The Bestiary
A catalogue of plants and animals unique to the Realm of Serpents.
Real-life animals are present in RoS, but there are also several fictional species that call its lands and seas home.
A catalogue of plants and animals unique to the Realm of Serpents.
Real-life animals are present in RoS, but there are also several fictional species that call its lands and seas home.
The following creatures have been tamed by the denizens of the Realm, and are common sights in both human and dragon nations.
Sometimes called the “Bastard’s Qirin”. Alphyn are believed to be a cross between Wolfasai and Qirin. Large, canine creature with taloned, scaled forepaws, wolf like back legs with cloven hooves, a furry body, long pointed ears, and scales on its brow, nose, and back. They have a long, thin tail with a fluffy tuft, a forked tongue, and a large pair of antlers. Lastly, a thick, fluffy mane on their neck and very sharp teeth. Alphyn fur comes in the same colours natural for wolves and dogs; browns, blacks, greys and creams. The scaled sections of their bodies are often bright jewel-tones with an iridescent sheen. They’re hardy, loyal beasts, but will only obey one individual in their lifetime; an Alphyn imprints on a person as a pup and follows them alone. |
A creature with the body build of a horse but the features of a spider and a centipede-like tail. They have (on their chest and torso) five pairs of legs and nine pairs of eyes. Despite their rather terrifying appearance, the Araquus is quite docile unless provoked—in which case it bites with the long fangs on its mandibles with enough strength to tear flesh from bone. Their favourite food are fermented fruits and alcohol. They have a long tongue similar to butterflies, but covered in sharp hairs that make it more like barbed wire. It is recommended not to allow it to lick you; thankfully it will only do so if there is alcohol or rotting fruit on your body, but those unfortunate enough to be caught in such an accident will bear dramatic scarring for the rest of their lives. |
Drawing of an Araquus. Sketch by J-Haskell, lines and colours by Thatsoullessguy. Base available here.
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Large bear-like dogs with small bobbed tails and cropped ears. These are used as both beasts of burden in the north and as guard animals due to their fierce loyalty and terrifying appearance which includes massive serrated claws for gripping ice and fangs the size of kitchen knives. Some of these dogs have been bred specifically for war mounts, but are rather ineffective in hotter climates due to the dogs’ thick coats. They have an average lifespan of 35-40 years. |
Drawing of a Borg by Imagi-Nethat. Base available here!
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A large species of bird bred and trained exclusively in the Merosian city-states, with the oldest bloodline and most well-established rookery being found in Acies Ferro itself. They are believed to be distantly related to rocs due to their shared size, and some believe that they must’ve been bred from the far more wild and aggressive creatures, but no records exist that state the exact origins of the species. They are not found in the wild, save for the rare escaped individuals that are usually re-captured with haste, lest they become a danger to the citizens of Meros.
Ferran falcons resemble large hawks and falcons, with black, grey, white or brown plumage. Their wings and tails have sharp, metallic edges coming in silver, gold, or red, capable of cutting through grasses and, sometimes, soft tissue. They’re trained for use as war-mounts, used by members of the Ferran guard, and are highly intelligent, responding best to vocal commands and visual signals. Adult females stand between 6’ and 8’ at the shoulder, and adult males slightly smaller at 5’ to 7’. They have small clutches of 1 to 4 eggs every 4 years and reach physical and sexual maturity at 5 years old. They are carnivorous and will each any meat, but prefer fish and other aquatic creatures. While poorly trained Ferran falcons can be dangerous, with proper discipline they are trustworthy and reliable companions on the battlefield. |
A giant species of dragonfly found in the interior of southern Meros and the more open areas of central Theavia. They are green, red, or black with shiny golden markings. They are large enough to carry a human rider and often used to deliver mail and packages in the city of Carissima. Despite only weighing about 30-40lbs, they are capable of carrying ten times their own weight.
They spend 7-10 years of their life in freshwater lakes as nymphs, and then an additional 7-10 years as fully-formed adults. The shed skin from their transitional period is quite large, and often used for food, alchemy, or simply study of the animals.
Greater wyverns have been bred with alchemical supplements over multiple generations to increase their size and strength to the extent that they are now large enough to bear a human rider. Most lines have their beginning in Ironbrook or the Merosian City-State of Chrysos. Extremely rare and expensive.
