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Description
A. Pristiphasma excetra

The notorious namesake of the Gray Coast, P. excetra is better known locally as the common Grey or Greymark. It is one of the largest sharks in all the world, routinely growing to lengths of thirty-five to forty feet and weighing just shy of two tons. Their large size and tendency to swim near the surface makes them an obvious and very ominous presence by the shoreline, but their reputation as sea monsters is greatly exaggerated. Greymarks are opportunistic predators and have killed humans before, but aren't dedicated man-eaters and normally don't coexist with any mammals small enough to eat. Their normal hunting grounds are rock outcroppings and undersea caves, where they use their long, serpentine frame to slip into tight spaces that other predators can't reach. There they feed on a plethora of large fish, eels, and cephalopods that use those natural features as hiding spaces. To get ahold of their slippery prey they have also evolved teeth that are unusually long and curved. They lack the shearing, flesh-removing bite that most other sharks are famous for and instead make their kills by dragging victims into open waters and violently thrashing them around.

If encountered: Stay on land or in the shallows if possible. If entering deep water is unavoidable, remove anything on your person that might attract the Greymark's attention (shining or dangling accessories, foodstuffs) and tightly dress any wounds you might have. Stay in open water where the shark can clearly see you and avoid any enclosed spaces you see like caves and shipwrecks. Move slowly but purposefully and avoid making any sudden, sporadic movements. The shark will probably ignore you.

B. Natatiolactes rudiculus

The Wart Covered Flailworm is a marine parasite that affixes itself to the sides of fish. Using a long, sucker-like proboscis, it can hold on and feed from its host's bloodstream for its entire life, never relenting and clinging on even after its own death. Its long, ribbon-like body trails behind it at all times, acting like a natural lure and enticing other fish to take a bite of it. Unfortunately for them the body segments of the worm are all filled with eggs. Once ingested they will begin to gestate in the warmth of the fish's gut and hatch into dozens of meal-stealing larvae. Eventually each larva will transform into a mature worm and pass through the fish's digestive tract, starting the cycle over again.

Under ordinary circumstances this process is only a nuisance, but Flailworms accidentally brought inland are a serious problem. Their freshwater hosts have so much less space to move around in that they speed up the reproduction process exponentially, causing explosive population spikes that destroy local fish populations. The resulting damage can be both ecological and economic, resulting in obliterated fishery stocks and health scares over food tainted by worm eggs.

If encountered (in the wild): Call your local department of game and fisheries immediately. Flailworms are not native to any inland bodies of water and pose a serious threat to local wildlife and fishing communities. The sooner the infestation is detected and professionally dealt with, the better.

If encountered (inside you): Monitor your health and seek medical attention at your own discretion. Flailworm infestations are not a serious health concern on their own but can escalate other pre-existing conditions. For best results, take gastrointestinal medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not starve yourself or ingest toxic materials to kill the larvae. Use only prescribed medication. If no other risks exist, the affliction can also be waited out- it's unpleasant, but the larvae will eventually pass.

C. Laceros suavium

This ugly, tatter-jawed fish is among the most exasperating in all of Tarrun. Arguably more annoying than outright deadly, it's reputation is perhaps best surmised by the nursery rhyme about it:

Mud-mister, Mud-mister,
Just as fun as a blood blister,
Sittin' in the muck and the mire all day,
Chompin' on the kiddies til their mommies say "hey!"
Can't give him candy, can't give him flowers,
All he wants is your toes for an hour!
Can't be his enemy, can't be his friend,
His fangs'll chew you without end!
Nom nom nom, chomp chomp chomp,
Be careful where you choose to stomp!
Nom nom nom, chomp chomp chomp,
Don't ever ever ever ever swim in his swamp!~

To be more specific, the "Mudmister" is a two foot long freshwater squatinid found across western Tarrun and the Moorscape. It uses its flat and excessively fringed body to blend into the murky bottoms of rivers and lakes, where it ambushes fish, snakes, and small birds. Anything that brushes against its feelers will cause it to strike automatically, however, sometimes leading it to spit out ill-conceived meals like hard-shelled turtles and spiny catfish. Human feet are indeed another common mistake, and despite its small size and weak jaw muscles the Mudmister can deliver a very painful bite.

