, and a smaller pair on their front legs. Their upper sides are black, with red markings, their bellies white, and they end in a split swallow's tail. The Ignates grow to be about the size of a Peregrine falcon.

They form colonies of two to five breeding pairs, laying their eggs and raising their young together and fending off predators—and rivals—with high-pitched shrieks, growls, and aggressive displays involving their wingspan and impressive crests. Typically, they live in hard-to-reach and rocky places, though some subspecies have adapted to living in more open or vegetated conditions.

• Found in: Rainforest Cliffs, Floating Key, Halyven, Bloodmountains, Aurora Tundra, Siren's Summit, Solanis, Heated Heart

Island Swallow

The Island Swallow is a small brown bird that nests in sea caves and on sheltered cliff ledges, in massive colonies easily reaching the hundreds. Their song is near-silent, though when the whole flock is chirping it add's a beautiful hum to the acoustics of the cave. It is said that the soundwaves of their chirping has mild healing qualities.

• Found in: Ultima, Rainforest Cliffs, Floating Key, Riptide Isles

Kalofin

A beautiful creature that abounds in the warm seas, it hunts small fish and Crazed Cuttles in the open ocean and shorelines. Their colorful purple fins breaching the surf are a playful sign that these smart, curious creatures are either hunting or investigating. Their thin bodies and double tails make them wickedly fast and agile, making it a joy to watch their acrobatic antics as they jump and flip out of waves.

The only time these playful creatures become hostile is when they are protecting their young, as they reproduce in twins but their lithe bodies often lead to miscarriages. They communicate in barks, although it’s said some older creatures are able to mind-speak with land-lubbers before they pass on.

• Found in: All of the temperate oceans

Langulin

A long-limbed and angular herbivore, the Langulin does not appear to be fit to survive in the Frozen North. They grow to slightly larger than the average horse. Four excessively long and bony legs support a thin and hairless trunk. A flat head with ear slits houses a strong jaw and rough molars. Bony protuberances from each side of its jaw are used to break apart ice and find any dry, rough forages hardy enough to grow in the frigid north. Although sparse, those that have tried the Langulin’s meat say it is one of the richest in the Rift.

• Found in: The northern ice plains

Leaf Fairy

These small creatures appear to be made entirely of young Dragonfly Willow leaves and, when not in motion, are nearly indistinguishable from the plant. Mostly nocturnal, their small bodies, which are never larger than three inches in length, give off a soft and beautiful glow. One may entice their beguiling little bodies into motion by humming, singing, or playing music; however, don’t underestimate them because of their size! The moment the music stops, they become incredibly territorial grouches who wish only to tear out hair and dissuade intruders from their "homes".

• Found in: Solanis

Lepaurilas

A tasty snack for any carnivore, the Lepaurilas—fortunately—reproduce very fast. They're frequently found in large, colorful groups, seeming to rely on sheer numbers for their survival. Their bodies are fluffy and rabbit-like, but instead of sensible browns and tans, they're vibrantly colored and come in every hue possible.

Their ears are massive, easily as large as their bodies, and adorned with feathers. The Lepaurilas can fan these out into wings, allowing them to fly or glide, but their flight is generally short and uncontrolled.

A more winter-hardy population is abundant upon the Aurora Tundra, their vibrant bodies making them look like northern lights upon the ground.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse, Aurora Tundra

Loricatrunc

These solitary giants are a rarity. Found at the base of Uwaritace, they seem to act as guardians of the dead mother tree. Mostly standoffish and disinterested in any other life, beware if you irritate or anger them! Their rage knows no end until the focus of their violence is smashed to pieces beneath their plated trunk, spiked tail, and many sharp tusks.

They communicate with calls too low to be heard; however, travellers will always know when they are communicating as one can feel the call rattle through bones. If you dare, the dark grey ivory that form their tusks and facial plates is said to be some of the strongest and most beautiful in all the worlds.

They arrived in the Rift in 1168, with Uwaritace.

• Found in: Uwaritace

Lumenar

The Lumenari are tiny, bright creatures; a curled-up Lumenar could easily fit in the palm of a hand. Their bodies are elongated and reptile-like, with scales in fancifucl colors and patterns. They have four legs: the front ones resemble those of frogs, offering good grip, while the hind ones have tiny, sharp claws. They sport several diaphanous wings, though all pairs but the main one are very small.

