Animals of Rathnir and Eldham

The Animals of Rathnir and Eldham (full title: Catalogue of the Animals of Rathnir and Eldham: A Worldwide Bestiary for Worldwide Use) is a compendium written by Dr. Tara Sauranis containing all known and referenced extant animal species of Rathnir and Eldham. Its first edition was initially published on February 9th, 2022.

Links are provided for all organisms that have wiki pages.

Introduction
Dear reader,

''It brings me great pleasure to see those across the world who take enjoyment in learning about wildlife. I have dedicated my life's work towards researching our natural world, often to the brink of death. Here, I hope that this book will transport you across the world from the safety of your home, library, or wherever else you prefer to read.''

''This book is organized phylum-by-phylum, with the exception of Phylum Chordata- the vertebrates and their kin. They're separated by class. The rest of the book is divided by "clades of convenience". While not properly scientific, they make the reading and writing much easier and more organized for the editors and casual readers. It's a necessary sacrifice, in my opinion. Some families, orders, and the like presented in this book are in effect in high-brow academia; others are simply folk taxonomies.''

''And now, without further ado, I present the animals of the world. Happy exploring!''

''-Dr. Tara Sauranis''

Poriferans
Porifera are the sponges of the world's oceans and freshwater. They are filter-feeding organisms, and the most primitive known to science.

Coelenterates
Cnidarians and Ctenophores, collectively known as Coelenterates, are gelatinous simple creatures with radial symmetry.

Platyhelminthes
Phylum Platyhelminthes, commonly known as "flatworms".

Nematodes
Phylum Nematoda, or "roundworms". Abundant but small organisms.

Annelids
Annelida is the "segmented worm" phylum, containing leeches, earthworms, bristleworms, and more.

Sand Worm (Arenavermis irritator)

A poorly-documented large sand worm from an unknown part of Rathnir.

Arthropods
The largest phylum; however, most species are undocumented. Contains many-limbed animals with exoskeletons.

Spiders
Light Eater (Phosophagus plagosus)

A tarantula species from Flower Island (OPTC) in Plagos.

Varnian Cave Spider (Theraphosa blondi)

Varn Torum-native spider that dwells in caves.

Crabs
Acamtemicti (Megaluca terrestris)

The "Murder Crab"; a large species of fiddler crab native to Cuiciloa, Huitca.

Remipedes
Parasitic Silverfish (Paralepisma montroigensis)

Crustacean that can hijack mammalian nervous systems. Responsible for the Montroig Silverfish Plague. Originally thought to have been an actual silverfish (Order Zygentoma) based on reports by medical doctors in Uldarash, but reports of the presence of Termaline have caused zoologists to reclassify this arthropod. Termincrawler (Inanis capere)

Inhabitant of the deep sea; typically a filter-feeder, but can attack larger prey and even parasitize large vertebrates.

Voidcrawler (Inanis concitus)

Two-meter-long carnivorous remipede. Anomalous, highly intelligent, and widespread in every ocean basin worldwide. Has an extensive fossil record, and is possibly related to strong magic.

Insects
Gardener of the Isle (Hortulanus insulae)

Hoverfly native to Flower Island in Plagos. Larvae have glowing abdomens similar to fireflies; both organisms produce the bioluminescent compound luciferin. Adults are important pollinators. Murder Ant (Gigaponera horibillis)

Independent-living ant species with venom strong enough to paralyze dogs or children. Widely distributed, but regarded as a pest and hunted extensively. Now considered endangered.

Titan Bee (Apis major)

Large bumblebee native to Vastallos. Used for its honey by local Mamaco tribespeople and other inhabitants of the Vastallosi Rainforests.

Mallean Wasp (Vespaculex malleus)

Ectoparasitic wasp, similar to mosquitoes. Native to Varn Torum. Spreader of Botan's pox.

Mollusks
Shelled animals bearing a mantle, radula, foot, and head.

Octopus
Common Blue Octopus (Octopus caeruleans)

The most common cephalopod in Rathnir. Native to most of the Southern Ocean and the bodies that connect to it. Most commonly found along reefs and kelp forests, where it crawls in search of prey to ambush.

Squids
Hunshui River Squid (Rotostomateuthis nirricus)

Squid native to the rivers and inlets of the Nir swamps, Aurlunor.

Short River Squid (Rotostomateuthis breviriparus)

One of the only freshwater-dwelling cephalopods in the world. Native to the Essenda River basin in Vastallos.

