Hunter's Journal

Master Hunter of the Fifth Fleet, now venturing to the Forbidden Lands. This is a record of my findings and experiences. . ((This account is a lot of theory, not everything I write is canon!)) ((All photos and videos are taken by me unless stated otherwise! Please credit if used! Header Image is from Capcom))

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents for my research journal

Entry 1 - Three Days Out

Entry 2 - The Last Hours

Entry 3 - The Journey Thus Far

Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Ceratonoths and Nothpeckers

Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Chatacabra and Bulaqchi

Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Talioths and Windrustlers

Ecology Addendum - Windward Plains - Talioths

Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Balahara

Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Quematrice

Ecology Entry - Scarlet Forest/Windward Plains - Doshaguma

Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Seikret

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Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Seikret

Trusted mounts of the people of Kunafa and now the Hunter's Guild, these bird wyverns have formed strong bonds with people.

Seikrets are small bird wyverns native to the Eastlands with current domestic (and assumed wild) populations within the Windward Plains. From my understanding of Guild Records, this is the first instance of a wyvern not only being tamed, but being domesticated as well. As other scholars suggest, Seikrets likely came into contact with early Kunafans in the more cavernous regions of the Windward Plains while the Sandtide raged. Within in likely a short time, Seikrets and humans learned neither posed a threat, and with the abundance of food that comes with agricultural practices, the Seikrets would've stuck around human settlements. This toleration would've to bonds between the two species and the eventual usage as mounts.

Seikrets are incredibly social and intelligent animals which would've aided in the eventual domestication of the Seikret by the Kunafans. Seikrets are communal ground nesters, with alloparental care of young being a common behavior for Seikrets. As Seikret and human connections strengthened, humans naturally became a "part" of the Seikrets' flock. We see in modern day Kunafa, Seikrets and the Kunafans interact with each other on a daily from hatchlings and children to adults and their riders. We've been informed by Y'sai and Nona that Seikrets typically allow for only one rider that they've formed a bond with. Y'sai even told me how Cheri, my Seikret, was quite a stubborn until I came along. Their understanding of someone's intent and emotions is fascinating, preferring kind and courageous riders. This may stem from their early domestication, as if the Seikret are selecting for favorable traits like the Kunafans have done while raising Seikrets. In action, I can attest to their boldness as Cheri has saved me from some very dangerous situations. Overall, it seems Seikret domestication has seemingly been built upon generations of trust and care to produce these tight bonds between human and Seikret.

Seikrets are unique for Guild Research as they are one of the few wyvern species with not only has had observed hatchlings, but have been amply studied. Seikret young are precocial, with fluffy white down feathers covering most of the body to protect from the harsh elements of the Windward Plains. These natal down feathers assist with thermal regulation and would be incredibly important as the Windward Plains, like other arid environments, experiences high temperature shifts from day to night. The color of their plumage also aids in camouflage against the sand and shrubs in the plains, an adaptation important for these ground nesters. Seikret hatchlings are very social, usually gathering in groups together and with adults. It's also a common sight to see Kunafan children and young Seikrets playing through the village.

In our first foray into the Eastlands, the Seikrets we encountered in Kunafa were a mix of blue and green with a tan-white coloration on the ventral side. According to the Kunafans, Seikret plumage and patterns can change or become more pronounced depending on diet. As more Seikrets have been adopted by the Hunters of the Guild, this has become quite apparent. With the sheer diversity of Seikret coloration I have come across, I would also like to suggest a theory that genetics may also play a role alongside diet. It's a loose theory based solely on observations, but I believe there is a genetic factor that influences the expressed patterns and pigments with dietary changes. This may have also aided in flock identification and fitness when it came to wild Seikrets. Seikrets are omnivores that can eat a variety of food, it's why the Kunafan Seikrets tend towards the green and blues from their mostly grain-based diets. When it comes to Hunter Seikrets, their plumage exploded in diversity as Hunters eat a lot of different foods and we have fed our Seikrets equally diverse foods. Brighter plumage may work in ways like we've seen in other species, to show fitness to potential mates. It doesn't seem the sex of the Seikret matters, as both males and females can have bright or dull plumage. This may also decrease potential inbreeding, as certain patterns and colors maybe used as a form of kin-recognition.

