Bestiary
The world of Xanthiri is filled with many creatures, mundane and fantastical alike.
Between the cities, in forests and mountains and deserts, there are mysterious creatures lying in wait. There is a reason travelers are warned to stay on the path, to never wander at night.
A variant of Ghoul is known as a Water Hag, which are especially territorial and strong. They inhabit marshes, lakes, and swamps.
These predatory creatures that are particularly dangerous, as they like to nest near farms. Found in the North, they keep to nests in solitary, venturing out at night to prey upon their favorite livestock.
/*
Fauna
Domesticated
There are a variety of creatures that have been domesticated, aside from the regular dog or cat.Kobbau
While they generally look like normal dogs, their size rivals that of horses. Pup Kobbau look like their average sized dog counterpart. Their coloring and markings vary by realm, and tend to be more saturated than normal dogs. Used by the Draconic clans as mounts, they are considered beloved members of the family. They are given elaborate saddles, beautifully crafted reigns, and blankets embroidered in their clan's colors.Qillin
Resembling white deer, the Qillin have served as elven mounts for centuries. Large and powerful, yet elegant and lithe, these creatures have been depicted in elven art in even the most ancient artifacts. Their horns twist and grow more like tree branches, which left unchecked, will begin to sprout multicolored leaves. They are among the fastest creatures in Xanthiri, reaching speeds of 80 km/h.Callist
The mounts and beloved allies of the dwarven are the bear-like Callist. They are adept at climbing, being slightly smaller and more nimble than typical bears. They are also great foragers, who are naturally curious and gentle. They are very friendly and easy to train. It is a common practice to dye their fur with colorful powders.Griffin
With the head and talons of a bird and the body of a large cat, griffins are one of the strangest looking common animals. They were first domesticated by humans around the time of Cycle 50, so their introduction into society is relatively new. While they can be found anywhere in the four realms, the most common and easiest to train are from the east. The type of cat and bird of the griffin differs by region.Aries
These sheep have some sort of innate fire magic, many surmising that they are descended from fire elementals. They can harness fire magic in a way that makes their wool always warm, the warmth lingering long after it has been sheered off. When angered or threatened, the ground beneath their hooves begins to smoke. Because of their elemental affinity, anywhere outside of the northern realms is too hot for them.Taurus
Taurus, exceptionally large oxen, are related to earth elementals. Because of this, they are incredibly strong and formidable when angered. Luckily, they are easy to keep calm so long as they are well fed. They are usually used as working animals on farms, but they are sometimes used as mounts. They are native the southern realms.Wild
Between the cities, in forests and mountains and deserts, there are mysterious creatures lying in wait. There is a reason travelers are warned to stay on the path, to never wander at night.
Al mi’raj
Local to the West and prominent in Elvhen stories, Al mi'raj are rabbits with unicorn-like horns. Some people try keeping them as pets.Chogs
Chogs are common creatures throughout Xanthiri. They are small to medium sized mammals with fuzzy, almost wool-like back fur and soft downy stomach fur. They make a distinctive, soft "honking" sound. They are basically useless, their meat tastes terrible to essentially every creature that eats meat, and they do nothing aside sleep and eat whatever scraps. They are often kept as pets or as companions for other animals, as they have no natural predators and are non aggressive animals.Changelings
Changelings are shape-shifting creatures who change their physical appearance in order to lure prey. Their bones and muscles shrink and stretch, shedding and growing new skin when a new disguised is needed. Often take the shape of an injured person, usually a child. They rarely get details right, which is why they pretend to be hurt to lure prey closer, faster. They are not intelligent enough to understand speech, but they can mimic cries of pain. Some have been known to attempt speech, but they have difficulty forming words or the correct cadence. It is unnatural sounding, much like how they move. They are somewhat rare, but can be found throughout Xanthiri.Cipactli
A Cipactli is a sea monster with a crocodile face and fish body, large as a shark. Extremely solitary, they only attacked when surprised or threatened. When they do attack, however, people rarely live to tell about it. They love the tropical waters between the South and West, so they are sighted from time to time.Drakes
Drakes are salamander, lizard like creatures the size of cats. It is a common misconception that they are related to dragons, which is where they get their name. They are found primarily in the Southern deserts and somewhat common.Ghouls
These creatures spawn from human corpses left unattended, out in the open. Appearing to be a mix of dog and human, they are constantly rotting away, still alive even as limbs fall off. Easily startled, they stay away from cities and towns. They do not have souls, but seem to be looking for one, as if it would fix them. They seem to attack people for this purpose.A variant of Ghoul is known as a Water Hag, which are especially territorial and strong. They inhabit marshes, lakes, and swamps.