Gastropods
Ranka Snail A

Ranka Snail B

Ranka Snail C

Ranka Snail D

Lophotrochozoans
Phyla Bryozoa, Brachiopoda, and Phoronida are known collectively as the Lophotrochozoa. Mostly marine, sessile filter-feeders.

Echinoderms
The "spiny-skinned" creatures, with radial symmetry. All known species are marine.

Cartilaginous fishes
Phylum Chordata, class Chondrichthyes. Sharks, rays, skates, chimeras, and others.

Sharks
Common North Shark (Prionace borealis)

Common mid-sized shark found in the Osterium and Palagean seas, as well as most of Eldham's saltwater regions.

Bony Fish
Osteichthyes- the fish with true skeletons.

Saltwater Fish
Blue Snapper (Lutjanus caeruleans)

Commonly called Lûtjian by Aurlûnoren fishermen, this fish is the type species of the Lutjanus genus. It is a prized yet common shallow-water fish, commonly consumed by all classes and found readily in fish markets and the wild alike. Sand Grouper (Epiniphelus arenatus)

Another commonly-eaten fish. This grouper has a sandy gray color with red splotches present in males. They are protogynous sequential hermaphrodites; they are born female, and may transition to male after reaching adulthood. Generally found in deeper water, they eat mollusks and crustaceans.

Red Dolphinfish (Coryphaena erythra)

A pelagic predatory fish, the Red Dolphinfish only comes to the shallows to spawn. Its fry live in the mangroves and seagrass beds before maturing and moving to the open waters of the Lothranis Sea. Favored culinarily for having a taste more similar to land meat than most fish. Lothranic Puffer (Lagocephalus lothranicus)

Also known as the Rabbithead Puffer or Tutouhetun. Used by high-class chefs in making fugu for wealthier diners. In the wild, the pufferfish inhabits shallow waters and eats shellfish and crustaceans, including barnacles; they can be commonly seen around docks and even the bottoms of ships. Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)

A fish regarded as sacred by the Audaladae; it was one of the few creatures, and the only marine animal, to make the crossing from Jagdas to Rathnir. A blue and green reef fish inhabiting warm waters in the Sea of Pearls.

Pearl Angelfish (Holocanthus alteniquiensis)

A grey and white-striped angelfish similar to the Queen Angelfish. A native of the Sea of Pearls, and to Rathnir.

Brackish-water Fish
Nieden Salmon (Salmo folvas)

The most common species of salmon in the Rathnir region. Commonly found in both the Sea of Pearls and the Osterium and Palagean Seas as adults; they swim into freshwater rivers in Nieden, Helmia, and northern Sparwood to breed annually.

Freshwater Fish
Common Pike (Esox lucius)

Predatory fish native to most of eastern and northern Rathnir, from Sparwood to Syltor. Well-liked for its taste, but very bony. Has a mottled pattern similar to the appearance of tree bark.

Nieden Pike (Esox orientalis)

Similar to E. lucius, with a sympatric range restricted to eastern Nieden, particularly in Simulami and parts of eastern Escharia in the Osterium Sea watershed. Distinguished from Common Pike by its larger size, striped pattern, and red fins.

Nieden Common Carp (Cyprinius niedens)

A dark gold fish with large scales. A bottom-feeder, preferring plants and freshwater crustaceans. Native to most of Nieden, but introduced and invasive in Bardonia and Aurora.

Marshfish (Palustrichthys arxellensis)

A freshwater sculpin of the family Cottidae, inhabiting northern Sparwood and eastern Nieden, into Simulami. Favored for its taste by the Kartek peoples, of which it is their national dish. Prefers to live around submarine vegetation.

Amphibians
Tetrapods that metamorphose from aquatic tadpoles to terrestrial adults, with some exceptions.

Toads
Mossland Wolftoad (Bufo nelondensis)

Toad native to the swamps of central Helmia. Fond of crickets and millipedes.

Bjebža Deathtoad (Bufo rapoha)

Large toad native to the Bjebža wetlands of Gdanyc. It is not a threat to any animals larger than itself, except if eaten; its name is derived from its poisonous nature. The toad has large concentrations of bufotoxin in glands behind its ears.

Wolf Frog (Lupobatrachus orientalis)

Predatory, ground-dwelling large toad native to Nieden. Large enough to eat small rodents such as mice.