Seikret exhibit a wide range of movement, perfect for traversing the varied terrain of the Eastlands. Along with their ability to glide with their winged forearms, Seikret also have the tendency to sprint on all four appendages for maximum speed. Such behavior has only been seen in these bird wyverns, seemingly a special adaptation for increased speed and agility, even if for a short period. This powerful burst of speed gives the Seikret ample time to loose a predator or close the distance between small prey.

The existence of a not only tamed, but domesticated species of wyvern was a groundbreaking discovery. This rarity seemingly came about due to very important traits within the species and environmental factors that brought humans in contact with Seikrets. They are incredible and unique animals that have given us great insight in the lives of bird wyverns. If domestication like this is possible, I wonder what other wyvern or adjacent species might be as well.

((OOC Note: It has been TOO long since my last post! Life got in the way but I had this in the drafts nearly complete! Also, big thanks to Unnatural History Channel for inspiration in this post, especially in the section with the hyperlink to his Seikret Video. His channel is linked in this post!))

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Ecology Entry - Scarlet Forest/Windward Plains - Doshaguma

Big, furry, and fearsome, these fanged beasts roam between the Scarlet Forest and Windward Plains.

Doshaguma are large, aggressive fanged beasts native to the Scarlet Forest but can also be found in the Windward Plains hunting in large packs. Within the Scarlet Forest, Doshaguma are solitary and incredibly territorial, using their mass along with their sharp claws and robust jaws when engaging with threats and prey. They have quite small eyes which suggests poorer eyesight but it may work in the favor of the Doshaguma's aggression. With tough growths on the head, a thick mane around the neck and back, and equally strong muscles, Doshaguma rush head first into conflict.

Doshaguma truly are tough animals, taking a lot discouraged from their territory or prey items. If a Doshaguma is especially distressed in an engagement, they can flush their muscles with what is a likely a type of hormone (possibly epinephrine and testoserone) to give a bulkier appearance all while hitting much harder. This is characterized by a loud roar, followed by old wounds having a high chance of reopening. This muscular flush and "rage" is reminiscent of the fanged wyvern Odogaron, but not as intensive on the body it seems. Being quite distantly related, this would be an example of convergent evolution if the process is indeed similar.

When in the Windward Plains, the Doshaguma will form packs that hunt together with a strict hierarchy of one alpha and the subordinate Doshaguma. These pack structures are not familial nor permanent of any kind. In fact, these packs are completely self serving to the individuals. According to Astrum Unit's Biologist, Erik, the Doshaguma in the Windward Plains hunt together due to the lack of resources during the fallow. A group allows them to take bigger risks against tougher prey which means an easier chance for a higher quality meal for weaker Doshaguma.

The Alpha Doshaguma can be determined from the slightly larger size and red coloration of the top of the main. Although there is currently little evidence to support this, I have a feeling these roving packs of Doshaguma are likely males. Perhaps dominance and strength tests for males occur outside the mating season, establishing this hierarchy before mating. When entering back into the Scarlet Forest, perhaps Alpha individuals are able to claim larger more productive swathes of territory and secure better mating selection. This is all rough theory as we do know Doshaguma move about either region due to multiple, varying environmental pressures. Most Doshaguma in the packs do not attempt to challenge the Alpha, as the Alpha's much larger size and heightened strength may make even the boldest of Doshaguma to think twice. For those strong few, being Alpha means first choice when it comes to a meal. The Alpha will muscle past it's subordinate Doshaguma until its hunger is satisfied, and willingly scare others into waiting for their turn. This doesn't mean some weaker individuals can't sneak in a few bites before the Alpha is finished, leading to our conclusions of an individualistic pack dynamic.

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Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Quematrice

With a grand red crest and blazing tail, a species of brute wyvern roam the Windward Plains for carrion.

Quematrice are aggressive brute wyverns that are obligate scavengers native to the Windward Plains. On their head, a large red crest reminiscent of combs found on some true birds and bird wyverns. It might very well be the same kind of structure as those found in the aforementioned groups, which would suggest it uses this structure for temperature regulation and display. This would make sense for the Quematrice as the Windward Plains is a relatively dry region with high temperatures. Intraspecific competitions have been observed many times between Quematrice individuals.

