2023 Bestiary
Blue Phoenixes
Stories of phoenixes are quite popular in Nefrale, where they are said to have originated, and phoenix hunters have been around nearly as long as the stories. According to one legend, a hunter caught a family of phoenixes and locked them into special shackles made of metal that always stays as cold as ice. As creatures of fire, cold temperatures are known to slow phoenixes down. But the Calistian god Faith, known for her ability to strengthen and weaken other magics, increased the abilities of the phoenixes, allowing them to burn hotter. Their flames and the feathers on their wings turned blue and white, and they melted through their shakles and escaped. This is (supposedly) the origin of the blue phoenix.
Jump
Near the border, we were met by the strangest woman, adorned in blue feathers. And with her was a great horned cat with a glowing tail. That was when I believed in a world where I could use my magic.
Legend has it that in the mid-19th century, a Khahma member of Kel's Rebellion led wizards to safety from Linakra while accompanied by a Flicker Cat named Jump. Jump was unique, as flicker cats go, because she had two small horns, similar to those of a bull. Though there is no evidence of any horned flicker cats, alive or dead, several refugee wizards have claimed to have seen Jump and her Khahma friend and escapes Linakra by the light of her tail. Jumps image is now a Rebellion Patch worn to denote border guides.
The Beetle of Fifty Colors
Found throughout the Major Continent, the nickname of the ular beetle did not come about because a single beetle has fifty colors, but because scientists have documented at least fifty different color variations in the species as a whole. The earliest documentation of the ular comes form Zakarya Letterman, while imprisoned in Linakra.
The swarm on the wall of my cell was so colorful, it had to be a sign from a god.
Zazye
The zazye is a nocturnal insect found in warm climates, particularly in the Southern Islands. Because they glow when they are mating, locations with large populations are popular tourist attractions. They are especially common places for lovers to visit, to stroll, or sometimes even to marry. If a zazye lands on you, it is said to be good luck. There is some concern that the presence of humans is negtaively influencing Zazye mating, and in the early 20th century, the first Zazye sanctuary opened in Agrona.
Selecting the Atlinthaian Queen of 681
Though most Atlinthaian monarchs have held the position until either death or retirement, there have been a few times when the Circle of Seven voted them out of position, with the earilest such even occurring in 681. The exact reason is unclear, but according to one story, this occurred because a swarm of monstrous insects flooded the chamber where the circle met. The circle interpreted this is as a sign the goddess was displeased with them. The seven matriarchs fled the chamber and ran into the ocean, where they prayed to the Mother for insight. When one of the insects landed gently on a different member of the seven, they determined the goddess had chosen her as the new queen.
Most modern historians believe that the decision to replace the queen was a much longer process, possibly involving the changing attitudes of the seven toward the Xurugwi population. In fact, surviving records indicate that the circle was in such disagreement, it took a recess, after which some matriarchs sent new family members to serve, and it was one of these new members who was then elected queen. It is likely that a nest of wasps had built their home near the chamber during the recess, and the seven ran for the ocean to protect themselves from being stung. The two stories may have later been conflated to give more credence to the election of the young queen.
Werewolves in Antarand
Most werewolf legends hail from Brek, though Mermish citizens on other islands have been known to hold beliefs about them as well. One of the most notable beliefs in recent years is the Temple of the Leaping Flame, founded by Jacob Speziale. A variation on the Mun faith, the cult posits that werewolves are the result of people who do not adhere closely enough to the Book of Blue or Book of Orange to reach one of the two afterlives. Instead, their souls wander the land of the living, preying on the holy, of whom they are jealous. Their true forms can only be seen in moonlight. The Leaping Flame was created to protect people from this danger, as well as the danger of becoming such a creature.
Near the border, we were met by the strangest woman, adorned in blue feathers. And with her was a great horned cat with a glowing tail. That was when I believed in a world where I could use my magic.
Legend has it that in the mid-19th century, a Khahma member of Kel's Rebellion led wizards to safety from Linakra while accompanied by a Flicker Cat named Jump. Jump was unique, as flicker cats go, because she had two small horns, similar to those of a bull. Though there is no evidence of any horned flicker cats, alive or dead, several refugee wizards have claimed to have seen Jump and her Khahma friend and escapes Linakra by the light of her tail. Jumps image is now a Rebellion Patch worn to denote border guides.
The Beetle of Fifty Colors
Found throughout the Major Continent, the nickname of the ular beetle did not come about because a single beetle has fifty colors, but because scientists have documented at least fifty different color variations in the species as a whole. The earliest documentation of the ular comes form Zakarya Letterman, while imprisoned in Linakra.
