Qirsyllvian Fauna

Well known fauna of Qirsyllviar. Along with normal fauna found in our world, a number of magical and mega-fauna are found around the world. Several species of animals not found in our world anymore exist on Qirsyllviar as well.
== Basilisk ==
The Basilisk, also known as the King of Serpents, is a snake of gigantic proportions. A basilisk can grow up to two hundred feet or longer in length and be at least thirty feet around. It can also spread it's neck into a hood like a cobra and has a rattle at the end of its tail like a rattlesnake. Its mouth is full of sharp banana-shaped teeth but it's front fangs, which can grow almost six feet long, are its largest ones. It has a dark green color with large yellow eyes. Basilisk skin is armored like that of a dragon's, which it sheds its at intervals when it grows like all snakes.
Basilisks can live a natural life of at least three hundred years, though some basilisks have been known to live for longer. While basilisks are carnivorous and feed off any living thing, it is unknown how much they eat at one time. The males and females are almost indistinguishable from one another, and no one has ever been able to get close enough to figure out the difference.
Legends say that a basilisk can kill by just staring at you, but this is false. This legend stems from a basilisk's ability to shoot a concentrated burst of its venom from the discharge holes in its fangs. Basilisk venom is an extremely poisonous substance that only has one known cure: phoenix tears. Basilisk venom is so powerful that it can kill within minutes, making the victim drowsy and blurry-visioned before they die. Basilisk venom is also acidic, and can melt most things it comes into contact with. It has a very long lasting effect which still remains potent even years or more after the snake has died. Zedylrian steel is one of the few known materials that can withstand the corrosive effects of basilisk venom.
A basilisk egg is the egg of said creature. Female basilisks do lay eggs, but even if they are fertilized they are unlikely to hatch on their own. Breeding of basilisks is illegal in most parts of Qirsyllviar, the penalty often being death. However, even though they are nearly impossible to domesticate, there are still illegal breeding operations at work around the world, due to the serpent being a great threat to any who oppose it.
== Bicorn ==
The Bicorn is an horse-like equine species that has two curved horns like a ram. Bicorns typically have dark coats. Ancient people believed that bicorns were a cousin or subspecies of the unicorn, but bicorns are actually a separate species all their own.
== Cerberus ==
A Cerberus is a giant three-headed dog.
== Chimera ==
== Direwolf ==
Direwolves are an unusually large and intelligent species of wolf native primarily to the northern regions of the northern hemisphere. Their range is usually farther north, but they have been known to venture south. They're still relatively common in Aquilonis and Marlakcor, while the direwolf population in Soligaia, while still significantly large, is steadily declining.
An adult direwolf is as large as a small horse, and can rip a man's arm from its socket. Even a juvenile direwolf is quite capable of killing a man by ripping out his throat. Physically they are not simply larger versions of wolves, but have slightly different proportions than their smaller cousins; their heads are larger with a leaner, more pronounced muzzle, their legs are longer in proportion to their body, and they have proportionately larger teeth that are often used to crush bones.
Direwolves can give birth to litters of at least seven puppies.
Tame Direwolves are loyal to their masters and will attack anyone who threatens them. They will also come to the aid of those they know are loyal to their masters.
== Dragons ==
== Fire Salamanders ==
== Gargoyle Beasts ==
Gargoyle beasts are reptilian animals closely related to gargoyles. 
Gargoyle beasts are quadrupedal gargates. They have a more "animal intelligence," as compared to the "human intelligence" possessed by gargoyles. They also lack wings. Other than these differences, gargoyle beasts do not differ much from gargoyles, including turning to stone during the day.
Gargoyle beasts, like gargoyles, are fertile every twenty years; each egg hatches into one pup after two years of gestation in the egg. Also like gargoyles, gargoyle beasts have a variety of skin colors.
== Gigacroc ==
The Gigacroc is a species of giant crocodile, the size and weight of two bull elephants, native to the inland Nahuatl Sea in Nekcroz.
