There are many breeds of creature that fill the wastelands of Zalanthas, both predator and prey. See the helpfiles below for information on the beasts of Armageddon.

Anakore
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Desert, Underground
Overview:
Also known as Dune Stalkers in some parts of the world, these silent hunters are explosively dangerous, keeping almost exclusively to the deep, loose sands found in certain Zalanthan expanses. Large burrowing beasts, roughly the length of a human, they spend most of their lives buried beneath the sands, using their compact and powerful bodies to travel 'submerged.' They are known to creep up beneath their prey (up to and including victims the size of a sunback lizard) and launch themselves upwards, latching on with their claws and dragging the hapless victim into the smothering sands where they quickly finish and devour them. Many hunters suspect anakore track their prey via vibrations carried through the sands, and most nomads have different ways of trying to avoid them...or hunt them in turn. Anakore are valued for the sharp claws that they use to maul their prey.

Angk
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
Angks are one of a few types of snakes in the Red Desert. Their dull red scales enable them to lurk in a small area, waiting for prey to come to it. When something edible happens by, they strike, injecting poison into their quarry, and wait for the hapless animal to die before devouring it whole. They tend to hunt smaller animals such as kagors, but have been known to go after raptors and even people.

Ankheg
Danger Level: *****
Habitat: Underground
Overview:
Little is known of these arthropodal behemoths as their primary habitat is subterranean. However, many suspect that these enormous bugs are responsible for some of the more elaborate burrowed networks found beneath the surface of Zalanthas. Those lucky few who survive an encounter bring back stories of their frighteningly powerful pinchers and thick green exoskeleton. This skeleton is, of course, the sole reason to attempt to hunt one of these monsters.

Auroch
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Canyons
Overview:
Aurochs are immense, bovine herbivores. Though less common than chalton and escru, they have been domesticated by some of the Known World's cultures. Since an earthquake destroyed the settlement of Mal Krian many years ago, aurochs have become increasingly rare.

Bahamet
Danger Level: *****
Habitat: Grasslands
Overview:
Similar to gargantuan gurth, these tortoise-like reptiles are prized for their shells, which are both tough and earthy-colorful. Unfortunately for the would-be hunter they are also extremely dangerous, opportunistic scavengers. They are known to lumber the plains east of the of Tuluk, in the far north. Despite their obvious size and strength, rivaling all but that of the mekillots, there has been no popular success with domesticating them.

Baltha
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
This shaggy beast has four massive limbs, covered like its body in thick murky crimson fur. Though it walks nearly upright, and its hands and feet are almost humanoid in appearance, its beady black eyes betray no intelligence, and its broad snout is clearly bestial. The baltha is rarely hunted, for its fur is usually scarred from its thorny habitat, and its meat is unpleasantly oily and gristly.

Bamuk
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Tablelands
Overview:
A bamuk possesses a somewhat more bulky frame as opposed to the other inhabitants of the tablelands. One can distinguish bamuk from the other denizens that populate the Pah by noting its striped coat of fur, as well as the six short, muscular appendages that support its squatty frame. Though relatively docile, those knowledgeable of bamuk note their sharp-toothed, canine-like snout as a tool more than capable of fending off would-be predators.

Barakhan Lizard
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
These small winged lizards, usually colored in dark or sandy colors, are the primary source of eggs in the southlands, where they are raised domestically for that purpose. Some are kept as pets, since their chirping can be interpreted as melodious in nature.

Braxat
Danger Level: ****
Habitat: UNKNOWN
Overview:
These large, dangerous beasts resemble something akin to a half-giant, but far more bestial. They walk bipedally, and their clawed hands are capable of wielding weapons. However, a thick protective shell covers their backs, pushing them forward into a ghastly hunch, and their hides are thick and tough. Being vaguely humanoid looking creatures, they are prized in the arena; a common initial attack is a charge with their horned heads lowered.

Carru
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: UNKNOWN
Overview:
Territorial by nature and dangerous by virtue of their size and spear-like antlers, an adult carru can pose a significant threat to the unwary. Normally herbivores of the drier parts of the north, their relative commonness there has made their hide, as well as their antlers, a commonly used material.

