#Lesser Mouse-eared bat

[loveisinthebat]

The Yapper

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Mammalia - Chiroptera

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Our next order of mammals is Chiroptera, commonly called “bats.” Chiroptera is the second largest order of mammals after Rodentia. Bats comprise about 20% of all classified mammal species worldwide, with over 1,400 species. They are divided into the families Pteropodidae (“megabats”), Rhinopomatidae (“mouse-tailed bats”), Craseonycteridae (“Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat”), Megadermatidae (“false vampire bats”), Rhinonycteridae (“trident bats”), Hipposideridae (“Old World leaf-nosed bats”), Rhinolophidae (“horseshoe bats”), Nycteridae (“slit-faced bats”), Emballonuridae (“sac-winged bats” and “sheath-tailed bats”), Myzopodidae (“sucker-footed bats”), Mystacinidae (“New Zealand short-tailed bats”), Thyropteridae (“disk-winged bats”), Furipteridae (“Smoky Bat” and “Thumbless Bat”), Noctilionidae (“bulldog bats”), Mormoopidae (“ghost-faced bats”, “mustached bats”, and “naked-backed bats”), Phyllostomidae (“New World leaf-nosed bats”), Natalidae (“funnel-eared bats”), Molossidae (“free-tailed bats”), Miniopteridae (“long-fingered” and “bent-winged bats”), Cistugidae (“wing-gland bats”), and Vespertilionidae (“vesper bats”).

Bats are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight, with their forelimbs adapted as wings. Their wings are a patagium of skin stretched between 4 fingers, with their thumbs pointing forward and supporting the leading edge of the wing. The wings of bats are much thinner and consist of more bones than the wings of birds, allowing bats to maneuver more accurately and fly with more lift and less drag. The surface of the wings is equipped with touch-sensitive receptors on small bumps called Merkel cells, also found on human fingertips. In bats, each of these bumps has a tiny hair in the center, making it even more sensitive and allowing the bat to detect and adapt to changing airflow. While bats are highly agile in the air, they can only crawl or drag themselves awkwardly across the ground, and most of their time not in the air is spent roosting upside down. However, a few species, such as the New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat (Mystacina tuberculata) and the Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus) are able to walk or even run on all fours. Most bats are insectivores, and most of the rest are frugivores (fruit-eaters) or nectarivores (nectar-eaters). A few feed on vertebrates, such as the specialized blood-drinking vampire bats (subfamily Desmodontinae), the bird-hunting Greater Noctule Bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus), the fish-catching Greater Bulldog Bat (Noctilio leporinus), the frog-eating Fringe-lipped Bat (Trachops cirrhosus), and the Spectral Bat (Vampyrum spectrum) and Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas) which sometimes feed on other bats. Carnivorous bats make use of echolocation for navigation and finding prey, while herbivorous bats use their more well-developed eyesight. Apart from the Arctic, the Antarctic and a few isolated oceanic islands, bats exist in almost every habitat on Earth.

Some bats lead solitary lives, while others live in colonies of millions. In some, the females live in groups while the males are solitary, or males and females will live in separate groups. Most species are polygynous, where males mate with multiple females. Some species are promiscuous, where both sexes mate with multiple partners. A few species form monogamous pairs. Female bats use a variety of strategies to control the timing of pregnancy and the birth of young, to make delivery coincide with maximum food ability and other ecological conditions. In most bat species, females carry and give birth to a single pup per litter. The young emerges rear-first, possibly to prevent the wings from getting tangled, and the female cradles it in her wing and tail membranes. In social species, females give birth and raise their young in maternity colonies and may assist each other in birthing. A few species also assist in suckling other mothers’ young. Most of the care for a bat pup comes from the mother, but in monogamous species, the father will also play a role in childcare.

The fragile skeletons of bats do not fossilize well, but Chiroptera is assumed to have arisen in the Eocene. The oldest known bat fossils include Archaeonycteris praecursor and Altaynycteris aurora (55–56 million years ago), both known only from isolated teeth. The oldest complete bat skeleton is Icaronycteris gunnelli (52 million years ago).

Propaganda under the cut:

The eyes of most carnivorous bat species are small and poorly developed, leading to poor visual acuity, but no species is truly blind. Microbats may use their vision for orientation and while travelling between their roosting grounds and feeding grounds, as echolocation is effective only over short distances. Some species can even detect ultraviolet (UV) light.

The smallest mammal in the world is the Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai), also known as the Bumblebee Bat (though the the Etruscan Shrew [Suncus etruscus] is smaller by body mass). An adult Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat is about 29 to 33 mm (1.1 to 1.3 in) in length and weighs around 2 g (0.071 oz).

On the other wing, the largest bat in the world is the Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox (Acerodon jubatus) which can reach a weight of 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) and has a wingspan of 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in).

Bat dung is mined as guano from caves and used as a highly effective fertilizer due to the high content of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, all key nutrients essential for plant growth. Bat guano also contains fine particles of insect exoskeleton, which are largely composed of chitin. Chitin from insect exoskeletons is an essential compound needed by beneficial soil fungi, as chitin is a major component of fungal cell wall membranes. This fungi then improves soil fertility. However, unsustainable harvesting of bat guano may cause bats to abandon their roost. Many cave ecosystems are wholly dependent on bats to provide nutrients via their guano which supports bacteria, fungi, invertebrates, and vertebrates in the cave. The loss of bats from a cave can result in the extinction of species that rely on their guano.