If encountered: Mudmisters are almost impossible to spot pre-bite, so stay away from any body of water one might be lurking in, no matter how shallow. If you are bitten, clean the wound immediately. Mudmisters live in dirty, brackish water and have ragged teeth that often retain chunks of rotting meat; the risk of infection is very high and preventing it should be your primary concern. Wash the bite with warm water and mild soap, dry it thoroughly, and apply antiseptic cream if available. Keep the area dry and firmly wrapped, remain calm, and seek medical attention.

D. Ceruplumbum horrens

Of all the creatures feared in Tarrun, few are as tiny as the tropical Gollywomp. This bristly, iridescent insect is a flightless genus of fruit-eating wasp found in some of the jungles of southeast Tarrun. Its thorax and abdomen are adorned with long, hollow black hairs which can deliver one of the most excruciating stings in the animal kingdom. Wildlife expert Willy Wretcher described the experience of being stung this way:

"It was completely and totally debilitating. Once the pain set in- it was a little bit of a slow burn at first- there was no chance of me going anywhere. Period. It felt like every single muscle in my body was locked up and my blood was pumping so hard it was going to explode. It took every ounce of willpower I had just to keep from blacking out... The wasp had me paralyzed in total agony from head to toe. It was terrifying."

If encountered: Stay away.The Gollywomp is not an aggressive species and will only sting intentionally if provoked. To avoid accidental run-ins make sure to dress appropriately by wearing hiking boots, long pants, and a sleeved shirt. Be wary of flowering, fruit bearing plants and refrain from touching tree limbs and trunks, especially with your bare hands.

E. Arenaraptor gyrikus

The Gyrik's largest predator (aside from kaiju) is no doubt the warty, cumbersome beast called the Sandsnatch. Thought to be the last remaining member of an ancient lineage of quasi-amphibians, the Sandsnatch has many of the same features commonly seen in toads and salamanders, but with the watertight skin and eggs of a reptile. It hunts by burying itself in sand and loose soil, exposing only its expertly camouflaged back and striped, snake-like tongue. Desperate animals drawn to the movement of the writhing lure accidentally set off the Snatcher's automatic lunge response and become its next meal. Remarkably, they are devoured while the creature is asleep. Snatchers are nocturnal by nature and do all of their hunting unconsciously, operating primarily on instinct and mechanical reflex. Like the Mudmister, they often end up biting things they can't or shouldn't swallow... in the case of people this can be quite disastrous, as the desert is a harsh enough environment already without having to contend with a missing boot or bleeding leg. Snatchers will latch onto vehicles, terrestrial drones, and beasts of burden, and at least according to folklore swallow children whole. They are less of a threat after dark, since they no longer lay in wait and simply wander their territory looking for water and mates, but the popular misconception that they hunt by moonlight still exists.

If encountered (during the day): Exercise common sense: many desert snakes are venomous anyway, so stay away from anything that resembles a live serpent. If you don't see the Snatcher ahead of time and find yourself in one's clutches, strike directly at its eyes or nose. The sudden jolt will likely wake it up and encourage it to let go of you. If this doesn't work, the jaws can be pried open- albeit carefully, at the risk of causing yourself further injury on its razor sharp teeth. Once you're free the Snatcher will not pursue you. Dress your wounds and move on.

If encountered (at night): Simply give the animal a wide berth; it isn't hunting right now and can plainly see that you're too big to eat. It won't attack as long as you keep a safe distance.

F. Foetotherium anthropophaguous

Wretchers are Tarrun's most maligned predators, and arguably for very good reason. Unlike most wild carnivores, Wretchers are not just willing to take human lives- they're eager to do so. They are Quatrothalmids, members of a primitive family of Carnivorans that also include the mystery beasts of the Bloody Acres and the now extinct Vulgrithe. Historically speaking Quatrothalmids have always been associated with man-eating behavior, and some of the Wretcher's prehistoric ancestors hunted early hominids almost exclusively. In modern times there are four recognized species in the genus: the common Spotted Wretcher (F. anthropophaguous, "man-eater"), the gray-coated Hill Wretcher (F. Virosor, "man hater"), the mottled brown Wood Wretch (F. sanguilator, "blood glutton"), and the hip-striped Banded Wretcher (F. calvafur, "skull thief").

As can be surmised from their etymology, none are especially beloved.