These little fellows can light up in several ways. Most can light up the tips of their whiskers, some can light up the patterns on their bodies, their wings, etc. They feed on small insects and morning dew, and they are fast, curious, and chirpy. And they like to steal tiny trinkets.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse

Luplux

• Reference: What a Luplux from another family pack might look like

The ‘glow wolves’ are a very varied species that extends across the Rift, though originated in the Frozen North and often retreats there during the heat of Scorch. Living in small to medium sized family packs, each group has a unique appearance due to inbreeding. However, for some unknown reason, this species appears to be immune to the dangers of inbreeding, except for the occasional stillborn litter.

Most luplux have a grey to black coat, with neon ruff and/or tail that glows at night. Used for hunting, this bright fur will flash to stun their prey for precious moments before the pack takes down their meal. Some peculiar groups of the south and east eat only fish, while other groups in the west eat only insects.

• Found in: All of the Rift; rare outside of the Frozen North in Scorch

Magnus Metus

Found only in the very dark, shadowed, misted depths of the Green Labryinth is the Magnus Metus. Its pale, flesh-colored skin is soft and thin, preventing it from ever venturing outside the moist air or darkness. Eyeless and jawless, this terrifyingly large creature (ranging 2-4m tall) is an ambush predator that waits for hopelessly lost souls to venture close enough to its massive, bone-crushing claws. Rotating teeth at the end of its long snout core out chunks of flesh for it to swallow whole.

They are solitary creatures, and nothing is known about their breeding habits... would you like to be the one to study them?

• Found in: Green Labyrinth

Megamoth

A solitary hunter of the Frozen North, the megamoth is a frightening creature of fearsomely large teeth and claws. Growing up to the size of a medium horse, this predator blends remarkably - and scarily - well into the cold and snow for its bulky size. Like most creatures of the north, it has bulk and brawn of the northern’s token bear god. Thick, white, and surprisingly downy-soft fur covers its thick, stout, quadruped body. Powerful shoulders, short neck, and heavy jaws are compact and thickly lined with muscle.

However, its ears are the only brightly colored part of this beast, and how it gained its name: plumed pinnas spread from its skull akin to a moth’s wings. Varying in color, they are actually quite beautiful, and some brave, twisted souls have been said to collect them. The Megamoth uses these ears to find other megamoths during mating season. They are able fold flush with the neck so as to not give the megamoth away to its prey while hunting.

• Found in: Frozen North

Mirage Wolf

They are likely hallucinations of the very frostbitten and hypothermic that glimpse a Luplux, but there’s stories of a pack of wolves roaming the Aurora Tundra. Their bodies shift hue in sync with the northern lights, and they leave a trail of stardust wherever they go. No one will believe you if you tell them you’ve seen mirage wolves.

• Found in: Aurora Tundra

MITN

Originally called the “Monster in the North,” the acronym was shortened to ‘MITN’ which is what this beast is now colloquially called. There is only one MITN, and it lives in the highest, iciest, coldest, stormiest reaches of the Bloodmountains range. This creature was nearly the god of the North, overwhelming even Vourib’s strength and size. However, the MITN fell to his own vicious tendencies, lacking Vourib’s truth and justice, and so the bear god pushed the beast to the farthest reaches of the mountains.

The MITN is a wicked monster, having four limbs and long and thick tail. Red of the Blood Falls glows through his skin from his jowls and throat. A heavily armored face gives way to thick horns and a spiked ridge along his neck. Four sets of red-yellow eyes glare at the world with an unmatched feral ferocity. Teeth of nightmares readily devour any and all who dare approach this monster. Though the almost-god does have mythical armor that many have tried, and failed, to steal from him...

There is only one MITN, and thus, it cannot be chosen as a companion.

• Found in: Bloodmountains

Morsmoth

One of the more menacing creatures, the Morsmoth is both dangerous and difficult to kill. Their shape resembles a moth's, but they're much larger, and have a bared, skull-like head with strong jaws and sharp teeth. Their wingspan easily surpasses one yard, though few grow beyond one and a half. They feed on the flesh of larger creatures, sinking their spurred wings into the body of their prey and ripping chunks of flesh from them.

Their undersides are a vibrant, warning-blue, with the upperside covered in a hard, barbed green protective shell of sorts. They sleep curled up into defensive balls.

They communicate via low, alien sounds, and it is said their song is the most beautiful and haunting of all.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse, Green Labyrinth, Ennunyenda

Mothcat

These critters are small, cute, and harmless. No bigger than a kitten, they are light-weight and soft. Their body resembles that of a small cat, but on their back grow wings, and they have antennae, like butterflies. Contrary to their name, Mothcats can resemble both moths and butterflies, meaning they come with all colors and wing-shapes. Some have an extra pair or two of legs, giving them a somewhat caterpillar-like appearance.