== Gigatantula ==
A Gigatantula is a species of giant spider native to the northern of Tarak, known as Vishalmarkatak (विशाल्मर्कटक) in most Taraki languages, where it inhabits dense hollows.
Gigatantulas sport eight black eyes (white if blind) and are typically covered in thick black hair, with a leg span that can reach up to fifteen feet. They are the size of a bull mammoth at full adult size.
They possess a set of giant chelicerae which they use to eat live prey or their own dead kin. Their pincers produce a clicking sound when they are agitated or excited. They also secrete poison when excited. Their fangs contain highly toxic venom.
The female is usually larger than the male, and can lay up to one hundred soft, wide, beach ball-sized eggs at a time. They usually hatch in six to eight weeks.
Gigatantulas tend to reside in thick jungles and heavily forested areas, and their webs are large and dome-shaped.
== Gryphon ==
The Gryphon is a creature that has the forelegs, wings and head of a giant eagle, and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion. The main diet of the gryphon is raw meat. Gryphons are known as fierce creatures, however, despite this, skilled tamers have been able to befriend them. Gryphons are mainly found in mountainous regions of Geminos (Soligaia and Aquilonis), and some minor colonies have been reported in Nekcroz and Marlakcor, typically inhabiting mountain ranges.
Unless a partner dies, gryphons mate for life, and males are aggressively protective of their mates and young; the exceptions are people they've bonded with, in which case they will allow them to go near their mate and play with their young.
Gryphon mothers lay eggs, normally five or six in a clutch during summer, which normally hatch after about ten weeks. Gryphons grow fast: gryphon hatchlings are about the size of a full-grown basset hound when they hatch, and after about six months they're the size of a full-grown golden retriever; by that time they learn to fly and their parents teach them to hunt for themselves. Full grown gryphons are about the size of a Clydesdale horse.
Gryphons reach sexual maturity after about only fifteen months, and females often lay their first fertile clutch before they're two years old, but gryphons reach full maturity after about three years.
== Hippogriffs ==
A Hippogriff is a magical creature that has the front legs, wings, and head of a giant eagle and the body, hind legs and tail of a horse. It is very similar to another mythical creature, the gryphon, with the horse rear replacing the lion rear; this trait alone makes them unrelated to gryphons in any way. Hippogriffs have steel-colored beaks and large eyes. The talons on their front legs are half a foot long and appear deadly. Hippogriffs are normally grey in color, but other colors have been reported.
Hippogriffs are intensely proud creatures by nature, and an individual must show proper respect by bowing to them, and waiting for them to bow in return before approaching. The hippogriff should be allowed to make the first move as this is polite. If offended, it may attack. Hippogriffs are tameable, but only by experts in their care. Although proud, hippogriffs can also be fiercely loyal and protective of those who have earned their trust.
The diet of the hippogriff consists mainly of insects, birds, and small mammals such as ferrets. They will sometimes paw at the ground for worms if no other food is readily available. When breeding, hippogriffs build nests on the ground, and lay only a single, fragile egg. The egg usually hatches in twenty-four hours. Infant hippogriffs are capable of flight within a week, but it takes many months before they are strong enough to accompany their parents on long journeys. It is unknown at what age hippogriffs are able to reproduce, but hippogriffs reach full maturity after about three years.
== Hydra ==
A Hydra is a quadrupedal, fire-breathing, reptilian, monster with five long-necked heads. This beast can grow up to the size of a bull mammoth, and is the only beast other than a dragon that can breath fire.
Legends say that if you cut off one head, two more will grow in its place, but this is nothing more than a myth.
== Kappa ==
The kappa is a water creature native to Fuso.
== Kraken ==
A Kraken is a sea monster that appears a cross between an octopus and a squid. The kraken can grow up to a mile long and have a body the size of a bull mammoths. Krakens have ten arms, and eight of its arms can grow five hundred feet long and have suckers on the underside, while its two longer arms can grow a quarter-mile long, and the "hands" are shaped like rhombuses and have suckers too.