Wretchers are most common in the Wilds and northern forests, but some species also occur in the Halcion, western wastes, and (allegedly) North Boreal. All are hypercarnivorous, opportunistic, and notoriously foul smelling (they have a habit of rolling in dead bodies, feces, and garbage). They form large, disorganized mobs to hunt and will give chase for miles at a time, overcoming their prey through sheer determination and brute force rather than the use of any cooperative strategy. The resulting kills are shared on a first-come first-serve basis only and some individuals will fight so fiercely over their food that they end up killing and cannibalizing their brethren. The protruding, blade-like tusks seen on both sexes are actually used more for this purpose than in hunting.

If encountered: Burn something. Wretchers have very sensitive noses and can't stand the smell of smoke. The more you can safely produce, the farther they'll stay away. Note: cigarettes are not enough. If you don't have time to start a fire, open up with a warning shot. The noise should scare even a group away for a short while. Remain vigilant afterward. Wretchers are persistent.

G. Rhenoxhibuit rufus

The Wretcher Louse is exactly what it sounds like: a louse adapted to feeding on Wretchers. It can easily be distinguished by its large size (more than three times that of a human head louse) and rust red color. To survive in the Wretcher's dense, matted fur and frigid environment it has developed a more compact body than other lice, as well as more robust limbs and claws. Naturally it does best when on its intended host, but any warm-blooded animal that happens to pass by is fair game, including humans.

If encountered: Quarantine yourself and self-treat as you would any lice infestation, but seek medical attention immediately. Wretcher Lice are common carriers for Black Spine Syndrome and Elder Plague. The former is deadly and the latter contagious. Do not take the lice lightly. Medications, hospitalization, and physical therapy may eventually be required.

H. Currvorso ingens

The Vulgrithe has the unique distinction among these beasts of being the only one which no longer poses a threat, as it is extinct. Up until very recently, however, it was a veritable nightmare for traveling humans. The largest of all Quatrothalmids, both living and extinct, it grew to an astonishing 40 feet long and could weigh as much as 5 tons. No land predator aside from kaiju could compete with it, and no herbivore was safe from it, even the giant Wrontu. Like its comparatively puny cousins the Wretchers, it had an excellent sense of smell and a taste for human flesh. Its scientific designation, Currvorso igens, or "huge over-turner of cars", painted a clear picture of what it was capable of. The genus was most notorious for targeting vehicles that were especially large and would assail trade caravans, garbage trucks, buses, and even military convoys when possible. The most tragic example of this behavior was no doubt the T'Vaire Massacre, when two large adult females derailed a tour bus on the city's outskirts. The roof of the vehicle was was found "peeled off like a tin of sardines" and nothing remained of the passengers save for three disembodied legs and part of a scarf.

The exact date of the Vulgrithe's extinction is not known, but the effort to eradicate them took place some time in the past twenty-odd years. According to Caitlyn Thorn they were wiped out solely by Theraga, who was brutally tormented by the beasts as an infant and hunted them down for revenge later in life. Before their destruction Vulgrithe could be found along almost all of western Tarrun, with territories stretching as far from T'Vaire to Archaea.

Why they mattered: The Vulgrithe were a deadly, remorseless, and utterly problematic species, but they were still a part of Tarrun. Theraga's decision to exterminate them, no matter how justified it may have felt from his perspective, was a critical oversight that affected many other species. Nearby populations of herbivores like Wrontuu, Greigyx, and Kaboolt saw unsustainable population spikes after the disappearance of their natural predator. Local flora took a hit as a result, followed soon by increased erosion in many mountainous zones and the western wasteland. Wretcher populations increased to compensate and eventually rebalanced the issue, but made much of western Tarrun even more perilous than it had been before. Animals that lived in symbiosis with the Vulgrithe meanwhile saw sharp declines in population. The Screeching Nitpicker birds and High-Sloped Rock Lizards that once fed on their skin parasites now exist only in a few remote regions and rely exclusively on Wrontuu and Kaboolts respectively. The highly specialized Vulgur Louse spread to Wrontuu in a last ditch effort to survive, caused a severe outbreak of Tylospinium, and then went extinct.