Quematrice will fight fiercely when encountering one another. It is currently unknown if observed fights have been between just males, females, or between both sexes. I personally theorize these are mostly males competing to hold territory that averages high amounts of carrion. When we look at the Windward Plains, Quematrice tends to stay in the more vegetated areas near the rivers and caves. This is also where species like Ceratonoths and Dalthydons tend to gather, meaning higher potential for deceased individuals. When Quematrice encounter each other, they begin with their dominance displays, which include showing off the combs, vocalizations, and rapid swaying of their massive tails. If this fails to determine a dominant individual, the Quematrice will engage in a duel. Alongside using their bodies and bites, Quematrice will also use a surprising weapon from their tails. A flammable substance, likely an oil, is secreted within the scales of their tough, bushy tails that vaporize quickly. At the same moment of vaporization, the Quematrice will ignite the vapor by dragging their tails against the ground to create a spark. Whatever individual falls is forced to leave the area, and the victor claims the territory as their own. A male Quematrice who lays claim to a richer territory likely attracts more females, claiming both resources and mating rights. Breeding habits and the rearing of young are currently unknown, but my current assumption is that the male will allow the female(s) to nest in his territory and hatch the young. If I were to theorize more deeply about Quematrice chicks, I would say there is likely only one or two hatched and that they are precocial. With limited resources, it is likely better for Quematrice to invest heavily in one or two chicks before and after hatching. This would allow the offspring to split off sooner rather than later from their parents. It's, of course, unknown if Quematrice pairings stay together or split apart after offspring are hatched/raised fully and more observation is needed.

Quematrice dentation is fascinating. Perhaps the most striking part of the mouth is the two caniniform teeth on the mandible. Their teeth fit into depressions on the maxilla of the mouth and stay exposed even when the mouth is closed. These teeth are very robust, perfect for tearing into carrion left out in the heat. The incisiform teeth on the mandible are also quite large and are somewhat exposed when the mouth is closed. This under bite present in all observed Quematrice specimens is perplexing. Perhaps it has been caused by a widespread deficiency in a nutrient like calcium (though with the amount of bones available, I doubt this is why) or high rates of inbreeding. If there is a genetic component to this, a bottle neck some time in the evolutionary history of Quematrice could have occurred where the more pronounced under bite became widespread in the gene pool. Despite this possibility, the Quematrice seem well adapted with their interesting jaw structure, perhaps there is some advantage i have not yet gleamed from this. Other brute wyverns, like Anjanath and Deviljho, come to mind when it comes to odd jaws and dentation, but their reasons seem to be a bit different from Quematrice.

Quematrice is one of the most fascinating monsters I've encountered in the Eastlands, especially in a land brimming with unique non-wyvern large monsters. This brute has carved out a niche that is obviously a very integral part of the Windward Plains ecosystem. I do look forward to when we receive more data and observations regarding how they go about breeding and rearing young.

Per Audacia Ad Ferae

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Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Balahara

Within the shifting dunes of the Windward Plains, a unique and well adapted leviathan stirs beneath the sand.

Balahara are large fossorial leviathans that spend most of their time beneath the sand or in the subterranean cave systems of the Windward Plains. Their ventral side is a beige-sand color, while the rest of the body is gray-black scales formed of consumed fulgurite. Balahara consumes a lot of inorganic material while digging through sand and rock and expel indigestible/unusable material through ten (five on each side of the neck) gill-like structures. Although Balahara mostly rely on sounds and vibrations, they have rudimentary ocular structures that line the exterior gums of their mouths. These eyes are blue, incredibly small, and numerous across the frontal qnd side portions of the mouth. They're most likely used to sense simple changes in light, which would aid the mostly subterranean Balahara from being above ground at inopportune times. Balahara have also been observed extending their outward most gums and teeth in a "feeler" like motion. When doing this, Balahara make an echoing chittering noise. This is likely a form of information gather combining multiple senses, including sight, sound, and smell.

