#mappingthearcana

[nightjarteeth]

so, I absolutely couldn’t resist drawing one of @drustvar‘s wildlife entries for the Mapping the Arcana event.

this is my depiction of a Clouded Peryton — I adore the concept of a little mountain-dwelling bird-deer that opportunistically eats fish in the winter. this stag was NOT prepared for the floppiness of this particular snack.

[magicianapprenticelyra]

Day I: Vesuvia

Banner and event created by @mappingthearcana​​

It’s a mess.

At the same time, it’s got ancient history of battling against Prakra, a powerful empire. Against all odds, Vesuvia somehow managed to survive each and every time. Even if the people wouldn’t survive, the city-state itself would forever stand in one form or another. Deals with demonic entities can better guarantee for it to do that!

People that move to Vesuvia—or decide to stay when there are opportunities to leave for elsewhere—are often questioned by those more privileged of why. Why would they keep living in a place as tumultuous—and at times ridiculous—as Vesuvia?

While a demonic deal will ensure that Vesuvia will always remain, it’s the spirit of the people that keeps it alive.

[jewel-tonedsky]

I imagine the Shining Steppe and Southern Spines to be a lot like Iceland and Scotland. Misty, dark soil, lush grassy hills, stunning waterfalls…

Idea from @mappingthearcana

[magicianapprenticelyra]

Day II: The South

Banner and event created by @mappingthearcana​

If one isn’t careful, it’s not just their own life that’s on the line. Survival against enemies and mother nature is dependent on everyone working together to ensure the survival of all.

Be it in the wilds among the tribes of the South or small plots of land scattered throughout the region, there’s no room to be exceptionally selfish. As much as desperation leads to risky situations, putting one's own gain above the survival of the group leads to death much quicker.

In the frozen wrath of winter, The Scourge of the South are infamous for their raids. They have decimated their neighbors near to extinction, having tapestries praising Morga for her leadership in those endeavors.

Those may have been woven, and there have been songs sung in praising her glory, but to the families of the dead there is no music—only the hushed whispers of those that survived, and the echoing silence of what once was.

[drustvar]

Arcana Bestiary : Day 4

ʙᴀɴɴᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ @mappingthearcana

Nevivon, a small port city located on the shores of the Salty Sea and Strait of Seals. The city is the Northern most outpost of the Azovian Empire. Nevivon’s primary exports are various salts and woven textiles, it is often the last stop made before entering territories controlled by Firent. Nevivon has a mild and temperate climate. Winters and Summers are neither too long or too harsh. 

Below is a field guide of some of Nevivon and the surrounding water’s creatures.

Salt-flats Crane: Long-legged white birds with tan primary feathers, Salt-flats cranes are primarily found along the coast and around the inland hot springs of Nevivon. The birds nest in small dug-outs in the sand, or on occasion in inactive geyser heads.  The birds are valued by the local peoples who work the flats and salt mines, as they keep vermin and serpent populations under control. Because of this, the people of Nevivon have a fondness for the cranes, and killing them is frowned upon.

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Temperate Lindwurm: While not a true wyrm, the Temperate Lindwurm is still a member of the draconic family, though more closely related to salamanders. The Temperate Lindwurm is a large, serpent like creature with stubby forelegs. It has dappled green, brown, and gold skin, helping it to blend into the forest floor. It nests in abandoned burrows, or, more aggravatingly, will take up residence in large communal wells. 

 The Temperate Lindwurm has a relatively weak venom compared to other species of Lindwurm, and typically kills its prey through constriction. Temperate Lindwurms can grow up to 304 cm. / 10 ft. in length.

The meat of the Lindwurm has a sour taste, and isn’t thought to be fit for human consumption. The hides of lindwurms however, have been used to make waterproof boots and gloves.

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Salt Seal: The largest of the furred seals, Salt Seals get their name from their distinctive speckled fur, which consists of a dark undercoat and lighter, ticked outer-coat.  Salt Seals are usually quite friendly and even tempered, which can be a detriment as their fur is becoming increasingly popular among Azovian and Firentian nobility. Their meat and blubber is also a valuable resource, being a staple in many Nevivon dishes.

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Common Peryton: Large elk with banded brown and white wings. The Common Peryton is typically found further inland, but is known to migrate to the coast during the winter seasons to prey on fish and seals.

Like most species of Peryton, both males and females are territorial and aggressive. Fishermen are often advised to travel with a magician or an archer in case a Peryton attempts to capsize them. Their antlers are particularly valuable to the superstitious; many people along the coast believe charms fashioned from their antlers will ward of dragons and sea serpents.

