Wildlife

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Bora Tesh
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Name: Bora Tesh


Description: Having been found ranging from anywhere between 3 - 6 meters (both measurements being outliers), this heavy-set animal is found deep in the swamps of Libertia.


Despite blending in with its surroundings (with the help of a rubbery disk shaped like a lily pad on its back), its terrible odour often gives it away to the alert traveler. It is said that during their mating seasons, the swamp stinks of pure musk. It is unwise to get too close to these creatures, as they are capable of springing short distances with amazing speed. They are reclusive beasts that spend much of their time buried in the muck. Not much is known about their diet but one ting is certain - few animals have the tenacity and power to feed on the Bora Tesh, save for the Tral-El. They are observed to be a solitary animal, congregating only at times to mate.





Brief History: Once found spanning all the way up to the Vendel River, it has become increasingly located in the rivers of Libertia as its habitat range receded naturally. Not much of this creature is usable, with its meat being described as almost inedible. Its fur is too matted and sparse to use for clothes or huts without a lengthy preparation first - and that too, is considered a waste of time (it takes months to fully remove the stench). However, it's "lily pad" is a rare yet useful alchemical ingredient. Human incidents with the Bora Tesh are rare and deadly, as fishermen are ill-equipped to deal with its ferocity. Although the largest Bora Tesh was recently captured (measuring at approximately 6 metres) sightings have become increasingly rarer.

Jakka
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Name: Jakka


Description: A small deer-like animal, it only reaches up to the knees of most humans. They are fast and silent, perfect for running in the Libertian jungles. Their legs are covered in hard chitin, like the exoskeleton of an insect. They have long, slender tongues that are used to drink nectar and eat ants. With their compound eyes and long ears, Jakka have excellent earsight and listening. These timid creatures are quick to run from anything and the sound of their herds travelling are often described as a "pitter patter of rain" on the leaves. They are a common prey animal for many in the jungle, both beasts and man (although the squeamish and the foreign opt for others).





Brief History: There is no reason to believe that the Jakka have never not been in Libertia, as records of their existence date back to the earliest years of man. Despite being killed and eaten frequently by all, their populace has never seemed to have taken a big hit. This could be explained by their large and frequent litters. The Jakka's hide is thin and stretchy, useful for slings and small bandages. Their meat, when cooked, is described to taste like a strange combination of nuts and venison. Although their hard chitin was used in the past for arrowheads and fish hooks, the advent of metal and stone has deemed it outdated. However, it remains a common ingredient in alchemy along with their eyes and antlers. The antlers, especially, are thought to grant long life and immunity from many disease.

 

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Jungle Tral-el
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Name: Jungle Tral-el


Other common names for these animals include: Impi Naga, Swamp Lizards, Deepwood Hunter, Rey Ho Grara, and more.


Description: Widely acknowledged by the scientific community as belonging to the group of animals known as "Tral-el", these diverse beasts come by just as many names as they do forms. They range from the size of boats to houses but all are just as deadly to the general populace. These massive beasts are complete strangers to being prey and their apex predator statuses causes them to have no fear towards humans. They come in shades of green, brown, and black - though outliers may appear - and are generally apt to blend in with the Libertian swamps. It is thought that in order to be able to hunt effectively in the dark jungles, they smell the scent and heat of their prey using their tongues. None have tested this theory and come back unscathed.


The Jungle Tral-el tend to eat anything they can fit in their mouths, and what they cannot they have no qualms about killing anyway. Highly territorial and aggressive, they are solitary animals who practice cannibalism regularly. Most of them do, however, become sluggish and inactive after a meal. They often slink off deep into the underbrush after their rampages, caring not about the angry retribution of their victims. It seems that their size is directly correlated with their appetites, with the smaller ones often being responsible for the somewhat frequent disappearances of villagers. They are observed to congregate yearly for mating purposes, and may even grow colourful feathers and quills to attract others (which fall off quickly after the deed). Whether the males or females are the show-offs are unknown - as mating rituals tend to be violent and difficult to record.


The Jungle Tral-el come in many sizes but seem to follow the basic formula of being reptilian quadrupeds. Their talons are long and sharp like their teeth. Due to living deep in the jungles of Libertia, their slightly slimy scales are often seen with bits of undergrowth stuck to them. They do not seem to have a set lifespan or growth limit. The Jungle Tral-el who manage to survive beyond a century seem to become almost completely different animals in their entirety. Muscle bound and enormous, Libertia is lucky that they spend most of their lives dormant underneath the mud and tree roots. These so-called "Ancient Tral-el" are capable of destroying half a city in their annual search for food.


Examples of different Jungle Tral-el:











Examples of  Jungle Tral-el during mating season:








Examples of Ancient Jungle Tral-el:











Brief History: Tral-el are widespread throughout Zeldwa, and the jungles of Libertia are no exception. Primitive weapons made from their remains have been found all over the country, with Tral-el pendants being favourite family heirlooms. Many a Libertian has known a person personally maimed or killed by these beasts, giving credence to their deadly reputation. Although just as dangerous as before, the creation of fire and disciplined soldiers have kept the beasts at bay for some time.


No longer is the race of Man defenseless against this most terrible foe. With steel tipped arrows and spears, the role of hunter and prey have largely been equalized and the Jungle Tral-el are not as common as they were before. They are close to never found in the outskirts of the forest, preferring to hide deep within the center of Libertia. However, just as soon as mankind underestimates these beasts, tragedy seems to strike - as showcased by the Hajean massacre.


With the rise of specialized Tral-el hunters, their remains are a relatively common alchemical ingredient in Libertia. Especially valued parts include their scales, teeth, eyes, and heart - all of which must be carefully prepared to avoid getting ill in the process of handling. Their blood is more expensive but just as sought after - however it must be harvested and used quickly, as it has a habit of becoming poisonous in a few days. Their meat is eaten in Libertia by all, having a taste of fowl. It is a lean, slightly stringy meat that must be prepared to remove all impurities. The most used process involves settling the meat down into a flowing stream for a week to filter out their poison.


Despite their usage as alchemical and food ingredients, it must be stressed that the Jungle Tral-el are not, and will never be, a neutered species. The Indorian Defense Forces may be able to keep them at bay but they are unable to keep a perfect eye out. Every year, countless deaths are documented to have been the fault of the Tral-el and the number is only rising as mankind pushes them out of this world.