Kelpie
These creatures resemble horses, but are nothing alike. They are made of some sort of sticky, oozing black slime, which can only survive in bodies of fresh water. They only leave the water to lure in prey, who are helplessly stuck to that slimy residue as they are dragged into the water and drowned. They are rare, but live in the marshes of the West, near the Northern borders and in Daire.Phoenix
These bird creatures are extremely rare, descended from fire elementals. They are so rare that some still believe them to be spirits. They are prominent in lore of many draconic tribes, described as guiding dragon souls back to their source after death.Sphinx
These beasts have a body that resembles a lion, but have a "mask" that resembles a person. This mask is part of the Sphinx, made of bone. They can perfectly mimic speech, but do not seem to truly understand it, copying speech in a mocking tone. Extremely rare, they have only been reported in the Itiri Desert of the south.Unicorns
Unicorns are feral, but overall benevolent. Considered signs of good fortune, they naturally seek out and inhabit areas of purity, free of plague and famine. They are very thin and horse-like, with a single horn that grows to a point. Their tails are mostly short, as if shaved, with a puff of hair at the very end. Approachable, but will attack using horns if one attempts to capture them. They are native in the east, where it is frowned upon to hunt them.Visulkas
These giant serpents have a head that resembles a wolf, and patches of fur sticking out from scales. They spit acid at great lengths, which can melt through to bone in its most concentrated form. They are somehow able to survive the cold of the north, having been hunted out of any other region.Yportls
Yportls are one of the strangest looking beasts of Xanthiri. Lanky, about the size of a medium dog, they are not very big. They have long, horse like faces, with jaws that open like a wolf’s, showing off very long, snake-like fangs. The body has coarse, short hair like a goat’s. It’s front talons are crow like. The hind legs are cloven, much like a goat. It has a long, snake-like tail, mountain variants have rattles on their tail.These predatory creatures that are particularly dangerous, as they like to nest near farms. Found in the North, they keep to nests in solitary, venturing out at night to prey upon their favorite livestock.
Flora
Much like the animals of Xanthiri, the plant life is also varied and fantastical.Trees
Aegis Pine
Aegis Pines are an unnaturally sturdy tree found in the eastern realms. They have some magical properties that give them their strength and protective properties in spells. They were once used to make shields, and are now more often used to make staves and wands. These trees are characterized by their warm brown bark and massive height, growing to be over 300 ft tall. They are native to the eastern realms, but can be found in some places in the north as well.Virgo Wood
Virgo trees are found in the western realms, found in Kernrin and southern parts of Thandava. These small trees have grey bark and small blue flowers. The fragrant innards of the tree are used in incense, creating a blue-tinged smoke. Strong concentrations can put one into a trance-like state, some even have hallucinations. It is popular to help read Fate Lines or used during seances.Scaser Tree
These deciduous trees are native to the northern realms, growing primarily in ravines of forests, notably in Borwan Wood. They have dark green, star shaped leaves that are harvested to make Scaser Oil. The leaves in their pure form cause nausea when ingested, as well as numbness and itchiness when in contact with skin. As a diluted oil, however, it provides pain relief.Sagittarius Tree
Sagittarius Trees are native to the southern realms, found all over Agnum and the Kito Isles. It has been introduced to the other realms as well. Identified by its pure white bark and leaves, these trees are the best for making bows and arrows. The wood is flexible, yet strong and tensile.Flowers
Weeping Sage
These shrubs boast beautiful, grey-blue leaves. The leaves unfurl in contact with water, glowing slightly in the rain. The way they droop down makes it look like they are crying. This plant is used in potions and medicine to help restore mana. It can grow anywhere in Xanthiri, but is native to the north.Levone's Tears
This rare flower is native to the western realms, found only in the Estrellan Wilds. It's tear-shaped petals are incredibly delicate, falling apart at the slightest touch. They are rather ordinary looking in the day, and difficult to find. However, at night, they glow in the moonlight. They reveal what is hidden, containing very potent properties that allow one to see Fate Lines.Other Plants
Paigewort
This perennial herb is an invasive species that has its uses. It thrives in contaminated areas, seeking out rot and disease, then purifying. However, it can overtake other plants, so it is best to grow Paigewort in its own container. It is used in healing potions, and is native to the north.Sungrass
This reddish-brown grass is native to the western realms, but has been introduced to the north as well. It is warm to the touch, as if always basking in the sun. Aries love to graze it, and people of the north make into tea and medicine to treat colds and hypothermia. It is very bitter tasting.Aquarius Root
Also known as a Water-Bearer Bush, this common shrub is found in the southern realms, dotted throughout and near the Itiri Desert. It holds in water absorbed from rainfall and stores much of it in its roots. Travelers seek out this plant to harvest the roots, chewing on them to stay hydrated. It can be identified by its pale, green circular leaves, which can be used in tea.Rotblossom
Rotblossom is a rare vine that is found in the east. It grows best not in soil, but in corpses. The flowers become red, and blood spills from them when cut. They have a reputation for being used to cover up murders, rumored to be used by witches for curses./*
Geology
Because the earth itself, all the rocks and minerals, can have magical properties, they are considered living things alongside animals and plants. */
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild