The Bestiary of Forgotten Fauna 2023
Star-Born and Synthetics, gather around
and prepare yourselves for an epic journey through the pages of a book that will stir the very essence of your soul. Behold, "The Bestiary of Forgotten Fauna," a tome of immeasurable significance and unrivaled wonder, a book that speaks of creatures beyond your wildest imaginations and tells tales of wonders untold. This book is not just a mere collection of illustrations and descriptions of animals, but a testament to the magnificent diversity of life on this earth, both common and uncommon, that time has nearly forgotten.
It is a repository of knowledge, a cornucopia of information, that will take you on an epic journey into the depths of the unknown and the mysterious, where creatures with fangs and claws, with scales and feathers, with gills and hooves, reside. It is a compendium of knowledge that will ignite the passion of the most fervent naturalist, the imagination of the most imaginative dreamer, and the curiosity of the most skeptical skeptic.
It is a work of art - a masterpiece of storytelling - that will leave you breathless, that will awaken the primal instincts within you, that will inspire you to seek out the unknown and the unseen. So, come along with me, dear reader, as we delve into "The Bestiary of Forgotten Fauna," a book that will change your perception of the world and the creatures that call it home.
Their presence was indelible; the night ravens with their eerie, blood-red eyes in the south. Everywhere, people whispered of them; whether it be the "Sanguavens" of the local folklore, or the "Demon Dots" that kept their ancient ancestors on edge. But no matter what name they had, one thing held true; their eyes - luminescent and red - pierced through the night with a spectral intensity. The bright red of a Sanguaven's eye is visible from miles away in the darkest conditions, due to its reflective property that redshifts and amplifies light. This not only helps it see better but also adds to its mysterious and fearsome presence. Amiel Orgumuhm wrote of them as "All-Seeing Eyes", and though time has unraveled many secrets since, they still fuel a sense of dread and unease in those who witness their baleful glimmering, even from afar.
The bright red eyes of the Sanguaven have been the subject of many folklore tales, with many people believing them to be the familiars of the Viampaal, who are rumored to use the birds to spy on and gather information from their enemies.
Beleymers prowl the swamps and marshes of the East, their yellow eyes aglow in the shadows of the night. Their thick fur repels the heat, allowing them to hunt and prey even in the hot and humid conditions of the wetlands. Working together, these powerful leopards form familial communities that are notorious for their tenacity and their ability to catch their prey. But these fearsome creatures also have a softer side – when they're not hunting or eating, they can be found wallowing in mud or sunbathing, a respite from the swamp's hostile environment that allows them to maintain their strength and stay alive. Their thick, heat-resistant fur is highly prized by societies located in cooler climates, making these predators sought after by hunters and traders alike.
The Beleymer's mud-loving behavior is a unique adaptation to its swamp environment. The mud acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting their skin from harmful UV rays, as well as a coolant, reducing their body temperature during the hot and humid days in the swamp. The mud also helps to remove parasites and other debris from their fur, keeping them clean and healthy.
The volkan is a massive buffalo species. Its thick black fur bristles in warning and its massive mouth drips with saliva, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth that glint in the moonlight. Horns protrude from either side of its skull, and its eyes are red orbs that smolder with rage. These beasts are known to roam vast distances; covering up to 100 kilometers in a single day, in search of food. Volkans are fiercely independent and completely intolerant of any intrusions upon their territory. When two volkans come face to face in battle, they will circle each other cautiously, hackles raised and muscles trembling, before engaging in a wild flurry of kicks and leaps to decide who will be victorious.
Ancient Puski depicted the volkan in their artwork, with the earliest known carvings dating back over 5000 years. These carvings depict the volkan as a powerful force, with its massive size and sharp horns symbolizing its dominance over other creatures.
The Krystalloise plunges deep into the earth, burrowing through soft soil with powerful shovel-like fins. These jewel-like reptiles, with their glittering shells and carapaces of crystals, inhabit the depths of subsurface caverns made from nature or from those hollowed out by other creatures. They lick at rocks and stalagmites for minerals to sustain themselves, but predators aren't the only ones who hunt them. Their stunning appearance entices those who desire their beauty and rarity as prized possessions for jewelry.
The Krystalloise are highly valued for their shimmering shells, making them a valuable commodity in the gem trade. Despite regulations to protect their populations, illegal hunting and trade persists, putting the species at risk of endangerment.
