Biodiversity of Vokya

The **Biodiversity of Vokya** is a strange thing, something some may even call unnatural. In the words of Treia Opea, "For every Scarlet Eyed ruler that ascends, a new life is created down here". The biodiversity of Vokya is home to strange plants and creatures, some of which are more on the unnatural side of things.

## Animals

### Scarlet Vulture

The national animal of Vokya, the Scarlet Vulture, is a avian creature resembling a vulture. It has a wingspan of approximately 9 feet, its feathers are a deep red color, with a blackish purple hue at the tips. It is a solitary animal, and is very quiet, making it an excellent hunter. It also has sharp talons like an eagles, as opposed to a vultures blunted talons for walking. This is largely because it spends most of its time high in the sky, waiting for a small mammal to eat (Such as rodents, or if it is bold enough, juveniles of large mammals).

It typically breeds during the spring and summer months, and due to their solitary nature do not have long-term bonds. The males perform aerial displays to attract females, such as diving, swooping, and spinning in the air. Once a female becomes interested, they will breed. It typically lays 1-2 eggs, which is rather low. It is usually located high up on trees. After about 45-55 days the eggs hatch, being taken care of by female as the male finds food for the hatchlings. The hatchlings fledge after around 75-90 days.

Typically they live between 15-25 years in the wild, and even more in captivity.

### Rat-Folk

The Rat-Folk are one of the biggest examples of unnatural lifeforms. They supposedly sprang into existence after a Scarlet Eyed ruler ascended into the god of plague. This, of course, is highly debatable if its true or not or if they just happen to exist there in more common amounts. Their intelligence is rather advanced, perhaps debatably on the level of most prominent species. This is because they have created clothing and even small weapons like bows, along with jewelry.

They are more often found in regions with high urban construction, although are not usually found within them, more of along the the outskirts of human activity. They speak a tongue called "Rattian", which sounds like... Squeaks. The origins of Rat-Folk are unknown, although they've been around for a while. Who knows what ancient history and cultures they have, and what knowledge they hold underneath that fuzzy exterior.

Who knows what wisdom they hold, what power they could wield in their tiny hands, or what malice they are plotting behind those empty beady eyes.

Their life-span usually varies based on their climate, although it is usually at best around the 50 year mark. Surprisingly long for rat people. However, sometimes they band together in the wilderness to take down larger opponents they come across, much like bandits but on a cuter and smaller (But equally lethal) scale.

### Ruby Butterfly

The Ruby Butterfly is a rare butterfly with a deep ruby colored wings. They are veined with a metallic sheen, giving them the appearance of cut gemstone. The wingspan is around 3-4 inches, and when sunlight hits the wings it sparkles and shimmers like a real ruby, leading to its rarity as it is often caught or eaten by birds.

However, instead of feeding on nectar and pollinating crops, Ruby Butterflies feed on decaying meat matter. In rare occasions this can lead to a morbid sight of several Ruby Butterflies atop a rotting carcass.

## Plants

### Ruby Flower

The Ruby Flower is a common flower that grows near sites of large deaths in the Vokya region, such as predator dens, battle sites, and graveyards. The flower has exactly 6 petals, which are colored a deep ruby red and are veined with a metallic sheen, much like the Ruby Butterfly, although not as rare.

It uses lasts for a short amount of time, dying quickly after being removed from the ground. The stem is a deep green color, along with its leaves. It also appears to have no seeds, nor does it have any pollen. Because of this, it is unknown how it reproduces.

### Spearhead Vines

The Spearhead Vines are rare thick green vines with small thorns that grow in reclusive and shaded areas, mostly along trees and stone. The leaves are shaped like spearheads, and are glossy and dark. leading to its name. The leaves have thin needle-like hairs that when touched inject a poison that paralyzes small animals (It'd cause numbness in a healthy person at most). After it is triggered and poisons the animal, its vines will curl around the paralyzed animal/insect and release enzymes to consume the animal externally, the thorns helping keep it held up.

The enzymes, unlike the poison, are in fact a problem to healthy people, and thus Spearhead Vines should be avoided.