I. Luxauditor odiosus

The Mijeree is a small, flat-bodied arthropod that feeds on detritus in hot, humid climates. It exists in virtually all of Tarrun's jungles and tropical forests and comes in many differing colors and varieties. Its vividly patterned exoskeleton and plethora of upward facing eyes are adaptations to deal with flying predators like dragonflies and birds, and as one might guess it is very toxic if consumed. Poisonousness is not why the Mijeree is considered a hazard, however. Like so many species of insects, it uses the sun and moons in its daily navigations and is thus attracted to manmade light. Unlike moths and gnats, who are only an irritant at worst, the Mijeree can cause very serious problems when attracted. Partly this is because of its build: being vertically compressed it can slip quite easily into machines and block small vents, and in clusters Mijerees can blot out lights entirely. The real problem, however, is that active-state mana attracts them just as well. Mijerees will flock in droves to any powered machinery they detect as a result, regardless of whether or not its putting off light. Their small, swarming bodies are responsible for more power outages, weapon backfires, electrical fires, and general malfunctions than any other thing in nature. The human race is very lucky they have such specific environmental needs (they're certainly not making the exploration of the Bloody Acres any easier, though).

If encountered: Strictly monitor all firearms, lights, and machinery. Be especially sure to check exhaust ports, air vents, and gun barrels for obstructions. All paneling should be tightly shut, and if necessary, reinforced with electrical tape. If Mijerees are visibly crawling on your equipment, gently brush them off. There is no need to kill them.

J. Custodirus jugum

When most people hear the word "penguin" they think cute and cuddly and small, but Sentinel Penguins are none of those things- including penguins. Actually more closely related to cormorants, Sentinel "Penguins" are the dominant predator of the Halcion and stand an impressive ten feet tall, making them the largest wild birds in Tarrun. Their enormous, saw-edged beaks are used to crush the shells and bones of living prey, including giant arctic fish, shore-edge clams, sea turtles, Halcion seals, Burrbeasts, and beached whales. They are fully amphibious and hunt both in and out of the ocean, and while clearly faster underwater, they can still outrun a person in the snow with little effort. Their only natural enemies in the area are Spotted Wretchers, who feed on their eggs and young during the breeding season.

Interestingly, the Sentinels seem to have a special relationship with the monster Cryloch...

If encountered: Stay as far away as possible and make specially sure to avoid the coastline. If a Sentinel begins to follow or approach you on foot, scare it away with a warning shot or flare and leave the area immediately. It will soon come back.

K. Tergumuscus gigans

Being the world full of giant stompy monsters that it is, Tarrun has a great many animal species that have adapted to spending their life incognito. Most of these camouflaged creatures are harmless, or at least nothing worse than an inconvenience, but some are ambush predators that can ruin an unwary person's day in an instant, like the Mudmister and the Sandsnatch. The Yantao, however, can ruin a lot more than a day. It is the continent's largest ambush predator, and by a wide margin. An average adult male is 2 tons at least, with a 15 foot wingspan and a 10 foot long neck. His smaller female counterpart is "only" about a ton. Both live exclusively in the swamps of southeast Tarrun and are not at all widespread; the rumor that they also inhabit the Moorscape was started by a group of grouchy bird-watchers trying to scare aware tourists. They are common enough in their native habitat, however, and very hard to spot. They spend so much time in wait that algae and water plants grow over their shell, making their camouflage the genuine article. With the aid of their clawed forelimbs and snorkel-like nostrils they can lay in wait for hours or even days at a time without having to move or come up for air. When something comes within reach they rapidly push off and extend their necks, grabbing the unlucky target with a razor-hooked beak and reeling them in. Like all turtles they lack the ability to properly chew, so they hold their prey underwater and drown them before shaking them apart into more manageable, bite-sized chunks. The giant reptiles have no predators of their own, but their eggs are considered a rare delicacy and are sometimes sought out by human gourmands.

If encountered: Stay at least ten feet away from the water's edge at all times and stay vigilant for signs of recent activity (mudslides, nest mounds). Any log, boulder, or small island you see is a potential gamble and should not be approached. If a Yantao emerges from the water to attack you, run. Its flippers are made for swimming, not walking, and it will have no chance of catching up to you. What you should not do is climb a tree. The Yantao's neck is very flexible, and with its body propped against a tree trunk it can easily reach 20 feet or higher in an instant. Do not take the risk. Run.

Artwork © Chris Eye, 2019.

Description
A. Pristiphasma excetra

The notorious namesake of the Gray Coast, P. excetra is better known locally as the common Grey or Greymark. It is one of the largest sharks in all the world, routinely growing to lengths of thirty-five to forty feet and weighing just shy of two tons. Their large size and tendency to swim near the surface makes them an obvious and very ominous presence by the shoreline, but their reputation as sea monsters is greatly exaggerated. Greymarks are opportunistic predators and have killed humans before, but aren't dedicated man-eaters and normally don't coexist with any mammals small enough to eat. Their normal hunting grounds are rock outcroppings and undersea caves, where they use their long, serpentine frame to slip into tight spaces that other predators can't reach. There they feed on a plethora of large fish, eels, and cephalopods that use those natural features as hiding spaces. To get ahold of their slippery prey they have also evolved teeth that are unusually long and curved. They lack the shearing, flesh-removing bite that most other sharks are famous for and instead make their kills by dragging victims into open waters and violently thrashing them around.

If encountered: Stay on land or in the shallows if possible. If entering deep water is unavoidable, remove anything on your person that might attract the Greymark's attention (shining or dangling accessories, foodstuffs) and tightly dress any wounds you might have. Stay in open water where the shark can clearly see you and avoid any enclosed spaces you see like caves and shipwrecks. Move slowly but purposefully and avoid making any sudden, sporadic movements. The shark will probably ignore you.

B. Natatiolactes rudiculus

The Wart Covered Flailworm is a marine parasite that affixes itself to the sides of fish. Using a long, sucker-like proboscis, it can hold on and feed from its host's bloodstream for its entire life, never relenting and clinging on even after its own death. Its long, ribbon-like body trails behind it at all times, acting like a natural lure and enticing other fish to take a bite of it. Unfortunately for them the body segments of the worm are all filled with eggs. Once ingested they will begin to gestate in the warmth of the fish's gut and hatch into dozens of meal-stealing larvae. Eventually each larva will transform into a mature worm and pass through the fish's digestive tract, starting the cycle over again.

Under ordinary circumstances this process is only a nuisance, but Flailworms accidentally brought inland are a serious problem. Their freshwater hosts have so much less space to move around in that they speed up the reproduction process exponentially, causing explosive population spikes that destroy local fish populations. The resulting damage can be both ecological and economic, resulting in obliterated fishery stocks and health scares over food tainted by worm eggs.

If encountered (in the wild): Call your local department of game and fisheries immediately. Flailworms are not native to any inland bodies of water and pose a serious threat to local wildlife and fishing communities. The sooner the infestation is detected and professionally dealt with, the better.

If encountered (inside you): Monitor your health and seek medical attention at your own discretion. Flailworm infestations are not a serious health concern on their own but can escalate other pre-existing conditions. For best results, take gastrointestinal medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not starve yourself or ingest toxic materials to kill the larvae. Use only prescribed medication. If no other risks exist, the affliction can also be waited out- it's unpleasant, but the larvae will eventually pass.

C. Laceros suavium

This ugly, tatter-jawed fish is among the most exasperating in all of Tarrun. Arguably more annoying than outright deadly, it's reputation is perhaps best surmised by the nursery rhyme about it:

Mud-mister, Mud-mister,
Just as fun as a blood blister,
Sittin' in the muck and the mire all day,
Chompin' on the kiddies til their mommies say "hey!"
Can't give him candy, can't give him flowers,
All he wants is your toes for an hour!
Can't be his enemy, can't be his friend,
His fangs'll chew you without end!
Nom nom nom, chomp chomp chomp,
Be careful where you choose to stomp!
Nom nom nom, chomp chomp chomp,
Don't ever ever ever ever swim in his swamp!~

To be more specific, the "Mudmister" is a two foot long freshwater squatinid found across western Tarrun and the Moorscape. It uses its flat and excessively fringed body to blend into the murky bottoms of rivers and lakes, where it ambushes fish, snakes, and small birds. Anything that brushes against its feelers will cause it to strike automatically, however, sometimes leading it to spit out ill-conceived meals like hard-shelled turtles and spiny catfish. Human feet are indeed another common mistake, and despite its small size and weak jaw muscles the Mudmister can deliver a very painful bite.

If encountered: Mudmisters are almost impossible to spot pre-bite, so stay away from any body of water one might be lurking in, no matter how shallow. If you are bitten, clean the wound immediately. Mudmisters live in dirty, brackish water and have ragged teeth that often retain chunks of rotting meat; the risk of infection is very high and preventing it should be your primary concern. Wash the bite with warm water and mild soap, dry it thoroughly, and apply antiseptic cream if available. Keep the area dry and firmly wrapped, remain calm, and seek medical attention.

D. Ceruplumbum horrens

Of all the creatures feared in Tarrun, few are as tiny as the tropical Gollywomp. This bristly, iridescent insect is a flightless genus of fruit-eating wasp found in some of the jungles of southeast Tarrun. Its thorax and abdomen are adorned with long, hollow black hairs which can deliver one of the most excruciating stings in the animal kingdom. Wildlife expert Willy Wretcher described the experience of being stung this way:

"It was completely and totally debilitating. Once the pain set in- it was a little bit of a slow burn at first- there was no chance of me going anywhere. Period. It felt like every single muscle in my body was locked up and my blood was pumping so hard it was going to explode. It took every ounce of willpower I had just to keep from blacking out... The wasp had me paralyzed in total agony from head to toe. It was terrifying."

If encountered: Stay away.The Gollywomp is not an aggressive species and will only sting intentionally if provoked. To avoid accidental run-ins make sure to dress appropriately by wearing hiking boots, long pants, and a sleeved shirt. Be wary of flowering, fruit bearing plants and refrain from touching tree limbs and trunks, especially with your bare hands.

E. Arenaraptor gyrikus

The Gyrik's largest predator (aside from kaiju) is no doubt the warty, cumbersome beast called the Sandsnatch. Thought to be the last remaining member of an ancient lineage of quasi-amphibians, the Sandsnatch has many of the same features commonly seen in toads and salamanders, but with the watertight skin and eggs of a reptile. It hunts by burying itself in sand and loose soil, exposing only its expertly camouflaged back and striped, snake-like tongue. Desperate animals drawn to the movement of the writhing lure accidentally set off the Snatcher's automatic lunge response and become its next meal. Remarkably, they are devoured while the creature is asleep. Snatchers are nocturnal by nature and do all of their hunting unconsciously, operating primarily on instinct and mechanical reflex. Like the Mudmister, they often end up biting things they can't or shouldn't swallow... in the case of people this can be quite disastrous, as the desert is a harsh enough environment already without having to contend with a missing boot or bleeding leg. Snatchers will latch onto vehicles, terrestrial drones, and beasts of burden, and at least according to folklore swallow children whole. They are less of a threat after dark, since they no longer lay in wait and simply wander their territory looking for water and mates, but the popular misconception that they hunt by moonlight still exists.

If encountered (during the day): Exercise common sense: many desert snakes are venomous anyway, so stay away from anything that resembles a live serpent. If you don't see the Snatcher ahead of time and find yourself in one's clutches, strike directly at its eyes or nose. The sudden jolt will likely wake it up and encourage it to let go of you. If this doesn't work, the jaws can be pried open- albeit carefully, at the risk of causing yourself further injury on its razor sharp teeth. Once you're free the Snatcher will not pursue you. Dress your wounds and move on.

If encountered (at night): Simply give the animal a wide berth; it isn't hunting right now and can plainly see that you're too big to eat. It won't attack as long as you keep a safe distance.

F. Foetotherium anthropophaguous

Wretchers are Tarrun's most maligned predators, and arguably for very good reason. Unlike most wild carnivores, Wretchers are not just willing to take human lives- they're eager to do so. They are Quatrothalmids, members of a primitive family of Carnivorans that also include the mystery beasts of the Bloody Acres and the now extinct Vulgrithe. Historically speaking Quatrothalmids have always been associated with man-eating behavior, and some of the Wretcher's prehistoric ancestors hunted early hominids almost exclusively. In modern times there are four recognized species in the genus: the common Spotted Wretcher (F. anthropophaguous, "man-eater"), the gray-coated Hill Wretcher (F. Virosor, "man hater"), the mottled brown Wood Wretch (F. sanguilator, "blood glutton"), and the hip-striped Banded Wretcher (F. calvafur, "skull thief").

As can be surmised from their etymology, none are especially beloved.

Wretchers are most common in the Wilds and northern forests, but some species also occur in the Halcion, western wastes, and (allegedly) North Boreal. All are hypercarnivorous, opportunistic, and notoriously foul smelling (they have a habit of rolling in dead bodies, feces, and garbage). They form large, disorganized mobs to hunt and will give chase for miles at a time, overcoming their prey through sheer determination and brute force rather than the use of any cooperative strategy. The resulting kills are shared on a first-come first-serve basis only and some individuals will fight so fiercely over their food that they end up killing and cannibalizing their brethren. The protruding, blade-like tusks seen on both sexes are actually used more for this purpose than in hunting.

If encountered: Burn something. Wretchers have very sensitive noses and can't stand the smell of smoke. The more you can safely produce, the farther they'll stay away. Note: cigarettes are not enough. If you don't have time to start a fire, open up with a warning shot. The noise should scare even a group away for a short while. Remain vigilant afterward. Wretchers are persistent.

G. Rhenoxhibuit rufus

The Wretcher Louse is exactly what it sounds like: a louse adapted to feeding on Wretchers. It can easily be distinguished by its large size (more than three times that of a human head louse) and rust red color. To survive in the Wretcher's dense, matted fur and frigid environment it has developed a more compact body than other lice, as well as more robust limbs and claws. Naturally it does best when on its intended host, but any warm-blooded animal that happens to pass by is fair game, including humans.

If encountered: Quarantine yourself and self-treat as you would any lice infestation, but seek medical attention immediately. Wretcher Lice are common carriers for Black Spine Syndrome and Elder Plague. The former is deadly and the latter contagious. Do not take the lice lightly. Medications, hospitalization, and physical therapy may eventually be required.

H. Currvorso ingens

The Vulgrithe has the unique distinction among these beasts of being the only one which no longer poses a threat, as it is extinct. Up until very recently, however, it was a veritable nightmare for traveling humans. The largest of all Quatrothalmids, both living and extinct, it grew to an astonishing 40 feet long and could weigh as much as 5 tons. No land predator aside from kaiju could compete with it, and no herbivore was safe from it, even the giant Wrontu. Like its comparatively puny cousins the Wretchers, it had an excellent sense of smell and a taste for human flesh. Its scientific designation, Currvorso igens, or "huge over-turner of cars", painted a clear picture of what it was capable of. The genus was most notorious for targeting vehicles that were especially large and would assail trade caravans, garbage trucks, buses, and even military convoys when possible. The most tragic example of this behavior was no doubt the T'Vaire Massacre, when two large adult females derailed a tour bus on the city's outskirts. The roof of the vehicle was was found "peeled off like a tin of sardines" and nothing remained of the passengers save for three disembodied legs and part of a scarf.

The exact date of the Vulgrithe's extinction is not known, but the effort to eradicate them took place some time in the past twenty-odd years. According to Caitlyn Thorn they were wiped out solely by Theraga, who was brutally tormented by the beasts as an infant and hunted them down for revenge later in life. Before their destruction Vulgrithe could be found along almost all of western Tarrun, with territories stretching as far from T'Vaire to Archaea.

Why they mattered: The Vulgrithe were a deadly, remorseless, and utterly problematic species, but they were still a part of Tarrun. Theraga's decision to exterminate them, no matter how justified it may have felt from his perspective, was a critical oversight that affected many other species. Nearby populations of herbivores like Wrontuu, Greigyx, and Kaboolt saw unsustainable population spikes after the disappearance of their natural predator. Local flora took a hit as a result, followed soon by increased erosion in many mountainous zones and the western wasteland. Wretcher populations increased to compensate and eventually rebalanced the issue, but made much of western Tarrun even more perilous than it had been before. Animals that lived in symbiosis with the Vulgrithe meanwhile saw sharp declines in population. The Screeching Nitpicker birds and High-Sloped Rock Lizards that once fed on their skin parasites now exist only in a few remote regions and rely exclusively on Wrontuu and Kaboolts respectively. The highly specialized Vulgur Louse spread to Wrontuu in a last ditch effort to survive, caused a severe outbreak of Tylospinium, and then went extinct.