The swarm on the wall of my cell was so colorful, it had to be a sign from a god.
Zazye
The zazye is a nocturnal insect found in warm climates, particularly in the Southern Islands. Because they glow when they are mating, locations with large populations are popular tourist attractions. They are especially common places for lovers to visit, to stroll, or sometimes even to marry. If a zazye lands on you, it is said to be good luck. There is some concern that the presence of humans is negtaively influencing Zazye mating, and in the early 20th century, the first Zazye sanctuary opened in Agrona.
Selecting the Atlinthaian Queen of 681
Though most Atlinthaian monarchs have held the position until either death or retirement, there have been a few times when the Circle of Seven voted them out of position, with the earilest such even occurring in 681. The exact reason is unclear, but according to one story, this occurred because a swarm of monstrous insects flooded the chamber where the circle met. The circle interpreted this is as a sign the goddess was displeased with them. The seven matriarchs fled the chamber and ran into the ocean, where they prayed to the Mother for insight. When one of the insects landed gently on a different member of the seven, they determined the goddess had chosen her as the new queen.
Most modern historians believe that the decision to replace the queen was a much longer process, possibly involving the changing attitudes of the seven toward the Xurugwi population. In fact, surviving records indicate that the circle was in such disagreement, it took a recess, after which some matriarchs sent new family members to serve, and it was one of these new members who was then elected queen. It is likely that a nest of wasps had built their home near the chamber during the recess, and the seven ran for the ocean to protect themselves from being stung. The two stories may have later been conflated to give more credence to the election of the young queen.
Werewolves in Antarand
Most werewolf legends hail from Brek, though Mermish citizens on other islands have been known to hold beliefs about them as well. One of the most notable beliefs in recent years is the Temple of the Leaping Flame, founded by Jacob Speziale. A variation on the Mun faith, the cult posits that werewolves are the result of people who do not adhere closely enough to the Book of Blue or Book of Orange to reach one of the two afterlives. Instead, their souls wander the land of the living, preying on the holy, of whom they are jealous. Their true forms can only be seen in moonlight. The Leaping Flame was created to protect people from this danger, as well as the danger of becoming such a creature.
Found throughout the Major Continent, the nickname of the ular beetle did not come about because a single beetle has fifty colors, but because scientists have documented at least fifty different color variations in the species as a whole. The earliest documentation of the ular comes form Zakarya Letterman, while imprisoned in Linakra.
The swarm on the wall of my cell was so colorful, it had to be a sign from a god.
The zazye is a nocturnal insect found in warm climates, particularly in the Southern Islands. Because they glow when they are mating, locations with large populations are popular tourist attractions. They are especially common places for lovers to visit, to stroll, or sometimes even to marry. If a zazye lands on you, it is said to be good luck. There is some concern that the presence of humans is negtaively influencing Zazye mating, and in the early 20th century, the first Zazye sanctuary opened in Agrona.
Selecting the Atlinthaian Queen of 681
Though most Atlinthaian monarchs have held the position until either death or retirement, there have been a few times when the Circle of Seven voted them out of position, with the earilest such even occurring in 681. The exact reason is unclear, but according to one story, this occurred because a swarm of monstrous insects flooded the chamber where the circle met. The circle interpreted this is as a sign the goddess was displeased with them. The seven matriarchs fled the chamber and ran into the ocean, where they prayed to the Mother for insight. When one of the insects landed gently on a different member of the seven, they determined the goddess had chosen her as the new queen.
Most modern historians believe that the decision to replace the queen was a much longer process, possibly involving the changing attitudes of the seven toward the Xurugwi population. In fact, surviving records indicate that the circle was in such disagreement, it took a recess, after which some matriarchs sent new family members to serve, and it was one of these new members who was then elected queen. It is likely that a nest of wasps had built their home near the chamber during the recess, and the seven ran for the ocean to protect themselves from being stung. The two stories may have later been conflated to give more credence to the election of the young queen.
Werewolves in Antarand
Most werewolf legends hail from Brek, though Mermish citizens on other islands have been known to hold beliefs about them as well. One of the most notable beliefs in recent years is the Temple of the Leaping Flame, founded by Jacob Speziale. A variation on the Mun faith, the cult posits that werewolves are the result of people who do not adhere closely enough to the Book of Blue or Book of Orange to reach one of the two afterlives. Instead, their souls wander the land of the living, preying on the holy, of whom they are jealous. Their true forms can only be seen in moonlight. The Leaping Flame was created to protect people from this danger, as well as the danger of becoming such a creature.
