Yularan Geography and Biota

Yulara is an island of northwest Rathnir predominantly featuring deserts, savannas and patches of green plains, with multitude of different climates, flora and fauna in different regions, due to the major influences of Syltor and Helmian lands surrounding the island. Due to influx of human inhabitants and development of agriculture, there has been major changes to the biomes through the decades, and thus many of the research is done in the combined Yularan Institute of Archaeology, Climatology and Ecology.

Climate and Geography of Yulara
The climate and geography of Yulara are highly interrelated, and determines the flora, fauna and civilization that develop in that region. It should be pointed out that Yulara has the same climate year long, forming monthly patterns instead.

Ib
Ib is the southern desert peninsula of Yulara, surrounded by waters on three side. It is best known for housing the city of Dragoonios, and its importance of shielding the port formed between the southern provinces, a natural wind shelter for ships against the typhoons and cyclones formed south of Yulara in the Syltor seas, as they travel up to East Dragoonios port, Ramtopia (Lemebah) and Credian ports.


 * Hot and Arid The climate of Ib is arid and tropical, experiencing high temperatures and irregular rainfall that mainly come from the southeastern cyclones. It is shielded of the cold winds from West and Northeastern Syltor by Riverrun and Heliodusion respectively, and upon reaching Ib, the intense solar heating and lack of cooling from plantation results in hot air rising and forming a thermal low pressure zone, with low rainfall and consecutive days of extreme heat.


 * Storms of Ib However, Ib is not completely dry, as tropical cyclones often form in the warm southeastern Syltor seas, and will first land at the region of Ib. They are known to carry large amount of rainfall, which subsequently forms rapid streams in land to the oceans sweeping away plants that do not have deep and thick enough roots; and strong winds, enough to uproot any plants taller than knee height. However, the humidity from these storms quickly fade, either through evaporation or through the loose sand back to the ocean. Quicksand can be occasionally seen just after the storms, trapping unassuming prey when escaping from predators from the adjacent savannas.  These storms, despite its destructive powers, have become essential for early settlements here, as its inhabitants developed an underground system to avoid the cyclones, while creating crude water collection systems all over Ib to catch the downpour during the storms, in order to face the arid and hot days to follow. However, with technological improvements, the people of Ib have been able to plant other crops by incorporating soil into the landscape; and the city of Dragoonios now features multiple high story buildings thanks to the elaborate walls and strong sandstone and granite base of the city, specifically designed for the strong wind at low altitudes and relatively light winds at high altitude during typhoons. It also features an elaborate underground water system in its Undercity to ensure adequate water storage for citizens and plants alike, and prevents flooding amidst heavy rainfall.


 * Climate Changes However, it is to note that as Dragoonios was built to the Southeastern corner of Ib due to economical and military reasons, it has shielded much of the western desert of Ib from the tropical winds, and there has been rising heat and lowering humidity in these regions in the near decade. As more water-dependant crops are cultivated in the region, the water is often absorbed by the shallow roots of foreign flora before it reaches the deep roots of native plants, which are decreasing in numbers. As the thermal low environment of Ib pushes to new extremes, Ib has experienced more prolonged days of new temperature highs, and sudden prolonged storms overflooding the water systems in the area. It is still unknown what long term climate effects will be brought about due to the recent changes of this landscape.

Khaset
Khaset is a large swath of desert on the Eastern Coast of Yulara, spanning at least 20% of its land mass. Known for its extreme conditions and rare freshwater sources, flora and fauna are very rarely spotted in its barren landscape of sand seas (with no vegetation) to its coast and small amount of gravel plains and some mountain outcrops further in land. Its eastern coast is also known to be in close proximity of two underground fault lines, which converges at the warm ocean east of Khaset. Earthquakes, and subsequent tsunamis, floods and landslides are common in the eastern coast, occurring every few decades, and one minor incident has made the construction of Aljashanili come to an abrupt halt in view of safety. West of Khaset features towns of Zar'Roc at the only freshwater source of Northern Khaset river, and June at the southwestern Oasis of Khaset, and it featured more biota in the past, but they have been driven out by modern day civilization.