Mothcats feed on small insects, carrion, and nectar. They are capable of flight.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse

Mountain Shrieker

Theorized to once have been the apex predators of the northern coasts, the Mountain Shriekers—then, of course, not known as Mountain Shriekers—were likely ousted by the arrival of the Ursocs. However, they adapted, abandoning the coast for mountains, but still clearly bear the mark of having been a water-living species. They stand upon four robust legs, with long digits ending in thick claws, and their tail is still that of a whale's. Nor have they lost the rubber-like quality of their skin, or their dorsal fins. Their jaws have become more mobile and their muzzles longer, and these days, the Mountain Shriekers have ears.

They spend most of their days lying in water pools and mountain lakes, and that's when they're the least dangerous. With their incredibly bad eyesight but keen hearing, these great monsters lurk in deep shadow, only to burst out shrieking when hearing the approach of a creature—their own form of echolocation. They both listen to the bounced sound waves as well as feel them on the very sensitive skin on their faces. They are surprisingly, and terrifying, quick and nimble.

• Found in: The Heimasborg, Bloodmountains

Mountain Walker

A sub-species of Walker, like the Desert and Forest Walkers, the Mountain Walker is a secretive and elusive monster of the north. This northern variant is coated in a thick - but smooth - fur, while a great mass of blubber spreads beneath its pale hide. White to grey-blue in color, its mottled hue allows it perfectly blend into the northern scapes of the Aurora Tundra. Thin lines of reddish brown streak through its warm coat and allow it, on occasion, to prowl the Bloodmountains with concealed ease during Freeze.

Eyeless, as all Walkers are, its skull holds only a large jaw with many serrated teeth that are replaced like sharks teeth. Powerful hindlimbs end in sharp claws that it uses to eviscerate prey; a thick tail aids in balance, fat storage, and stunning prey. Four forelimbs have hooked-claws use to latch onto the back of its victims.

• Found in: Frozen North

Musical Manatee

A species unique to the Rift, the manatees are trunked, limbed, and tusked. They will hum happily through the knotted roots of the mangrove swamps; however, as soon as their song stop, they will open their mouths to reveal their rows of sharp teeth and tusks. Very voracious carnivores, they will eat any living creature still found in the water. Despite having limbs, the cannot go on land as their sheer weight and mass would crush their lungs and heart.

• Found in: Mangrove Tidepools, Floating Key

Naridon

The more accessible beast of the Southern Sea, this terrible titan is not as large as the Baleano. However, it is just as vicious. This dark, fluorescent predator boasts too many sharp teeth to count and a ridge of too many razor sharp points along its back. Its glowing markings are similar to the Pistris, in that colors mark it sex—blue for males, orange for females. Four fins allow it to move for short distances on land, making it all the more dangerous of a predator. It hunts in shallow and deep water alike.

• Found in: All of the temperate oceans

Nectar Dragon

The Nectar Dragon is a small—just an inch tall—insect, of sorts. With a small, plump body and underdeveloped limbs and tail, the fat and vaguely lizard-like dragon relies on two pairs of diaphanous wings to get around. They have large, sensitive eyes, and feed upon nectar. Their tongue is long and they launch it into the flower, much like how certain amphibians and lizards feed on insects.

While the Dragon can change color depending on their mood, they typically take on the color of whatever flower they're currently feeding from.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse

Nelayan

The Nelayan is seen by many as the smaller cousin of the Cyanolutra, and despite the fact that they share the same primary food source (fish, though the Nelayan hunts deeper, if possible), the two coexist peacefull side by side. Smaller and more compact than the Cyanolutra, the Neleyan has a rotund, tan body, with darker limbs and a helmet-like marking on their head, leaving their faces bright. While they breathe air, they live primarily in the water, sleeping curled up in groups on the riverbanks. They're shy of other species, but playful once relaxed, though beware their small, sharp teeth!

They are clearly developed for a sub-aquatic life, with transparent fins stretching along their sides, and a dorsal fin upon their back. The fins along their sides they can slick to their body, allowing them to swim with minimal resistance. Akin to angler fish, they have a lantern of sorts growing from their forehead. They can hold their breaths for ten minutes.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse

Nighura

A menace the east, this apex predator remains (thankfully) relatively small in population. However, what it lacks in numbers it makes up for in size. Standing at a massive 10m with the top of its crests’ horns, the Nighura is akin to a demonic and overgrown scorpion. A large head with glowing, orange, predatory eyes sits atop a long and recurved neck armored with spiked scutes.

The males tend to be smaller than the females as they need to be nimble to to escape the cannibalistic post-mating rituals of the females. Additionally, the males have black points on their hellish pincers and scutes; while the females have pale grey points. Only the females’ bite is poisonous, though it is a weak poison; the males rely on the powerful crushing of their serrated pincers to obtain prey. They are opportunistic hunters, though have evolved to not need often meals due to the desert’s harsh climate.