When it comes to the mouths of the Balahara, this is where things get quite odd. The Balahara have a strange, tripartite jaw structure that is shared with two other leviathans of the Eastlands, namely the Jin Dahaad and Hirabami of the Ice Shard Cliffs. If I am to be honest, I have yet to come up with a reason for this adaptation that I am confident in. Perhaps in the context of Balahara, it has to do with their hunting habits as ambush predators from below the sand, giving them more surface area to latch onto prey and pull them below. They also have the tendency to make pits of loose sand in the desert and wait in the center for prey to fall, in which then the Balahara will drag the prey below into their subterranean dens. The jaw structure may give them an advantage since their limbs wouldn't be useful in grabbing and subduing prey, so the extra surface area, flexibility, and the many layers of teeth gives them a better grip on prey. Their dentation may also suggest a secondary purpose of crushing through tough minerals and rocks as they already ingest inorganic materials. If needed, a Balahara may be able to burrow into tough rock with its mouth while expelling it through it's gill-structures. There is a chance that the caverns below the sands were formed over years over burrowing by Balahara.

Another important note on the mouth is the distinctive structure above the throat with the bright, blue glow. This blue glow is a bacteria that resides within the mouth and the mucus. Some scholars suggest the light aids in some visibility, which could be true, but with how limited their visibility is, I believe this light could be a threat display and/or identification for other Balahara. If Balahara mate in underground caverns, this subtle blue light could signal to other Balahara for a potential paring. It could equally be used to intimidate other monsters, but I doubt it's used as intimidation to other Balahara. Balahara have been witnessed hunting prey in a feeding-frenzy type group rather than a coordinated hunting pack but seem uninterested in competing or fighting one another. Instead, focused on whatever is on the surface.

Balahara are just as agile above ground as they are below and have some tricks to deal with potential threats. When threatened, Balahara can, of course, burrow but also are able to swiftly climb the rocky structures of the plains. From this vantage point, they expel a watery black mucus out of their mouths. This mucus is incredibly slick as well as rich in the bacteria that reside within the mouth of the Balahara. The same mucus can also be sprayed out as a continous stream and may cause irritation to exposed/sensitive tissue and bodily orifices. Balahara have also been observed expelling this mucus on the ground, likely as a territorial marker for other monsters or as a simple waste product.

Overall, Balahara are strange leviathans that need more research done on them. In a concise few words, Balahara are leviathans with unique physiology and equally unique behaviors. As of now, a lot of this is theory and an addendum will likely come in the future for the Balahara. But I hope in due time we can uncover the more mysterious aspects of this incredible animal.

Per Audacia Ad Ferae

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Ecology Addendum - Windward Plains - Talioths

Addendum to "Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Talioths and Windrustlers"

In my most recent journal entry I wrote about Talioths and their pack dynamics as well as their tendency towards bold behaviors. I suggested this is due to their pack dynamics and powerful offensive adaptations and I also suggested possible altruistic pack behaviors. I unfortunately was looking through just a predation lens and neglected these behaviors as also territorial in nature.

Upon further thought, it feels incorrect to suggest that every Talioth attack is truly an attempt at predation, especially since their success rates on large monsters seems to be quite low. Instead, I suggest that most attacks are territorial and defensive rather than offensive.

Talioth packs seemingly stick to certain areas, suggesting possible roosting and nesting grounds since it's almost certain they are ground nesters. This might be similar to the Seikrets and their communal ground nesting habits. If true, this hyper aggressive behavior would be to scare away monsters that are threats to the pack and eggs/young. Although no actual Talioth nests or young have been observed, I do not think it is irrational to say Talioth territoriality possibly comes from this.

Most of this theory still runs off of the assumption that these are familial or at least communal units without a strict hierarchy (as compared to the Old World Raptors). Since we've seen this with the Seikrets, I wonder how common this behavior is with the raptor bird wyverns that lack the obvious alpha structure scholars have catalogued plenty of times before.

Per Audacia Ad Ferae

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Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Talioths and Windrustlers

In the vast stretches of the Windward Plains, two bird wyvern species have carved out an existence among the large monsters.