Frogs
Ashren's Bullfrog (Lithobates ashreni)

Large bullfrog native to Zamotz island. Bears webbing on its limbs, thought to be a vestigial gliding membrane. Ashren's Bullfrog generates a sticky substance it uses to climb trees.

Great Bullfrog (Lithobates grandis)

A large Nieden-native frog.

Varnian Bullfrog (Lithobates gigantis)

An enormous member of the Lithobates genus, reaching up to three meters tall. Native of Varn Torum.

Midnight frog (Ranitomeya gaelithox)

Poisonous frog used by ancient Illeryans to make poisoned arrows. Name is derived from the chirping sounds these frogs make in the late night.

Mirimi Tree Frog (Walkeschia mirimensis)

Tree frog native to the redwood forests of Nieden. Genus name derived from the Asteri word for frog, "Walkesch".

Salamanders
Common Axolotl (Ambystoma huitca)

A pinkish salamander with its gills present as an adult; however, chemicals can prompt the neotenous creature to become "fully" mature, losing its gills. Originally native to freshwater in northern Ummarnu, Its name is derived from the Huitcan language. Giant Ambush Axolotl (Ambystoma suchis)

Large, cave-dwelling, and carnivorous. Evolved convergently to crocodilians, to an extent.

Reptiles
Group containing tetrapods with scaly skin. Technically includes birds.

Freshwater Turtles
Wolf Turtle (Chelydra veriaza)

Large freshwater turtle found in eastern Nieden and Syltor. Bears a somewhat spiny shell, long tail, hooked beak, and a powerful bite.

Common Turtle (Emys familiaris)

Freshwater turtle with an almost worldwide distribution. Dark, with yellow spots on its face. Typically resides in freshwater, but can also be seen foraging miles from any body of water on land.

Woodland Turtle (Glyptemys silvensis)

Very small brown turtle native to the coniferous forests of central Nieden.

Sea Turtles
Western Hawk Turtle (Buteochelys occidens)

Sharp-billed green sea turtle native to the Phagosian and Lothranis Seas, and as far south as the coast of western Haven.

Niedena Sea Turtle (Caretta niedea)

A species of sea turtle with a large diet. Endemic to the Sea of Pearls.

Najer Giant Hawk Turtle (Parabuteochelys najeri)

Large omnivorous turtle native to the Silver and Osterium Seas.

Tortoises
Varmerii Tortoise (Agrionemys varmerii)

Tortoise native to the plains of western Nieden and northern Alteniquia.

Lizards
Slender Desert Lizard (Alatosaurus naturalis)

A wild ancestor of the Winged Lizard. Native to Mirau's drier regions.

Winged Lizard (Alatosaurus morgrendi)

An artificially-created feral species of lizard, created from Slender Desert Lizards and Sandgrouse. Found in Mirau.

Snakes
Canebrake Viper (Agkistrodon striatus)

Also known as Woolmouths for their characteristic pale mouth, the Canebrake Viper is a deadly venomous snake found in the freshwater parts of the Nir swamps. It is venomous, and can easily kill a large humanoid. It eats mostly fish, as its genus name Agkistrodon means "fish-hook tooth". It is a dull grey-green color with stripes, and has a diamond-shaped head.

Crocodilians
Short-Nosed Alligator (Alligator brevirostris)

Alligator native to Nir, Tacua, and parts of Tamaka and Hampo provinces in the Aurlunor Velande. Once kept as pets/livestock by the Yi'yen elite class on certain occasions; rumors state that they were once used similarly to hunting dogs.

Eudraconidae
Avalof Sawtail (Serratocauda avalofensis)

Large dragon native to central Eldham, namely the region of Avalof. Once featured on the flag of Druk Yul.

Bonsai Dragon (Parvidraco arborens)

Small purple dragon native to Beauridine, but introduced into Rathnir. Can sport a winter coat of downy feathers. Highly intelligent.

Chromatic Dragon (Chromodraco tetramorphus)

Dragon notable for coming in four different color variants- red, blue, white, and black. Wide range, from Plagos and most of eastern Eldham. Claimed to have magical properties pertaining to each respective color. Red Chromatic Dragons are connected to fire, blue dragons to electricity, white ones to ice, and black ones to toxins and destruction magic.