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Seawolf: A beast resembling a sea lion, but with a wolf like head and sharp claws on it’s flippers. Their fur and skin is usually gray or black, and with a white underbelly.  Wild seawolves typically hunt in packs, and are the top predators of the sea aside from toothed whales, sharks, or sea serpents. (However coordinated packs have been known to easily hunt and kill either)  Seawolves have also been domesticated, serving as guards and guides for ships. Many ships keep several purely to rescue anyone who falls overboard, as most adult seawolves are strong enough to carry an adult human on their back. || Banded Sea Serpent: One of the most commonly encountered sea serpents, the Banded Sea Serpent is a medium sized aquatic wyrm that is found in shallows and near reefs. The serpent’s name comes from it’s distinctive coloration, it has a white to pale blue body with thick black or dark blue stripes. 

Young serpents are born live and are a pale silver in color, which helps them to blend into the sand on the sea floor until they are large enough to hunt in the waters above. Adult serpents can grow up to 12 ft. / 364 cm. Their diet consists primarily of seals, sea turtles, dolphins, or small reef sharks. The Banded Sea Serpent is venomous, and a bite can cause paralysis within minutes.  Banded Sea Serpents aren’t known to attack large ships, and smaller fishing boats can avoid encounters with them by smearing the oil or fat of any species of greater octopode (the serpent’s natural predator) on the hull. 

[drustvar]

Arcana Bestiary : Day 3

ʙᴀɴɴᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ @mappingthearcana​

Zadith, an old country situated across the Malvent Strait from Vesuvia. Despite being in such close proximity, the climate of Zadith is notably more arid and dry, with many superstitious folk warning that the Fennekh Desert will swallow up the land if left unchecked. Zadith is the birthplace of alchemy, the art of joining magic and science together. Some of the greatest improvements to everyday life, medicine, and technology have come from Zadith. 

Below is a field guide of some of Zadith’s creatures, particularly those that are found in the nearby desserts and oasis

Rattling Hydra: Found in both Zadith and across the Malvent Strait in Nopaland the Catclaw Desert, the Rattling Hydra is a fearsome beast that has long since been a danger to travelers and rural villages in the region.  The hydra resembles a pit viper and bears six to eight heads, all of which have a venomous bite. It has a mottled brown body with a distinctive diamond pattern down its spine. The animal’s name comes from the distinctive structure on it tails that produces a rattling sound, often as a warning that the hydra is about to strike. 

Although very dangerous to obtain, the hydra’s venom is incredibly valuable for its use in medicine. 

Nightsky Camel: The Nightsky Camel (also called the Blue Camel or Speckled Camel) comes from it’s distinctive coloration. It has thick, dark fur that ranges from black to blue, covering white skin, which under certain lighting makes it appear as though the animal had stars on it’s body.  While they have been introduced north to Prakra and across the sea into Vesuvia and beyond, the Nightsky Camel is local to Zadith and the Fennekh desert. They have been valuable pack and transport animals for centuries, and even wild camels have a noticeably friendly and agreeable nature. Cactus Cat: Small to medium sized felines that bear a distinctive greenish-brown prickly coat. Kittens are born with stripes and much softer fur. Cactus cats have a long tail that ends in a rounded bulb with spines, which when threatened the cat will use like a mace.  Cactus cats nest in sand burrows or in hollowed out cacti. Their diet consists primarily of rodents, birds, snakes, and scorpions. Folklore says that they are immune to most venom, including the venom from Rattling Hydras.  Cacti Cat are a common sight around rural settlements and farms, as they are good mousers and less likely to be preyed upon by hawks, jackals, or hyenas than a regular cat. A domesticated variant of the cactus cat that retains the soft fur it has as a kitten has started to become popular with the Zadith and Vesuvian gentry.  Zadithian Roc: Found in the skies of Zadith all the way to the Clouded Mountains, the Zadithian Roc is a giant bird of prey that has been reported to be capable of carrying off adult camels and horses.  The Roc has beautiful plumage, with males being gold and tawny while females are silver and white. Chicks hatch with dark plumage that changes as they mature.  According to legend, at one time in the Clouded Mountains there was a coven of magicians who had managed to tame several Rocs, and were said to fly on their backs at night.  Masked Unicorn: Light framed and slender, these beautiful equines are found only in the deepest parts of the Fennekh desert. They have shimmering coats that blend in with the sand and heat waves when seen from afar, and have distinctive facial markings similar to an Oryx. 

Like all unicorns, Masked Unicorns are hunted primarily for their alicorn, which has proved to be an ever valuable reagent for alchemy. They are most active during the hottest parts of the day, when the shimmering effect of their coats provides the most camouflage possible.  Aside from human hunters, the Masked Unicorn’s primary threats are Brass Dragons, Jackals, and Sand Worms.