Krakens are known for attacking ships, and such make crossing the sea dangerous; but the only reason they attack ships is because they mistake them for small whales, one of their prey. Aside for small wales, krakens are known to feed on dolphins or animals of similar size. Regretfully, krakens aren't alpha-predators because they are prey to leviathans, having less armor than the latter.
The kraken is most commonly found in the sea between Soligaia and Aquilonis, but sightings in other waters have been reported.
== Kyubi no Kitsune ==
Kyubi no Kitsune (九尾の狐/lit. Nine-tailed Foxes) are a species of fox with nine tails that are native to Fuso. They are intelligent creatures that possess magical abilities to shape shift,even to human form. While some Genjin folktales speak of kitsune of wildly different moralities employing this ability to trick others, other stories portray them as faithful guardians and friends.
It is said that the older a kitsune becomes the more wiser, and more powerful they are. Because of their potential power and influence, some people make offerings to them as deities.
== Lava Spiders ==
== Leviathans ==
Leviathans are a giant carnivorous species of sea monster that can grow up to 755m and 500 feet around. It appears and resembles a cross between several marine species; with a crocodile-like head, whale-like body and fluke, lobster-like claws and legs, and shark-like dorsal fin, they are truly monstrous in appearance. The topside of their body, below the dorsal fin, has a lobster-like shell for armor, but their undersides are fleshy like whales. Despite having a "Whale-like" body, a leviathan's belly is completely covered in scales, save for their claws, legs and armor.
They are the alpha-predators of the oceans, being predators of mainly small whales as well as sharks, marine dragons, Krakens, smaller fish, and sometimes humans and other species; although leviathans tend to only hunt humans and other species just because they mistake them for small prey. Other times it's because they view them as invaders of their territory, particularly during mating season. Sometimes they will prey upon each other when fighting over territory, and will sometimes kill younger leviathans that wander into their territory. Because leviathans are solitary creatures, they generally don't tolerate intruders, but will sometimes let the intruders go depending on their mood.
Extremely resistant to water pressures, they are capable swimming in the open sea or traversing the seabed and diving into waters up to 26,000 feet below. However, they are not fish and must come up for air; they posses three separate blowholes on top of their heads like whales (which only possess one), but they may also breathe through their mouths. That said, they can stay submerged up to eight days before coming up for a breath.
Despite their massive size, leviathans are very agile in water; they're capable of bending their bodies 180° into a U-shape, allowing them to turn the other way when they sense prey or danger, not that most sea creatures are a danger to it; they are also capable of leaping out of the water, despite their large bulky build. Leviathans aren't as common as they were long ago due to habitat change, but the biggest issue was over-hunting by glory-seeking hunters, but a few hundred still inhabit Qirsyllviar's waters.
Leviathans mate roughly once every ten to fifteen years, going into a period of sexual activity that lasts a full year. Males will often fight each other over a female, usually ending in death for one of them. Impregnated females lay a single large egg the size and weight of a bull elephant, and will usually lay their egg in warmer waters, nesting them in soft sand. The female will then become aggressive, guarding the egg zealously until it hatches, leaving only for brief periods to hunt; it is during this time that females are the most dangerous to humans, merpeople and other sapient life. The egg hatches approximately two years after it's laid, and the juvenile will stick with its mother for about four years, long enough to learn how to hunt, before striking out on its own. Leviathans reach full maturity after about fifteen years, and adult leviathans can live up to two hundred years.
In ancient history, and parts of Maritymir today, leviathans were worshiped as the heralds of water deities, and killing one was said to bring down their wrath. Even today it is the ultimate taboo, but many hunters ignore the superstitions. 
Leviathan scales posses magical properties, and half-merpeople who can shape-shift their legs, but can't control them, use the scales to control their transformations.
== Mammoth ==
Mammoths are an elephantine species with smaller ears and much more mass compared to an elephant. While mammoths and elephants are distantly related and are capable of reproducing together, they remain distinct species and hybrids are known to be sterile.