Talioths are small, predatory, bird wyverns that travel and hunt in packs. Group structure consists of about four individuals with seemingly no true hierarchy like we've seen in other bird wyverns (such as the Old World Raptors). They've been observed initiating hunts together and traveling as a group unit instead of being commanded by a larger alpha individual. More study is required, but I theorize there are likely altruistic behaviors yet seen. This comes from the lack of dominance competitions observed alongside the tight pack dynamics. If these are family units, that might explain the tendency towards high-risk-high-reward hunting with and for the entire pack. We also see groups resting with one another, often while one stands alert for the others. A familial pack might also explain the distinct pack territories we see throughout the Windward Plains, with only one pack in a large area at a time. I have observed two main packs in the Windward Plains, one towards the sandy dunes and the other near the far end of the rivers. Talioth packs likely interact when it comes to the breeding season in order to keep future generations genetically healthy. Perhaps young males are sent off on their own to mate with a female of another pack and start his own. Breeding behavior has never been observed as of now, so this is just theory.

Talioth boldness isn't just from their numbers but also their weaponry. They have large and powerful crossed mandibles, and their feet feature a sickle claw on the medial side of each foot. These adaptations allow the Talioth to tackle prey much larger than themselves.

Talioths use their sickle claw not for slicing and tearing but to hook onto their prey item. This gives them ample opportunity to tear into the larger monster with their powerful jaws, all while staying out of the way of counter attacks. Said jaws are adapted in a way that allows them to deal with even the most armored opponents, but unfortunately for the Talioths, sometimes they bite of more than they can chew. Talioths have been observed to attack very large monsters, including the recently un-extinct flying wyvern, Arkveld. This can lead to higher mortalities in Talioth packs. However, they are not afraid of fleeing. If a hunt seems to be unsuccessful, the pack will retreat before any losses can incur. This suggests a high level of intelligence and communication often associated with bird wyverns.

Windrustlers are tiny bird wyverns endemic to the Windward Plains that travel in large packs of around eight to ten individuals. The common Windrustler is a sandy tan color, save for their distinctive head crest, that blends in perfectly with the grasses and sand of their native range. Windrustlers are likely opportunitistic feeders, their diet mainly consisting of insects like Emperor Hoppers but likely scavange from carrion, small fish, and possiblely eggs and hatchlings from Chatacabra. Windrustlers have also been spotted in Kunafa Village, stealing scraps of food left unattended.

On top of the Windrustler's head is a large, three-pointed, red crest that can be flared upwards to signal to the rest of the pack. It's been observed to be used as a warning for potential predators and where to move/who to follow. Pack dynamics are possibly centered around a head individual, similar to bird flocks, to keep tight coordination to avoid predation and other dangers. Safety is in numbers for the Windrustlers.

The Black Windrustler is a rare variant of the Common Windrustler featuring charcoal black scales and an overall larger frame. From my observations, it seems the Black Windrustler takes a guiding role in Windrustler packs, often seen in the center or front. Other scholars suggest a melanisitic mutation or subspecies, which are possible. However, it might be further development of an older aged Windrustler. I propose this theory due to the low numbers of the Black Windrustlers but being common enough to see regularly. Also, the position we see the Black Windrustler in with Common Windrustlers makes it unlikely it's a true subspecies as it seems perfectly integrated with the Common Windrustler. If it is a mutation, perhaps we're witnessing early speciation of a new Windrustler species, but I do not think it is a true subspecies at this moment.

Addendum on the Talioths

Per Audacia Ad Ferae

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Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Chatacabra and Bulaqchi

One of the first large monsters many will encounter in the Windward Plains is the amphibian, Chatacabra.

These curious animals can be found roaming through most of the Windward plains, but prefer the wet rivers and oases as well as the shaded fulgurite caves of the plains. Both locations are favored by Chatacabra due to their unique behaviors that make them well adapted to the Windward Plains. Being amphibians, they are anamniotes, meaning their eggs lack the barrier that protects the embryo during development (amnion). This means they must spawn in bodies of water to provide the correct conditions for development. Though breeding behaviors haven't been observed yet, the presence of multiple Chatacabra around these bodies of water during the season of plenty suggests this is when mating, spawning, and hatching occur. Chatacabra clutches are likely large and hatch soon after being laid to avoid desiccation once the season of plenty is over and the fallow makes the plains hot and dry again. Larval Chatacabra possibly mature quickly but would serve as ample prey for many of the predators of the plains including Windrustlers when they're eggs or tadpoles and Talioths when they're just finding their way onto land. Individuals who do survive grow to an average of five meters and likely reach sexual maturity as quickly as they grew.