Chalton
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
These six-legged antelope-like creatures are perhaps the most common source of leather and horn in the Southlands, as they are typically raised as domestic beasts, having adapted to the bleak & horrifically dry southern environment. Despite Allanak's domestication efforts, wild chalton still can be seen on Vrun Driath's northwestern dunes, though in diminished numbers.

Cheotan
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Forest
Overview:
These predatory lizards are orange with black stripes. They inhabit the Grey Forest where they hunt smaller game. The back legs are said to be very powerful, allowing them to leap upon prey. With the exception of some dwarves, these lizards are too small to serve as mounts. They are known to not take well to captivity and may lash out at larger humanoids.

Cilops
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Grasslands, Underground
Overview:
Deadly not only because of their poison, the insectine cilops look much like very large centipede-like creatures. Their nature is that of an instinctive hunter, usually in the depths of caves and tunnels. Despite being blind, they have adapted well to above-ground life, usually in terrain where their low, long bodies can maneuver relatively unseen by potential prey.

Cockroach
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Ubiquitous
Overview:
Zalanthan cockroaches are extremely resilient beasts, and can vary in size from that of a human thumbnail to that of an adult scrab. Their chitinous exoskeletons make them rather hard to damage, while their clashing mandibles and hooking claws make them either minor annoyances or serious threats, depending on the size of the cockroach encountered. Cockroaches have a tendency to splatter when struck with a good blow, showering all nearby.

Dujat Worm
Danger Level: ****
Habitat: Desert, Underground
Overview:
Dujat are known as the natural predator of the anakore - they burrow deep within the dunes of Zalanthas, searching for prey. Little is known about them in terms of where they nest or are found naturally, though they have been spotted in the dunes of the tablelands. Travelers lucky enough to have spotted a dujat note how the worm-like creature bursts from its hole in the dune masking it to capture prey, its gaping maw lined with jagged, razor-sharp teeth that can cut through skin and bone with ease. The singular, shielded eye and chitinous plates that cover its gelatinous flesh beneath pose a problem for any aspiring hunter eager to seek out its prized scales and teeth.

Durrit
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
Durrit, a relatively docile, bipedal species, are native to the shattered terrain of the tablelands. Roughly the size of a dwarf, though lacking its bulky muscle, the durrit possesses a thin, lithe frame - its elongated neck further accentuates its lean and sinewy physicality. Many tribes within the Pah prize the durrit for their dark red coats of fur, and skilled hunters in turn make use of their claws in the form of skinning knives and smaller weaponry. Rumors tell of a six-legged version of this mammal which lives in mountainous regions.

Duskhorn
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Grasslands
Overview:
These hefty antelope-like creatures of the northern grasslands have a remarkably fine pelt, which often goes overlooked due to the long, intertwining horns they grow. These horns grow throughout their lives, and while the ends of them may break off, rumors abound of old bulls with curling horns so long and entangled that they eventually snare themselves in the thickets, or break their necks from the pure weight. Imaginatively dubbed "duskhorn," the material from these great horns are used in an astonishing variety of ways, from chipped disks linked & overlapped into armors to the polished handles of elaborate hand-mirrors.

Erdlu
Danger Level: **
Habitat: UNKNOWN
Overview:
These flightless, usually featherless birds are sometimes employed as mounts by the lighter races of Zalanthas, although they cannot last great distances and are not particularly strong. They are, however, quite quick and eat relatively little. Great care is taken in taming them, since they are capable of wreaking great damage in a fight. Despite this, their meat is usually very tender.

Escru
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Ubiquitous
Overview:
Small and woolly mammals, the adult escru are approximately thigh-high on a human, with members of both sexes growing tiny ivory horns. They provide the vast majority of wool and wool-based cloth materials in the Known World. Usually docile, they have adapted well as domesticated herd beasts, and wild packs of them are now all but unheard of. The females can produce a fatty milk, when well fed and regularly milked.

Fire Ant
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Ubiquitous
Overview:
While ants are a common occurrence in just about every corner of the Known World, colonies of giant fire ants have cropped up with varying frequency over the ages. Folklore often questions the origin of these giant ants, sometimes suggesting giant fire ants are merely common ants that have grown much larger than their peers while at other times claiming them to be a unique breed of their own. An old superstition in Vrun Driath holds that children who draw the ire of an elementalist of Suk-Krath are turned into giant fire ants in their sleep. In spite of their exaggerated size, fire ant workers are not known to be inherently aggressive, preferring to feed mostly upon small flora and fauna. Much like their smaller counterparts, fire ants respond with prejudice when the colony is threatened.