I. Luxauditor odiosus

The Mijeree is a small, flat-bodied arthropod that feeds on detritus in hot, humid climates. It exists in virtually all of Tarrun's jungles and tropical forests and comes in many differing colors and varieties. Its vividly patterned exoskeleton and plethora of upward facing eyes are adaptations to deal with flying predators like dragonflies and birds, and as one might guess it is very toxic if consumed. Poisonousness is not why the Mijeree is considered a hazard, however. Like so many species of insects, it uses the sun and moons in its daily navigations and is thus attracted to manmade light. Unlike moths and gnats, who are only an irritant at worst, the Mijeree can cause very serious problems when attracted. Partly this is because of its build: being vertically compressed it can slip quite easily into machines and block small vents, and in clusters Mijerees can blot out lights entirely. The real problem, however, is that active-state mana attracts them just as well. Mijerees will flock in droves to any powered machinery they detect as a result, regardless of whether or not its putting off light. Their small, swarming bodies are responsible for more power outages, weapon backfires, electrical fires, and general malfunctions than any other thing in nature. The human race is very lucky they have such specific environmental needs (they're certainly not making the exploration of the Bloody Acres any easier, though).

If encountered: Strictly monitor all firearms, lights, and machinery. Be especially sure to check exhaust ports, air vents, and gun barrels for obstructions. All paneling should be tightly shut, and if necessary, reinforced with electrical tape. If Mijerees are visibly crawling on your equipment, gently brush them off. There is no need to kill them.

J. Custodirus jugum

When most people hear the word "penguin" they think cute and cuddly and small, but Sentinel Penguins are none of those things- including penguins. Actually more closely related to cormorants, Sentinel "Penguins" are the dominant predator of the Halcion and stand an impressive ten feet tall, making them the largest wild birds in Tarrun. Their enormous, saw-edged beaks are used to crush the shells and bones of living prey, including giant arctic fish, shore-edge clams, sea turtles, Halcion seals, Burrbeasts, and beached whales. They are fully amphibious and hunt both in and out of the ocean, and while clearly faster underwater, they can still outrun a person in the snow with little effort. Their only natural enemies in the area are Spotted Wretchers, who feed on their eggs and young during the breeding season.

Interestingly, the Sentinels seem to have a special relationship with the monster Cryloch...

If encountered: Stay as far away as possible and make specially sure to avoid the coastline. If a Sentinel begins to follow or approach you on foot, scare it away with a warning shot or flare and leave the area immediately. It will soon come back.

K. Tergumuscus gigans

Being the world full of giant stompy monsters that it is, Tarrun has a great many animal species that have adapted to spending their life incognito. Most of these camouflaged creatures are harmless, or at least nothing worse than an inconvenience, but some are ambush predators that can ruin an unwary person's day in an instant, like the Mudmister and the Sandsnatch. The Yantao, however, can ruin a lot more than a day. It is the continent's largest ambush predator, and by a wide margin. An average adult male is 2 tons at least, with a 15 foot wingspan and a 10 foot long neck. His smaller female counterpart is "only" about a ton. Both live exclusively in the swamps of southeast Tarrun and are not at all widespread; the rumor that they also inhabit the Moorscape was started by a group of grouchy bird-watchers trying to scare aware tourists. They are common enough in their native habitat, however, and very hard to spot. They spend so much time in wait that algae and water plants grow over their shell, making their camouflage the genuine article. With the aid of their clawed forelimbs and snorkel-like nostrils they can lay in wait for hours or even days at a time without having to move or come up for air. When something comes within reach they rapidly push off and extend their necks, grabbing the unlucky target with a razor-hooked beak and reeling them in. Like all turtles they lack the ability to properly chew, so they hold their prey underwater and drown them before shaking them apart into more manageable, bite-sized chunks. The giant reptiles have no predators of their own, but their eggs are considered a rare delicacy and are sometimes sought out by human gourmands.

If encountered: Stay at least ten feet away from the water's edge at all times and stay vigilant for signs of recent activity (mudslides, nest mounds). Any log, boulder, or small island you see is a potential gamble and should not be approached. If a Yantao emerges from the water to attack you, run. Its flippers are made for swimming, not walking, and it will have no chance of catching up to you. What you should not do is climb a tree. The Yantao's neck is very flexible, and with its body propped against a tree trunk it can easily reach 20 feet or higher in an instant. Do not take the risk. Run.

Artwork © Chris Eye, 2019.