=== Bald Mammoth ===
The Bald Mammoth, also known as the Southern Mammoth, is a mammoth native to Nekcroz. They get their common name from that fact that their actual hair is so thin and sparse on their bodies that they're perceived as bald from a distance. They're mostly extant in Tigarond and the northern half of the mainland, but there are herds that have been seen as far as south as the Xotilic jungles.
=== Woolly Mammoths ===
The Woolly Mammoth, also known as the Northern Mammoth, is a hairy mammoth native to the northern tundra regions of Arqupeiro and northern Marlakcor. There are several herds of mammoths reported to be in the Salrinoan states of central Aquilonis and in Soleil, but these populations have been declining in recent years.
== Manticore ==
The Manticore is a beast with the body of a lion, but with the tail of a scorpion, large bat wings, and horns. Manticores are among the most feared beats on Qirsyllviar; not only are they considered an alpha predator, but they're vicious and are known for attacking anything that moves. What's more, the venom from their teeth and tail is so potent, that even the most skilled of potioneers have a hard time synthesizing antidotes.
Manticores generally live in all matters of environment, but are more commonly found in mountainous regions, and are known to compete with gryphons over territory. Contrary to popular belief, since manticores are known to hunt alone, manticores are social animals that live in large groups, ranging from a pack of just five, to a familial colony of over a hundred. Female manticores lay eggs, usually a clutch of five or six, but most often only three hatch at once; the others usually turn out to be either duds, or are simply unfertilized.
Manticores are vicious and untameable, but not untrainable. As such, they were a popular beast of war in ancient times. Many fables tell of whole armies breaking at the sight of a single manticore charging the ranks.
However, recent years have seen the outlawing of training manticores for war in many countries (but not all of them).
== Megalodon ==
The megalodon is a massive shark that can gown up to 75m or more. Its only predator is the leviathan.
== Pegasus ==
The Pegasus (pl. Pegasi) is a winged horse. Pegasi are found on all corners of Qirsyllviar, but are more scarce in Maritymir and Tirnanog. Unlike normal horses, which are prone to capture for use as mounts and beasts of burden, Pegasi have an easier time escaping due to their ability to fly away.
== Phoenix ==
The phoenix is a large swan-sized scarlet bird with red and gold plumage, along with a golden beak and talons, black eyes, and a tail as long as a peacock's. Its scarlet feathers glow faintly in darkness, while its golden tail feathers are hot to the touch.
Phoenixes will usually nest on mountain peaks or in caves in the rock face. Phoenixes are omnivorous: as birds of prey they normally feed on fish or small amphibians or mammals like frogs, mice, rats or insects; when not hunting, they will feed on small fruits, nuts, or berries. Despite being partially carnivorous, they are gentle creatures that are not known for fighting, unless it is over a mate. 
As phoenixes approach their Burning Day they resemble a half-plucked turkey. Their eyes become dull, their feathers start to fall out, and it begins to make gagging noises. Then the bird suddenly bursts into flames only to rise from the ashes shortly after. Within a month, they grow back to full size. Thanks to this ability, phoenixes live to an immense age. They can also go into a premature burning day if they are killed. However, if a phoenix's ashes are swept away before it has reborn, it will die permanently. After being hatched or reborn, phoenixes generally go through a Burning Day naturally once every five or six years.
Phoenixes are immune to the gaze of a basilisk, which would normally kill anyone who has direct eye to eye contact, or petrify through indirect eye contact.
Their tears have potent healing capabilities. For instance, phoenix tears are the only known antidote of basilisk venom. Their tears are also able to bring a person back even from the brink of death, while the phoenix song will increase the courage of the good and strike fear into the hearts of the evil. Phoenixes are capable of lifting a great weight, such as being able to effortlessly fly up a distance with four people holding on to its tail. It can also carry immensely heavy packages in its talons, carrying it from one point to another without tiring.
Phoenixes are very difficult to domesticate, but phoenixes that have been domesticated, or hatched and raised by people, are extremely loyal to their owners, and would depart to find their own paths if their owners die, rather than finding a new master.
Phoenixes mate for life, a rare trait for birds. Fertilized phoenix eggs are glossy red with a natural orange flaming pattern that varies from egg to egg; unfertilized eggs are more a dull grayish-red. Female phoenixes lay a clutch of about five eggs at one time, hatching them over the course of a year. Just like when they're reborn after dying, phoenix chicks grow to full size in about a month.
== Roc ==
A Roc, sometimes also known as Great Eagles, is an eagle of gigantic proportions. Rocs can reach the size of two bull elephants, but are nowhere near as heavy.
Rocs generally make nests in small elevated valleys tucked within mountain ranges. There have never been many reports of them being disturbed by predators; it is said their gaze can be so piercing, even the alpha predators steer clear of them.
Roc mothers normally lay a clutch of six eggs, each the size of three healthy human babies.
== Scorpioch ==
The Scorpioch is a species of giant scorpion native to the Great Dhahabi Desert in southeast Aquilonis. Scorpiochs are roughly the size of a labrador when hatched, but can grow up to the size and weight of a two bull mammoths.
Despite their immense size, scorpiochs are extremely fast; they can move with near-lightning-fast speed, and can spear its prey on its tail before it has a chance to react. Scorpiochs are also capable of burrowing underneath the sands of the desert, and will often use this ability to ambush their prey.
While under the sand, they can "swim" through the sand to reach one destination from another. 
== Smilodon ==
The Smilodon, more commonly known as the saber-toothed cat, is a large predatory cat native to Nekcroz.
== Sphinx ==
The Sphinx is a magical creature native to southeast Aquilonis. It has the head of human, the body of lion, and eagle wings. 
Sphinxes are renowned for being extremely intelligent: they are capable of speech, and are known for their love of puzzles, riddles, and enigmas. Their riddles are normally extremely long and complicated, with profusely subtle references to the answer that most people would almost certainly miss. They also possess superhuman strength, especially in their brutally powerful paws - this makes them very dangerous to other beings. Yet, despite their intelligence, they are considered beasts rather than sapient beings due to being a threat to unwary passersby.
== Thunderbird ==
== Unicorns ==
The unicorn is a white, equine creature with a single horn on its forehead.
Unicorn foals are born pure gold in color. They remain so until they are about two years old, at which time their coat turns silverish. At around four-years-old their horn grows in. They are fully grown at about seven years old, at which at this age they turn to their dominant color. Unicorns are usually silver-white, but other colors such as black, grey and chestnut have also been documented. Their hooves are golden, (remaining so from their gold stage, the first two years of their life), and their blood is silver-blue in color and shines under the moonlight. It is not known how long a unicorn can live for.
Unicorns inhabit forests and are more commonly found around Geminos (Soligaia and Aquilonis), but there are plentiful herds in Tigarond as well. There are known small herds in Marlakcor too, but they're otherwise scarce there.
Unicorns prefer a woman's touch, but can grow more trusting if a bond is formed with a man. The young ones are more trusting and do not mind men as much. Unicorns are also so fleet-of-hoof that they can rarely be caught by hunters, and make excellent steeds.
Various parts of the unicorn, the horn and tail hair in particular, are used in potions. Unicorn hair in general is used for the cores of wands, and the tail hair can also be used as binding in bandages due to its incredible strength. The blood of a unicorn can be used for divination purposes or potions, but is seldom used because of recent laws outlawing it.
Killing unicorns is taboo in most parts of Qirsyllviar, with most cases condemning the killer to execution. The taboo against killing unicorns stems from an age-old belief that unicorns bring good fortune and killing unicorns bring misfortune to the killer and those around them. 
== Winter Fish ==
Winter fish are a group of freshwater fish species that have a physiology that lets them thrive in winter seasons. Their life cycle normally begins when they hatch in late-summer. While most fish thrive in warmer temperatures during warmer seasons, Winter fish are most active during autumn, winter, and early spring.
* Known species:
** Sloi: a breed most often found in northern and central Soligaia. Their population is greatest in Ardeal.
== Notes & Trivia ==
Category:Fauna
Fauna