 * Archeological Findings In Khaset, deep in the mineral filled mines, fossils of arctic foxes and deers can be found, with stark contrast to the current dry and hot landscape of the area. These fossils resemble the predecessors of fauna of current day Halgean lands in Northeast Syltor, and it is postulated that Khaset was in fact connected to Syltor mainland and featured ice-topped mountains instead. By observing the dense mineral layers above the fossils as well as fossils of tropical corals, it has come to the conclusion that a catastrophic earthquake in the eastern tropical ocean millenials ago, had caused an eruption of the underwater volcano, and formation of a large tsunami, which had overtaken much of the Khaset mountains with sand-filled seawater, isolating Yulara from Syltor mainland, and formed the Khaset sand dunes. This would also explain the aquifers supplying the freshwater of Western Khaset, as rainwater were able to make their way into the ground that was not submerged and covered with sand until this incident.
 * Current Day Climate Despite its coastal location, Khaset is known to be one of the driest location of all of Rathnir. When the cold winds of Northeast Syltor sea are about to reach the coast, the dry and hot air of Khaset causes formation of immense fog in the ocean waters, and negligible amount of moisture actually reach land. This fog is also the reason why ships generally avoid the northeastern coast of Khaset, and why there is a lack of foreign civilization at its coast. As for temperature, it is temperate at the northeastern Khaset due cool winds from cold northeast Syltor, but its tall sand dunes blocks any wind on reaching the southern, flatter mainlands of the desert, which features very extreme temperatures and almost no wind except the occasional coastal breeze and fog.
 * Civilization and Reclamation Due to its harsh environment and sparse water sources, the first settlements of Khaset were mainly nomadic tribes, who created stops at modern day Zar'Roc and June for water and rest for their journeys to the fish-filled coasts of Khaset. It did not take long however for powers to concentrate at these water sources, and notable civilizations such as the Sterling Crownlands and The Sand Republic populated the area. Trade was essential for livelihood of populace, and hence the iceroad highways (coated in tropical oils unique to Yulara to prevent melting) was first seen between Khaset and Ib. For prevention of landslides and for development of land, many of the southern Khaset sand dunes has since been flattened, but also its flora removed. There is also currently a reclamation project that may connect Syltor mainland with Yulara due to military and economical reasons, despite the risk of tsunamis submerging the land once again after the reclamation. Shall the northeastern sand dunes be removed due to development, it is unsure how the sudden influx of humid winds would affect the climate of Khaset, but if flooding occurs in northern Khaset, it would spell much disaster for the Zar'Roc populace.

Plague of Undeath:
At some point during the construction of the Skyreach inner city;  the “Death Plague” appeared within its walls. Though its origins are unknown (some theorizing that It was crafted by the local Necromancer and Lich, Astra; with others attributing it to the destroying of a spot blessed by nature and subsequent drilling into the earth to access the Leyline hotspot), it’s effects have so far been mostly contained due to the lack of the city’s residents. The plague itself has no ill effect upon the living while alive, though they may unwittingly carry it. Yet upon death, any small or human sized creature (Though creatures as large as full grown Assoti seem to be the upper limit) will reanimate upon death, often into a zombie, skeleton, or rarely, a more advanced form of undead such as a ghost, banshee, or ghoul.

The Plague itself seems mostly contained within the walls themselves, and as of yet not begun to leak out or spread to the surrounding zones. This is seen as good, as there is no known cure once infected other than decapitation or the intervention of a powerful priest.

Mole Madness
Another illness that beset Valle, Mole Madness was a lesser-known disease that created a delusion within its victims, causing them to become highly photosensitive. The result was a sizable proportion of Vallian cities's populations contained within catacombs and other subterranean portions of their cities, compelled to dig and expand below the ground. No cure was ever found.

Birds

 * The Ibean Raptor (Raptor Ibiens), is a small bird of prey that is highly intelligent. 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.


 * The Heliodusic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax heliodusionensis) is 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.


 * The Blooded Flamingo (Rubeus validis phoenicopteri) is a waterbird found amongst the western Riverrun and Poiaborrea regions. These birds are recognisible for their blood-red plumage which is used for the attraction of mates. Female Blooded Flamingoes exhibit a more subdued vibrancy, for which they are not prized as highly by enterprising hunters and poachers. Blooded Flamingo feathers are used in a wide range of Yularan activites and industries, such as the creation of bedding, large fans, ceremonial tribal hides (in the Tribal Period), decorative necklaces and more. Their diet consists largely off of coastal fish..