As for the fulgurite caves, the Chatacabra come here for three reason: shade, food, and fulgurite crystals. As amphibians, being out in the hot sun for too long is a bad idea, even for well adapted species like the Chatacabra. Often, they can be found scouring the caves for their preferred prey: Bulaqchi.

Bulaqchi are neopterons that hang on cave walls and ceilings, striking in swarms against any unlucky animal that wander deep into these caves. They use their long proboscis to pierce their prey and inject digestive fluids to dissolve the insides of whatever they're hunting. This allows them to consume their food very efficiently, often before their prey can react. It's also been noted these insects do the same with carrion, making them very opportunistic animals. Bulaqchi are very sensitive too, their forelegs and feathered antennae making them incredibly adept at detecting vibrations and smells. Sensitive enough that even sonic bombs will disorientate them. Despite the effectiveness of these hunters, to the Chatacabra, they're nothing more than a tasty snack.

For the fulgurite crystals themselves, Chatacabra exhibit a fascinating behavior of using the surrounding rocks and minerals as armor. Chatacabra have very long tongues that they use for both hunting and covering there highly developed forelimbs in a sticky mucus produced in their saliva. They then stick strong materials on there forelimbs when threated, making even strong hunter weapons bounce off. Chatacabra aren't afraid to explore even riskier areas for prime crystal locations as many have been seen scaling the fulgurite caves to where large mounds of crystals have formed on the top from repeated lightning strikes.

These armored amphibians may be low on the food chain in the Windward Plains, however they play a vital role in pest control as their insectivorous diet helps prevent excessively high populations of creatures such the aforementioned Bulaqchi. Similarly to the Ceratonoths, the Chatacabra likely evolved into it's specific niche due to the Eastland's unusual climatic pressures but it makes me wonder why we don't see a similar amphibian, or the Chatacabra itself, in more productive and wet regions like the Scarlet Forest. Perhaps it's that exact reason why Chatacabra are so widespread in the Windward Plains instead of the Scarlet Forest. The Scarlet Forest is home to many species of monster, both large and small, that Chatacabra at many of its life stages would have a hard time competing with. But in the plains, Chatacabra is in a niche no other monster finds itself in and uses the available resources quite differently from other large monsters. Even when it comes to predation of young, there would be too many Chatacabra spawn for any of the predatory species to make a massive impact on the populations that reach adulthood. There is much to theorize about this monster, perhaps we'll learn more with further investigations.

Per Audacia Ad Ferae

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Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Ceratonoths and Nothpeckers

One of the most common animals found in the Windward Plains are the herbivorous small monsters, Ceratonoths.

These shelled quadrupeds can be spotted in sizeable herds within the Windward Plains, typically around water sources and areas ripe for grazing. Herds are led by a male with multiple females, but it's not uncommon to see different herds mix together to form larger herds with multiple males. So far, no intraspecific competition has been observed between males for mating rights, however it's plausible that some form of competition or selection occur due to the structures of the herds. Combined herds typically form during the Windward Plains' season of plenty where lush grass carpets the land around large water sources making vital resources plentiful.

As mentioned prior, herds are led by a single large male identified by the sexually dimorphic characteristics that include their size, darker color, and the distinctive tall spikes that adorn their backs. Although helpful in defense against predation, the spikes' main use is as lightning rods. Due to the inclement climate of the Eastlands, the Windward plains often experiences intense thunderstorms that are characterized by high winds and deadly lightning strikes, dubbed the Sandtide. To protect the herd, the male stands within the center of the group, allowing lightning to strike it's spikes and grounding the energy, while the females and juveniles lay down, keeping their softer undersides close to the ground.

Juvenile Ceratonoths look almost identical to adult females, however it is assumed that male and female characteristics develop with maturity. Reminiscent of Aptonoth and Apceros, Ceratonoths defend their young fiercely, often forming defensive circles around their young. If this fails to drive off a larger predator, the sheer size of some of these herds acts as safety net for the young, allowing them to flee with the cover of the larger adults. The mating season seems to occur mainly during the season of plenty where higher number of juveniles have been observed.