Gaj
Danger Level: *****
Habitat: UNKNOWN
Overview:
This unlikely predator is among the most deadly in the Known World, and perhaps strangely is rarely found outside of captivity -- where it survives well (occasionally feeding upon its would-be handlers), but reproduces extremely poorly. Generally insectoid in appearance, it moves its flat, thickly shelled body frighteningly quickly upon several stalklike legs. Powerful mandibles provide rending force, while several tentacle-like extensions whip at its prey -- these tentacles leave their own welts, but inflict an excruciating agony that its few survivors attribute to an attack more psionic than physical in nature.

Geth
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
This chubby, eight-legged lizard, about the length of a human leg, is usually difficult to spot, due to its variegated hide, the hue of desert rock.

Gimpka Rat
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Grasslands
Overview:
Twin disk-shaped ears of enormous proportion compared to its tiny, fist-sized figure, sit atop the triangular head of the gimpka rat, twitching at the slightest noise much like its long, bristly whiskers. Its soft pelt is a mottled field of gold and mauve, gifting it a natural camouflage in the grasslands east of Tuluk. Known for its agile speed, the rodent darts through the grasses, using its whiplike tail for balance while hunting insects and foraging a variety of seed and grain.

Gnu
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Forest
Overview:
The gnu is four-hooved creature that inhabits the depths of the Grey Forest. They are said to have white beards and manes, the rest of their fur slightly brown. On the tops of their heads are a small set of horns.

Gormi
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Forest
Overview:
Stripes of brown lace across scales of green, offering this two-and-a-half cord long lizard a natural camouflage within its forest habitat. Bands of pink circle the gormi's small, black, bead-like eyes which dart around, protruding from a compact face. Despite moving slowly with tiny claws to brace its weight, the gormi appears agile, using a long tail for balance. A long, serpentine tongue darts from its mouth, snapping at the insects and spiders that are its prey.

Gortok
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Ubiquitous
Overview:
A common type of canine in the northlands, the gortok are well-known as wild predatory scavengers with a strong pack mentality. They are not known for particular intelligence or cleanliness, but are quite hardy, capable of loping great distances after their slowly tiring prey before moving in with their vise-like jaws. Their hides often become an all but useless mass of scar tissue due to the constant fighting amongst themselves or the wounds received during a hunt.

Goudra
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Underground
Overview:
Long and slender mammals, the sleek goudra feed mostly on the larger Zalanthan insects, but have been known to scavenge meat and fruits. Physically somewhat fragile, despite being about the length of a human, they rely on stealth and natural camoflauge both to hunt and to avoid predators. Their fur is very fine, and their hides tend to be quite supple, making these common northlands creatures one of the more prized among hunters.

Greth
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Forest, Scrublands
Overview:
Inhabitants of light forest and scrublands, these winged snakes are difficult prey due to their speed and small size. Most are light in color, and their feathers are preferred fletching material for some nomadic tribes.

Gurth
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Scrublands, Forest
Overview:
A thick, domed shell covers these small reptiles, which is regularly used in the making of armors, often in overlapping plates. They rely solely on their shells for protection, which requires significant strength or a lot of patience to perforate, in their slow search for the various vegetation upon which they feed.

Gwoshi
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: UNKNOWN
Overview:
These woolly quadrupedal mammals stand nearly as tall as a human at the shoulder. Although they can sometimes be tamed for use as mounts, their name, originating from the Allundean for "biter" can give a potential rider pause. Attacks on nomadic humans and elves have been reported, their large, clawed paws adding to their painful bite, but they are normally relatively solitary beasts. Gwoshi travel in small family units as opposed to herds, and do not take well to being herded. Their unusual woolly coat is highly sought after by certain Houses.

Inix
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Grasslands
Overview:
These large lizards are capable of carrying even half-giants, albeit under duress. Plodding slowly along, they have voracious appetites, and usually only the rich, or those living in the green lands of the far North, can afford to keep them. They have developed a protective shell that grows across their backs, and they have a tough hide, both useful and sought-after as raw materials.