Gemstone Dragon (Mineralidraco crystallum)

Rare dragons native to the north of Eldham that seek out a particular gemstone or crystal. Emerald, Amethyst, Diamond, Lapis-Lazuli, Redstone, and Quartz variants have been reported.

Metal Dragon (Mineralidraco metallicum)

Dragons known to live around metal deposits- found almost worldwide in any areas where they are exposed. Can disintegrate metal ores and incorporate them into their integument. Gold, iron, and copper variants are most common; other transition metal variants such as silver may be found as well. Aluminum dragons are rumored, but not confirmed. Niedean Nightdragon (Noctidraco niedeae)

Jet-black nocturnal dragon, five meters long. A famous head of this dragon is on display at the Fornost Museum in Aurora. As its name suggests, it is native to Nieden; it also inhabits parts of Syltor and Alteniquia. Phoros Maned Dragon (Lophodraco phorosensis)

Large predatory dragon native to Phoros. Bears a large crest or mane on its neck and back composed of downy feathers.

Serrona Windrider (Euruvehor serronae)

Medium-sized (3 meters on average) dragon native to the Vulperium and the USSE. Unique in that fur-like feathers cover most of its body, not just parts of it like other dragons. This is an adaptation for the cold climate of Serrona. Silver Dragon (Lophodraco argyrus)

Large short-snouted dragon native to north-central Eldham. Bears silvery scales, hence its name; however, it is not to be confused with the rare silver variant of the Metal Dragon, Mineralidraco metallicum.

Onthukhan Imperator Dragon (Onthukhanax rex)

A large species of eudraconid native to Mirau and the rest of Onthukhan measuring up to five meters in both length and wingspan. Being a large-bodied predator, it is one of the most feared predatory animals of central Eldham; however, they tend to live away from settlements, and prefer to eat fish, wild game, or livestock instead of humanoids.

The Imperator Dragon mates for life, forming tight bonds with its partner. Their nests are built in hillside caves or rock nests, keeping their eggs warm with embers generated by the mother's fire breath. Mother dragons protect their hatchlings fiercely, and will feed them by regurgitating partially-digested prey until they are old enough to fly and hunt on their own. Like other dragons, they will still however engage in cannibalism, with older dragons eating younger ones that aren't their own offspring.

Wyvernidae
Daelryan Wyvern (Wyvernis helmicus)

The largest extant wyvern species, native to western Helmia. Bears a black and red coloration on the belly and the wings. Living along the coast of the Sea of Petals, it eats a diet of mostly seabirds and fish. Despite influencing early Daelyrian culture and religion, it is critically endangered. Lesser Wyvern (Wyvernis communis)

Small but ubiquitous wyvern with a cosmopolitan distribution, though they prefer to congregate around open areas near fresh water and have a particular interest in eating freshwater turtles and clams. They use their fire breath to cook their prey alive and crack its shell. Also known for eating pests such as mice; however, they may overstay a farmer's welcome when they burn down a grain silo attempting to burn their prey.

Northern Kaladinian Bloodserpent (Sanguidraco kaladinensis)

A ferocious nocturnal wyvern native to Kaladinia. Known to harass and attack people. Identified by its blue color.

Umbra Pseudodragon (Pseudodraconis umbra)

Often referred to as a "Darkdrake" by locals, the Psuedodragon is a small wyvern that hails from northern Valle but are most often found within the dark city Innercity of Skyreach. Having a classic shape of a small dragonoid, they are unique in that they possess the ability to camouflage within shadows or places lacking enough light, leading to their nickname among the locals. Friendly, if shy creatures, they have been observed to behave similar to Faeries, and have shown a limited inkling to use illusion magic, provided they within a dark place. These "Darkdrakes" have a pitch-black skin, phosphorescent yellow eyes, and have been noted to smoke when placed into a source of light; though it has been determined that sunlight itself does not harm them. Their diets consist of rats, birds, insects, but have been noted to predominately feed off of the latent magic present within Skyreach due to the Ley line source beneath it. While a nest has never found, it has been surmised from their population density that they take around a year to hatch, and can live up to around 350 years old, though no upper limit has yet been confirmed. The Darkdrake has domesticated by locals, most often spell casters and wizards as pets and familiars.