The average lifespan of a greater wyvern is much longer than that of their smaller cousins, and with proper care can live up to seventy years. They have one clutch, of two to three eggs, every seven years; greater wyvern eggs require incubation and must be turned once every two days, for two years before they’re ready to be hatched. They reach physical maturity at age four and are able to start reproducing at age ten. They usually start to become infertile at age fifty and will have smaller clutches the closer they are to that age.
Read more about greater wyverns and their breeds at this link!
Size: 4-7’ at the shoulder at most.
Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Entirely herbivorous despite their intimidating appearance.
Lifespan: 25-30 years on average, with some rare individuals living up to 50 years.
Range: Used for military applications throughout the Realm and relatively rare in the wild.
Back half of a horse, front of an eagle, and all attitude. These snarky creatures are used exclusively as war mounts and it’s rare to see them for domestic use due to their highly aggressive natures and immense strength. They are still less wild than their cousins, the griffons, as well as easier to keep in captivity, and far more common because of it.
Size: About 6-7’ at the shoulder and a decent 20’ long.
Temperament: Docile but extremely unintelligent.
Diet: Carnivorous, but prefers scavenging to hunting. Will eat anything dead.
Lifespan: 25-30 years in captivity, 10-12 years in the wild.
Range: Found throughout the warmer regions of the Realm, although incredibly rare in the wild.
Large, dragon-like lizards with thick scaled bodies, tails, and no wings. They are not very intelligent, but make good beasts of burden due to their strength and ability to follow simple commands.
Lesser wyverns are small, typically reptilian, creatures that somewhat resemble dragons, with a single pair of wings, a single pair of legs, and long tails. They are far less intelligent than dragons and are viewed as similar to monkeys or parrots by them. They are still rather clever animals; some have the ability to mimic speech, do basic problem-solving, and even use tools, like parrots or ravens. Their wings have one-to-three fingers at most, with a ‘thumb’, and their feet usually have three talons and a clawed thumb. Some breeds have more toes, but extra thumbs rarely occur. Other traits, such as colours, behaviour, and abilities, depending on their breed. All lesser wyverns are scaled with batlike wings, save for the Skyswept wyvern and domesticated breeds bred from it. The Skyswept wyvern itself still possesses scales on its feet and belly, however, and is not fully covered in feathers. They have large, slit-pupilled eyes. Read more about lesser wyverns and their breeds at this link! |
Drawing of a Lesser Wyvern by ColdfrontDrawz.
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A parasitic, blood-drinking steed. Despite their fragile bones, they are sought after for their speed and unwavering loyalty. Native to the marshes of padwell, their long legs are built for wading through deep water. Content warnings for blood & discussion of parasites. Created by Silvercinder8 for the 2022 Spooky Challenges Bestiary Buddies contest. Read more about them here. |
Drawing of a Padwellan Waterhorse by Silvercinder8.
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Size: 3-6’ at the shoulder.
Temperament: Stubborn with attitude.
Diet: Herbivorous.
Lifespan: 25-30 years on average, with some rare individuals living up to 50 years.
Range: Domesticated in all countries; found in the wild in the tundra of Theavia and in the northern mountains of Cyr.
Stocky, fuzzy, and stubborn little horses with nasty tempers and elegant feathered wings. In the wild these animals roam the northern mountains and tundras in flocks of up to 50 members. A very common mount to have for travel, these steeds are extremely common and relatively easy to obtain. Due to having been domesticated for so long, they have all manner of coat and feather colors.
Size: 4-6’ at the shoulder at most.
Temperament: Intelligent and proud
Diet: Primarily feed on fish.
Lifespan: 30-35 years on average, with some rare individuals living up to 60 years.
Range: Not found in the wild, but kept as pets or mounts in most countries by the upper-class.
Elegant deer-horses with jewel-like dragon scales and antlers. These creatures are fabled to be the offspring of elder drakes and unicorns. Qirins are often, by law, only allowed to be kept by members of the royal families of nations. Even most nobles are not permitted to own one of these creatures unless expressly gifted one by the head of the royal family in that kingdom.
Exceptions are in Padwell, the Land of Rivers, Meros, Fireworm territory, Springsingers, Stormheralds, and in Ironbrook, where there are no restrictions on who may keep a Qirin.
Like the Pantere, the Riding Cat is large enough to bear a human rider, but are far more common and can handle a wide variety of climates due to their variety of breeds. They are still unusual mounts, but not unheard of, and have temperaments similar to housecats.
An immense species of cattle found in the Land of Rivers; they have a wide pair of sharp, dangerous horns. Adult riverland aurochs come in brown, black, or white, measure at about 7.5’ at the shoulder and weigh about 3,527lbs. They are sacred animals and kept by moonviper and riverlander families alike; the health of their aurochs is seen as tied to the health of the family, and if they die, it is seen as very bad luck. Should that occur, the family prays to the Moon Sisters and tries to gain another aurochs as quickly as possible.
They may occasionally see use as powerful battlefield mounts due to their immense weight and size, but are more often used to carry loads and as a family “pet”, of sorts, as no one wants to invite disaster by putting their family’s aurochs into danger. Female riverland aurochs produce a heavy milk, that while too rich to be drinken on its own, makes excellent cream for coffee, ice cream, and yogurt.
A horse-like animal possibly related to the qirin; swamp steeds are scaled, with a frill instead of a mane, a fishy tail, and webbed feet instead of hooves. They are well-adapted to wetlands, lakes, and rivers. In Padwell, Swamp Steeds are used instead of horses, and bred into a variety of different breeds for different purposes. Some people in the Land of Rivers keep them as well. Wild swamp steeds are referred to as Kelpies and are incredibly rare, but also incredibly dangerous, and will attack and eat anything that touches them. They prefer wet environments and become quite irritable in dryer climates. A swamp steed is happiest when they have a nearby source of water to splash around in from time to time. Horses tend to spook very easily in their presence. They stand at between 4’6 to 7’ at the shoulder, with the larger specimens usually used by farmers to help pull heavy loads. |
A large, fluffy creature native to Xocrium. Has a wolf’s head, chest and front legs, and the back end of a horse, with a pair of feathered or batlike wings. They are relatively uncommon due to the fact that they only have a single pup in every litter, though aren’t too hard to train and care for. They come in the same colours and patterns as dogs and horses, although behave a little more wild. |
Drawing of a Wolfasai by ColdfrontDrawz.
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A bizarre combination of a rabbit, bird, and a deer with huge fangs created in Ironbrook by the only slightly mad scientist Kazimir Wolpertinger. Their milk is highly nutritious, although some have reported minor side effects, like antlers growing from their head. They make great pets, although not terrifying beasts of war like Kazimir intended.
Woolcats are large felines, standing about the same size as a sheep, with thick, curly fur and a pair of small antlers on either side of their folded ears. Their hair can be used to make warm clothes and blankets, and has a naturally water-repellant surface suitable for rainy climates. Woolcat cubs are often called shittens, mostly because it’s funny to say, and due to their troublesome, mischievous nature. Adult woolcats are much more docile, and prefer to nap and be groomed by their owners. There are five different breeds of woolcats; you can read more about them here! |
Drawing of a Padwellan Swampy, the most common woolcat breed, by MetaphysicalMonsters. Woolcat bases can be found here.
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Size: Sheep-sized A small hoofed sheep with thick soft curly wool and long velvety ears. Good tempered and docile these creatures are kept for milk and wool and make excellent surrogates for a manner of farmyard species. Their name comes from the sound they make when they are happy. |
Drawing of a Yeep by ColdfrontDrawz.
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The following creatures are not domesticated, but may be tamed and kept as companions or mounts with enough effort. They are not very common.
Basilisks are enormous snake-like creatures that can be found throughout the Realm. They are all quite massive and, depending on their species, have a wide variety of deadly natural and magical weapons. Some species of basilisk can be tamed if raised from hatching, most commonly the wooden basilisk, but many are too wild to ever make for safe companions. You may read more about basilisks at this link. |
Drawing of a Wooden Basilisk by ColdfrontDrawz.
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A small feline with brown or black fur with an iridescent shine. They have a small, opalescent 'orb' on their forehead that glows with a soft light. Carbuncles have a natural ability to sense treasure and are popular pets for miners, although they have a tendency to hoard anything shiny in enormous piles in their favourite sleeping spots. |
Drawing of a Carbuncle by J-Haskell.
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Cockatrice are large, dangerous chicken-like beasts that roam the dry desert and savannah regions of Hovell, the Republic of the Spire, and areas of northern springsinger territory. They are imposing, wild beasts with striking markings - though may be tamed by anyone brave (or foolish) enough to attempt to steal an egg to raise as their own. Created by Thatsoullessguy for the 2022 Spooky Challenges Bestiary Buddies contest. Read more about them here. |
Drawing of a cockatrice by Thatsoullessguy. Download base here!