The extinct bats Palaeochiropteryx tupaiodon and Hassianycteris kumari, both of which lived 48 million years ago, are the first fossil mammals whose colorations have been discovered. Both were reddish-brown.

The fastest flying bat, the Mexican Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), can achieve a ground speed of 160 km/h (100 mph)!

Mexican Free-tailed Bats are one of the few species to "sing" like birds. Males sing to attract females.

Greater Bulldog Bats (Noctilio leporinus) “honk” to warn each other when they may be about to collide.

Carnivorous bats make use of magnetoreception, in that they have a high sensitivity to the Earth's magnetic field, like birds. These bats use a polarity-based compass, meaning that they differentiate North from South, unlike birds, which use the strength of the magnetic field to differentiate latitudes.

Scientists reported in January 2025 that they had discovered how some bats travel hundreds of miles in the spring to give birth in warmer temperatures: they surf storm fronts.

The Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) can travel as much as 38.5 km (24 mi) in one night in search of food.

Many species of plants depend on bats for seed dispersal. The Jamaican Fruit Bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) has been recorded carrying fruits weighing 3–14 g or even as much as 50 g.

Nectar-eating bats have acquired specialised adaptations. These bats possess long muzzles and long, extensible tongues covered in fine bristles that aid them in feeding on particular flowers and plants. These long, narrow tongues can reach deep into the long cup shape of some flowers. When the tongue retracts, it coils up inside the rib cage. The Tube-lipped Nectar Bat (Anoura fistulata) has the longest tongue of any mammal relative to its body size.

Around 500 species of flowering plant rely on bat pollination. Because of this, some of these flowers have adapted to only open their flowers at night.

Due to the specialized metabolism of Vampire Bats (subfamily Desmodontinae) they are highly susceptible to starvation if they fail to feed within 70 hours. To combat this, vampire bats engage in reciprocal altruism, and will feed each other by regurgitating blood. If a bat cannot find food two nights in a row, due to injury, illness, or simple unluckiness, one of its colony mates may feed it. Vampire bats who are more “popular” in the colony may be fed more often.

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease in North American bats which has resulted in the dramatic decrease of the bat population in the United States and Canada, killing millions and causing a 90% decline in some areas. The condition is named for a distinctive fungal growth of Pseudogymnoascus destructans around the muzzles and on the wings of hibernating bats. It is likely the fungus was brought to North America from Europe by cavers who didn’t wash their equipment. Bats in Europe seem to be resistant to the fungus. The Forest Service estimated in 2008 that the die-off from white-nose syndrome means that at least 2.4 million pounds (1.1 million kg or 1,100 tons) of insects will go uneaten, possibly leading to crop damage or having other economic impact.

It has been estimated that bats save the agricultural industry of the United States anywhere from $3.7 billion to $53 billion per year in pesticides and damage to crops. This also prevents the overuse of pesticides, which can pollute the surrounding environment, and may lead to resistance in future generations of insects.

Homosexual relations have been observed in the Bonin Flying Fox (Pteropus pselaphon) and the Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus medius).

The Christmas Island Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus murrayi) was declared extinct in 2009. This extinction was likely caused by introduced, invasive species such as Domestic Cats (Felis catus), Black Rats (Rattus rattus), Common Wolf Snakes (Lycodon capucinus), and Yellow Crazy Ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes). The bats could have also been poisoned by the insecticide Fipronil, used to control Yellow Crazy Ant Colonies.

In China, bats have been associated with happiness, joy, and good fortune. Five bats are used to symbolise the "Five Blessings": longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue, and peaceful death.

A new threat to bats has arisen in the form of bat taxidermy. Bat taxidermy, where bats are either mounted in glass, encased in resin, articulated as a skeleton, or simply stuffed, is growing in popularity as “quirky” decor. However, many sellers will claim to be ethical when they are not, and are actually catching and killing bats to meet the rising demand of this new market. In some cases, entire caves will be gassed so that the bat carcasses can be harvested by the thousands. Many of the bat species used for oddity decor are declining or even endangered. The transport of bat carcasses overseas has also been linked to the spread of disease.

[cripplecharacters]

Hi! Ok so at one point I remember when answering an ask you said that when making animal based characters to just stay away from making any rat ones because of negative connotations (which I totally get)

So my question is would it be ok to have a whole humanoid race that is mildly based on mice? They look like humans but their ears vaguely look mouse-ish, they have tails, and their feet are sort of like paws. I am considering two different options with the tails in case I should stay away from the mouse thing, one looks like a mouse tail (kind of the main thing making them mice themed) and the other is a similar shape but fluffy especially at the end (A little like some versions of unicorn tails I've seen)

I would like to include disabled characters so if the mouse thing still isn't recommended I'll redesign them

Hello!

Most of the time when we advise that people avoid a certain trope/concept, it isn't a complete ban on it. It's generally more of a "be careful with how you approach this" type thing.

For example, we often advise against making a disabled character that's a villain because of their disability. If your only disabled character is a villain with chronic pain that kills people because their disability stops them from their dream job, that's not great. BUT if you have this same character and you also have a wheelchair user who runs the tech stuff for the hero side (Oracle-style, for my DC folks) and a Deafblind hero who leads the charge against the villains and an autistic sidekick and an amputee henchman for the villain and several able bodied villains and so on, then its less of a problem. It might not be gold medal representation but because you're no longer equating disability with tradegy and hatred and instead showing that villain as part of a cast with diverse stories and, more importantly, as a person with their own unique experiences, it's much better.

This is all a very long way of saying that most tropes that are generally best avoided can still be okay in some contexts.

