Fauna of Moonfire Island
Lets build a little canon. Moonfire Island is a bit of a paradise. Temperate weather year round, plenty of fresh water in the form of natural springs, burbling creeks and a natural lake, a diverse forest and lots of animals, both natural and supernatural. The Moonfire elves have been using this place as a home for so long non know if the local creatures are native or were perhaps imported at some point, with the exception of some chickens and goats which wander the town brought by the Moon Faced Owl warband. There is one popular rumor concerning the volcanic activity near the north and west edges of the Island. A few elves heard from elder elves the even older elves said that their used to be a huge underground cavern with an eerily smooth tunnel that bored deep into the earth, perhaps deeper then the underdark, where it went to some lush reverse earth like place with it's own central sun and inverted horizons... Perhaps this was just a story to entertain or maybe there was a tunnel but it was covered or filled with lava. Every once in a while someone seeks it out but none have found any clues!
...but back to the now. Plenty of game creatures and other creatures make the island it's home creating a perfect environment for followers of a Goddess who's portfolio included hunting! Which ones have you spotted? ♪ﾟ+.ｏ.+ﾟ♪ﾟ+.ｏ.+ﾟ♪ﾟ+.ｏ.+ﾟ♪ﾟ+.ｏ.+ﾟ♪ﾟ+.ｏ.+ﾟ♪ﾟ+.ｏ.+ﾟ♪ﾟ+.ｏ.+ﾟ♪ﾟ+.
from Angel of Music
The Lunar Hind, a wonderous deer that is only found at night and grow as large as an elk. The stag boasts antlers that unlike normal deer, they do not shed. If an antler is lost, it will regrow. Antlers that are lost and found can be used for handles for knives and such. It is said that their pelt is as soft as silk and very warm. The hide is also great for clothing and boots. Very sturdy and durable for belts and other items such as bags or what have you. The females of this species also sport antlers, but much smaller. It has been noted though that during mating season, the males will of course vie for the female they are wanting to gain the affections of. The winning male though will then be taken on by the female. If she finds herself bested by the male, then she accepts him and mating can occur. It was once noted though that a female took on two mates. While such is possible, it is not often that it happens. Both male and female of the species enjoy living within the woods, though some do venture up in the mountains a bit. They also enjoy being near water. The call of the stag is said to be an ethereal sound, one that can echo for up to five miles. These deer are also known to be rather swift runners, so if one hunts them, they must be able to keep up.
Both male and female also sport a 'moon' between their antlers, that of which changes with the moon's own phases. The pelt also changes with the moon phases, so on a full moon, the pelt is pure white with gold touches to it. As the moon wanes, the pelt begins to fade in color and the markings begin to disappear. Upon a new moon, one can just make out a ring of silver where the antler moon would be and the pelt is pure black. As the moon waxes, the pelt begins to once more light and the markings begin to reappear. Depending on what moon cycle a stag or doe is killed is what color the pelt will be, so if one kills one of these deer during it's full moon cycle, the pelt will be white or if taken during a waning or waxing cycle it will have a silverish look or during the new more it will be pure black. They are easy to track as their hoofprints leave behind a soft glow to them, no matter what moon phase they are in. Fawns will be silver in color from the time they are born til they are a year old. A young buck's antlers will start to grow in when they are two years of age. The antlers on the bucks grow rather quickly, so they can have a full rack by the time they are nearly three years of age.
There is no true 'hunting' season for these deer, but it is said that many tend to wait when it comes to hunting these deer as they are rather special. So when one does hunt for these deer, they tend to take three or four at a time before they leave them be for a time. These chosen deer that were killed will be butchered and the meat kept in an area where it will remain good for years to come. The meat of these deer is said to be rather lean, but also very tender and sweet. A tenderness to where it melts like butter when cooked just right. Lunar Stew is said to be a favorite dish made with the meat of these deer where one takes the meat and stews it like normal, adding in carrots, potatoes, onions, and peas. It's a hardy meal, one that's good for a chilly night. One way of trapping these deer is by luring it in with berries as they love the sweetness. Oh granted this makes the hunt too easy, thus why hunters never use this trick, but for those wanting a glimpse of these deer can leave out a pile of sweet berries near the edge of water and they will come.
Another interesting note is that it is said that if a stag or doe approaches, one must bow their head to show respect of these noble creatures. If the doe or stag bows their head in turn and touches the top of your head, it is seen as a sign of good luck. It has also been noted that if a pregnant woman is graced with such a touch on her swollen stomach, the child will be graced with a small token. This can range from being a swift runner, a keen sense of sight, luck or any other little touch, but those that have been blessed with such are also marked, for upon their birth, there is a near unseen, upturned crescent moon like mark upon the child's forehead.
To further this, it was once noted that a woman, who had been having trouble conceiving with her husband, so lay out a pile of berries near water and waited to see if any deer would come. A doe came along, one that was quite pregnant and after eating the berries, approached the woman and after the woman bowed her head, the doe also bowed her head and touched the top of the woman's head, but then the doe further lowered her head and pushed the woman gently with her nose. The woman leaned back some and the doe touched her nose to the woman's abdomen. The moon between the doe's antlers glowed brightly and the woman felt a great warmth within. It was said that two weeks after the encounter, the woman became pregnant with her first children, bearing twins to her husband come full term of her pregnancy. A week after their birth, the woman returned to where she had met the doe before and again left berries. The doe appeared, but with her were a pair of fawns with her. The doe and fawns approached the woman and her babies and touched the tops of their heads in turn, the fawns following suit like their mother. Families will keep figures of these deer in their homes as good luck during pregnancies.
