Terrawhales

Terrawhales are one of four main species of Elemental Whales that roam the world of Axordia. Present throughout all the land of Axordia, these whales are imbued with elemental magic.
In shape, terrawhales resemble the blue whale, being by far the largest species of elemental whale to date. Generally, their colouration ranges from a warm light brown to a cold dark brown dependent on the climate of their environment. Many of the whales living in grassy areas have also been noted to develop green patches over time, alongside the usual shrubbery and plant life, indicating some modicum of environmental adjustment and evolution.
Terrawhales are extremely unique, having the ability to shift the state of their bodies in order to pass through earth and even solid rock due to their earth magic. This allows them to move near undetected beneath the surface, with only the slightest tremor betraying their presence. Widely regarded as the defenders of the earth and its magic, these whales will not hesitate to attack other creatures that threaten the balance of nature, be it with fighting, fire or arcane ability. However, on the whole they are fairy docile, and will not attack unless provoked, and are even willing to guide travellers across large planes or deserts.

Subspecies

Islewhales

Islewhales are the largest and strongest subspecies of elemental whales to exist in Axordia. The only terrawhale species to live in the ocean, these whales move incredibly slowly. Due to their thick, earthy skin, this led to civilizations of the past mistaking them for islands, and thus many townships and settlements were formed on the backs of these creatures. Inhabited floating islands and archipelagos are now common in Axordia, and because of this openness to supporting other lifeforms, they are generally regarded as the most docile species of elemental whale. Islewhales uninhabited by humanoid races often carry forests, oases and even ancient ruins and temples.

Minewhales

Minewhales live deep underground, often in large caverns and cave systems that are rich with treasure or gems. A grey-brown in colouration, the backs of these whales are adorned with crystals, the type of crystal varying dependant on location and the naturally occurring ores within the cave. As of yet, researchers are unsure how the crystals grow from the backs of these whales, but they are fairly certain that they are grown by the whale, not picked up from the caves. Due to the rarity of these gems, and the quantity in which they grow on these whales, minewhales are often subject to hunters and poachers, and as such areas where they are known to live are watched over by the Whaleguard in order to protect the creatures. These creatures are highly sought after by users of the arcane arts, as the crystals growing of their backs often contain magical properties, with many emitting a soft glow. These whales have been seen to float within large cavern spaces, supported by swirling arcane energy.

Dunewhales

Dunewhales live within the vast deserts of Axordia. Their colouration has been found to vary slightly dependent on climate, but averages to be a pale yellow-grey. The colouration of the skin of these whales is less important to their natural camouflage, as they coat themselves in the sand of their habitat, a chemical secreted through their skin allowing the sand to stick to them, creating the perfect camouflage for their current environment. Some researchers have theorised that, upon death, these whale disintegrate into sand, perhaps being the source of many of the deserts within Axordia, however this is yet to be proven. Like other terrawhales, dunewhales grow plants on their backs in the form of desert shrubs, assisting to their camouflage when hunting near the surface.

Florawhales

Florawhales are regarded to be one of the most beautiful species of elemental whales, partly due to their links to the mysterious and enchanting feywild and its magic. Florawhales live deep within forest areas or in lush caves. Atop their brown and moss-green skin grow beautiful flowers, eventually growing to cover the whale's entire form. Many of these flowers contain magical properties, and are often sought after by potion makers or arcane users. The flowers grown reflect those native to the region the whale resides in, but there have been cases where flora not native to a continent has been spotted atop these creatures. 

Florawhale by earlgreytiefling

Above image: An adolescent Florawhale. The large flower adorning its back is the Lotus Luxus, a beautiful flower that emits soft orbs of light into the sky.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Resembling the shape of a blue whale, terrawhales have sharp, smooth fins that allow them to glide through sand and rock uncontested. A generic terrrawhale has skin that ranges from a warm light brown to a cold dark brown dependent on the climate of their environment. Islewhales are by far the largest species of elemental whale, being able to carry entire settlements atop their backs. On the other hand, minewhales are the smalled subspecies of terrawhales, likely due to the nature of their habitats, as they tend to prefer moving throughout the tunnels and cave systems rather than directly through the rocks.

Growth Rate & Stages

Terrawhales reach maturity after around 28 years of growth. As far as has been noted, all terrawhales are born with the same colouration of a pale brown colour, which darkens or adjusts in order to match its surroundings as the whale grows. While the colouration of mature whales has been noted to shift over long periods of time, their colouration mostly develops to match the area they grow up in. Smaller plants, grass and moss begin to grow in after around 8 years of growth, whereas trees and larger plants don't grow in until around 18 years of growth. Some whales living in grassy planes have also been noted to develop green patches of skin atop their backs. If belonging to the subspecies of islewhale, the whale will develop its thick earthy skin after 15 years of growth, and will begin growing trees and supporting small lifeforms after 18 years. If belonging to the subspecies of minewhale, not only is the whale slightly smaller, but the skin darkens significantly to a grey colour, and crystals are believed to begin growing in after 8 years. It has been noted that a minewhale will shed its crystals every 15 years, and that these crystals then root into the caverns, explaining the unusual abundance of crystals near these whales' habitats. If belonging to the subspecies of dunewhale, the whale's skin will usually fade to match the surrounding sand, and by 5 years of growth the whale will have mastered the sand cloaking ability, being able to camouflage perfectly into its environment. Desert shrubs have been observed to start growing as the whale reaches around 15 years of growth. If belonging to the subspecies of florawhale, the whales develop a greener colour after around 5 years of growth, as these whales spend the most time above surface and in lush areas. Flowers begin to grow in after around 8 years of growth, and those with magical properties develop after 12 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Terrawhales rarely leave the area they grow up in, and if they do they always return within the year. The reasons for straying from this area are thought to be for hunting or mating purposes, but that is yet to be determined.

Dietary Needs and Habits

These whales are carnivorous, and most species prefer to eat small burrowing creatures. Islewhales are the main exception as they live in the ocean, so have a similar diet to hydrowhales, eating large quantities of small fish and sea creatures.

Behaviour

Terrawhales are a fairly solitary species, mostly travelling alone. Minewhales are by far the most sociable of the subspecies, due to the limited areas for suitable habitats and their smaller size. In contrast, islewhales almost always travel completely alone, rarely interacting with other whales unless they are travelling as part of an archipelago.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Due to the nature of their habitats terrawhales are particularly adept with the skill of blindsight, allowing them to 'see' objects and environment changes beneath the earth and navigate by emitting high-frequency sounds, inaudible to most other creatures, that allow them to locate objects and creatures within 120 feet.

Origin/Ancestry

Pyrwhales, Hydrowhales, Aerwhales

Lifespan

300 yrs

Conservation Status

Terrawhales are protected by the Whaleguard, made up of beastmasters, druids, and other warriors and defenders of the natural world who are part of an honoured guild formed to protect and train Elemental whales such as these.

Average Length

Terrawhales: 24-25m (Adult female), 21-22m (Adult male) Islewhales: 44-45m (Adult female), 41-42m (Adult male) Minewhales: 19-20m (Adult female), 17-18m (Adult male)