Yahak
The Yahak is an electrifying creature, darting between trees with a vibrant explosion of colors. Its small shape belies its energy, beating its wings in a furious tempo that can outpace any other creature in the air. It soars and dives and twists through the air, spinning and twirling with fearless excitement. The Yahaks flock together, chasing and playfighting with any animals they find, their bright plumage shining like a beacon of their fierce joy. They are never still, always looking for the next opportunity to light the sky with color, their wings a flurry of energy that leaves no room for boredom.
The Yahaks are often referred to as "fireballs" due to their energetic and playful nature, as well as their brightly colored feathers.
Fjasdijh
The slender Fjasdijh prowl through the night, their dark feline fur melding with the shadows. The caves are their domain and they scale the walls with ease in search of insects and small rodents. Their sharp claws and teeth glint as they catch their victims, ripping them apart with primal ferocity. But Fjasdijh are more than just solitary predators. They are social creatures living in large prides with complex forms of communication. Each member has their own specific role and works together with the others in a delicate balance of power and strategy that allows them to thrive in their dark subterranean domain.
Fjasdijh are known for their quick reproduction, sometimes giving birth to litters of up to ten offspring at a time. Each litter is cared for by the entire pride, with the mother receiving help from other females in nursing and raising the young.
D'geft
According to the Ullul, D'geft are ancient stone elementals that sail through solid mountains like specters, living solitary and mysterious lives. Those who are fortunate enough to catch a d'geft will bind the elemental's will to their own, granting them control over the elemental's powers. When a d'geft dies, the soul of the elemental weighs heavily on the shifting tectonic plates of the earth, causing violent earthquakes and century-long ruptures that slowly stitch together to form a brand new mountain peak. Over time, this will act as an incubator from which a brand new d'geft will be born.
The Ullul believe the d'gefts are powerful and ancient beings, with legends and myths about their power and influence dating back thousands of years. The Ullul believe that to capture and control a d'geft is to have the power of the mountains at one's fingertips.
Zaigarch
The Zaigarchs are a translucent jellyfish species that lurk in the depths of the magma chambers of Eivrall's oceans, their ethereal presence only illuminated by the light of their own bioluminescent organs. As they slowly glide through the caverns, they become easy prey to larger predators in the darkness, their only defense a ghostly glow that provides sustenance to the other creatures of the sea. Zaigarchs reproduce by being digested within the acidic stomachs of their predators and are reborn anew.
The bioluminescent glow of the Zaigarchs is not only useful for providing light to other aquatic creatures, but it also creates a mesmerizing and beautiful sight in the dark magma chambers. Despite their lack of natural defenses, their radiant beauty has made them popular among underwater photographers.
Gundir
The Gundirs are a terrifying sight to behold, with monstrously furred bodies that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. They stalk their prey with cold-blooded precision, donning the pelts of their victims to better hide in the shadows. As they move, they are silent specters of death, never making a sound until they leap with terrifying ferocity upon their quarry. The Natives of the region refer to them as fi'ni, a words that means "Layered Pelt Beast", and speaks to the gruesome truth of their gruesome nature.
The Gundirs are opportunistic hunters, and will don the pelts of their victims to better hide in the environment. This has led some to believe that the Gundirs are sentient creatures with a twisted sense of humor.
Val'anur
The val'anur prowls the tundra like a voracious monster, its unfathomable strength making it unstoppable. It runs with tireless determination, never wanting for rest or sleep. Each muscular paw is capped with razor-sharp claws that slice through the air, ready to rend its exhausted prey into bloody shreds and feast upon the still warm remains with an insatiable appetite.
The val'anur has been documented in various cultures for centuries, with tales of its fearsome strength and relentless pursuit of prey passing down from generation to generation. Ancient cultures often used the val'anur as a symbol of fear, depicting it in their artwork and carvings as a warning to those who would challenge their power.
Jhinx
The jhinx are a subspecies of the ancient sphinxes that escaped the destruction of their original homeland to find refuge deep in the jungle. For millennia, they lived in obscurity until they were recently discovered as a brand new species untouched by man. The creatures are widely believed to possess supernatural powers, allowing them to mimic the natural sounds of any living being and even commune with other beings in their own tongue, including humans. Though accounts exist of humans conversing with jhinx, none have been verified.