In this case, having this whole species is completely fine and it's great that you want to include disabled characters! I see nothing wrong with this.

If you had a world where the characters were all anthropomorphic animals and the only rat character was also your own disabled character, that'd be a bit of a problem because it's singling out your disabled character -- presumably to poke at their disability.

In the concept you've presented, though, being part of this species is a trait all (Or most) of your characters share. Which is fine!

As a few final notes of caution:

If you're worried about certain unintended connotations or messaging coming across, it's generally best to spread your cast out as much as possible. By this, I mean that if you have other species in this world, don't have all your disabled characters be part of this one species. Likewise, don't have every member of this species be disabled. Instead, consider having your disabled characters be from different species. For example, have an amputee character be from this species but have a blind character be from another species.

Certain specific disabilities do have individual associations to watch out for. Be careful making associations between a character with a cleft lip and hares/rabbits (Because of the derogatory term "harelip" that has been used). Likewise but to a lesser extent, be careful with associations of blind people and moles, mice, and bats. This is because of the naked mole rat, the Three Blind Mice, and "blind as a bat" respectively. There are a few of these out there.

This is less of a warning and more just something to consider but keep in mind how their animal traits can be impacted by their disability. Would a character that's paralyzed have use of their tail? Would a blind character trip over their tail or would their same "sense of self" extend to the tail like it would an arm or leg? How would a character in a wheelchair adapt their chair to their tail? Etc.

Hopefully some of this is helpful!

Cheers,

~ Mod Icarus

[outofangband]

Mammals of Maglor’s Gap and Lothlann

Now that I’ve finished world building posts on birds for each Fëanorian realm pre Amon Ereb, I’m going through mammals next! Mammals of the March of Maedhros can be found here and my environmental world building Masterlist is here!

Maglor’s Gap was the widest break in the mountains and cliffs dividing Beleriand and the lands to the north. It lay between the blue mountains to the east and the March of Maedhros to the west. Lothlann was a wide expanse of plains to the north of the Gap. The rivers greater and little Gelion ran around the western and eastern borders.

Forest steppes: wild goat, wood bison, southern white breasted hedgehog, gray marmot, ground squirrel, dormouse, woolly hares, long eared hedgehog, gray shrews, northern hog badger, sable (rare), steppe mouse, lesser noctule (bat), wildcat, red fox, red deer

Bordering mountain fences: Caucasian Tur, mouflon, chamois, alpine pika, pond bat, marbled polecat, saiga antelope, steppe polecat, mountain weasel, ibex (rare), argali

Plains: goitered gazelle, steppe wolf, wild horse, northern water vole (by the rivers), snow vole, grey dwarf hamster, common hare, common rabbit, striped field mouse, ural field mouse, harvest mouse, mountain hare, field vole (also primarily by rivers), wild horse

World building notes:

The horse based cavalry of Maglor is one of the few details we have about this region. I headcanon that the horses in question are a mixture of the descendants of the Valinor born horses brought by the Fëanorian host as well as wild horses from Estolad, Himlad, Lothlann and the other plains regions of Eastern Beleriand.

Sheep and goats provide the majority of milk and cheese products in the Gap. Some of these species are imported from other regions like sheep from Thargelion.

Domesticated bovine are rare in Eastern Beleriand outside Thargelion and parts of Estolad. There are however wild and semi domesticated bison such as the wood bison, especially on the borders of forested and forest steppe regions. Fur, skin and bones from bison are used by both Noldorin and Avarin elves for clothing and other materials.

Wild hamsters, rabbits, hares and voles were used by a select few of Maglor’s cavalry as companions and even spies.

A regiment of foot based scouts had the sigil of a hare in the form of a light silhouette upon a black background.

[24hrsoda]

This is gonna be long and prob uninteresting so feel free to skip but I saw that you wrote that you didn't think of species when drawing bats for your au and that we're free to interpret them how we want and though Large flying fox wouldn't match what you've drawn super well (outside of colour) cause they've got small ears and are raven sized(up to around 1kg in weight and 1.5 meter wing span), it'd mean that Cass could very easily hitch a ride as long as she's a normal sized bat(like a black myotis, though all vesper bats are prob too small so a species of leaf nosed bat might fit better but she doesnt have a leaf nose).

Also Cass having small eyes but being able to echolocate while Bruce has big ol eyes and can't would be a fun parallel to Cass's mask not having visible eyes and her whole 'body language as a native language' thing(like... both being an extra sense kinda deal).

I really hope this isn't a bother i just love bats and will use any excuse i can get to word vomit about them, they are such an awesome group of animals(they make up a fifth of all discovered mammal species(1300) and the smallest have a weight that's like 1/400th that of the biggest! Not to mention the variation in noses and ears!) and your au is very cute(Not to mention all the other awesome art)!

Hope you have a good day! Also, please look up the Lesser mouse-tailed bat if you haven't seen it i love them, ghost bats(woag... like the ship) are really funny looking too. Most bat species are fucked up little freaks and i love them all, they might be part of what got me into batman ngl 👉👈. I'd def recommend looking through bat species just for the hell of it cause they really are awesome, theres some real cute and bizzare ones out there. I've personally used dif species as inspiration for dif batman designs.

Ok i'm restraining myself so hard to not write more i want to write about the bird eating spectral bats so bad but this is. So long. And unsolicited.

Ghostbats are ugly-cute little gremlins! I’ve come across so many pictures of them while looking up ghostbat (the ship) related things!

