Scroll Fauna Lingkius

Fauna of the Iridinian Wilds or Where to and not to Hunt.
By: Lingkius ShuKluk
Note to Vestilian/Editor I plan on making this a series. Focusing on the
forests for this article.
Know this list isnt comprehensive by any stretch of the mind. These are
animals and enemies Ive encountered during my work with the Iridinian Legion.
There are four main forests on the mainland of Iridine. Theres one in the
north known as the north or Coastal Woods amongst the citizens of the City.
To the southeast of the North Woods a ways is the Traevant Woods. Further to
the east and across the Salinae River is the Oak Forest. Northwest of the
Traevant and East of the North Woods is the Oak Woods. This grove of trees is
quite small in regards to the others but it has its own beauties.
The North Woods or Coastal Woods contains a wide variety of animals worth
hunting for their pelts as well as a few worth hunting for their meat. Ive
encountered wildcats, skunks, foxes and a wide variety of rodents that pop out
of the ground now and then. One of the memorable things about this forest is
the smell. Since its so close to the sea the scent of saltwater is very
prevalent the farther West you travel. The woods offer a great view of the
sea at the northwest tip of the mainland. The cliffs let you see many ships
sailing in and out of the harbor.
The Oak Woods is a small grove that is one of the most relaxing places in the
Republic. Its far enough from the City to have a quiet sereneness about it,
but close enough to be able to get back behind the gates if needed. Theres a
stream that bubbles up from the ground with some of the coldest clearest water
available. The fishing from this stream is quite good. You can even follow
the stream to the road. The beasts of this forest are similar to the north
woods. An exception regarding this spot when compared to the others is this
is one of the better spots to hunt boar. Boar is one of the staple hunting
animals in the Republic. You can even get a hunter to accompany and help you
skin and take down the boar with great ease. Theres a stretch of trees
northeast of these that could be considered a different forest, but for the
purposes of this article, they are included with the Oak Woods.
The Oak Forest is a broad expanse of trees that stretch as far as the eye can
see about 2 miles east of the City. The forest is so thick when youre deep
inside the woods you cant even tell if its day or night some times. There is a
wide variety animals that wander the woods: mice, squirrels, rabbits, skunks,
foxes. But this forest holds two surprises for the unsuspecting wanderer.
Whether its because its so far from the City and not hunted as much, or
intentional, there are large predators that dwell in this forest. Wolves and
bears are the main hostile beasts one can encounter, but there are no doubt
others. Another danger to be wary of are the men that wander these woods in
search of unsuspecting travelers. These men for the most part can be
described as using a sword and axe. They are quite formidable for the
unskilled and can take down an entire caravan when they are motivated. Its
not known exactly from where they originate, but its believed to be near the
northern end of the woods.
The Traevant is home to a few different types of animals but animals do not
come out of their lairs often because of the vagrants that live and patrol
here regularly. These swine live in various holes and boroughs dug throughout
the woods. These men range from just able to swing a spear, to decrepitly old
wearing a childs soiled undergarments. Its not hard to spot these bastards.
You can smell them from quite a ways away. They move generally in large
groups and arent quiet at all. Sometimes you can stand still and they walk
right by. Chances are if youre not agile or very skilled in your defenses,
youll fall to them at least once. And if you go out there repeatedly without
much practice, theyll have more of your stuff than you do. There are two
types or Traevant scum, one uses a spear, the other a bow. If you stir up
enough of them theyll coordinate an attack on you using their archers and
flank you with their spears.
My recommendations are the following: If youre skilled make sure someone knows
where you are. If youre looking for trouble the 2 eastern-most forests can
most certainly accommodate you. The best strategies whilst in these forests
are to keep moving. The two forests closer to the City are great for hunting
and simple getaways for people who wish to seek the quiet solitude of nature.