• Found in: Eastern Flats inland desert

Owlcat

Likely related to the gryphons of some other realm, Owlcats are small, fierce, and cute. About the size of a regular housecat, they come in all types and colors, though common for all are their tall, feathered ears, beaks, and large, vibrant eyes. Several sport some type of elemental growths, such as leaves, vines, or rock-like scales, or patterns both fantastical or more austere. Most have a growth of some sort at the tip of the tail, which they can cause to glow during play or threatening displays.

Owlcats should not be underestimated, for though they generally hunt small rodents and ignore larger creatures, if you piss them off they'll gang up on you and peck you mercilessly!

• Found in: Heated Heart, western Bloodmountains

Palubov

• Reference: One

Also known as the Swamp Bull, this creature lives in the bogs surrounding Siren’s summit. They are an always male, generally darkly colored bovine species with grossly elongated neck. Thick hair masses along their body, and two horns sprout from their brow. However, their most dangerous feature are two short tusks that sprout from their lower jaw, as they are razor sharp and coated with their saliva.

Palubov saliva is infamous throughout the Rift. Though incredibly dangerous to obtain, in small doses it increases libido, induces (reportedly) the most pleasurable intimacy, increases virility in males and fertility in females. However, imbibe too much and it will cause black-out rage in males, and a lustful stupor in females. The latter is the beast’s natural use of his saliva: it will ambush and charge an unsuspecting female of any species, stab her with his tusks, and then impregnate her with his seed. Though a difficult pregnancy, it usually lasts only one season, and the always-male calves are born able to fend for themselves.

• Found in: Siren's Summit, Ennunyenda's foothills

Pangomouse

Tiny and armless, these creatures stand upon sturdy hind legs and balance with the help of a thick tail. They are small, just about hoof-sized, but have a lot of attitude anyway. They have no qualms about yelling at you if you're about to step on them.

Their bodies are covered in soft fur, ranging from browns through grays to white, but hard scales overlap and cover their backs and faces. When threatened, the Pangomouse can curl up into a ball, effectively shielding themselves from most things. The scales are remarkably strong, but difficult to work into something useful, given their tiny size.

The Pangomouse feeds mainly on insects, nuts, and berries, and they prefer living in dry, rocky terrains.

• Found in: Glaring Geysirs, Espoir Canyons, Hraunor, The Pinnacle, Halyven

Pavo Cat

These brightly coloured felines are a common site in the forest of Solanis. The males of this species are vibrantly coloured, with their front half being cat like, but bright iridescent blue in colour, and their back and hind legs are covered in rich green feathers. Like peafowls, they sport long, feathered tails that can be fanned out for intimidation or mating displays.

The female pavo cats have smaller tails, and are less vibrantly coloured but have more variety in their coat and feather combinations - black and white are the two most common colours for the females. They are agile hunters and hunt the small creatures that are found in the forest.

• Found in: Solanis

Pinus Ambulo

The ‘walking pine’ is found roaming between the swampy land surrounding the Siren’s summit and the pine forest on its slopes, this giant creature somehow manages to hide in plain sight. Though fearsome when first seen, it is actually a gentle giant that eats mostly insects and plant life, though will feast on the occasional small bird. Some think it to be a distant relative of the great turtle who supports Floating Key, as the older specimens may sport large amounts of growth and life on its limbs and back. Anything fashioned from its woody and stoney flesh will often grow a sentience of its own.

• Found in: Siren's Summit, occasionally encroaching on Solanis, the Green Labyrinth, or the foothills surrounding Ennunyenda

Pistris

A monster of the not-so-deep, the Pistris is a great shark that has been known to scour coastlines and deep oceans alike. It’s massive mouth is filled with serrated teeth. A thick, powerful tail can propel it well out of the water, while strong and clawed pectoral fins allow it to drag itself partially out of the water. Deep blue to black in color, it bioluminesces along it’s sharply spiked spine in accordance to its gender: blue for males and orange for females.

• Found in: All of the temperate oceans

Plumarhino

At no more than knee-height (at the top of their heads, to boot), the Plumarhino are a kind of good-natured menace. They run around in gaggles, often more than twenty of them. Near-sighted and hyperactive and surprisingly solid, the smaller and unwary have sometimes been tripped up by having one or two or fifteen Plumarhinos smash into their hocks.