I do find a lot of bats to be strange and funny looking but cute in their own way :3 I just don’t have enough bat knowledge to decide which species of bat first best for each Bat family member lol. But plenty of people seem to have better ideas than i do!

These are all interesting, Anon! And the differences between Cass and Bruce would make for some super interesting and cute connections between the two of them.

(I did go back and do some research to find the photos i used as references when i first started sketching the AU and i believe i used pictures of fruit bats, which may be why i colored them brown!!)

and speaking of ghostbat…maybe Khoa needs to make an appearance or two in this AU…and i have a pretty good idea of how to do that :3

[life-of-a-rat]

some little guys i think you should look up bc i think they're silly:

long footed tree shrew

rufous bettong

fat-tailed dunnart

nilgiri martin

Eurasian pygmy shrew

lesser mouse tailed bat

long eared hedgehog

Etruscan shrew

greater hog badger

[dansnaturepictures]

March end of month post 3 of 3: Ten of my favourite wildlife photos I took this month of; Mediterranean Gull at Hayling Island, Lapwing at Pennington, Mel the Peregrine at Winchester Cathedral, Marsh Harrier and Roe Deers at Testwood Lakes a key species seen a lot for me this month, Cetti's Warbler at Fishlake Meadows, Red Admiral at Lakeside Country Park, Great Spotted Woodpecker at Lepe, Grey Squirrel at Lakeside and spider at home.

March was another amazing birdwatching month for me as springtime birds coming into my year such as many Mediterranean Gulls seen, Blackcap and Razorbill mixed perfectly with valuable time with winter birds that I've had a great season for such as Brent Goose, Wigeon and Redwing. Mesmerising owls Little Owl at Portland and Short-eared Owl at Keyhaven, Jack Snipe, Linnet, Sand Martin, Purple Sandpipers, Shag, Gannet and Knot were other stellar additions to my year this month as my year list thrived being in positions in terms of numbers on dates that only my record year list of last year could better which was brilliant. Marsh Harrier and Cetti's Warbler two birds I've had an extraordinary year for so far kept on giving with many wonderful experiences hearing and seeing them in March. Other standout birds this month included Ruff, Greenshank, Avocet, Lapwings, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Curlews, Water Rail, Moorhen, Great White Egret, Great Northern Diver, Eider, Pintail, Gadwall, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Redpoll, Mistle Thrush, Ring-necked Parakeet, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, loads of Chiffchaffs being about a treat to the eyes and ear and Red Kite. It was a true honour to witness Winchester Cathedral's Peregrines in very dramatic times as newbie Mel killed longstanding female Winnie in a scuffle as well as Great Crested Grebes at Lakeside elegantly courting and the stunning humbug chicks of one pair emerging. With me upgrading my camera this month it's been great exploring with it and in particular it's really good for birds in flight so that's been a strong theme this month.

I had a fabulous butterfly month too seeing Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstones and Speckled Wood in the extremely exciting early spring days as these flamboyant insects enter nature's stage. It was great to see bees a lot this month too as well as crane flies and spiders and Grey Silverfish at home. Fallow Deer, Wood Mouse and thrilling views out the front at home of Hedgehog and bats have been other mammal highlights.

On Friday night and last night the other parts of these end of month posts posted about flowers and fungi and landscapes for me this month. Happy Easter all and wishing you a great April.

[coreyspoetry]

Earl Grey

Politicians and aristocracy threaten me with their 

Label-makers. ‘Hi, my name is’ stickers in the mag.

I’m chained to the wall in Downing Street's dungeon,

Gagged by The Bill of Rights (1698)

With a piss-pot and wet bread inches out of reach.

If only my hands weren’t stapled to a Tory corkboard 

Next to a flyer seeking a new prime minister.

Blood stains the edges where a telephone number has been torn off.

A staple-gun is held against my temple.

Faceless men spit, in my ears and eyes, 

leading questions until my vision blurs and my hearing dampens. 

They bat around the future as if it were a dead mouse or 

An almond skittering along the kitchen floor.

All elections are for the lesser evil as

Democracy lies dead in the dust.

They are begging now. Not that it sounds like it.

‘What’s happened to the teachers?’ 

I would point if I could move my hands.

‘What’s wrong with the kids?’

I cannot answer in a way that will keep me alive. 

My body hangs dead in Downing Street,

Thumb-tacked to the noticeboard in the staff-room.

Adorned on my staple-ridden chest is an empty name tag.

A teacup dangles from my limp fingertips,

Dripping Earl Grey that runs red across the floorboards.

I never have liked tea.

[amateur-selfshipper]

For these two lads I assign the Lesser Mouse-Eared Bat and the Greater Mouse-Eared Bat!

Reblog Game: F/O Bat Assignment!

Reblog this post with a picture of your F/O and I’ll assign them a species of bat!

Example: My romantic f/o Koki would be a Little Brown Bat!

You can reblog with any type of F/O (romantic, platonic, familial, etc.). You can reblog with up to 2 at a time!

[loveisinthebat]

Friend Stack

[spidermilkshake]

Started doing some to-scale size references for Redwall-verse species, including some speculative ones (and corrected identifications, such as Jacques's few infamous instances of "crested lizards"... those are newts, buddy).

All the creatures in this series are obviously much less tiny or gigantic in proportion to each other than their real-life inspirations. Kinda got to do that to make a building useful for both small mice and massive badgers and otters!