 * The Junese Hummingbird (Mellisuga nectaris) is a small hummingbird, about 7 centimeters in size, only found naturally in the oasis of June in the Khaset region. Its diet mostly consists of nectars that it drinks from the various native flowers of the oasis with the help of its long beak. It also consumes a variety of small insects, such as flies and mosquitoes. The colors can vary quite a bit from bird to bird, but the most common combination is a mix of sapphire blue and light pink with a white belly. The intelligence of the Junese Hummingbird can be compared to that of a 3-year-old child, which is quite extraordinary for a bird. This combined with their rarity and beautiful appearance has made them a popular pet among the upper class of nearby nations.

Small Mammals

 * The Yularan Desert Mouse (Mus Solitudiens) is a common mouse found accross 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 spceulated 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, marinaded in local spices and herbs.


 * The Lesser Darakeen Cat (Felis Darakeens Minor) is 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 laregly 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 archelological sites. Darakeen Cats were first named by the Drakkon tribe, named for their uncanny endurance during the desert sumemers, 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.

Mammals

 * The Upper Khaset Jackal (Canis Khaset Superiores) is 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 occurences are scarce. Historically, accounts have described Jackals leading lost travellers 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.


 * The Greater Darakeen Cat (Felis Darakeens Major) is a larger desert cat known for preying on unwary travellers. Due to scarcity of water within the Abaton and Khaset regions, this cat operates in and around the select river deltas and banks trailing through abaton and khaset. Their fur is perfectly camouflaged to blend into the sand dune landscape, with their paws exhibiting hook-like hairs on their pads for increased traction on the sand floor. These cats are relentless hunters, known for stalking prey continuously for up to several days before making a kill. Archeologists discovered teeth of these cats in burials from the Yularan tribal fragmentation period, suggesting their teeth were seen as status symbols by the early Yularan peoples.


 * Flatknuckle Baboons (Papio plana tesseras) are baboons found along river deltas and the southern coastlines of Yulara. They derive their names from indentations on their hands where their knuckles are found. Most are territorial in unsettled stretches of river valley, leading to altercations between themselves and rival groups and also human inhabitants. However, in more settled regions these baboons became accustomed to human interaction, leading to them being worshipped by some prehistoric tribes, as evidenced by keletons found with bronze or gold studs embedded into the space in their knuckles. It is theorised this was to signify their holy status to these tribesmen.


 * Northern Wetland Capybara (Hydrochoerus septrionalem) are small mammals that graze at secluded oases and watering holes in midland Yulara. Commonly found in the Oasis City of June, they feed off of the roots of waterside plants with few natural predators except the particularly starved human. In the modern day, the consumption of Capybaras has been entirely outlawed within the City of June by the Lennoxer Shabtoum of the region, leading to a population uptick.

Land-based invertebrates

 * Minor Desert Grub (Phyllophaga minor moritifica) are a breed of desert worms that nestle within sand and feed off of cacti and ambient groundwater. The species is capable of surviving without 98% of its body's water content, enabling it to enter a hibernation-like state from anywhere from weeks to yearswithout sustainance. In addition to this, the sepcies secretes a particularly potent neurotoxin that results in paralysis lasting hours depending on dosage. Over time, native Yularans adapted to this poisonous content and developed a natural tolerance to standard poisons, with consuming sand containing the Minor Desert Grubs being considered a rite of passage in some particularly remote Yularan tribes.


 * The Common Sand Scarab (Scarabaeus arenosum) is a large beetle, roughly 7 centimeters long and 3 wide, commonly found in most desert regions of Yulara. During the day they burrow deep in the sand and enter a sleep-like state. As the sun sets, they climb out of the sand and begin scavenging for food such as carcasses of dead animals, feces, and other decaying biomass. However, they will swiftly dig back into the depths of the desert sand at the first sign of danger. They are commonly hunted by many birds of prey such as the Ibean Raptor and several desert tribes, as the relatively large beetles are an easy source of protein in the barren desert.

Amphibians

 * Poison River Toads (Incilius mortifica) are a species of brownish-orange toads, commonly found in the riverbanks- and deltas of the Riverrun, Heliodusion and Aragon regions. They are known for being rather docile, rarely fleeing from humans, as they have little to no natural predators due to the thick layer of a slimy toxin that covers the entire toad. The toxin, when touched, causes strong irritation and a burning sensation in the affected body part and is fatal when digested. Some native Yularan tribes have, although very dangerous, collected this slime and used it to make poisonous arrows and blades. The toad's diet consists mostly of large invertebrates, such as beetles and dragonflies, small mammals and the eggs of various animals. They have a stable population in most of the aforementioned regions, though due to the increased construction of various dams and desctruction of natural riverbanks around the ZamCo factory, the species is nearing extinction in eastern Heliodusion.