No one knows what an adult Plumarhino looks like, so it's generally assumed they never really mature mentally. Physically, they have stout, round bodies with thick skin, but they're covered by a cloak of feathers. Their mouth is beak-like but not hard, their eyes bright, and on their head they have a colorful crest. They appear to be genderless, seemingly hatching in droves out of the rocks near Hraunor. No one knows what they eat, but if you get one to like you, they're excellent at massaging—or tickling—with their flat mouths.

• Found in: Heated Heart, Ennunyenda, The Pinnacle, Tar Pits

Popup Seal

The Popup Seal is an adorable, curious, and friendly ice-dwelling mammal of the Frozen Sea. Earning its name from its ability to magically travel through ice and thus ‘popup’ from seemingly solid ice flows in the Frozen Sea. A telltale iridescent white body with a dark grey face easily sets this seal apart from any other sea life. The blubber of this creature, when eaten in large quantities, provides the consumer with the same ability to move through ice. The Popup Seal’s hide provides the wearer with an imperviousness to cold.

• Found in: Frozen Sea

Quarab

• Reference: One

A small, but prolific, crustaceans lives in the mangroves swamps, tide pools, and Flats. Those in the mangroves appear more drab in color; while those in the tide pools are tinged with brighter hues; and those of the Flats are a startling shade of pink. Great, large eyes aid in their nocturnal behavior; and, on full moons, these stout little crabs may harness the moon’s light between their antennae. Small, glowing tendrils of light glow to attract mates. Aside from their entertaining light show and amusing antics, these creatures are also a delicious delicacy.

• Found in: Mangrove Tidepools, Halcyon Flats

Rainbow Grazer

Large, solitary spots of color dot the cold and barren vistas of the Aurora Tundra and barren ice of the Frozen Sea. One of the only colorful creatures in the North, the giant Rainbow Grazer looks to be a cross between a giraffe, elephant, great ape, and anteater. Males sport large, thick tusks used for breaking apart ice and permafrost soils in order for these giants to use their long tongues to eat roots, worms, and burrowing insects. A thick ruff the same red as the Bloodmountains swaths their necks and extends along their crests.

Males usually sport cool blues/greens long their faces while females are are hued with warmer colors. Babes are born white to camouflage into their frosty surroundings. Strangely, the Grazers stand on knuckles, with hands rather than hooves at the end of their muscular limbs. While not aggressive, they can be provoked to violence if they feel threatened.

• Found in: Frozen North

Rattling Monkey

Found primarily in the Southern forests, this two-foot-tall money is literally a skeleton. It nourishes itself by bathing in and absorbing the nutritious, magical juices of its omnivorous diet, through its bones. The curious, playful creature cannot see, smell or hear, instead of drawing information about its world through a special sensory ability to see magical energy. Surprisingly, it stands among the more intelligent of the Rift's wildlife, for the brain beneath its hard skull is quite large.

• Found in: Rainforest Cliffs, Floating Key

Regaelis

The Regaelis are majestic felines stalking the slopes of the Heated Heart. They are crowned by an impressive crest of feathers, shifting from the pale gray or tan of their fur to black inalid with a bright color: bright cool red for females, and a subtle, iridescent blue for males. Similar feathers grow on their limbs, flanks, and plumed tail. As a matriarchal society, the females are somewhat larger than the males.

For the most part, they hunt smaller prey, though on occasion they've been known to scale up the legs of the Esshings and bring the huge birds down. Typically the Regaelis do not hunt equines, meaning one can be treated to the sight of entire prides sunbathing on the warm rocks, or stalking through the grassses of the Aldrnari Expanse.

• Found in: Heated Heart

Revitaflies

They are glowing, flesh eating flies that thrive in warmer, humid climates, and lay their eggs on dying animals or recently deceased animals, typically while the corpse is still fairly warm or in the process of cooling. The maggots are flesh eating as well, and tunnel through the corpse as they see fit. These maggots and flies carry a parasite that attaches itself to the nervous system and infests the brain, frequently resulting in a "reanimation" of the corpse, so long as it has a functioning brain and enough connections to slightly function. Reanimated corpses are passive, and solely wander until the host body decomposes almost completely.

• Found in: Rainforest Cliffs, Floating Key, Ultima, Riptide Isles, Mangrove Tidepools, Halcyon Flats

Rift Deer

• Reference: One

These are a deadly, carnivorous species of giant deer that lurks in the deepest undergrowth of the Rift. They are known for the pulsating glow that originates within their chest, which is believed to originate from their diet of creatures imbed by Rift's magical forces. They are large, ranging from 10-25ft in height, and have powerful jaws and mouths lined with deadly teeth that allow them to tear prey apart. They're most active in the Freeze, when the nights are longer and hunting packs can be seen more frequently trying to feed their herds. The bucks are less of a threat than the does, who are extremely territorial and efficient killers; but does are far less common to see.