All of the smaller bat species that would be present in the Mossflower and surrounding regions, though the series itself doesn't pay much attention to bats and their great diversity and very different life cycles. For the most part, any bats seen in the series are the mouse-eared bat or the pipistrelle (two of the most common, generic "lives in big caves" small insectivorous species) All of the bats in the series itself that appear are regarded as belonging to the "goodbeast" class, a pleasant change from the usual end result of Being an Animal the Public Loves to Hate featuring in Redwall (like poor rats, weasels, and snakes...). The bats that do show do seem to embrace their elevated status somewhat, though appear a bit more oblivious to the deep, nasty depths that the roots of such division go to, and their wide-reaching and often violent consequences. I suppose if you lived in a cave and never met any outsiders but one time in a generation, you'd be oblivious too. Of course... Jacques made Biology-Class-Failing blunders the first few times he tried including bats, the worst of which was presenting the bats as blind. OOPS. That's an animal-myth so widely-criticized you'd have to find a very sheltered kid or a very dim-witted adult to see people still spreading that little nugget of unwisdom.

The next time part of my series here shows bat species on it, it will include the larger ones. Which I speculate would NOT get the more friendly "goodbeast" class regard, largely down to their greater size meaning their natural predation would not be focused entirely on invertebrates (especially as the largest European bats do hunt small vertebrates, as bats are obligate carnivores). Being willing to hunt small birds, frogs, and mammals would stamp 'em with that Scarlet V of "vermin". The only reason some hunting creatures appear to still get counted "goodbeast" is that they have followed a sort of arbitrary rule: Only hunting fellow animals which "goodbeasts" haven't assigned any sort of intelligent-creature status to, which would be basically all invertebrates and fish... which becomes deeply iffy if you realize that a number of social insects, mollusks, and fish in general are very much just as conscious and intelligent as various mammals and reptiles in real life, so presumably they're sentient in the Redwall universe but just aren't capable of verbal speech. Except the ones that are. OOPS. Yeeeeeaaaaah... having river eels as named, speaking characters on occasion really hammers home that "goodbeasts" consider fish fair game only by some rigid rules division--their horror at seeing birds and mammals killed for food doesn't really seem morally motivated at all: They just want to be able to punish creatures for hunting anything close to them because they don't believe anything should hunt "goodbeasts" at all... but don't you tell them to make it equivocal! Of course Goodbeast creatures still get to enjoy delicious flesh--so long as it's from a creature different enough that they don't see themselves in it, and thus don't give silent permission for any of the underclass's creatures to "hunt outside the lines" they laid down on everybody.

XD It turns out, trying to stretch one's own personal pescetarianism into a universe that does not abide the same human-dominating ideologies... uh, turns out awkwardly! Especially weird when it's moral pescetarian stuff, which is a bullhonkey reason to not want to eat a bird but be perfectly a-okay with eating a parrotfish, especially with more modern animal sentience discoveries. It's a bonkers hypocrisy.

Less bonkers though than having pure-carnivore vesper bats eating exclusively mushrooms and salads. XD

[celestiall0tus]

Miraculous - Paradise (Genderbend AU) Update!!

Alright, everyone! Good news! I have the miraculous reassigned and power system redetermined for Paradise. Along with this is the very skeletal version of the plot.

The plot:

Mallon and Adrienne fight against Papillon as they threaten the city. Papillon creates her threats to draw out the kwamis she needs for her ultimate wish, the creation of Paradise, Heaven on Earth.

Before I get to the cast, the power system will be fairly simple. Kwamis don't need to eat to regenerate and use more powers. Instead, every kwami offers a single power the holder can use as many times as they please (This carrying over from Absolution). They will have one greater power that the holder can use once a day for five minutes and that's it. On top of that, they all have a Miraculous power between kwami sets that once used (i.e. Creation and Destruction, Perception and Ignorance, Deception and Truth, etc), the holders de-transform one minute after and can't transform again for the rest of the day. This will be a set in stone system where the heroes can't influence it.

Now, the cast:

Mallon (Marinette):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Gay

Ladybug of Creation - Earrings

Weapon is Yo-Yo. Lesser Power is Object Creation, Greater Power is Creation (as a whole)

Adrienne (Adrien):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Gay

Black Cat of Destruction - Ring.

Weapon is staff. Lesser Power is Object Destruction, Greater Power is Destruction (as a whole)

Claude (Chloe):

Age: 17

Bee of Devotion - Hair Comb

Sexuality: Bisexual

Weapon is a lasso. Lesser Power is Command, Greater Power is Bless

Felise (Felix):

Age: 18

Spider of Betrayal - Anklet

Sexuality: Straight

Weapons are daggers. Lesser Power is Treachery Inducement, Greater Power is Bond Destruction

Julez (Juleka):

Age: 17

Mouse of Perception - Necklace

Sexuality: Gay

Weapon is whip. Lesser Power is Omni senses, Greater Power is Perception Manipulation

Ren (Rose):

Age: 16

Sexuality: Bisexual

Pig of Ignorance - Anklet.

Weapon is parasol. Lesser Power is Ignorance Inducement, Greater Power is Ignore (a variation of defiance)

Alix (Alix):

Age: 16

Sexuality: Aromatic pansexual (Romance Averse)

Rabbit of Connection - Earrings

Weapons are ribbons. Lesser Power is Telepathy, Greater Power is Connections

Sarjant (Sabrina):

Age: 16

Sexuality: Bisexual

Horse of Freedom - Glasses

Weapon is a rapier. Lesser Power is Teleportation, Greater Power is Defiance

Lieto (Lila):

Age: 18

Sexuality: Aromantic Bisexual (Romance Positive)

Fox of Deception - Necklace.