 * The Khasetian Rain Frog (Breviceps nubilosus) is a species of small frog dominantly found on the eastern shores of Khaset, although individuals have also been spotted on the sandy beaches of Ib and Hernicia. The dry and hot air of Khaset causes large amounts of thick fog to form along the coast, which supplies the frogs with moisture in the otherwise arid area. The creatures mostly feed off of the few insects found in the sand seas of Khaset, such as beetles and desert grubs. The frogs are round and small in size, only measuring at about 5-8 centimeters long, with flat faces and bulging eyes. The face of the frog appears angry, and individuals emit high-pitched squeaking sounds when threatened. These features have earned the frog the nickname “Miri-thymōmeni” (ball of anger) among native Khaseti tribes. Due to the lack of freshwater bodies in the area, another notable trait of the frog is that it develops directly from the egg into adults, never undergoing the tadpole stage.

Water-based invertebrates

 * The Blue Lennoxer Coral Crab (Alcyoneum cancer), also know simply as the Coral crab is a large blue and black crab what lives on the coasts and river deltas of Lennox. They live in a symbiosis with a coral that grows on their back. The crab has a thick shell, which contains a pocket filled with water which hydrates the coral and keeps it alive while out of the water, whereas the coral protects the crab from harm and helps camouflage it underwater. The crabs are mainly active at dawn and dusk, hunting their prey, and spend most of daytime burrowed under sand, leaving only the coral visible, as the crab rests. As the sun sets they climb out of the sand and fill up their water pockets. The crab can survive without their coral, but they will be extremely stressed and die younger. Their meat is very rich in flavour and a popular delicacy in many parts of Yulara and goes especially well with sauce made from common sand scarabs.



Drakes and Pseudodragons

 * The Umbra Pseudodragon ( Draconis minor, umbra), often referred to as a "Darkdrake" by locals is a small Pseudodragon 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 Faries, 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 familairs.

Spirits and Malignant Undead

 * The Shade (Umbra etherious) is an ethereal ghost-like creature native to Skyreach’s inner city that began soon after the necropolis’ early construction. These deadly creatures are a recent addition to the Isle, only having begun appearing after the initial construction of Skyreach, and now lurk in it’s darkest shadows and alleyways. The Shade drains and feeds off the lifeforce of living creatures, Though they tend to stick to smaller and easier prey. Resembling shadows or a black smoke, these creatures are theorized to have originated from the plane of shadow, or possibly the void; given their hatred for light. Sunlight is innately harmful to Shades, with most lesser light sources such as laterned merely warding them off. Their method of reproduction appears to come from the slaying of a sentient: within a few days of being slain and having it’s life force consumed, a new Shade will arise from the body. It is unknown if anything of the original person remains in the new Shade, or if it is merely a mindless beast.


 * The Dwellers of the Wickmen Labyrinth (Zarriim) are reputed in Lennox folklore to entirely devour the body and spirit of the sinners taken into the Wickmen's ultimate punishment: the Labyrinth. Said Labyrinth operates with minimal lighting and multiple dead-ends and winding corridors, the pattern of which appears to change with each turn into a new corridor, resulting in a shifting maze that is never the same configuration. The prolonged exposure of the maze to the souls of sinners has resulted in a corrupting efffect that the Dwellers appear to have stemmed from. Some are completely insubstantial and contact with their appraition results in symptoms from leisions to rapid necrosis of affected tissue. In more corporeal cases, the once-human body is distorted into an unrecognisible form of the original. Arms become pincers, skin becomes scaled or broken up with grotesque protrusions of bone, and faces are mkelted like wax. All are agressive and must be avoided on sight, if indeed you are unlucky enough to venture into the Labyrinth.