Jhinxs are known for their elusive nature and are considered to be one of the rarest species in the world. Despite being rediscovered several thousand years after they were thought to have gone extinct, they still remain one of the least understood creatures in the world.
Sareen
The Sareen is a powerful beast that stalks the mountains of the north. Its fur is wild and untamed, with a coat that ranges from a sandy brown to a midnight black that makes it almost invisible in the darkness. Its roar thunders through the land, a maddening, deafening sound that can be heard for miles and paralyzes even the bravest of hunters in fear. It is said to have the power to rob its prey of all will to resist, freezing them in place with terror. Though it carries a fearsome reputation, the Sareen is harmless if left alone and seldom attacks unless provoked. It is an elusive creature, preferring solitude to large gatherings, only coming together with its kin to procreate or nurture its young.
The Sareen's roar is so powerful that it has been known to cause avalanches and trigger earthquakes in the surrounding area. It is also said that the roar of a Sareen can be heard by the gods, who use it as a warning to prepare for impending danger.
Whisper
Whisper bulbs (known as "screamers" in windier locales) are sentient plant-animal hybrids that eventually emerge from pollinated trees. Whispers are also capable of reproducing by infecting the tree with a virus that spreads to other locations in the tree, and may sometimes spread to nearby trees using crosspollination. Although whispers are immobile and cannot hunt, they are capable of tapping the tree they've grown out of for nutrients. Left alone, whispers generally match the lifespan of the tree they depend on, although too many whispers absorbing nutrients from a single tree may kill it. The shape of a whisper produces a distinct, high-pitched whistle when wind passes through it, increasing in decibels as the speed of the wind increases.
Many regions avoid planting trees that are known to be prone to pollination by whispers, as the constant screeching can be extremely distracting and disruptive to daily life.
Skalve
The skalve looms like a mythical beast amidst the desert sands, radiating a mysterious and divine energy. Its presence is so powerful that some believe it is connected to the spiritual world, and its sharp eyes and unparalleled tracking abilities inspire reverence. Its tough, sandy coat helps it blend into the desert terrain and wards off the scorching heat of the sun. Its swift feet carry it effortlessly across the dunes and its sharp claws allow it to dig for food and water deep beneath the surface. Despite its fierce exterior, the skalve is actually quite intelligent and has been known to form strong bonds with those who show it respect. Its diet consists mainly of small rodents and lizards, but this creature is not picky - it will scavenge for scraps or any other means of sustenance. The skalves' incredible endurance is due to their ability to store moisture from their meals in swollen sacs on either side of their neck. Not only are they practical, but skalves are also highly prized for their ethereal beauty. Their shimmering sandy coats look like spun gold in the sunlight, while their bright eyes glimmer with a mysterious light. Such stunning creatures have become symbols of divine power in many communities, a testament to their grandeur.
The skalve has been an important part of desert culture for centuries, with references to it dating back to ancient times. Many legends and myths have been created around the skalve, with some cultures believing that it is a messenger of the gods, sent to guide travelers through the harsh desert terrain, or possessing the ability to see into the future and predict the outcomes of important events.
Mimcree
Originating from the distant east, mimcrees have been under strict government control for centuries due to their remarkable ability to morph into any creature within their field of vision. Studies have confirmed that this unique replication process is exact down to a molecular level and experiments have verified that no living being can distinguish between a real animal and a mimcree shapeshifter. Although most people are still unaware of mimcrees, many of them are unknowingly witnessed in zoos on a regular basis, where zookeepers commonly rent an entire unit of mimcrees from the government to replace rare species that would otherwise be unaffordable. Public aid makes renting the mimcree's services more accessible, however any zoo willing to rent the shapeshifters will be required to hire an official guard to monitor them and ensure that none escape, or else they might never be seen again.
Mimcrees are so skilled at shapeshifting that they are often used in the film and entertainment industry to create realistic animal characters. In some cases, an entire cast of animals can be replaced with just a few mimcrees.
Cerasuc
Cerasucs lurk in dark and damp caves, their antlers gleaming like beacons of white light that reflect off the surrounding walls. They move in large packs of at least ten, their coats a deep black that blends in with the shadows of the caves. They have an almost superhuman level of night vision, allowing them to spot even the tiniest movement from afar, as well as acute hearing that allows them to detect predators long before they are close enough to attack. They forage for mushrooms and other subterranean plants that make up their nests, made with sticks, vines, and other natural materials woven together. These mysterious creatures are stoic and aloof like sentinels and rarely interact with other species. They are notoriously reclusive animals and are known to be very skittish, but will fiercely attack anything or anyone who dares to threaten them.