Weapons are smoke bombs. Lesser Power is Illusion, Greater Power is Shapeshift

Amile (Amelie):

Age: 46

Sexuality: Straight

Lynx of Honesty - Ring

Weapon is a bow. Lesser Power is Truth Telling, Greater Power is Absolute Change

Zack (Zoe):

Age: 15

Sexuality: Gay

Dog of Love - Choker.

Weapon is a bow (like cupid's bow) Lesser Power is Love Inducement, Greater Power is Empathy

Nathalia (Nathaniel):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Lesbian

Rooster of Animosity - Clawed Ring.

Weapons are dual chained hand sickles. Lesser Power is Rage Inducement, Greater Power is Rage Form (Berserk)

Marceline (Marc):

Age: 16

Sexuality: Lesbian

Bat of Fear - Bracelet

Weapons is scythe (grim reaper style) Lesser Power is Fear Inducement, Greater Power is Terror Constructs

Kim (Kim):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Straight

Tiger of Valor - Chain Ring Bracelet.

Weapon is lance. Lesser Power is Courage Inducement, Greater Power is Clout

Nina (Nino):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Straight

Goat of Revelry - Hair Clips.

Weapon is pitchfork. Lesser Power is Sin Inducement, Greater Power is Anarchy

Bierk (Bridgette):

Age: 18

Sexuality: Straight

Monkey of Delight - Circlet.

Weapon is staff. Lesser Power is Joy Inducement, Greater Power is Indomitable Happiness

Ivet (Ivan):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Straight

Raven of Sorrow - Watch

Weapon is a scythe. Lesser Power is Sorrow Inducement, Greater Power is Isolation

Alain (Alya):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Straight

Wolf of Intuition - Chain Ring Bracelet

Weapon is flute. Lesser Power is Supernatural Tracking, Greater Power is Clairvoyance

Maxi (Max):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Asexual Heteromantic (Sex Averse)

Owl of Knowledge - Bracelet

Weapon is a book. Lesser Power is Answer Intution, Greater Power is Claircognizance

Katsumi (Kagami):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Gay

Ox of Determination - Ring

Weapon is a warhammer. Lesser Power is Perserverance Manipulation, Greater Power is Indomitable Will

Natale (Nathalie):

Age: 40

Sexuality: Straight

Peacock of Beauty - Brooch.

Weapon is fan. Lesser Power is Mesmerize, Greater Power is Absolute Beauty

Gabriella:

Age: 45

Sexuality: Straight

Butterfly of Transformation - Brooch

Weapon is cane. Lesser Power is Mutation Inducement, Greater Power is Amalgamation

Ondine (Ondine):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Straight

Snake of Health - Bracelet.

Weapon is a staff (the Asclepius staff). Lesser Power is Cure, Greater Power is Rejuvenate

Meryle (Mylene):

Age: 16

Sexuality: Pansexual

Dragon of Nature - Choker.

Weapon is a glaive. Lesser Power is Nature Manipulation, Greater Power is Form Shift (Greater Nature Manipulation)

Luz (Luka):

Age: 17

Sexuality: Bisexual

Turtle of Protection - Bracelet

Weapon is shield. Lesser Power is Shield Generation, Greater Power is Fortification Creation

I believe that covers everyone. All this is still subject to change, and not completely set in stone (except the power system) Character designs should be coming with the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out for those as they will have more details on the characters.

[grief-worn]

Her performance was indeed impressive by a mortal's standard, and maybe it'd be sufficient enough to fool lesser minds and weaker hearts. But Astarion was neither weak nor mortal, and whether she was aware of this fact or not, he'd never wander so clumsily into such an obvious trap. She dangled cheap flattery like cheese before the mouse, expecting him to chance a nibble. Astarion was not the mouse. He wasn't even the cat. He'd never belong in the food chain of any beast or man in nature's cycle, not anymore; he's the displaced intruder, foul and unholy.

Under fresh moonlight, his complexion flourished. He was a new man, with haunting vigor, like famine dressed in silk. She had noticed this once before, on the night they first shared camp together. How gaunt and unnatural he looked in the broad sun, like a man suddenly plucked from the nursing ward. Yet when dusk came, he had such an unexpected energy throughout his mannerisms. Restless. Simultaneously seeking prey, and avoiding predator. This behavior barely left an impression on her, but tonight she's once again face-to-face with his nocturnal visage. Diving even deeper. Scrutinizing the slightest twinge at his brow or crease of his mouth.

For the most part, she was just trying to see if her little ruse had succeeded. It didn't. Right off the bat, he dismissed her. Discarding praise with a dry huff, not even the slightest bit endeared. Was she losing her touch? Or had he sung such a tune before? He must know this tempo, she thought, and he doesn't seem interested in dancing tonight.

A piece in his puzzle acquired, and she moved a half-step closer, intent on stealing another, if he'd allow.

And he might have, though she'd never find out. They weren't alone in these woods.

His face snapped away from her, glancing at a threat unknown. Shadowheart heard nothing, at first, but followed his eye-line, placing trust in his impulse. Another second, another rise and fall of her chest, and then it was visible. Some lurking creature, and she'd know its name in an instant.

Four legs. Pointed ears. Eyes of sulfurous yellow and a maned hunch across its back. Growling like thunder, and large enough to maim an adult man in one bite. A wolf.

Obviously, it wasn't much of an issue. It was two against one, and they had already gone up against a fully-grown owlbear just a single day prior, without procuring so much as a few scrapes and bruises. One measly wolf wouldn't pose any threat at all. It'd be simple, and it'd be easy.