Alongside the Ceratonoths themselves, a curious companion is often seen riding on the tough shell plates of these animals. These birds are aptly named Nothpeckers, and can be seen keeping the Ceratonoths clean of old shell material and parasitic insects. In return for the maintenance, the Ceratonoth herds provide safety and food for the Nothpeckers.

Both of these species have only been spotted in the Windward plains, however I have heard of some unconfirmed reports of Nothpeckers being spotted in the Scarlet Forest. If this true, then perhaps that's where the Nothpeckers nest for their own breeding season as the only bird I've seen roosting within the Windward Plains is the Amstrigian. These incredible animals are sight to behold to those new to the Eastlands and provide a wonderful microcosm into how life has evolved around this volatile environment.

Per Audacia Ad Ferae

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Entry 3 - The Journey Thus Far ((MH: Wilds Spoilers!))

Regrettably, I haven't had a chance to record my experiences and findings here in the Forbidden Lands, which is now being referred to as the Eastlands.

These lands were NOTHING what we expected. Multiple villages full of people dot the land with such unique and expressive cultures. A member of the village of Kunafa, Y'sai, gifted us their mounted bird wyverns called Seikrets. I've come to call my trusted companion Cheri.

Alongside these wonderful and welcoming strangers, the biodiversity rivals even the New World. The sheer variety of monster types, both large and small, alongside the disturbing Constructs of the ancient and advanced Wyverian civilization means much to study. There is too much to discuss in just one entry, however we discovered artificial life created by the ancient civilization of Wyveria. Named "Guardians" and classified as "Constructs," we discovered one of these Guardians was a previously extinct species named Arkveld. These Guardians seemingly live off of Wylk or "Wyvern's Milk" and have atrophied digestive systems and are missing reproductive organs. However, in our hunt of the Guardian Arkveld, we discovered a dire threat to the ecosystem, a construct called Zoh Shia. In short, we slew the artificial monster but I would be lying if it wasn't difficult. In fact, I severely injured my right eye in the battle. In the end, we conquered the construct and have begun extensive study on the it's remains. Discovery of the land's animal life continued, culminating in our investigation into a frenzy outbreak and the discovery of a Gore Magala. Guild scholars have finally given a designation to Gore Magala, a new classification called "Demi Elder." With the aid of Fabius, we slew the Gore Magala to control the spread of the frenzy virus. Our current, final major discovery was an Arkveld egg shell and a living non-adult specimen. It seems this previously extinct species was having a hard time adjusting and an aberrant individual had to be slain to prevent widespread faunal decline.

This was a scribbled and quick entry, I need more time to organize my thoughts and research. Things are moving quick around here and new discoveries are being made everyday.

Per Audacia Ad Ferae

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Entry 2 - The Last Hours

It'll be less than a day until we enter the Forbidden Lands, well technically we're already there but have only just properly made the transition from water to sand. We're gliding across the dunes towards what's dubbed as the Windward Plains. The child, Nata is his name, has been aiding in our journey forward. It seems like this land is massive, seemingly bigger than the New World and we've mapped most of that in the years being posted there. Alma has proven very knowledgeable and seems to have some ideas of the floral and fauna that might be present. Our smithy, Gemma, seems very talented and has told us she's been working the forge since she was a child.

A spark of wonder burns in my heart, the kind I haven't felt since we first explored the New World. I know we have a mission but I would be lying if I said that was what was on my mind. In all honesty, it's the discovery of possible new species and ecosystems that invigorates me.

Per Audacia Ad Ferae

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Entry 1 - Three Days Out

It's been a long time since the I've been put on special assignment by the Guild, not since the incident at the ruins of Castle Schrade. From my briefing with Fabius, a child has been found on the edges of the thought to be uninhabited frontier called the Forbidden Lands. He speaks of a powerful monster that destroyed his village. Previous historical records have indicated an ancient civilization once called the land home but such records are millennia old. We've been en route for some time and should arrive within the next couple days. This is an amazing opportunity to catalog and discover the flora and fauna of these unknown lands and discover what secrets lie hidden. I shall catalogue all that is discovered. For now though, I've gotten to know my new collogues quite well and I look forward to serving with them.

Per Audacia Ad Ferae