Apterodraconidae
Andorn Lindworm (Ophidophysis borealis)

A large lindworm species that inhabits the forests of Andorn, Norfthorn, and Ryzan. It shares a habitat with the Syltor Tiger; however, they avoid direct competition as the Lindworm hunts by day and the tiger at night. It nests in rocky mountain regions, where they feed on minerals to help generate fire. As a result, the highest concentrations of Lindworms are around the Fornoisan Ranges, Wivamonties, and Drahalad Mountains. Aurlûnoren Lûn (Ophidophysis aurlunensis)

Large (up to six meters long) lindworm species native to the tropical jungles of Tacua Province in the Aurlûnor Velande, where it is the national animal. It is a predator of pigs and deer, and occasionally alligators. Juveniles inhabit trees, whereas adults live on the ground. Highly revered in the Twin Dragon faith. Unfortunately endangered due to poaching and habitat loss; participating in the trade of Lûn materials is punishable by death in the Velande and is highly taboo.

Common Wyrm (Virmus trogolodytes)

Eldham-native wingless dragon that dwells in caves. Particularly common in Varn Torum.

Great Western Sea Serpent (Eudeus occidens)

Large sea serpent found in the Endless Sea to the west. Known to attack ships. Guojiang Weaseldragon (Paraophidophysis musteloides)

Small dragon superficially similar to juvenile Lûn. Found in tropical and temperate regions of Syltor. Inhabits sewers in the colder parts of its range in winter, keeping its eggs warm with its fire breath and eating trash. Otherwise a predator of small mammals and birds in the wild. Nebskoslavian Lindworm (Vermisaurus elongatus)

Lindworm native to Nebskoslavia and into the Volkoregrod region of Ryzan. Fond of holes it is almost too big to fit into, including man-made cisterns and wells. Has stubbier legs than other lindworms, and as such is an ambush predator when hunting terrestrial prey. Otherwise, its diet is mostly aquatic vertebrates like fish, turtles, and birds. Oceanum Sea Serpent (Eudeus maritimus)

Massive sea serpent native to Oceanum and the surrounding waters in Eldham.

Phagosian Sea Serpent (Thalattophis phagosus)

Small sea serpent native to the Phagosian Sea.

Tortugan Sea Serpent (Thalattophis tortugae)

Small sea serpent native to the Tortugan Sea and the Mare Caprichosa.

Class Aves
Birds.

Ratites
Maasyr (Magnavis maasicum)

Large flightless bird of Helmia. Grey-light-brown colouration; long necks, small heads, a big roundish torso and long legs. Named after the Maas family that ruled Ravgaard for a long time. Vulnerable.

Fowl
Hafen's Chicken (Gallus hafencus)

Chicken species with a range from Blackrock to Hafenstadt. Pygmy fowl (Gallus mallus)

Common rainforest chicken found across Vastallos and Syltor. The two continents do not have a continuous population, however.

Lesser Forest Hen (Nanogallus querciphilus)

Small chicken species found in the oak forests of Vastallos.

Mico Fowl (Pavo micoa)

Parrots
Jumping Parrot (Anodorhynchus pigmeus)

Jeannes' Parrot (Septentripsitta jeanneum)

Raptors
Daelyrian Eagle (Aquila daelyricus)

Duskyan Eagle (Aquila duskyonensis)

Escharian Eagle (Aquila escharia)

Solarii Eagle (Aquila solarii)

Kastollian Hawk (Buteo kastollis)

King's Hawk (Buteo rex)

Western Hawk (Buteo occidens)

Black-Tailed Hawk (Buteo vastallosus)

Crested Falcon (Falco cristatus)

Maerun Falcon (Falco maerunensis)

Common falcon once native to central Aurlunor, but now has a cosmopolitan distribution in feral and domestic populations. Having hunted the Messenger Pigeon to endangerment across the world in the following of the Ferrymen War, they have thenceforth replaced the pigeon as the most common trained carrier birds by the Rathniri.

Silver Giant Eagle (Haliaeetus megaargenti)

Sandywood Eagle (Harpagornis harenolignensis)

Large eagle native to Sandywood National Park in Huitca.

Black Osprey (Pandion atratus)

Found across Rathnir, but the Nir Swamps have some of the highest osprey population densities. Also found extensively in Nieden's swamps. The abundant fishes of the swamps allow these birds to exist in high numbers, and their calls can be heard from all corners of the wetlands.