Nothing's ever quite so easy, and Shadowheart's never been quite so simple.

She couldn't breathe. She couldn't move. Muscles locked tight and the cords in her throat slammed shut, halting the flow of any air, in or out. It felt as if she was free-falling, careening down endless terror, born from something deep within. Her chest burned and screamed, convulsing against the thrashing memories of something she could not remember. Pulled every which way, stretched so thin she'd lost all functioning in her own body.

Fight or flight, neither was an option for her, but if she had to look at this monster any longer, she's sure she might actually die. Her fingers latched to Astarion's wrist, squeezing hard, incapable of easing her own strength. Her voice was an icy wind, frost-bitten and lifeless. She uttered a command. No, a plea. Her last resort.

"Astarion. Kill that thing. Now."

A tale as old as time itself played before him, and Astarion wasn’t kind enough to keep himself from sneering. What a peculiar shift in the cleric’s personality all of a sudden, the kind that was more risk negotiation than regret. As a patron of manipulation himself, raw and unfiltered, it didn’t take a genius to capture the tempo of it all. The underlying mark of interest lurking behind a pretty pout and prettier ocean eyes. It came from a dance he knew the steps of all too well, but as they always said: it took two to tango.

And as the cleric sung her high praises at him, all Astarion could think of was being equalled to a prune not long ago. A thought that gnawed at him like an itch that did not relent, even after being scratched.

“Considerate?” Astarion huffed out a chuckle, more irony than laughter as he looked out to the forest then back to the cleric again. “Oh my dear, a saint is considerate. I’m more along the lines of a sinner, honestly.” Careless, customary and biblical. “And while your apologies are appreciated, it seems to me like–” Before the conversation could venture any further, the pale elf’s speech trailed off into an uncharacteristic stop.

Astarion reacted before the rustle in the undergrowth could even be registered by normal ears. Intellect whipped his head to the source of it, and instinct narrowed his pupils. A low, rumbling sound resonated from the shadows, where the silhouette of a wolf materialised not too far from the pair.

“My, what a delectable pup you are.” Chipper, nigh breathless even. If only Shadowheart wasn’t near, the vampire would have made short work of that creature as a midnight snack.

[wuffy-chuffs]

Genshin Impact Vampire AU

Mondstadt

Diluc - Vampire

- He was born a vampire

- Crepus was a vampire who was killed by hunters

- Resistant to fire

- The Ragnvindr’s closest servants are aware of the family’s vampirism and allow themselves to be fed upon

- Diluc only feeds upon those who allow it and never employs vampiric mind control to do so, although he is very capable of it

- He has vampiric arithmomania

- He cannot enter another person’s home without being invited in

- Hates his vampiric nature

- Dislikes the feeling of blood in his mouth

- Can transform into a great horned owl

Kaeya - Vampire

- Kaeya was born a human, but was turned by Diluc when they were preteens. Diluc didn’t mean to do it, but he lost control. That event is the cause of much of Diluc’s guilt, though Kaeya doesn’t resent him for it

- Crepus helped him through his transformation

- Kaeya employs mind control to compel folk to let him feed off them. They have no memory of what happened afterwards

- He cannot enter other’s homes without being invited in

- He can transform into a snowy owl

Rosaria - Vampire and Vampire Hunter

- Rosaria is a hunter who was turned after surviving an attack

- Hates her own nature as a vampire and still actively hunts other vampires, but now only hunts vampires who kill or turn humans

- She needs to feed, so she attacks random people at night. She only takes what she needs and never does serious harm

- She can walk on holy ground and isn’t repelled by religious symbols

- Extremely vulnerable to sunlight

- Can transform into a natterer’s bat

Albedo - Vampire and Witch

- He just suddenly appeared

- Feeds off Sucrose

- Isn’t affected by sunlight

- Doesn’t cast a shadow

- Can be harmed by a branch of wild rose or hawthorn

- Can’t create more vampires

- Was hunted by Rosaria before she was turned

- Helped Rosaria through her transformation

- As a vampire he can transform into a lesser mouse earred bat

- As a witch, he takes the form of a snow ferret

Sucrose - Witch

- Allows Albedo to feed off her

- Does bone magic

- Takes the forms of a deer, a dog, and a cat

Alice and Klee - Witches

- takes the form of crimson foxes

Lisa - Witch

- Knows the identity of most, if not all vampires and witches in Mondstadt

- Razor is pretty much her pet dog on full moons

- Takes the forms of a brown cat, and a short-eared owl

Mona - Witch

- Takes the form of a black cat

Razor - Werewolf

- Mondstadt city doesn’t have any werewolf hunters, so it’s a pretty safe place for werewolves, provided they aren’t violent and don’t cause any trouble

- There are hunters outside the city so villages can be really dangerous for werewolves

- Razor was bitten when he was a baby, so he was socialised when he was transformed as a puppy

- His parents died trying to protect him from the attacking werewolf

- He was rescued by a group of wolves, his lupical

Diona - Witch

- Curses drinks of customers that are belligerent (nothing dangerous)

- Takes the form of a cat

Eula - Vampire

- The Lawrence clan are vampires that kill their prey

- Eula resents them for that and doesn’t drink from people without their consent

- Mainly feeds off Amber

- Has to be invited in before entering a home

- Can transform into a Mediterranean horseshoe bat

Barbara - Witch

- Takes the form of a white dove

Fischl - Vampire and Witch

- Was turned when she was a child

- Started studying witchcraft in hopes of reversing her vampirism

- Feeds off Mona and Bennett

- Doesn’t show up in photographs

- As a witch, she takes the form of a crow

- As a vampire, she can transform into a western barbastelle

Bonus:

Dainsleif - Vampire

- Was cursed with vampirism

- Employs vampiric mind control

- Can be harmed by a branch of wild rose or hawthorn

- Can’t enter a home without being invited in, it doesn’t really affect him because he doesn’t talk to people

- Has vampiric arithmomania

- Can transform into a white-winged vampire bad

[flautistsandpeonies]

Reformation Part 3

Read the Previous Chapter [Here]

Word Length: 3,931

Summary: Something needs to be done about this tragedy, but at what cost?