Cerasucs have a unique adaptation that allows them to live in total darkness for long periods of time without any adverse effects. They have a specialized enzyme in their eyes that allows them to see in near-total darkness, giving them a significant advantage over other predators in the caves.
Midenikó
Centuries ago, it was whispered that Midenikó had descended from a forgotten corner of reality, a forbidden realm of dark shadows and unimaginable power. It was said that they could traverse time and space at a whim, appearing out of thin air and just as quickly vanishing. It was believed that mere mortals had no chance of ever encountering one of these mythical creatures, yet tales were told throughout history about the greats who claimed to have seen one of these mysterious beings. Those who were lucky enough to see them were said to be forever blessed...or cursed.
Midenikó are often associated with time, as they are said to be able to manipulate it at will. They are also rumored to have the power to grant wishes, but it is said that one must be very careful what they wish for, as the consequences can be dire.
Sidjif
The sidjif looms above the landscape like a massive coiled serpent: a leviathan of grinding muscle and power. Its immense body stretches up to eighteen meters in length and can support the weight of ten riders. Its four hearts pump like a tidal wave beneath its scaly skin, and its three sets of eyes can be found peering out from its head and neck. The sidjif is loyal and trusting, forging deep bonds with its riders, and emits a deep rumble like thunder when it is happy or hungry.
Despite their massive size, sidjifs are known for their agility and speed, making them formidable opponents in battle.
Wreatnit
The Wreatnit is a nightmare of a creature, lurking in the depths of swamps with claws sharp enough to rend flesh and bone. It exudes a dreadfully potent odor, a blend of sulfur and rancid vegetation, that serves as both a protective tactic and a way to lure its unsuspecting prey. The Wreatnit is often used as a cautionary tale for naughty children, their misdeeds summoning the creature's attention and its overwhelming stench of rotten behavior and sour attitude serving to drive even the most mischievous kids away. Though not entirely factual, these stories contain a hint of truth about the terrifying power of this creature.
The Wreatnit has become a popular subject in horror movies, video games, and other media. Its fearsome reputation and unique odor have made it a popular monster in pop culture.
Loqui
The shrill cries of the loqui echo across the meadows and plains, signaling the start of their annual migration. Thousands and thousands of these bipedal reptiles can be seen in their huge, winding masses, with each creature's back abloom with vibrant and captivating flowers. As they travel, the flowers mix and mingle, creating a rainbow of shapes and colors that spread like wildfire. Large companies are quick to capitalize on this intriguing phenomenon, breeding and managing flocks of loqui to produce a single kind of flower, to be mass-harvested in the fall and sold to the highest bidder.
The migration of the loqui has been a celebrated event for centuries, with many cultures across the world viewing it as a symbol of new beginnings and renewal.
Igrot
The Igrot, small and sprite-like, flits through the forest at an otherworldly pace, leaving behind a trail of ethereal light in its wake. These messenger creatures are not sentient but rather maintain the balance between nature and other species. Their soul function is to ensure that all species in the forest coexist peacefully, and if any malintent is deemed by them, they will be hostile. These creatures take the form of a ball of brambles deeply imbued with magic, their physical bodies representing the interconnectedness of all life in the forest. Despite their prickly appearance, the Igrot emits a soft glow that can soothe and guide lost travelers through the dark, forested paths. However, their gentle demeanor should not be mistaken for weakness, as they are quick to defend the natural order of the forest.
The Igrot are not just messengers of peace, but also of warning. They have been known to appear to those who would bring harm to the forest as a sign of impending danger.
Pinlup
The charming Pinlup can be found frolicking among the hustle and bustle of the sapient settlements, where they have become beloved companions of children and adults alike. It is a favorite pastime for children to venture into the parks to play with Pinlups, who love nothing more than to nibble on bread and berries offered to them by their adoring fans. In return, the Pinlups are said to bestow luck upon those they befriend, a trait that has led to their bright blue tongues being coveted as a rare trophy by daring hunters. Despite being poached in the past, the species has shown remarkable population growth in recent years, allowing it to thrive even further.