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A strange creature well-known for its cunning. Has a fox-like head with eagle forelegs, a sleek greyhound-esque chest and a wolf’s tail, and a ridge of feathers on its neck and shoulders; it has a coat of thick fur, patterned like a fox. Comes in red and silver varieties. Possibly born from experiments that escaped Ironbrook’s scientists. Found in both the Thundercrack Cascades and the Skyswept Peaks, and may be kept as a pet by those able to earn their trust. It's not an easy task - they tend to be very skittish. |
Drawing of an Enfield by ColdfrontDrawz.
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Also known as marsh mimics, false serpents are crocodilian creatures with long legs and an arowana-like tail. They are about the same size as moonvipers and incredibly deadly, and are sometimes capable of blending in among them just long enough to make off with eggs or hatchlings. While they lay eggs and raise their young in the swampland of Padwell, they can travel all along the connected waterways, although they tend to avoid cold or salt water. While a difficult beast to handle, a false serpent can become a useful and loyal companion (and mount) if raised from a pup or egg, an art practiced occasionally by the people of Padwell. |
Drawing of a False Serpent by J-Haskell.
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A large beast, likely the wild progenitors to the hippogriff, that looks like a hybrid of a bird and a cat. Their forelegs are scaled bird feet, while their back legs more resemble feline paws; their tails are long and feathered like an archaeopteryx’s. They inhabit most regions of the world, although their exact appearance and body type depending on the climate. Like the hippogriff, they can be tamed and used as mounts, but they are extremely dangerous creatures, controlled only through a strong bond between griffon and their handler; those who try to dominate them by force will end up injured or killed. They take longer to reach maturity as well and are extremely difficult to breed in captivity. While at a glance they may resemble a Windwyrm, they are smaller, less intelligent, and the feline paws are a dead giveaway. To read more about them and the different species of griffon, see this page. |
Drawing of a Jungle Griffon by J-Haskell.
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With the front half of a horse and the back half of a bird, these guys are the fiercest of the Pegasus’s relatives. Only native to the southern parts of both Theavia and Cyr, they are extremely rare unlike their other relatives. They are quite the beast to catch due to the risk that is acquired from their aggressive and territorial nature. When domesticated, Hippalectryons can be used for many tasks; whether it be for a mount or for a guard, these guys can do just about anything their relatives can.
A powerful beast, likely the gods' counter to Hippogriffs and the Griffons. With the body of a lion, wings of a dragon, and the tail of a scorpion: Manticores are powerful mounts only found in the hot climates of Cyr and the smoldering heat of the Fireworms' island, used mainly for war. In the wild, manticores are known to live in large prides where there is more than one male ruling over the females. It is also said that they are able to hunt Zapalopes and consume them due to an immunity from a Zapalope's electricity. When in captivity, both female and male manticores are used as mounts though most favor males for their strength and durability. Unlike their male counterparts, female manticores have wings that are too small for them to be able to fly and can only glide, and see more use as mounts for guards than in battle. Manticores come in several breeds. You can read more about them here! |
Drawing of a Savannah Manticore. Lineart by Thatsoullessguy, colours and shading by J-Haskell.
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A rare creature; described as a deer with a bird’s wings, hind legs, and sometimes a feathered tail. Male peryton have antlers, while most females do not. They live in non-tropical woodland, grassland, wetland, and depending on their type, arctic regions. While large enough to carry a man, they are quite shy, tending to avoid humans and dragons alike. A tamed peryton is rare and are better suited for pleasant rides in the forest and meadows than war. There are a few types of Peryton:
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A pair of marsh peryton. Lineart by Thatsoullessguy, colours and shading by J-Haskell.
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Sometimes known as the King Cat or the Blackcat. An all-black, nocturnal feline with small white spots. Indistinguishable from a normal cat save for having black bird's feet instead of paws. Well, at least until they open their mouths and let out an ear-piercing screech, not unlike the sound of a barn owl, and run off into the nights. Screaming Cats can be kept as pets if hand-raised from a kitten, and can be trained to scream only when someone is trespassing, even if their idea of what that is can be a little too broad.
Small songbirds found in northern Sundrake territory and southern Meros, most common in the countryside of Pars Solis. They come in red, green, or yellow, with bright violet and blue markings and accents of black and white. They have a pleasant, melodic song.
They live about 3 years on average and migrate every winter to southern Sundrake territory and Padwell to wait out the cold Merosian winters. They are highly social animals and although occasionally kept as pets, should never be without at least one other Solian sparrow for company.