Dragon-faced Owl (Phodilus draconum)

Ibean Raptor (Raptor Ibiens)

A small, highly intelligent raptor native to Yulara. The raptor commonly consumes desert and field mice for a diet, and sometimes even juvenile river serpents. Residents in the Ib region of Yulara use Ibean Raptors frequently as messenger birds due to the Raptor's ability to reach high air speeds when diving. The Raptor has a very strong sense of direction, making it a natural messenger bird. Ibean Raptors nest commonly in the branches of desert shrubs and in desert cliff crevices, where males partner for mates each year during mating season.

Seed-eating birds
Boulder Pigeon (Columba niedenensis feralis)

Messenger Pigeon (Columba niedenensis mercuricus)

Flute-Song Finch (Cuiczalli saltator)

Bunch Sparrow (Passer fasciculum)

Waterbirds
Golden Sea Swallow (Chrysornis maritimus)

A pelican species that appeared in Ostia (central Yulara) upon its independence from Bardonia in February 2022. May be connected with the old Holy Golden Seabird faith of Yimmu-Audal.

Speckled Ibis (Eudocimus canescens)

A common, long-billed bird with a diet of worms and subterranean arthropods. They can be seen in small groups, probing the sand and mud for their food. They have a splotched grey and white pattern, but juveniles are a distinct "woody" brown.

Northern Egret (Egretta syltora)

A small, white bird with a long neck. Its name comes from the Fornoisan word aigrette, a diminutive of aigron, "heron". It prefers to eat small fish, and hides in the mangroves away from larger birds. Guojiang Cormorant (Nannopterum littorum)

Heliodusic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax heliodusionensis)

A large bird with a long bill first discovered in the Heliodusion region of Yulara, along the estuaries of the Epipia river. Despite its name, the Heliodusic Cormorant is common along much of the Yularan coastline. Its diet consists primarily of coastal fish. The Cormorant male has a more colorful plumage than the female in order to attract mates, and both sexes mate for life. Common nests are found along beaches, where eggs are wrapped in seaweed and downy feathers for nests. The mother cormorant incubates the eggs for 4-month period before hatching takes place. Maturity takes 1.5 years.

Red Spoonbill (Platalea rubra)

The spoonbill is a bird that specializes in eating small crustaceans in the water column. As such, the pigments of its prey turn its feathers a bright pink- on other diets, the bird turns a snowy white.

Western Tropical Booby (Sula occidens)

Also known as the Mihuicolli in Huitca.

Mammals
Tetrapods that produce milk and have hair.

Bats
Black Pygmy Bat (Lophostoma negrisilva)

Forest Bat (Silviopteryx communis)

The Forest Bat is Rathnir's most common microchiropteran. They feed on the abundant insects at night.

Bears
Vastallosi Panda (Ailuropoda vastallosica)

Maknerig Bear (Ursus geonis)

Glazica (Ursus maritimus burgamerensis)

Helmiedene Brown Bear (Ursus mostevski)

Foxes
Talawan Fox (Vulpes lagopus talawaus)

Field Fox (Vulpes malignos)

Orange Giant Fox (Vulpes megaluteus)

Hampo Fox (Vulpes rufus hampoensis)

The most common canid in the Nir swamps, the fox preys upon the abundant bird and rabbit population. As its name suggests, the fox's range extends far south into Hampo Province, as well as the rest of Nir and Tamaka.

Confuzzles Fox (Vulpes petarys)

Wolves
Escharian Dire Wolf (Aenocyon dirus eschariae)

Upper Khaset Jackal (Canis khaseti)

A black-skinned jackal native to the Upper Khaset region, in and around the city of Zar'Roc. These animals are solitary hunters, mostly scavenging from animals that have passed away from the desert heat. Occassionally, if food is scarce, these animals are known to attack residents due to desperation, though occurrences are scarce. Historically, accounts have described Jackals leading lost travelers to the city of Zar'Roc, earning them a sort of mythological reputation in the region. This is evidenced by multiple statues of the animal existing outside the Southern gate of the city.