Irrig
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Forest
Overview:
Irrig beetles are a variety of small, glowing beetles found in the northern Grey Forest. They are crepuscular in nature, emerging in the dusk and at dawn to flicker and blink around. They are known to live in small hive communities, and are not known to be aggressive. They are sometimes found in lamps made of the very clear glass that can be found in some areas.

Jakhal
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Desert, Mountains
Overview:
Squat and powerfully built, these desert dwelling carnivorous reptiles entirely lack the superstitious respect oft given their cousins of more vegetated climates, the tembo. Indeed, they are generally associated with dangerous foulness of the most devious variety. Despite being voraciously predatory, most depend on their size and persistence to take down prey, rather than speed or natural armor.

Jozhal
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
These small, desert-dwelling reptiles are hunted for their skin, which, supple and finely scaled, betrays a multitude of colors. Occasionally, they are kept by nobles and wealthy merchants as pets, but generally revert to their feral state if unfed. While not usually dangerous because of their small size, they are scavengers by nature, occasionally taking smaller live animals.

Kagor
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
Kagors are badger-like mammals that inhabit the Red Desert. They typically hunt small lizards, reptiles, and insects, using natural camouflage to avoid detection by predators, such as raptors. They can often be aggressive to anything or anyone that seems to be a threat.

Kalich
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Desert, Mountains
Overview:
About waist-high to a human and with a wiry physique, these sand cats are strictly found in craggy, sandstone cliffs and ravines. Their fur is dense, shorter than the average feline on Zalanthas and ranges in shades of dusky red, yellow-grey, and earthy brown. Most distinctive about kalich are their elongated tails that give them exceptional balance; large, triangular ears; and tufts of fur that cover and shield their paws from hot surfaces. Kalich are known to be solitary hunters, surviving off small desert game and insects.

Kank
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
Kanks were a type of large insectoid creatures, now extinct, that were commonly used as beasts of burden for riding and packing. Physically, they resembled giant ants, and were known for their strength, speed, and stamina for their size, compared to other mounts. They were easily domesticated and used not only for transportation, but also for food and their green honey.

Kiyet Lion
Danger Level: ****
Habitat: Mountains
Overview:
Large and powerfully-built, kiyet are well known for their tawny, heavily-spotted fur and long, sharp claws. Kiyet, or lions, typically inhabit the reaches of the Barrier Range mountains. They are unusually social compared to other felines of Zalanthas, living in packs consisting of females, offspring and few adult males. Kiyet are known to be remarkable hunters as they work in a group. Their hide is prized for its short, velvety fur and suppleness when tanned as well as the prestige of having successfully taken down such a dangerous predator.

Kryl
Danger Level: ****
Habitat: Thornlands, Canyons
Overview:
Rumored to be between the size of a dwarf and that of a half-giant, little is known of the menacing kryl that live to the far east of Tuluk and deep within the Grey Forest. These large insectoid creatures are said to use stingers to paralyze their victims and drag them off to their nests where all manner of horrors are said to occur. Some are reported to spit all manner of venom from their maws, from burning acid to poisons that turn their prey against each other in fits of rage. Their dark, black chitin is renowned for its use in armor, not only for its light weight and strength, but its ominous associations with the creature.

Kylori
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Grasslands
Overview:
Kylori are painfully thin, leather-winged humanoids that hunt the plains east of Tuluk. They are known to swoop down from above and attack their prey with their long, thin arms and vicious claws and have been the bane of many a hunter on the open grass.

Magera
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
Tall, brutish humanoids with great, red manes, Magera stalk the northern fringes of the Lower Red Desert. While not particularly intelligent, they are consummate opportunists and will take advantage of any potential meal they come across.

Mekillot
Danger Level: *****
Habitat: Desert, Saltflats
Overview:
Gigantic behemoths, these lizards are many times the size of an inix, and often where six inix were required to draw a given argosy, only one mekillot suffices. In the wild they are extremely dangerous, being known to take out entire squadrons of ill prepared travelers in the salt flats. However, one carefully skinned carcass can provide shell, meat, bone, and remarkably tough hide for a huge number of people. Because of their danger in the wild (though with an appetite to suit their size), a very few mekillots are raised from birth as beasts of burden to draw the wagons of the filthy rich. They are believed to feed primarily upon the local Salt Worms. Exceedingly large dunes in the desert have been named after these beasts, and their ruddy-brown hides and shells are valuable in the production of some armors.