A species of saltwater beaver found in the Merosian city of Concido, making their dams in the flooded edges of the city among abandoned houses and buildings using bits taken from homes and the surrounding countryside. They resemble regular beavers but have darker, thicker fur flecked with white and grey on their back. Although they can make the flooding worse for the city’s residents, they’re tolerated and even treated with fondness and seen as a symbol of modern Concido.
Created by Thatsoullessguy.
Arachnophobia Warning, this thing is a Tick and its real gross. A large tick that can be found anywhere in the Realm, although it prefers warmer climates. Read more about them here. (Note; there is an illustration of the tick in this link! If critters like ticks and spiders gross you out, I'd recommend not clicking it!)
A peculiar species of frog that is very ominous and knows too much… They live throughout the entire Realm, and every subtype has its own unique “quirks.”
Created by Crowfiire for the 2022 Spooky Challenges Bestiary Buddies contest. Read more about them here.
Also known as “false dragons,” snallygasters are a mix of bird and dragon with temperaments ranging from docile and calm to territorial and vicious. There are frequent reported injuries from interacting with such creatures and it is ill advised to approach them.
Created by Crowfiire for the 2023 Spooky Challenges Bestiary Buddies contest. Read more about them here.
Don’t let its tall Cervidae-looking appearance fool you. They stand at about 7ft to the shoulder, with a great muscular chest and legs ending in big, wide hooves to easily maneuver in rough terrains. Their dew claws have a tendency to be irregularly shaped and overgrown. Their faces, upon closer inspection, are very much more canine-like than any deer you’d ever see. They have a set of long fangs and tusks on both the upper and lower jaw towards the front which they use in defense…or in offense. Goldhorn deer are omnivores, territorial, and very dangerous. Their most striking feature, is their namesake, long glimmering golden horns. The material is slightly more sturdy than gold, and very lightweight. These ‘antlers’ are not shed by the creature, instead continuously growing longer and longer as time goes on. The tips of these horns end on extremely sharp points that can skewer anything unlucky enough in its path. Both male and female Goldhorn Deer have horns. |
Drawing of a goldhorn deer by Thatsoullessguy.
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A very small wild cat with bristling black fur and reddish eyes. It lives in tiny burrows and is terrified of anything larger than a rabbit, retreating to its home whenever you draw too close. Do not take their timid nature as a sign they are harmless; their fur is made of hundreds of tiny quills that secrete a toxin on unwanted contact and is quite deadly. They are not suitable pets, but a careful human may catch one to collect some of its poison.
Sea Wolves, also known as: Beach Dogs, River Mutts, and Lake Pups inhabit the coastal and waterside regions of Forests. They are small, no larger than medium-sized dogs. They travel in small tight-knit packs of 3-6 and are primarily scavengers and medium-to-small game hunters. They are very timid, cautious, and untrusting creatures with sharp senses of smell. Humans or dragons will rarely see them for very long, as they will typically run away before a person gets a chance to catch sight of them. For being as small as they are, Sea Wolf jaws and teeth are extremely powerful; capable of crunching through bone, carapace, and shells. They prefer eating fish, crustaceans, turtles, frogs, and any marine/river life that they can catch or that washes up on shore. They will also sometimes eat mosses, flowers, and even kelp to help with digestion. Females are slightly larger, and muddier colored than males. They make high-pitched, and clicky howls that sound somewhat like dolphins or frog croaks. |
Drawing of a sea wolf by Thatsoullessguy.
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The following animals make their homes in the desert and savannahs of Cyr’s central regions.
A medium-sized wildcat covered in scales and spikes along its back, forehead and tail. Despite their fearsome appearance, they prefer cactus milk and fruits to meat, although they're happy to snack on small lizards and insects. They come in greens and light yellows, with brown or black stripes.
A species of beetle about the size of oxen; they come in a variety of breeds and colours, with large horns and crests.
People in Hovell use them as beasts of burden, to pull carts, wagons, and heavy supplies, due to their incredible strength. Most aren't super fast, but they can carry a somewhat terrifying amount of weight. They're very docile and friendly, and while not all that intelligent can recognize people and hum when they're happy.... but will eat anything dead they come across, plant, animal, or other. Smaller kjunkal may be used in medical procedures to eat any dead tissue, as they're very careful and fastidious when it comes to avoiding living flesh.