Silver Wolf (Canis lupus argentum)

Niedena Wolf (Canis lupus niedenensis)

Southern Forest Wolf (Canis lupus silvaustralis)

Dune Wolf (Canis lupus isaverii)

Royal Wolf (Canis lupus rex)

The wolves of Varn Torum are ferocious pack hunters that rule the tundra, the forests and the plains. They are known as King Wolves or Royal Wolves, for they are significantly bigger than the wolves of elsewhere and fairly smarter, and their colours vary a lot more, ranging from snow white to leafy green to the golden shine of wheat and tall grass. They are the bane of shepherds and their flock, travelers and traders, for they are bold enough to even attack armed caravans when in big enough packs. Strangely enough their main source of food is not sheep nor travelers but different kinds of trolls, which is the main believed reason of why they got so big and so smart when compared to other species of wolves. Their eternal war and arms race against the trolls of Varn Torum is known as The War of Elewhere. They seem to be immune to the deadly effects that eating raw troll meat, albeit they have been seen many times throwing pieces of troll meat at fires then waiting for it to extinguish itself naturally then coming back to eat the carbonized flesh. It seems they really enjoy it.

Some ambitious dwarves in the distant past used these royal wolves as deadly mounts of war and legitimate companions for life.

Vastallosi White Wolf (Canis lupus vastallosus)

Natlas Wolf (Canis natlas)

Ravgaardian Dwarf Wolf (Canis parvus)

Cats
Lesser Darakeen Cat (Felis Darakeens)

A species of domesticated cat native to the Abaton, Khaset, Ib and Heliodusion regions of Yulara. Commonly found in the wild alongside river valleys and on rare occasion the Khaset and Abaton deserts themselves, the Darakeen Cat's diet largely consists of the hunting of other smaller mammals such as Desert Mice and river shrews. The species was domesticated at least as far back as 12,000 years ago, with engravings of cats seen amongst ruins found in and amongst Yularan archeological sites. Darakeen Cats were first named by the Drakkon tribe, named for their uncanny endurance during the desert summers, with their vitality compared to that of the demigod Darakon. These cats mate for periods of up to 2 years, and have a life expectancy of approximately 11 years depending on correct nurture by owners. Ummarnu Wildcat (Felis ummarnus)

Eastern Mountain Cat (Leopardus bashais)

Wild Highcat (Leopardus catus signatus)

Long-tailed Savanah Cat (Leopardus mariorii)

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

A small jungle-dwelling cat native to the jungles of Vastallos. Name comes from from the Huitcan word ocelotl.

Short-legged Cat (Leopardus prionail)

Beauridine Snow Lynx (Lynx beauridinis)

Pard (Panthera leopardus)

The pard is a feline native to the many forests of Eldham. It is the natural enemy of both the Royal Wolves and Forest Wyverns, for it competes with for prey with both, albeit in different ways. Juvenile Royal Wolves, still not big and strong enough to hunt their preferred prey, the troll, gather together in small, three member packs to hunt relativelly small game, like deer or elk, and practice hunting tactics. In this juvenile form they compete with the pard, who uses ambush tactics to get its prey. The forest wyverns are considered to be opportunistic scavengers, for they fly into the battlefield between a pard and a pack of royal wolves to snatch their prey, not alert to attacks from above, right under their noses. This three way competition makes it so that the pard population is never high, for they struggle to feed their young. As such, they are considered very rare and it is a good omen to spot one.

Legends say that the breath of a pard upon waking up is so sweet that it attracts every animal around to its den, including sentient species like dwarves or humans, but the pard is so good natured that it licks the wounds of the incomers and lets them be without taking advantage of the situation to eat. In contrast the only animals that the sweet breath does not attract but actually drives off is the Forest Wyvern, although it is debated if other dragons would suffer the same effect. It is as such that the pard is often is considered an omen for good, whereas the Forest Wyvern became known as an omen for evil.

Syltör Tiger (Panthera tigris boreoccidens)

The largest mammalian predator on the continent of Syltör. The Tiger is rare, but feared, and eats mostly deer and other large animals. Unlike most felids, it is quite at home in the water, and tigers often prey upon alligators.

Whales
Moon Whale (Kogia leviathus)

Skjoldish White Whale (Apatocetus alba)

Dolphins
Bottlenose Dolphin (Turisops truncatus)

Found in most warm waters of both Rathnir and Eldham. In the Ha Anga Bayou, dolphins occasionally use the shallow waters to hunt for fish and mollusks to eat. Some local pods have been seen using the inlets in the swamps to corral fish into a single spot for easy feeding. Vastallosi River Dolphin (Platanista essendae)

Bovines
Vastallosi Bison (Bison angustus)

Aurochs (Bos primigenius)

Mougar's Cow (Bos mougarii)

Cuahuacapra (Bubalus sanctus)

Camelids
Pygmy camel (Camelus pygmaeus)

Vastallosi Llama (Lama major)

Pygmy Llama (Lama minor)

Deer
Nieden Moose (Alces alces niedenensis)

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

Nieden Common Elk (Cervus escharicus)

Helmian Deer (Cervus helmiensis)

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus leuconurus)

Jungle Stag (Odocoileus vastallosus)

Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus zarosavisa)

Horse Deer (Odocoileus hemippus)

Also known as Mule Deer.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

Caprids
Goats and sheep.