Merch Bat
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Underground
Overview:
These broad-winged, reptilian creatures most often roost in dark caves and crevices. Generally harmless, they can be distinguished from other winged creatures by their slender, black-scaled bodies, short white horns, and four eyes.

Plains Ox
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Grasslands
Overview:
These animals graze on the grasses of the Gol Krathu. Hunters who would seek the plains ox's dark brown wool are at risk of being impaled by the the curling, dangerously sharp horns that protrude from its head. When domesticated, the plains ox makes a capable beast of burden.

Quirri
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Mountains
Overview:
These lithe black felines are generally found in the tablelands of the northwest. Their pelts are prized for their luxurious, soft fur. Occasionally, one has been tamed to serve as an exotic pet, but they are often unpredictable, and may lash out at an owner.

Rantarri
Danger Level: ****
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
This ferocious man-sized predator is known for its luxuriously spotted pelt, stealthy nature, and powerful pounce, using its lethal claws and teeth to tear into its prone target. It mainly feeds on game animals, though attacks on humanoids have been reported. Stories tell of elusive desert tribes who worship this powerful feline, and of others who hunt it for its claws and naturally camouflaging fur.

Raptor
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
While a little smaller than a human, these quick two-legged desert predators have a wicked reputation. They hunt with relative intelligence, sometimes alone but often in small groups of five or less, often taking down prey larger than themselves. A common ploy is to hide in the rocks or dunes above, after using their sense of smell to track their prey -- then leap down upon the unsuspecting victim. They are, however, extremely fast over short distances, and have been known to chase down their prey over the first hundred cords.

Ratlon
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
These rare pack-beasts are only occasionally seen in recent generations, apparently being very difficult to breed. A ratlon's characteristics are made up from the qualities of both the inix and the erdlu--its skin is scaly like an inix, yet its overall body construct looks like an erdlu. It has a pair of long, powerful legs that enable it to move swiftly, and a pair of stubbier (and mostly useless) claw-like appendages in the front. While not well-suited for long desert journeys, their tough hides and strong, steady legs make them excellent mounts for rough terrain, and some mounted military units have preferentially utilized them.

Rats
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Ubiquitous
Overview:
Different species are found in all variety of habitats, with a few common traits. Zalanthan rats are often nearly knee-high on a human, and feed on an astonishing array of normally unpalatable materials. While a very few species have decent pelts, most are killed solely as pests or as food for the ravenously starving.

Ritikki
Danger Level: *
Habitat: UNKNOWN
Overview:
Ritikki : The collective chirrups of these gaunt insects can be heard in the Gol Krathu region, where they hop through the grasses. The speed at which they move through the grasses makes them hard to catch at times. When caught, they can provide a source of sturdy green chitin for northern hunters, and meat for predators in the area.

Roc
Danger Level: *****
Habitat: Mountains
Overview:
A roc is huge bird whose wingspan is said to block out the light of the sun. People who claim to have seen such a beast said it looks like it could prey upon inixes very easily. They are said to inhabit remote areas high in elevation to spot their prey from a distance.

Salt Worm
Danger Level: *****
Habitat: Saltflats, Underground
Overview:
These great behemoths are known to reside in the unlikely locale of the Salt Flats, causing rumbling tremors underfoot as their great mass burrows in and out of the unforgiving ground. What they survive upon is unknown, though a few theorize they may live off of the constituents of the soil itself, such as it is. They are presumed to be the primary natural food of the truly gargantuan mekillots which roam similar areas.

Sand Bat
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Mountains
Overview:
This small bat's short fur is a dusty red, allowing it to blend with the rocks in its native habitat, the Thornwalker Mountains. While the rest of its body is furred, the wings have the leathery skin typical to bats. These highly aggressive flying mammals have a venomous bite, and the wary traveler is wise to avoid them.

Sauraal
Danger Level: *****
Habitat: Mountains
Overview:
Sometimes seen gliding above the skies of the Northlands on its search for prey, the sleek, winged Sauraal displays characteristics mammalian, reptilian, and avian. Due to its odd and relatively new appearance within the Known World, there are many theories surrounding their unknown origins, from both commoners, nomads, and nobles alike. Some prominent and persistent claims are that they are magickal creatures, demonic, miniature dragons, or even some distant relative of the turaal. They are often ascribed a particular cruelty and malignance because of their tendency to mutilate smaller creatures without making a meal from them. Due to their ferocity and viciousness, their pelts and teeth are prized as trophies.