Available in a wide range of sizes and colours, with large horns and crests, and produce a bright blue 'milk' that can be harvested and drinken with only minimal side effects. Small amounts of kjunkal milk at a time is harmless, but drinking too much can cause one to develop iridescent hair, skin, eyes, teeth... everything, and eventually a beetle-like exoskeleton.
A large, long-legged feline with a yellowish, silvery or orange-brown pelt with black spots, as well as some ferret-like features. They are strong and large enough to be ridden by a human, but live only in hot, dry climates. When hungry they gain a strong, flowery smell that attracts their favourite prey, and simply need to wait for their food to come to them. |
Drawing of a pantere by MetaphysicalMonsters.
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A serpentine animal with a shark-like fin and four short, scrabbling legs. They lurk near oases and hunt in packs, ambushing unwary travelers eager for a refreshing drink. They are powerful swimmers and while they can breathe underwater, they’re also capable of burrowing through the sand, so fast it seems like they’re swimming through the ground. Sand Shark skin needs to be in water for at least a few hours a day, lest it become dry and cracked, so they’re not often found too far from a water source, and may actually be a good sign for a parched traveler. Provided they survive the encounter. |
Drawing of a Sand Shark by ColdfrontDrawz.
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A small leopard gecko-esque lizard with sticky toes and a see through body. It sparkles with a rainbow sheen in direct sunlight.
Large hippo with jaws that split open revealing two separate throats and two sets of upper teeth. It has black tear shaped markings that leak water to keep itself moist during dry season, and large brown goat-like eyes.
A small lithe deer with two jagged electric-charged horns that protrude from its head. When frightened these creatures will charge their aggressors and stun them by jabbing them with their horns that can hold nearly 300 volts at a time. They travel in immense herds and migrate with other species for protection. Most dragons don't bother to hunt them due to their nasty shock but they are sought after for other reasons than meat. Their horns retain charge even after death and make them a valued material for weapons and electric runes. |
Drawing of a Zapalope by ColdfrontDrawz.
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The following creatures inhabit the Island of Fire and the smaller volcanic isles surrounding it.
These are large dark birds with bizarre glowing feathers that they use to signal their flock mates when food is spotted. They are nature’s garbage disposals and will eat really anything as long as it’s dead. Despite their serrated beaks and immense claws, these birds are too weak to take down their own prey, and as a result prefer to steal kills from other animals.
Long-legged creatures with flame-resistant fur and heat-resistant paw pads that greatly resemble maned wolves. They earned their name from their ability to tread comfortably on extremely hot surfaces.
They are insectivores and travel in family groups of three or four. Despite their looks, these animals are rather docile and prefer to avoid humans and dragons alike. |
Drawing of a Firestrider by ColdfrontDrawz.
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Despite the name, these owls are no phoenixes at all. They are simply small birds of prey that inhabit the dark corners of the Fireworm island’s forests. They are usually very dark in colour and aren’t ever seen outside of one special event: when forest fires occur these birds turn a myriad of gold and red colours due to the heat during the event. This colour lasts several days after, until the dark colours return. This gave rise to their name as the dragons who saw them mistook them to be firebirds of legend.
A large leech about the length of a man’s forearm. They aren’t deadly on their own, but release a paralyzing venom that can cause their victims to drown, and often come in pairs.
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A giant leech. Lineart by Thatsoullessguy, colours by J-Haskell.
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A fearsome predator of the wetlands and waterways, and a rare and treasured sight to many. Dwarfing most of its relations, this dragonfly species has been observed in a wide variety of vivid colours and with a wingspan of up to 30cm, or 1 foot. It is easily identified both by its size, and the large hook-shaped prongs upon its head. It is unknown whether this unusual feature bestows any advantage to these dragonflies, or if it developed through sexual selection, but it is uniformly found across the species, despite some variation in the shape between populations. They are extremely successful predators, with their incredible hunting prowess seen as aspirational to many in that trade and are a common and beloved hunter's charm, often featured as decoration or adornment on hunting gear. Those who hold the most belief in their ability to bestow luck in the hunt often honour them through leaving choice pieces of their catches in areas they frequent. In some settlements, often more remote regions that rely on hunting for subsistence, these dedicated offering spots consist of carved stumps or plinths and have been used for generations. Created by CAIV0 for the 2023 Spooky Challenges Bestiary Buddies contest. Read more about them here. |
Drawing of a Hookhead Dragonfly by CAIV0.
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Also known as Living Vines. Created by SilveryStormWing for the 2020 Spooky Challenges Creature Contest.