Bernese Ram (Capra berna)

Vastallosi Mountain Goat (Oreamnos vastallosus)

Dryland's sheep (Ovis drylandii)

Swamp Sheep (Ovis aceras hunshuiensis)

Forest Sheep (Ovis aceras occidens)

Moss Ram (Ovis bryophagus)

Equines
Donkey (Equus asinus)

Common donkey, found worldwide but native to Alteniquia's grasslands.

Kelpie (Equus anura)

Native of Eldham. Aquatic, almost frog-like equine with strong connections to magic.

Eptaskia-Horse (Equus eptaskis)

Extinct species of horse that once roamed Helmia. Domestic Horse (Equus ferus)

Common domestic horse; found almost worldwide in captivity but rarely in the wild.

High horse (Equus mougar)

Small cliff-dwelling wild pony species native to Vastallos. Impossible to ride due to their small stature and independent nature, and thus the origin of the Traveler's Tongue phrase "get off your high horse".

Field horse (Equus minor)

Small wild horse native to the plains of southern Vastallos and parts of Aldovir. Extinct historical population in eastern Ummarnu.

Pigs
Noxnorri Boar (Choerus noxnorrensis)

Wild boar or warthog species native to Helmia.

Baykonian Pig (Sus baykonius)

A unique type of domestic pig bred specifically in Baykonia at one point. Often called "Walking Sausages". Now extinct.

Caiori's Pig (Sus caiorii)

A separate species of pig present in Vastallos. Little is known about it, but it is probably similar to S. quadra. Common pig (Sus quadra)

The species of pig most commonly domesticated around Rathnir and Eldham. They are eaten by some individuals as food, and can be used as beasts of burden when other large mammals are absent. Despite their domestic status, common pigs are actually rather intelligent creatures, on par with or even exceeding dogs.

Hoglin (Sus vermisilvensis)

Similar to feral common pigs, but less intelligent and much bigger. Hoglins are brutish creatures, and will attack if one approaches them.

Lagomorphs
Celume Jackrabbit (Lepus istihi)

An endangered hare native to Celume Province's deserts.

Jungle Hare (Lepus kawalapuensis)

A hare that inhabits the densely-forested tropical region of Kawalpua in Vastallos. Rarely seen hybridizing with the Brown Hare.

Brown hare (Lepus kastanus)

Another inhabitant of the Vastallosi tropics. Unlike its close relative the Jungle Hare, the Brown Hare prefers to inhabit grasslands as opposed to woodlands.

Pinnipeds
Stormtusk (Odobenus tempestas)

Large, crustacean-eating pinniped with large tusks and whiskers. Native of northern Helmia's coasts.

Primates
Old World Monkeys Alsu Baboon (Papio kauhus)

Desert-dwelling monkey with a wide range across most of Rathnir's deserts. Regarded as sacred by many Dune Elven tribes and the Najeri. Muda Baboon (Papio mudas)

Red-faced baboon native to Najer and southern Plagos. Males bear a large silver mane of hair on their neck and back. Kenard's Swamp Monkey (Kenardopithecus angroviridis)

Swamp-dwelling monkey ranging from the Nir Swamps across to Nieden. Fond of mangrove propagules and shellfish.

Rodents
Fox Squirrel (Setonix vulpes)

An arboreal, predatory rodent native to Varn Torum's forests.

Yularan Desert Mouse (Mus solitudiens)

A common mouse found across both the Abaton and Khaset regions of Yulara. Their diet consists largely off of gnawing at the base of desert cacti. This diet provides basic nutrition including water and starch which the mouse can digest easily due to a very developed appendix. It is speculated that this enlarged organ developed due to the pressures of desert life and the frequent extreme heat in summer months. Desert mice are found to nest in the base of desert cliffs and in pockets of dunes in small burrows to escape heat, and during the winter nights, extreme cold. Desert mice are consumed occasionally on Yulara by natives as a delicacy, marinated in local spices and herbs.