Scorpion
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Desert, Saltflats
Overview:
These large, hard-shelled arachnids are common on the Salt Flats and the dunes nearby. They are avid hunters, often found chasing down prey relentlessly. They are colored a pale yellow, and they have large articulated tails capped with stingers. They are known to inflict a hallucinogenic venom when they attack, relying on the confusion it sows to take down its prey. They are only considered to be mildly dangerous to those hunters that come prepared with cures for their venom.

Scrab
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
Common in the areas surrounding Allanak, these insectoid creatures stand taller and larger than the average human, and their heads are fringed with a multitude of milky, translucent eyes. These beasts, while fairly common, have an aggressive hunter's instinct and a back terrible for riding, and thus are never used as mounts. They are often easy prey to the hunters of Allanak and the southlands, with a pale, soft yellow meat within their thorax, a head that if cooked properly is considered a delicacy, and a tough shell that can often be sold for coins in the larger cities.

Shik
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Scrublands
Overview:
These small insectoids are relatively common anywhere there is a significant population of larger wilderness creatures, as their primary diet is fresh blood. Latching onto a slow-moving inix as it forages for food and slowly drinking its fill would be considered a great day for a shik. One of the early tricks taught to young survivalists is that the shik somehow filter water from the blood they drink and store each in separate glands for times of starvation; the careful and skilled may obtain both of these from their bodies.

Silt Flyer
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
Large and leather-winged, these flying creatures swoop down out of the thick clouds of silt and dust to attack their prey, usually up to about the size of an inix. Occasionally hunting in small packs, they often use both their claws and powerful beaks in the onslaught, climbing and swooping in again and again with deadly patience. Where they naturally roost is generally unknown.

Silt Hawk
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
The silt hawk is a bird of prey that lives around the Silt Sea and the Vrun Driath region. It tends to hunt over and near the sea, diving down to snatch up smaller silt hoppers and striders. However, it nests further inland, burying its eggs away from the dangerous silt lurkers. The hunters of Allanak and Red Storm hunt silt hawks for their feathers.

Silt Horror
Danger Level: *****
Habitat: Siltsea
Overview:
Ranging in size from about that of an inix to those approximating a large war argosy, the many-tentacled horrors are among the few known creatures to survive in the midst of the southern Sea of Silt. Known to slither up on the shores of the sea and prey upon anything up to the size of a small caravan, the aptly named silt horrors are most known for the terrible toll taken upon the usually stoic and secretive crews of the silt-skimmers. Their bodies are protected by a tremendously thick and durable chitin, highly prized as both a decorative and functional armor.

Skeet
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Underground
Overview:
Normally feeding on tough vegetation and occasionally digging up tubers and the like, skeet are tough-skinned reptiles with a central strip of relatively flexible, yet protective, shell. They have been known to scavenge, as do almost all Zalanthan beasts (and even a few Zalanthan plants).

Stilt Lizard
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Grasslands
Overview:
Known to run through the plains east of Tuluk, stilt lizards are renowned for their long, thin legs which they use to walk above the high grass. Though relatively small and meek, their long reach, sharp claws, and nimble movements can present a challenge for the would-be seeker of their unique, striped hide.

Sunback
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
In the wild, these long-necked lizards are scavengers and small-prey hunters that appear to be more docile, or more intelligent, cousins of the raptors. They are very maneuverable as mounts, but few have the strength, raw quickness, or lasting power of an inix. But, being hunters by nature, they tend to adapt better to mounted combat, the better trained among them able to tactically utilize their heavy tails like a great whip. Desert tribes may keep a few, but their appetites are large compared to their overall usefulness.

Sunlon
Danger Level: **
Habitat: Scrublands, Grasslands
Overview:
These bipedal mounts, are native to the northlands. Tuluki noble houses Uaptal and Dasari crossbred the sunback lizard and the rare ratlon with the aid of a secret herbal concoction, creating a sturdy mount whose use outside of the cities would suit travelers and hunters alike. Although not as fast as its predecessors, the sunlon is a hardy beast popular among the city militia for its endurance and trainable nature. It is rumored that the animals can be custom-bred for color and other traits.

