Fauna of The Third Era

Even the world of *Redemption The Third Era* is populated with various types of fauna, some
of these brutal, others more docile that, over time, have learned to live with
new people often becoming an integral part of them too. A fitting example in
this framework is that of the Kepak, for the Graunt people, or of the Blue
Squirrels for the Tamiara people, but there are also some examples of something
that is more than integration between animals and people that show a sort of 'mutual
tolerance' as in the case of the Frozen Wolves with the Vampires.

The fauna as population has suffered many a
twisting due to the *Catastrophe* that
happened many centuries before that had brought mutations, more or less noticeable,
both from the physical  and behavioral
standpoint.

Hereafter you will find some examples with a
small description of the *Third Era*
creatures that inhabit the cities and the immense spaces of the *New World* and of their relationship with
the ethnic groups that are closer to them.

**GRAUNT - Kepak**

The Kepak are considered by the Graunt as real
members of the tribes inside which they provide assistance in every area. According
to the race they belong to they are employed as beasts of burden or race
animals, for work or in the battles. Their meat is eaten, their hair is used to
cover and as clothing, the scales become part of weapons or decorations, the their
tanned leather and the bones are processed in order to get useful tools or very
sharp sandstone colored knives. Their body is covered with thick hair that is
shorter along their legs and their ears look like those of any common donkey. On
the top of their head they have a 'triangle' of fish bones and scales that have
a protective function, the scales covering also the front part of their chest, the
shoulders and the top part of their thighs and their color varies from white to
black concurrently with the color of the fleece. In battle they are very
fearsome because of their incredible strength, endurance and speed.

**SALK – Dune Cat**

The Dune Cat, so dear to the Salk population, is
the most common mutation of the more common Serval, but it has a more compact
and less slender physical structure. Its size is limited too. Even the size is
less impressive in regards to their ancestor’s, but he is still larger compared
to the domestic cat. His coat, of the same color of sandstone, presents some
darker spots that can take the form of stripes along the tail and legs, while
they donate to the rest of the hair a spotted pattern. The ears are very large
and elongated and the legs are stocky but powerful compared to the body. Of the
common cat it has maintained his independence and its inner elegance that
pleases so much the Salk people, this motivates them to be surrounded by these
felines and to share with them even their dwellings.

**HUMANS - Dog**

The *Catastrophe*,
the years of stabilization and the tribulation of mankind have not changed the
deep bond of friendship that has always linked man with dog and it has stayed
unchanged also in the *Third Era* of
the world. The races of dogs have become so varied that nobody has bothered to
classify them anymore, and so they refer to all members of this specie simply calling
each one by the name of 'Dog'. Some of these races have been heavily affected
by the disorder due to the *Catastrophe*
suffering mutations that, in the worst cases, have undermined the behavioral
aspects rendering them very aggressive and dangerous. In the cases when the
mutations have acted only on the physical side, the friendship bond between man
and dog hasn’t changed and they are the best friend any adventurer may hope to
have alongside for a trip or for everyday’s life.

**TAMIARA – Blue**
Squirrel

The Blue Squirrels have always been the natural
inhabitants of the immense forests of Khun where the Tamiara people lives. People
that loves nature had made a symbol and guide of these soft rodents, free and
independent. The wingsuits of the tree people have been inspired by these small
creatures and simulate the conjunction membrane that connects the front and
hind legs so useful for flying. The appearance of the Blue Squirrel is very
similar to the common flying squirrels, but they are slightly bigger. The
nickname 'blue' derives from the dorsal streaking of the hair that assumes blue
tones, passing from a lighter to a darker
color as the animal grows older.

**DAMAS – Caves Gecko**

The caves and underground tunnels of the Damas
cities are inhabited by a great number of these nice creatures. There are two
different species of them, but the most common ones are those with six legs or
two tails. The coloring of their skin reminds that of the stone of which the
tunnels are made and allows these small reptiles to camouflage in case there
had been some enemies nearby. For the Damas they are really considered true 'friends'
to cuddle and take care of. They are carnivores and it is not unusual that in a
burst of anger they could even bite their own master, that is why every Damas
respects them and treats them with extreme care.

**VAMPIRES – Frozen Wolf**

The Vampires cities are all deployed along the
semi darkness strip that announces the approach of the *Frozen Lands*. The *Frozen*
Woods *is a long strip of land covered by frozen trees that is infested by*
large white wolves, amongst other beasts, the Frozen Wolves. They got their
name from their white hair that is often covered in frost and that gives them a
spectral and 'frozen' appearance. Their eyes are reddish and they are able to
catch any minimal sparkling of light, lighting up with illuminating effects. They
cannot be considered 'pet animals', but the close proximity to the Vampires
ensures these creatures to often circulate in the cities looking for food or
other things and, if approached with the right prudence, they can also show to
be docile and to be tamed. The cases of Vampires that have as travelling
companion a Frozen Wolf are rare, while tales of people that have died from the
aggression of such specimens are on the agenda.