• Found in: All of the Rift

Rocotu

The Rocotu lives around the northern edges of the vast eastern desert. At first glance, this massive creature appears to be a mound of rounded boulders. However, on closer inspection, or movement by the Rocotu, it becomes apparent that these boulders are actually the thick, bony plates of the creatures’ skin. Strong, block jaws and flat teeth reveal that this great, hulking beasts subsists on dry, rough forages as well as some mineral-rich sands.

The females live in bands, but during mating season—late Scorch—the males round up harems. Also during mating season, the thick skin between the plates around the face flush to a deep red. Small eyes afford poor eyesight, so these creatures are easily startled; however, they are quicker to stand their ground rather than attack or flee.

• Found in: The northern and eastern parts of the Eastern Flats inland desert, as well as the Bloodmountains's foothills

Sage Deer

Wandering the brighter parts of the Heated Heart and its surrounding lands is the Sage Deer: muscular and majestic, there is something vaguely canid about their bodies. Both genders of this species sport massive, branching antlers, with several smaller growths protruding from their cervical spine. Their tails are long, ending with a feathered plume. In color, they are variations of earthy tones, including grayish greens.

They are omnivores, but prefer feeding on vegetation and carrion rather than hunt. Otherwise, not much is known about them. They seem to be generally peaceful, and their name comes from the fact that many of them smell like sage. Why they do, no one knows.

• Found in: Glowworm Woods, Aldrnari Expanse

Sand Bird

Sand birds are named quite literally: they are elemental creatures that spend most of their lives dissolved into sand granules in the desert. However, they condenses from sand to ambush and eat unsuspecting insects and small reptiles, as well as to mate. They are medium sized falcons that generally avoid interacting with any other creature.

• Found in: Eastern Flats inland desert

Sand Leech

A plague and parasite of the east, the sand leech can occasionally be found in the southern sandy beaches as well. Sand colored skin and their small size - most merely a few centimeters in length - make them difficult to avoid in sandy environments; however, what they lack in size, they make up for in appetite. Less than ten leeches can leave a large creature weak and anemic within hours, largely because their round, toothy jaws are coated with an anesthetic saliva that prevents a victim from feeling their bite. However, once unlatched, their bites become painfully swollen and occasionally blister.

• Found in: Eastern Flats inland desert, Halcyon Flats, Rainforest Cliffs, Floating Key, Ultima, Riptide Isles

Sceletus

• Reference: One

Found on the slopes of Siren’s Summit, these gigantic creatures are very few in number and are generally willing to ignore the small animals that populate the forests unless they are hunting. A pale, skeletal form that walks at a slow lumbering pace, they are most commonly spotted at dawn and dusk when they seem to emerge from the mountains to hunt. They have a swan-like neck but in place of a beak sport long tentacles that they use to gather their prey into their mouth. A flapped-slit over their mouth is used to spit their venom, which is a paralytic and may be absorbed through the skin. Some braver warriors have used this venom to coat their weapons...but gathering it is quite the feat.

• Found in: Siren's Summit

Screecher

A plague in the West, these bat-like creatures are no larger their distant vampire bat cousins. Unlike their distant family, Screechers are flightless—though they do rely on their voices for feeding. However, it is in an entirely different manner: when these nearly blind creatures sense the pulsing blood of their next meal, they emit a loud and high-pitched screech—thus their name—that renders their prey immobile for a few, long moments. The pale creatures’ long limbs then leap into action, it’s curved jaw and hook-like teeth plunging into the largest and shallowest vein they can find.

Their long proboscis-like upper lip secretes an anti-coagulant, which allows it to freely slurp up its blood meal. Though usually not fatal, some larger species have been known to open vital arteries during vigorous feedings.

• Found in: Western Mists

Shade Vulture

A bird hybrid, though none are quite sure of bird and what, this ominous creature feeds on darkness. Shade Vultures find meals in both the literal absence of light and in the darkening of a soul with hate, fear, or sadness. Grossly oversized talons and legs support a willowy body and long, slender neck. Overgrown wings cast unmistakably large shadows wherever they flock. A pale body is offset by black-as-night feathers over their wings, neck, and face. Their faces are flat, with brightly burning white, pupil-less eyes. A thin line beneath their sunken nostrils denotes the location of a mouth, but none are truely sure if they have one for it never opens.