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The Jackalope
(Art by Annabelle Lewis)
General Characteristics: At first glance, they appear to be similar to their much more domesticated cousins on the mainland. However, large antlers sprout from their heads alongside their long ears. They are larger than normal rabbits, standing two feet on their hind legs, without the ears or antlers, which usually add another foot at least. They are also less timid than a normal rabbit and will fight to protect themselves and their homes. Their powerful back feet have been known to break ribs, and their antlers are strong enough to do serious damage to an unsuspecting hunter or predator. Jackalopes are extremely fast, so if you plan to chase after one, you'd better have lots of stamina. They are intelligent creatures, particularly silver ones, and will seldom fall into regular snares or traps.
Colors: Jackalopes come in a wide range of natural colors, mainly shades of brown. You can find anything from a light tan to a rich dark brown. Most of them are mottled mixtures of various shades. Solid black, or new moon colored, jackalopes are rare and are never hunted as it is considered bad luck to kill them. Albino jackalopes are also rare and are prized for their white pelts. Silver, or moon touched, jackalopes also exist, but they are almost impossible to find and even harder to catch.
Habitat: Jackalopes live all over the island in large burrows. They have a tendency to build their homes at the bottom of large trees, particularly under roots or in hollows in the trunks.
Hunting Tips: A hunter must be extremely quick if they wish to catch one of these elusive animals. The best strategy is to take them by surprise in the wild as snares and traps seldom work. If one wishes to hunt for a silver jackalope, they need magic on their side and a lot of luck to even locate one.
Uses: Jackalope antlers are naturally hollow and can be used to make small high-pitched flutes. They are mostly hunted for their meat, however, as jackalope meat is naturally sweet and very nutritious. Naturally colored jackalope pelts are often used for smaller items of clothing such as gloves. However, if a hunter is skilled enough to snag a silver jackalope, their pelts are naturally imbued with protective magic and often line or decorate priestesses' clothing.
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Onyx Gyrfalcon
Habitat: Volcanos and Old Forests
Diet: They mainly hunt rabbits, geese, ducks, and anything of similar sizes
Description: Though soft to the touch every feather of this gyrfalcon is made of onyx. How this is possible is a mystery, but when studied the feathers are pure onyx. This has made them hunted at times as their beaks, and claws are made of silver. They are even tempered and can be quite affectionate when raised by hand from the time they hatch from their egg. This has led to some falconers going through the trouble to raise these birds by hand for their own use.
Hunting Tips: These birds are frequently used to hunt, but must be praised when they hand over the kill. Without sufficient praise these birds will conclude they are better off in the wild. To gain and retain the loyalty of one of these birds you must consistently prove you are also a good hunter worthy of their time. The other alternative is that they will just become a flashy pet you can show off.
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Northern Florahead Snake
Description:Florahead snakes live across the continent with a few species who have adapted to mountain weather. The typical mountain variety display a range of vibrant green to dark brown scales between the males and females. They are similar to birds in that the males sport more vibrant colors and flora mimicking frills around their neck, while the female frills appear more leafy. Their bite is generally not poisonous, but with long fangs it can be really uncomfortable (if you've ever pricked your finger on rose thorns, it's the same feeling)!
In the spring and summer they tend to be more active, and in the winter or snowy months they tend to hibernate. It's not hard to find them slithering about in the the mountain wild flower fields... if you know what you're looking for that is!
Florahead snakes sunbathe by balancing or "standing" on their rather strong tails (and bodies) or attach themselves to branches. They don't ever get any larger than an average human or forearm.
Diet:These snakes eat most insects that they can get a hold of... or who happen to land on their frills. Much like their carnivorous plant counterparts (like venus fly catchers), they secrete a sweet smelling scent that lures insects (and sometimes certain small birds) of all kinds. Once the prey comes near, they remain motionless until... they strike! Domesticated varieties of Florahead snakes will only accept live insects to eat. The easiest food choice for owners to provide them are grasshoppers.
UsesMany snake enthusiasts collect them for their frills, but some people believe their frills have healing abilities and special properties. While this hasn't been proven scientifically, you'll only find this in the more remote regions of the world.
However, as with any snake species, they are sometimes eaten normally and/or their scales is used for goods. Often times their vibrancy and frill designs are used as accent pieces on clothes or jewelry.
Hunting tips:Hunting the Floraheads is quite easy. A large net and offering food to the few hungry ones is the easiest way to catch them. Their hiss is bigger than their bite, so don't worry if one of these snakes sounds like it's giving you a piece of it's mind.
Fun species fact:They lay very colorful eggs! Depending on the species and their diet, eggs can range from cream whites to vibrant jewel tones. Their egg shells are collected for jewelry pieces too, and sometimes is more valuable and unique than most gems.