Vinesnakes generally resemble long, leafless vines draped with moss. As they are quite scaly underneath, vinesnakes drape themselves with moss or mud to help camouflage themselves. The only indication that these vines are not what they seem are the two shiny black eyes located on their faces. Read more about these creatures here. (Lore written by SilveryStormWing.) |
Drawing of a Vinesnake by SilveryStormWing.
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A rust-coloured big cat with a grey underbelly that haunts the mountains of the Realm. Can be found in both Theavia and Cyr and are fearsome predators.
Rocs are massive eagles that call the cooler mountain ranges of Cyr home. They are large enough to pose a serious threat to even the largest windwyrm and are a dangerous opponent. Rocs make their dens in the most isolated peaks of the Realm, and become scarcer the closer one gets to civilization. Legend has it that rocs once hunted dragons as their primary source of prey, but if such tales were ever true, they have long since moved on to easier targets.
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Drawing of a Roc by ColdfrontDrawz.
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A massive, truly beautiful monster that rules the skies with a crackling fist.
Thunderbirds are bird-like creatures with multiple wings and a small set of useless arms. Their tails are very extravagant and resemble the tails of Windwyrm royalty, leading to many legends and stories within the kingdom. They spray bolts of lightning and can summon storms at will, preying mostly on roc, pegasi, and the occasional dragon or Ursa Major. A thunderbird lays one egg at the end of its life so they may care for it until adulthood before it passes This ensures the territory stays within the younglings' care and prevents territorial disputes as these creatures will kill their own kind on site making for mating impossible. Because of this habit most territories have been in the care of certain lines for almost a millennia. Only ten of these majestic creatures exist on the continents, inhabiting various mountain ranges and in the case of two, volcanic and ocean regions. They are extremely rare and only spotted once or twice every few decades, often mistaken for storms. |
Drawing of a thunderbird by SilveryStormWing.
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Small twin-winged snowy owls found only in Dutoria. While they are usually noted for their small fluffy ears and two sets of wings, They are also quite known for being revered as ‘angels’ to Dutoria’s lesser god ‘Freyer’. Due to this, they are named as such. They are usually docile and very outgoing unless one is to touch their food or their young.
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Drawing of a Freyer’s Angel by ColdfrontDrawz.
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Also known as ‘Blóm’s messengers’, frostwings are known as the larger version of ‘Freyer’s Angels’ but lack their renown ears. Like the Ferran falcons of Meros, Frostwings are known for their alluring but deadly wings that have metallic edges that resemble ice. Frostwings can only be found in Dutoria and are mainly used as mounts in their military.
Just as the ‘ Freyer’s Angels ’, they are revered by Dutoria as a sign of their goddess Blóm. In legend, it is said that whenever a person sees a frostwing out in the wild, Blóm is watching over them and that they are forever blessed with fortune and good luck. |
Drawing of a Frostwing by ColdfrontDrawz.
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Created by thehollyraven for the 2021 Spooky Challenges bestiary buddies contest.
A large predator found in the Bitterpeak Barony and Valley of Fangs in the Windwyrm Kingdom, Northwestern Ironbrook, and Dutoria. Read more about these creatures here. (Lore written by thehollyraven.) |
Drawing of a Righin by Thehollyraven.
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Despite their name, they are not actually related to dragons at all. Dragon turtles resemble giant snapping turtles; they hibernate for centuries at a time, only waking to eat or mate. When sleeping, they drift aimlessly on the surface of the ocean, often becoming covered in an array of wildlife in the many decades that they slumber.
Although incidents of such have occurred, it's rare for people to mistake a hibernating dragon turtle for a real island, as they move, unlike real landmasses, and one need only check below the surface to spot the creature's face and legs. When someone does mistake them for a proper island, they'll usually figure it out after a few days have passed once they notice it moving. |
Drawing of a dragon turtle by ColdfrontDrawz.
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Created by Cheeply for the 2021 Spooky Challenges bestiary buddies contest.
Elverisks are eel-like sea-dwelling creatures. They can be found everywhere but cold, arctic waters. Most subspecies are carnivorous and aggressive. Elveriks have venom that vary in potency depending on the subspecies. They can unhinge their jaws like a snake. Elverisks have movable scales that are valued for their markings. For most subspecies, the scales are used for threat displays. Most also dwell in underwater caverns and are not common in open water. Elverisks have eyes that are sunken into their skull, giving them a dead-eyed gaze. Their eyes are typically one color and appear pupilless. They have very poor dark vision. Read more about these creatures here. (Lore written by Cheeply.) |
Drawing of an elverisk by Cheeply.