• Found in: Aurora Tundra, The Heimasborg, Bloodmountains and the Blood Falls, Halyven, Tar Pits, The Pinnacle, Green Labyrinth, Uwaritace, Rainforest Cliffs

Siren

• Reference: One

These creatures live only in the lake beneath the Summit of their name, coming from a world entirely alien to the Rift. They possess neither neon glow, nor any bright markings. A long, slender, agile tail sports a tell-tale dorsal fin that provides the only warning before the swift creatures strike. Not that this warning is particularly useful because, true to their lore, the siren’s whale-like song can lull an unsuspecting or feeble-minded traveller into an impressionable trance.

But these are curious creatures with tentacle-like hair and intelligent, dark eyes that one may even consider beautiful, even when not trapped in the siren’s trance. Yet it would take a very brave and curious soul to converse with those sharp, jutting teeth...

• Found in: Siren's Summit

Slime Dragon

A rarity of the tide pools, these small blue amphibian creature is, surprisingly, rather deadly. Firstly, its skin secretes a toxic slime that, in small doses, has psychedelic properties. Secondly, it harbors two sharp black spurs on its ventrum that inject a poison that is fatal even in minute doses. Luckily, this small creatures subsists on Quarabs and uses its poison for hunting them as well as for defense. So, though they are rare, take care where you step in the pools!

• Found in: Mangrove Tidepools, Halcyon Flats

Snargli

The snargli are giant flesh-eating slugs that grow between 30cm and 2m in length. While quite slow and easy to outrun for a fully grown and healthy equine, they pose a real threat to young, disabled, or absent-minded prey. Vibrantly colored in many varying patterns, they blend in well with the surroundings and thrive in damp, moist environments. The males carry giant shells on their backs while the females tend more towards frilly appendages and extra antennae. Some of the more omnivorous Natives claim that the meat is a delicacy... Preparation would take some amount of skill however, as the slime the Snargli exude is acidic and easily burn its way through both leather and softer metals.

• Found in: Rainforest Cliffs, Ultima, Floating Key, Mangrove Tidepools; occasionally found in the Western Mists during unseasonably damp Scorches

Specotes

• Reference: One

These gentle giants roam the forests and swamps of the West in small herds. They resemble rhinos, but with a fish-like face, and are semi-aquatic - their hide is incredibly thick and hard, almost impossible to cut through. Despite Uwaritace’s death, they make an annual trek to gather beneath her branches to nest and raise their young. They are herbivorous and typically peaceful, but be wary of them when they are in their nesting area because they are fiercely protective and will not tolerate intruders. On the rare calm night, they use their extendable throat to bellow low, sad tunes.

• Found in: Western Mists, Glowworm Woods

Swamp-Stalker

A large, boar like animal with tusks that curl up and over its head. It's skin is slimy and covered with moss, which gives them a foul odor. They are highly aggressive, and use their long claws (think, giant sloth) and pointed teeth to maul any creature that comes too close for comfort. They have long and pointed ears, and hide in thickets below the mire in wait of prey. Horses are generally too large to be predated upon, but they will defend themselves viciously when threatened.

• Found in: The wetter parts of: Siren's Summit, Ennunyenda, Rainforest Cliffs, Mangrove Tidepools

Tarnik

The mountain goat of the north, this ubiquitous species can be seen in the Bloodmountains and in the Aurora Tundra. Being unfortunately rather stupid, it is a staple diet for all the brawny northern predators.

Hefty in build, the Tarnik has a thick and pale coat with dark stripes along its haunches and dots along its neck for camouflage. Its legs and underside are stained red by the mountain's red soil. Both males and females are thickly bearded and horned, the difference between the sexes being a long and dark tuft at the end of male’s tails. Horns are coated in fur as well, being split and hooked at the tips to aid in scaling glaciers and icy peaks.

• Found in: Bloodmountains, Blood Falls, Aurora Tundra, The Heimasborg

The Protector

Very little is know about this great beast, other than what it looks like. A smooth and plated hide the color of pale sand with strong hind limbs and armored, two-toed forelimbs makes the beast that is nearly twice the size of the largest horse. Glowing tendrils of the same light that shines from the Pinnacle reveals this creature’s name and purpose: it guards the glowing entrance to the great mount.

There is only one Protector, and thus, it cannot be chosen as a companion.

• Found in: The Pinnacle

Titan

Titans are massive and ancient beasts that surely arrived from Caevoc’s original world because they are camouflaged to the point of not being seen, unless fighting. Indeed, these great creatures are believed to live only in the mangrove swamps and salt flats, for that is when their earth shaking battles reveal them.

Titans stand erect on two limbs, with great webbed claws at the end of both arms and legs. Towering over the tallest of trees, as their name implies, they attack each other with claws and jagged jaws that split their elongated, bony-browed skulls. It is assume they fight for mating, as males will fight other males to warn them out of their territory as well as fight females into submission in order to breed. Though, not much more is known about them as they remain unseen for the remainder of their lives. However, their battles - occurring once every few years - leave huge swaths of destroyed land in their wake.