Common Basilisk:  Found throughout Zadith and the surrounding region, basilisks are members of the lesser draconic family, and are similar in size to a large iguana or monitor lizard. The common basilisk comes in a wide array of colors, which is thought to be an adaptational warning to other creatures of the basilisks’ natural defenses: a petrifying gaze and a venomous bite.  Common Basilisk, and any member of the Basilisk family should only be observed from afar, as recovering from petrification is a long and painful process. This has led many to think that the basilisk is an inherently aggressive creature, when in truth the creature just wants to be left alone to bask in the sun.  A few animals have a natural immunity to the Basilisk, this being other draconids and most unicorn species. Basilisk blood and saliva has very potent magical properties, which has led to the risky business (and sometimes inhumane) of basilisk farming.

[drustvar]

Arcana Bestiary : Day 3

ʙᴀɴɴᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ @mappingthearcana​

Prakra; an old and powerful kingdom seated between the Bulan and Clouded mountains. A truly beautiful region, with white sand beaches leading to the Emerald Sea and the legendary Star Lakes to the north. Summer are long and humid, with winters being short and balmy. Prakra makes the ideal tropical escape. 

Below is a field guide of some of Prakra’s wildlife

Pearl Owl: Native to coastal Prakra and the Pearl Isles, Pearl Owls are medium sized birds, being similar in build to barn owls. Pearl Owls have a distinctive crest on their brows and deep set, heart shaped faces. An adult’s feathers have an opalescent sheen and range in colors from white, pink, lavender, and light blue; chicks are a mottled gray. 

The Pearl Owl’s diet consists primarily of fish and mollusks, and they have a unique ability to digest pearls, which is  thought to contribute to their coloring. (This also, incidentally, has made them very unpopular with pearl and oyster farmers.)  Pearl Owls are very popular among the Prakran nobility, and adapt relatively well to captivity. Their feathers are also often used in fashion, which has unfortunately caused a decrease in their wild population in recent decades.  Prakran Fire Eel: Found throughout freshwater rivers and lakes in Prakra, as well as in the shallows of the Star Lakes. The fire eel is a member of the “false wyrms” family, which also includes creatures like the Temperate Lindwurm.  The Prakran Fire Eel can grow to be 91 cm / 3 ft. long, though this has only ever been observed in the hot springs at the foot of both of Prakra’s mountain ranges. The eel is a dark sanguine color with pale, shimmering spots or brindling. The eels require very warm and shallow waters to thrive, and become noticeably sluggish in cooler climates. Fire eel meat is a common staple in Prakran cuisine, it’s meat is described as being tangy and having notes similar to cumin. The oil produced by the eels is also valuable, and is used to fuel lanterns. 

Clouded Peryton: Found in the high altitudes of Prakra's mountains, Clouded Peryton’s are among the smallest species of peryton. They are light framed, pale coated deer with darker gray dapples and silver wings.   The Clouded Peryton’s diet consists of lichens, moss, and small rodents. This expands to leafy plants and small fish during the winter months, when the peryton migrate to the lower steppes and area around the Star Lakes. Unlike some of the larger species of peryton, Clouded Peryton are relatively harmless, and not territorial.  Pearl Isle Unicorn: (Also called the Prakran Unicorn), native to the Pearl Isles and introduced to the Prakran mainland by the fifth Queen of Prakra. Pearl Isle unicorns have short, glossy coats that are either sandy or fawn in color, often with a darker saddle marking on their back. They have lean frames and like all unicorn species, leonine tails. Their horns are typically a dark chestnut or rusty color, and curve at an angle.  Pearl Isle Unicorns live in small herds comprised mostly of several females and their fawns, with males being solitary or living in pairs.They feed on grasses and low hanging fruit trees, and are most active at dawn and dusk. Unlike most species of unicorns, the Prakran Unicorn has yet to face threats from over-hunting due to protections placed by the royal family, and the trade of their alicorn - the magic laden fibers and shell of a unicorn’s horn, are strictly regulated. Medical tools and dishes made from local alicorn are some of the most prized heirlooms of the Prakran crown, and any “replicas” sold commercially are almost guaranteed to be fakes.  Prakran Lion: The largest of the big cats found in Prakra, the Prakran Lion was originally thought to be a hybrid between a leopard and a tiger before being classified as it’s own species. It has a distinctive bronze colored coat, with dark stripes and rosette patterns unique to every individual.  The Prakran Lion tends to stay far away from human settlements, and prefers to stay deep within the region’s tropical forests. Prakran Lions are massive animals, with adult males measuring 152 cm / 5 ft. at the shoulder. They have been known to hunt and eat leopards and tigers who encroach on their territory.   Many cultures in Prakra and the surrounding mountains regard the lion as a divine animal, and their fur is often a centerpiece in important ceremonies.  Rainbow Amphiptere: A medium sized serpent known for its iridescent scales and colorful plumed wings, The Rainbow Amphiptere is often found coiled around branches in the jungles of Prakra.  Rainbow Amphiptere are part of the constrictor group of the winged serpent family, their usual diet consisting of rodents, birds, or young deer and goats on occasion.  Because of it’s fairly docile nature and beautiful scales, the Rainbow Amphiptere has become an increasingly popular pet among nobles and common folk alike. Several groups in the Pearl Isles have begun breeding different color morphs, funded largely in part by several local noblemen.   

