Ikal Expanse
The Ikal Expanse covers the southern half of Ukulam, known for its unbroken canopy of ancient trees, co-mingled with skyscraper-sized fungi that sprout and wither in weeks. Due to this constantly changing cycle, the Expanse is often plagued by storms of acidic spores, which help topple dying trees and create new opportunity for life. It is considered the most biologically-productive location in the Pact Worlds, and a focus of biological institutes across the system.
Geography
The Ikal Expanse is almost entirely covered by a canopy of deciduous trees and titanic mushrooms, broken only by the Ralhoma River to the west, and the war-torn landscapes surrounding Station 9 and Waklohar's Expeditions to the east.
Ecosystem
Regardless of the species, all creatures of the Ikal Expanse are forced to deal with the constant spore storms in order to survive. The feline Ysoki that live adjacent to the Ralhoma River rely on acid-resistant strains of bamboo to seek shelter in, while the Razorback and Yaruk simply possess a natural fortitude. Many of the plants under the canopy have evolved to feed on this substance, or use the airborne vessels to transfer their seeds.
Unfortunately, this seems to be the only thing the varied species of the forest can agree on, as they constantly fight in a natural war for dominance. The primary rule of the jungle is survival, and those most adept at the practice come out on top, while the weakest inevitably fade from existence...
Fauna & Flora
In the Ikal Expanse, a flower is just as likely to kill you as a Razorback or a horde of Kaukariki. Diseases form and evolve in the span of months, wiping through the unprepared with all the fury of nature, causing variant species to emerge and evolve with equivalent speed. Ranging from starship-sized snakes, to towering dinosaurs, to fungi-controlled ants, to the aerial Sky Fisher, the Expanse's list of flora and fauna seems to have no end, and will likely not be catalogued for decades to come.
Artwork by Andreas Rocha
Type
Forest, Jungle (Tropical)
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Contested By
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
Inhabiting Species
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