Pinlups are herbivores and have a particular fondness for berries. They are also known for their playful and curious personalities, making them a joy to be around.
Vargon
The Vargons are gargantuan, leathery beasts that lurk along the desert coast. With thick, scale-like skin that covers four clawed feet and wings, they possess a menacing presence. Their gaping jaws are full of razor-sharp teeth and their long, whip-like tail lashes out with lightning speed. They are powerful, muscular predators that will attack anything in their path without hesitation; but they are also cunning, often avoiding creatures larger than themselves unless they are desperately hungry or provoked beyond reason.
Vargons are highly territorial and will fiercely defend their nests from any intruders. They are also highly adaptable, with some populations living in caves and others making their homes in abandoned campsites along the coast.
Softwalker
Deep in the icy tundra, among the wilds of the world, the Softwalker roams. This exotic beast is intimately connected to a specific species of plant, living in a delicate symbiosis. With its massive, fluffy coat of fur covering its entire body, the Softwalker cuts an imposing figure, its face framed by a fringe of long, white fur. Despite their outward strength, these creatures are surprisingly timid and will flee at the first sign of danger. A most peculiar trait of the Softwalker is that it never makes a sound while walking or running, no matter what terrain it may be traversing.
The Softwalker and its plant have a mutually beneficial relationship - the Softwalker spreads the plant's seeds while foraging, and the plant provides the Softwalker with nutrients and medicine.
Tangleweaver
Beware the mysterious egg, lurking in the shadows of the forest, concealed by leaves. If you dare to touch it, you risk falling prey to the Tangleweaver's wicked spell. This insidious creature ensnares its victims, casting them into a deep slumber while creeping vines wrap around their bodies, concealing their fates from the outside world. But that's only the beginning of this creature's malevolence. The Tangleweaver hatches from its egg and infects its host, using the body as a clever disguise to blend in with human society. For years, it will feed on the souls of those around it, growing larger and stronger until it's finally ready to break free from its human shell and indulge in a feast of flesh.
The Tangleweaver is particularly attracted to those with powerful magical potential, as their souls make easy meals for it.
Urryn-ast
Urryn-ast are always on the hunt for humans on the verge of death and will track their prey for days at a time, patiently waiting for them to succumb. They consume deceased bodies whole and, in doing so, memorize a sequence of the consumed DNA as a part of their complex digestive process. After their feast, Urryn-ast will often shapeshift into the consumed creature and retrace their path back to others, hoping to get closer to their next meal.
Despite their usually aggressive nature, there are rare cases where an Urryn-ast forms a bond with a human and conspires to protect them.
Phang'ul
The sun glints off the sleek fur of the phang'ul, illuminating vibrant oranges and blues that mottle their coats. Their piercing eyes are filled with intelligence and cunning as they search for their next meal - or inevitable enemy. When a phang'ul encounters another of its species, a mating ritual occurs in which the male is presented with a series of abstract challenges - puzzles, tests of strength, feats of agility - that he must complete in order to prove his worthiness to the female. If successful, she will allow him to mate with her and bear her up to four cubs before resuming her solitary journey. Despite their preference for solitude, phang'ul will sometimes form temporary alliances with other creatures when faced with a common enemy, taking advantage of their intelligence and strategic abilities to come out on top. Still, the individualistic nature of the species means that they can never be truly tamed, preferring to remain free and independent in a world of their own.
The average lifespan of a phang'ul is approximately 15 years, though some have been known to live up to 20 years if properly cared for.
Echoes in the Dark
Creatures roam and lurk unseenIn shadows, dark and deep
A world unknown to mortal men
Where secrets they do keep
A stir in the night, a rustling sound
A glimpse of scales or fur
And still we march, completely blind
To all that's near or far
A heart that beats with wicked rhythm
Eyes that gleam with deadly gleam
A roar that shatters all the peace
And turns the world to dream
We know not what lies beyond
The realms we call our own
For creatures roam and lurk unseen
And we are left alone.
This is a really great looking article with some beautiful art to go along with it! I also like the intro part.
Thank you so much! This month's challenge really has me excited because I had already been brainstorming various beasts and whatnot, so it feels like I had a bit of a running start. How goes yours?
Only one so far fully written out but I got ideas flowing so I will get there! ^^
If I can help in any way, don't hesitate to reach out!