[drustvar]

Arcana Bestiary : Day 2

ʙᴀɴɴᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ @mappingthearcana​

The South is a large, primarily unsettled region bordering the Frozen Sea. The South encompasses the Shining Steppe, the Scourgelands, the Spines mountain range, and Tarske forest. The South has a primarily tundra / taiga climate, winters are long and harsh with spring and summer in the furthermost regions lasting only a few weeks. 

Below is a field guide of some of the South’s creatures

Spines Cheetah: Also known as the Southern Cheetah; Spines cheetah are found throughout the southern plains and steppes, and although they are a large predator, they pose little threat to travelers and are quite reclusive. 

The cheetah has a stocky, thick furred body with long legs and large paws, giving it the ability to run at high speeds over rocky terrain and deep snow. (Think a snow leopard, but elongated) Their fur is spotted, and is always either gray, white, or a pale gold. Cubs are a mottled brown to gray to blend in with the ground and rocky outcroppings. 

The Spines Cheetah is revered by some Scourgelands tribes, being admired as an efficient and silent hunter. They are often depicted in ceremonial art, and to wear a cheetah’s pelt denotes great social standing and strength.

Ash-Spotted Eagle: Thought of as the King of Birds in the South, the Ash-Spotted Eagle is a massive bird of prey that has been known to carry off young livestock. They have incredibly keen eyesight, and have been observed hunting at night as well as during the day. 

The Ash-Spotted Eagle is named for the black spots on it’s breast and underside. It is primarily gray and black, with males sporting bright red primary feathers. 

Ash-Spotted Eagles are fiercely territorial, and have been known to attack humans who wander too closely to their nest sites, which are usually built on cliff faces and outcroppings. Some tribes have attempted to train the eagles for use in hunting, however due to the eagle’s unpredictable nature, the use of Tawny Hawks is more popular. 

Snow Ibex: Named for their thick white fur, the Snow Ibex is the largest of the antelope / wild goats found throughout the south. They are primarily found close to the Spines Mountain range, and are one of the primary prey animals of the Spines Cheetah. 

Snow Ibex live in small herds, typically comprised of a male and several females as well as their young. Male ibex are very territorial, especially during the mating season, and fights between males typically only end once one ibex is dead, their horns hardening and becoming sharper as the season changes. 

Snow Ibex are valued for their thick fur, savory meat, and their horns are often used to make drinking and war horns. Because of their large size and the fierce dispositions of bucks, hunting and killing an ibex buck is often considered a right of passage in some of the societies surrounding the mountains.  

Shell Otter: Shell Otters are named from the thick, pale colored scales along their backs and tails, which are similar to the plates on a sturgeon.Shell otters are found throughout the rivers and lakes of the South, as well as on the beaches of the Frozen sea. 

The shell otter has thick, fur that ranges in color from gray to a murky blue. The scales along their backs allow them to break through ice floes while swimming, making them a nuisance to ice fishers. 

Shell otters live in small family units, and are relatively friendly. Often they will steal supplies from fishermen in an attempt to play with them. 

Speckled Gryphon: One of the smaller gryphon subspecies, Speckled Gryphons have a front that resembles a snowy owl and hindquarters that resemble a lynx. Speckled Gryphons often compete with Ash-Spotted Eagles for territory and food. 

Speckled Gryphons, as well as Tawny Hawks, are often raised and trained for use in hunting and tracking. 

Steppes Bear: A sacred animal to the Kokhuri peoples, Steppes bears are large, with males measuring 121 cm / 4 ft. at the shoulder. Their fur is a dark gray to brown, and they often have unique whorl markings on their chest and underbelly. 

Steppes Bear are one of the top predators of the South, rivaled only by worg packs or wyverns. Unlike most bear species, where the male has little involvement with raising cubs, Steppes bears have been observed living in small family units. They also do not hibernate, and are instead active all year. 

Although they are one of the regions top predators, like the Spines Cheetah, Steppes bears are relatively gentle and reclusive, and rarely attack travelers unless provoked.