Seth's Walking Stick
The first appearance of Seth's Walking stick is found in The Death Witch , and believe it or not, it was originally thought to be about a cane that Seth, Calistian god of death carried around. As translations improved, later interpretations found it referred to a stick insect. Though little information is found on such an insect, the stories indicate that is is striped red and brown, to blend in with its natural habitat. It's known as Seth's Walking Stick because the habitat in question is a field of plants of the same color. They grow as thick stalks, and when consumed by humans can cause a Temporary Death State, allowing the person to enter the land of the dead while still alive. The plant is said to grow in mountainous areas with dense fog, as they drink moisture from the fog as much as from the ground. Even with these directions, however, neither the plant, nor the insect have been found.
Darling's Cat
The most famous story about the building of Ethion's first railroad doesn't actually have anything to do with the railroad. Worker Matthew Darling claimed one night to have seen a winged cat that spoke to him and answered questions about the future. Though some people believe it to have been a Flicker Cat, this is unlikely, as flicker cats are found exclusively on the Major Continent. No concrete evidence has been found of Darling's mythical cat, though every five to seven years, a new person claims to have seen it, usually near a train.
Nodo
by John Cameron
From the Old Mermish word for "abdomen," the nodo is a toad known for using its chest cavity to produce sounds akin to an animal much larger than itself. Found throughout the Western Islands, the nodo is a common prey to many other animals, as well as humans, Mermish, and Sprites. It's primary defense is to create a roar like that of an alligator. This is espcially effective when the nodo is hidden, as its predators cannot be sure if they are approaching a toad or a much larger beast. The roar is so impressive that music and theater teachers in the Western Islands often instruct their pupils to "imagine they are a nodo" when breathing.
Pescina
The Pescina is a type of crab found along the northern coast of Ethion. When ground, the Pescina shell creates a pale green paste that protects the skin from the sun. It was used by Ethites for centuries, until the Pescina was nearly driven to extinction. Then, a young Ethite woman, assigned to live on alone on the beach during her Ordeal of the Mirage, refused to kill the crab to create the sun protectant, even when the mirage makers sabatoged her shelter, forcing her to remain outside. Since then, the Pescina has been considered a protected species in the Ethite holy records.
I only hope that by vowing to make peace with the last of the Pescina, I won their foregiveness for what we've done to them.
The Mouse Seal
The mouse seal, so called because it is the smallest species of seal on Nideon, lives only in the warm equatorial waters of the Major Ocean, east of the Major Continent. They are particularly common in southern Brek, where they have become a local icon. Though the seals here are not kept as pets, they do enjoy Mermish and human company, and have been known to purr like cats while lounging or playing with them. Unfortunately, as these seals have become more accustomed to people, some have taken to hunting them for their pelts. Though they are protected by local law, they are not yet nationally protected, and poachers continue to threaten their numbers.
Nodo
by John Cameron
From the Old Mermish word for "abdomen," the nodo is a toad known for using its chest cavity to produce sounds akin to an animal much larger than itself. Found throughout the Western Islands, the nodo is a common prey to many other animals, as well as humans, Mermish, and Sprites. It's primary defense is to create a roar like that of an alligator. This is espcially effective when the nodo is hidden, as its predators cannot be sure if they are approaching a toad or a much larger beast. The roar is so impressive that music and theater teachers in the Western Islands often instruct their pupils to "imagine they are a nodo" when breathing.
Pescina
The Pescina is a type of crab found along the northern coast of Ethion. When ground, the Pescina shell creates a pale green paste that protects the skin from the sun. It was used by Ethites for centuries, until the Pescina was nearly driven to extinction. Then, a young Ethite woman, assigned to live on alone on the beach during her Ordeal of the Mirage, refused to kill the crab to create the sun protectant, even when the mirage makers sabatoged her shelter, forcing her to remain outside. Since then, the Pescina has been considered a protected species in the Ethite holy records.
I only hope that by vowing to make peace with the last of the Pescina, I won their foregiveness for what we've done to them.
The Mouse Seal
The mouse seal, so called because it is the smallest species of seal on Nideon, lives only in the warm equatorial waters of the Major Ocean, east of the Major Continent. They are particularly common in southern Brek, where they have become a local icon. Though the seals here are not kept as pets, they do enjoy Mermish and human company, and have been known to purr like cats while lounging or playing with them. Unfortunately, as these seals have become more accustomed to people, some have taken to hunting them for their pelts. Though they are protected by local law, they are not yet nationally protected, and poachers continue to threaten their numbers.
by John Cameron
I only hope that by vowing to make peace with the last of the Pescina, I won their foregiveness for what we've done to them.
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