Censored or Redacted (lack of shared information)

 * "The Gatekeepers"
 * "The Watcher"
 * "The Chained"

Unclassified (Lack of information)

 * The Draconis, Vacuus (Draconis Yularnas Vacuus) is the name assigned to the set of bones and skull found within the southern region of Valle, under Skyreach's Central Tower. The Bones were discovered by the local governor (Astra Cornaro) while attempting to unearth the origin of a leyline point (Which was later to be revealed to be the large chamber that the bones and skull presided in.) According to Astra, he found it in a perfectly preserved state, alongside an ancient tome. He has refused to elaborate upon what he had found within the tome and had details burning it after reading its contents. As to the skeleton, he claimed to have "Moved it to somewhere safer", and also gave a scant few details on it, but did produce a small shard from it. The sliver of bone shard was pitch black and seemed to cause light around it to dim, and could only be described as unnerving to anyone who came into contact with it.


 * The Ex Infra (Ex Infra ) was a monstrous creature that apparently roamed the world before the arrival of the gods*, long before the modern era. A husk of the creature was found by Astra Cornaro Somewhere beneath Luperkania. The husk has been relocated to a "safer and more secure area" according to Astra. Though refusing to provide solid evidence of the creature, he described it as "An amoeba like creature made out of iridescent black slime, with multiple eyes "floating" on the surface" and being around "50 feet wide/across" referring to the book found in the cavern of the Draconis, Vacuus, he stated that they may have once been members of Ex Infra far larger, though would not elaborate further.


 * The Sentinels (Infernus Custodiae, Colossus) is the name given to sets of massive demonic bones found underneath Altirk (Northern Valle). These sets of bones, though incomplete, paint a picture of towering demons the size of large houses. From the relative lack of distance between the only two known sets of bones, and a (REDACTED) found closeby, it is assumed that these towering behemoths once guarded something of great import far below the surface of the Altirk. While the skeletons have since been moved to Skyreach after their discovery by the mayor of Skyreach (the skulls are now on public display), little is actually known about them directly. Only two people within Valle seemed to have any extra knowledge regarding these skeletons of interest: Lew and Astra (The Mayor of Skyreach), though both refused to provide comment. While attempts were made to inquire denizens hailing from the infernal realms, even they seemed unaware of demons this size upon Rathnir.

Trees (Deciduous)
This category refers to Yularan trees that do not retain their leaves during winter. There are few of these upon Yulara due to its excessively warm climate, with most isolated in northern regions of the isle, or special conserved areas.

Buzzelux Tree
The Buzzelux Tree was imported to Yulara through the Kingdom of Lennox's founder, Buzzian Philoraptor I. The tree is exceedingly rare, with few seeds remaining in existence, and these trees isolated to key Lennoxer cities. The trees do not flower, and instead are preserved for their sentimental value. It is believed that said trees are taken from the fabled Buzzelux, a city built by Philoraptor many leagues south of the Bardonian coast.

Greybarks
Greybarks are a species of oak found upon the Isle of Leeps, and the Yularan mainland region of Poiaborrea in the northwest. These oaks have not spread much further beyond these regions due to the hotter southern climates, and often suffer when rare meteorological events drive hotter central Yularan weather northwest. Their name derives from the stark grey colour of their bark, which is likened akin to a stony grey.

Dragoonid Cypress (Cupressus Dragoonid)
The Dragoonid Cypress is arguably the most popular plant within Lennoxer culture, found throughout their cities due to its aesthetica appeal. The coniferous plant is easily sculpted by gardeners, being highly responsive to pruning, and requiring a moderate amount of water for its average size. The leaves are thin and numerous, aligned in a dark green. The Dragoonid Cypress specifically is very well-adapted to hot environments, having deep root networks, and enlarged vacuoles within the plant cell to store an abundance of water and nutrients. The wood itself is remarkably heat-resistant for wood of its kind, often hardening to charcoal in response to heat rather than outright combusting.

Junese Honeydew Pine (Pinus Pulchra)
The Junese Honeydew Pine is a species of pine almost entirely alien to its fellows. The stout tree behaves similar to a conifer, with a large canopy stemming from a wide, short trunk. The tree is exclusive to the town of June, thriving in the oasis environment. The tree secretes a sap from new growth areas, which is renowned by the locals for its sweet taste. These pines are therefore cultivated for their sap, which features heavily in local cuisine, such as the Junese bun or cake.

Yularan Acacia (Acacia Yulariens)
The Yularan Acacia can be found throughout the vast majority of the isle, known for its hardiness in weathering hot summers, and frequent droughts. The tree is prized for its flexible wood, which is also miraculously capable of becoming highly rigid when exposed to heat. This has made the wood highly prized by carpenters and builders for its versatility within home construction, and as good material for bows.