Tandu
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Forest
Overview:
The tandu are a very small antelope-like creatures, difficult to find in their home of the Grey Forest, and are best known for their fine, supple pelts. Their lean, juicy meat is equally sought after by many -- city-grebbers, and hunters alike.

Tarantula
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Desert, Underground
Overview:
Varying in size from roughly a human sized palm, to well over seven cords long, desert tarantulas have proven themselves to be expert hunters of the wastes. Not known for their poison, tarantulas typically lie in ambush for their prey, using their strength and robust size and powerful fangs to pounce upon and devour unsuspecting victims. Though ordinarily solitary hunters, some species of desert tarantula have been found to congregate in small caves, creating webbed nests which can breed dozens of desert tarantulas monthly creating a danger to nearby villages or towns. Tarantula meat is wholly unappetizing, though rumors state that some mercenaries have developed a taste for tarantula jerky, which they consider a test of mettle and a stone-lined stomach. Some breeds of spider have been known to spin heavy webs that have value in their harvesting, the resource spun into Sandsilk by the hands of experienced tailors with the right tools.

Tembo
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Forest, Scrubland
Overview:
These bulbous reptiles are predatory scavengers of the far north, far more dangerous than their size alone would indicate. Despite the obvious toll their resilient hides normally take in life, they are often prized for the creation of armors, largely as a symbol of toughness, stone-for-stone.

Tree Arach
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Forest
Overview:
An arach is a spider that inhabits the trees in deeply forested areas. They prey upon small mammals, birds and insects. They typically pounce upon their prey from above, and are known to weave thick webs, holding their prey from which they suck the blood and fluids. They also use their strong, stretchy silk in moving from tree to tree, preventing them from falling to the ground.

Tregil
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Scrubland, Forest
Overview:
These small, chubby herbivores are in relative abundance in the scrub of the north. Timid creatures, they pose little threat but are sought by many hunters as a common source of a decent pelt, and food. Well-tanned tregil hide can be made very supple and is highly desired by some.

Turaal
Danger Level: ****
Habitat: Canyons, Mountains
Overview:
While scarce, their rarity is probably more product of their preference for remote ravines and gullies than a deficit in numbers. Between one and one and a half cords in length when mature, these serpentine- bodied mammals are sought after both for their sleek pelts, and for bragging rights.

Verrin Hawk
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Grasslands
Overview:
These large birds, with a wingspan as wide as an elf is tall, fly over the grasslands of the Gol Krathu, searching for smaller prey with their black eyes. They use their hooked beaks to pick up a meal and fly away. Hunters often seek their dark feathers, which come in shades of grey, purple, and brown.

Vestric
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Forest
Overview:
Rodents, despite their feathered bodies, the vestric are only capable of extremely limited flight, instead usually gliding from the bushes and trees which they climb in the Grey Forest whilst searching for fruits or seeds. Timid by nature, they are sought after both for their feathers and succulent meat.

Vulture
Danger Level: *
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
Vultures reside wherever there is carrion to be scavenged, and come in different colors and varieties. The black vultures, known also as dune vultures, are commonly found north of Allanak. They are typically hunted for their feathers and meat.

War Beetle
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Desert
Overview:
These large, highly aggressive insects are almost identical to ordinary beetles save in size. Covered in a thick chitin, typically ranging from dark browns to blacks, these beetles boast very powerful mandibles which can deliver hard bites. Though larger and slower than most, domesticated war beetles are prized by mercenaries and professional soldiers alike for their thicker shells and overall strength in combat. Large armies often employ units of riders mounted upon war beetles as heavy cavalry in battle.

Wezer
Danger Level: ***
Habitat: Underground
Overview:
Native to the tablelands, wezer present an intriguing problem for the would-be traveler. While relatively harmless if left unprovoked, wezer guard their dome-like mounds of hardened dirt fiercely, leading to many travelers stirring up a nest of them should a dome be recklessly caved in upon their passing through. Insectoid and capable of flight, wezer possess sharp stingers that can pierce sturdy layers of leather armor, and many speculate at the poison inflicted upon their victims to immobilize them for easier transport into their hive, from which few return.