• Found in: Mangrove Tidepools, Halcyon Flats; after the destruction of the Flats some have migrated to the mountains around Halyven, and the eastern edges of the inland desert

Touttle

• Reference: One

A tortoise-like creature whose carapace has a remarkable affinity for attracting and holding onto things, particularly magical items. The Touttle is believed to be smaller cousins to the great turtle that supports the Floating Key. Though still slow, these creatures move rather fast for being in the turtle family. It is a herbivore and, as one would expect, is rather passive and aloof to others.

• Found in: All of the temperate oceans

Trilizard

One of the larger predators of the Rainforest Cliffs, this avid hunter is a terror when crossed. With the body of a lizard, and excessively long tail, short and frilled wings, three heads, and covered in razor-sharp scales, these opportunistic feeders are fast and voracious. Slow growing but long-lived, the younger specimens may be as small as a hoof, while the older ones may be three times the size of the largest equine.

As as they usually contain both henders between their three heads, they are able to self-fertilize their own eggs. They are careless parents and their broods are easily raided by other creatures for scrumptious meals. However, beware being caught by the odd protective mother! The tips of their short, gliding wings possess poison darts that they may throw at victims. Their poison is a short-acting, but painful, paralytic, lasting no more than a few seconds. However, the Trilizard moves so quickly that rarely is any more time needed.

• Found in: Rainforest Cliffs

Twogia

These tall, lanky creatures that prefer the northern reaches of the desert and the dry grasslands that stretch before the northern mountains. A leathery hide stretches over a sturdy, skeletal body. Copious grazers, they often leave barren wastelands in their wake. Luckily for the grasslands, they live only in small family groups that migrate over large areas.

• Found in: The northern and eastern parts of the Eastern Flats inland desert, as well as the Bloodmountains's foothills

Velella

Also known as "By-The-Wind-Sailers,” these are small creatures less than a foot in size that float along the ocean’s surface. However, once touched, they inflate to horse-sized and are hardy enough to support flotation of other creatures! Eventually, however, the Velella deflate and will trap and consume whatever is on its surface, making it incredibly difficult to escape.

• Found in: All of the temperate oceans

Ursoc

Deceptively cuddly-looking, the Ursoc is anything but cuddly. It is the lord of the frigid northern coast, a loner all but the foolhardy steer clear of. Its body is sturdy and solid like a Vorbear's, but the tail longer, as if it had once been more, or simply different, than it is now. In color, they are mostly black, with white undersides and markings.

The Ursoc mainly hunts upon land, but they are proficient swimmers.

• Found in: Frozen Sea, Aurora Tundra

Vorbear

Made in the image of Vourib, Vorbears are large, snowy white bears - and just as Vourib was strong and just, so were they. Vorbears often offered the hypothermic to snuggle into the lee of their large, fluffy bodies, or went out of their way to guide the lost and cold to food and shelter. Since Vourib lost direction so have the Vorbears, growing increasingly hostile and suspicious, though a few retain a somewhat more gentle nature. They grow to be about the size of a large horse, and, further adding to the legend of Vourib having arrived of his own voilition, they seem relatively unmarked by the Rift. Though, in later generations, small and blue crystal growths have begun to appear on their bodies.

• Found in: Frozen North

Vulviper

As if siren’s weren’t enough, this small but crafty predator calls the lake in Siren’s Summit its home. The head is distinctly fox-like, but scales take the place of most of the fur and the front legs are claw like. The tail of his aquatic creature is snake like, with a small line of coarse fur that trails down its spine.

Although deadly on land, the Vulviper prefers to hunt in the water. They have been known to do tricks and perform for watchers in order to lure them into a sense of safety before they attack.

• Found in: Siren's Summit, and occasionally other nearby lakes

Wyrm

Distantly related to ‘classic dragons', Wyrms found their way into the Rift a long time ago and has adapted perfectly to the conditions there. Possessing no legs, they do have rather large wings that are capable of sustained flight. They eat almost anything they can catch and can also may consume magical energy for sustenance. Thus, they are perhaps among the worst afflicted by the taint of the Rift. Twisted and foul with a keen intelligence and ruthless nature, they are notoriously difficult to kill and are often equaled to natural disasters as a single wyrm would be enough to seriously threaten the safety of an entire herd.

Fortunately they rarely leave the distant tops of the Bloodmountains, though younger specimen sometimes come down in search of new territory and wreak havoc upon the regions as they go.

• Found in: Bloodmountains