#fantasy critters

[camelidae]

You’d think that having wings means griffons could get themselves down when they climb trees, but believe you me, you’ll be getting the ladder out later today.

[bornulhuu]

Two Dust-folk argue over raising some freshly spawned fellows.

[fortunaestalta]

[artapir]

Lungfish-derived amphibious mammals, possibly related to the Seel. I kinda picture them as alt-timeline manatee/hippos. Midjourney 5.2

[chaoskirin]

Some Critters - Part One

New and improved, with descriptions!

The dolpherret is, indeed, a portmanteau. Many fauna wizards on Erit seek to prove themselves by creating new species, some of which go on to leave long, multi-generational lives and flourish, others which are eradicated by fauna mages whose job it is to destroy abominations which could wreak havoc on Erit’s ecosystem.

The dolpherret has prospered over the years and is the result of the question, what if you combined the playfulness of a dolphin and a domestic ferret?

These water-dwelling creatures are friendly and intelligent and live in pods of twenty or more. They’re known to rescue both potential drowning victims and people who are just trying to take a relaxing gods-damned swim. They can be tamed and many people near the oceans regard them as wonderful companions.

The angelfish is a tropical species that many regard as a beautiful addition to their aquariums. Care is difficult, though, as the angel fish needs much more space than most people think when setting up their aquariums. It’s also technically two animals, though the symbiosis between them is unbreakable, so they’re classified as one. As keen observers can likely tell, the “halo” is actually a glowing eel. In this circular form, it’s extremely difficult to tell! The eel feeds on the fish’s life force, while its natural glow attracts food, so that the slow-moving angel fish can eat.

The burrowing flatfish is native to the coasts of Kyrnis. Each of the little spikes on its back opens up to reveal tiny baleen filters, which pull plankton and small invertebrates into a couple dozen very tiny pumping stomachs. Burrowing flatfish are free spawning, which means eggs are fertilized as they float about the ocean; wherever a flatfish egg lands to develop, it’s likely to stay for most of its life.

Lauded as Erit’s most magical fish, the cerosailfish can actually employ magic to grab prey and drag it right into its mouth. This fish also uses electric jolts as an effective defense, although there are several species who still prey upon it. known to be irritable and defensive, the cerosailfish will attack anything that strays into its territory. Luckily, this open ocean fish doesn’t tend to swim anywhere near populated areas.

[illthdar]

Happy WBW! Talk about the wildlife found in a few central locations of the story?

Thanks for the ask!

Oh boy, there's a lot of animals. To name a few:

Vieko are strange kola-frog creatures that are very common in cities. If anything could be considered on the level of your typical family-pet type, it's this freak of nature.

In contrast, the trekadisk glarings - yes, a group of trekadisk is a glaring - go where their food is. They are forest dwelling.

P'ake are the llama/elk of Illthdar. They favour cold, mountainous areas like Ozma.

Irmashoc are typically found in the desert regions of Mu. Think aardvarks crossed with beetles.

Headfodbola are white crab-spiders reminiscent of the samurai crabs. They like damp caves, but have been known to make themselves at home in just about any dark corner. Very common.

Sasah are jackalopes. There's no other way to describe them. These are also pretty common just about everywhere. They like grasslands.

[camelidae]

Guess what, it's more little guys!

[camelidae]

Here’s to hoping that your Halloween is filled with even a fraction of the mischief and fun that these little critters are having 🎃