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Large creatures with serpentine bodies; resemble stretched leopard seals. While they are aggressive hunters of seals and penguins, they are best known for hunting polar bears; they lie in wait in a seal’s ice hold (the inhabitants of which they probably ate) and wait for a polar bear to approach. When one comes close enough, the leviathan lunges out of the water and drags the polar bear under. They are only found in the cold northern waters.
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A leviathan. Lineart by Thatsoullessguy, colours by J-Haskell.
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Sea Serpents are massive, snake-like creatures with immense ivory tusks and webbed fins. They are typically between 25-40’ long, though they can grow to be much larger. They are carnivorous and notoriously dangerous, especially to human ships. Sea serpents live in shallow water and near the surface of all seas and oceans during the spring, summer, and early fall, though are rarer in the northern seas. In the fall and winter they migrate to deep waters and are very rarely seen by anyone but abyssal Tidekeepers. Their eyes are not adapted for such low light levels, however. So, in the fall they develop fat deposits on their snouts and jaw, which aid them in the use of sonar. When they lose them again in the spring some of the bone structures of their sonar systems can be faintly seen underneath their skin. Though, it is generally ill-advised to get close enough to observe this. Since they are usually only seen when being hunted or hunting, sea serpents have a reputation for being stupid, thoughtless killing machines. Only those who have an affinity for quietly watching the happenings of the sea know anything more about them. |
A sea serpent. Artwork by MetaphysicalMonsters.
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Created by DragonArt1680 for the 2021 Spooky Challenges bestiary buddies contest. Winner of the 2021 bestiary buddies contest!
A semi-aquatic behemoth native to warmer regions of the Realm. While they may be a sight to behold at first, it is worth noting that they are not the “gentle giants” one would wish they were. Read more about these creatures here. (Lore written by DragonArt1680.) |
Drawing of a sea wraith by DragonArt1680.
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For a long time, sky-whales were viewed as nothing more than a ridiculous story made up by sailors and Shipwreckers; at least, until an entire group of them flew over a coastal Sundrake city, providing undeniable evidence of their existence.
They are smaller than regular whales, with fins resembling that of a flying fish; they spend most of their time underwater, save for the mating season, in which males show off their endurance by flying as long as they can out of the water. While not technically a strictly aquatic species, they can only spend a few hours outside of the ocean, lest their skin dry up. |
Drawing of a sky whale by ColdfrontDrawz.
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A species of snail unique to the caves below the Tyr Kingdom, living in grottoes and underwater lakes. They create their own shells using their ‘tail’; minerals in the water stick to it, forming large growths resembling crystals. The snails themselves are bioluminescent, and caves full of them give off a strange, shimmering glow. The colour of their crystals depends on the minerals in the water, and sundrake prospectors can use them to determine if there is anything valuable to be mined. Crystal snails also make excellent nightlights for young hatchlings.
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Drawing of a crystal snail by ColdfrontDrawz.
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Animals that once called the Realm home, but have since become extinct—and some are so long gone that many question if they ever existed to begin with.
The first necromancers, ancient tyrants who once ruled the Realm with an iron fist; the Elder Drakes were hated and feared by almost all in their time, claiming near-divine status. Only a few nations of the Realm due to isolation or location - like the sea-dwelling tidekeepers - were spared from their influence.
During an event known only as the Night of the Red Moons, the Elder Drakes were wiped off the face of the Realm when Adeodatus, the Last True Mage, summoned the wrath of the Moon Sisters to destroy them. |
Drawing of an Elder Drake by J-Haskell.
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The trees, mosses, and flowers that cover the Realm. Real-world plants also exist in RoS, there are just additional fictional ones as well!
Gemflowers are a rather unique and magical flower, akin to gemstones in texture and appearance. The petals often seem as if they ‘glow’ due to their gem-like properties catching the sun. Gemflowers can be found all across the Realm, though they are rarest within the northern regions. Gemflowers can resemble any gemstone found within the realm, though some regions have unique variants that naturally occur there. These plants are parasitic in nature, feeling off of either other flora or the remnants of magic in their environment, such as dragon corpses or the soil in areas like the Shimmering Wastes. Created by RileyFae for the 2022 Spooky Challenges Bestiary Buddies contest. Read more about them here. |
Drawing of a gemflower by RileyFae .
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