TW: Sexual Assault in this chapter.

“Calling me.....“

“Wei-Xiong, “Nie Huaisang muttered while walking alongside his brother, a saddened look upon his face as he stared at his friend

“I have him, “Nie MingJue replied, one arm encircled around Wei WuXian’s waist to keep him upright, while the other gripped his wrists so he couldn’t fight against his hold

The people of the search party were, for the most part, as quiet as mouses. Walking alongside one another, they could only spare glances at the bewitched cultivator as he continued to chant on and on.

“He’s….calling me…, ”Wei WuXian chanted, jerking against the tight grip on his person

The gates to the Cloud Recesses shimmered and dimmed as the search party was let in by the night-watch. Lesser disciples broke off, deciding to retire to their rooms for the night while the rest continued on towards the Jingshi.

“You’ve returned, “Wen Ruohan, Lan Qiren, and the Jiang parents were waiting for them at the entrance of the residence

“Calling....calling!, “twisting in his hold, Wei WuXian began to violently thrash against Nie Sect Leader

“Wei-Xiong!, “Huaisang gasped, flinching and taking a couple of steps back

“Damn it, “Nie MingJue grunted as he was thrown into a tussle with the bewitched man

Freeing his wrists, Wei WuXian pushed against Nie MingJue’s face, attempting to scratch at his eyes with his nails. Gritting his teeth, MingJue attempted to grapple him again as the enchanted man hissed and twisted against him. Minor sect members of the search party rapidly retrieved talismans from their sleeves but did not pitch them at the snarling duo. Afraid to hurt the leader of a Great Sect, they were stuck in place.

“Enough!, “Mingjue hollered, tackling the man to the group and forcing his arms above his head

“a-Xian!, “Jiang Yanli called wringing her hands at the sight

Untying his sash, Sect Leader Nie’s outer robe fell open as he tied Wei WuXian’s hands behind his back, the man’s screams not hindering him in the slightest. Hoisting him up, he held his fast against his chest. Growling in agitation, Wei WuXian shook his head back and forth, trying to pull himself free once again.

“a-Jie, don’t, “Jiang WanYin tried to reach for his sister but she slipped through his grasp

“a-Xian!, “Yanli ran towards the quarreling men, taking Wei WuXian’s face in her hands, “a-Xian, please stop!”

“Nng, “shaking his head and snarling at her, teeth nearly bit through Yanli’s smooth skin

“a-Jie!, “Sandu’s hilt held tightly in his grip, Jiang Wanyin stomped towards his sister while his mother in the background screamed, “a-Li, get away from him!”

“Away, “taking her arm, Lan WangJi gently pushed her away towards her brother who held her back from approaching once more

“Oh, a-Xian, “wiping tears from her eyes, she watched as WuXian continued to struggle

“Chifeng-zun, follow me, “Lan WangJi uttered while walking towards his residence

“Mm, “MingJue nodded, gripping Wei WuXian’s arms tightly while pushing the struggling man forward

“Aahh!!, “the enchanted man screamed while being forced through the doors of the Jingshi

As the voice slowly faded away, the sects couldn’t help but stare at the open doors of the residence as they made their way back to the Lan Sect’s discussion hall.

“We can’t let this happen again, “Lan XiChen started once everyone settled in and quieted down

“Does he wander off often?, “Sect Leader Yao asked

“For the past couple of weeks he’d rise every night and try and escape the Jingshi, “XiChen explained, “WangJi was normally there to make sure he didn’t leave and often has to restrain him.”

“And he says the same thing? Every night?, “Sect Leader Rong inquired

“That’s right, “Lan Qiren replied while smoothing out his sleeve, “We theorized that whatever attacked him must have a nest hidden away somewhere.”

“But why not devour him already?, “Jin GuangShan pondered, “It can’t have just attacked him for food; it must want something else.”

“It may want his Yang energy, “Lan Yu suggested, “His core is powerful; it may want to siphon his energy from him.”

Many found themselves nodding in agreement with this reasoning. There were many types of dangerous creatures that loved to suck the yang energy from cultivators, perhaps this was one that they haven’t encountered yet?

“But what a terrifying creature, “Jiang Fengmian said, “It’s left no trace whatsoever and seems hell-bent on having him.“

“Why don’t we just follow him to the thing, “Jin ZiXun grumbled, “It’ll be easy if we just let him lead us to it.”

“ZiXun, “Jin GuangShan sighed and shook his head, “It’s not that simple.”

“Isn’t it, uncle, “the man grunted, “Whatever it is wants him, so we just do what it wants until we find it and exterminate it.”

“Night-hunts take at least a day of planning, “GuangShan replied, “Being hasty only makes way for mistakes and unnecessary expenditures, “Besides, what you’re suggesting...”

“You want to use Wei Ying as bait, “eyes turned as Lan WangJi and Nie MingJue walked into the room, the Second Jade’s eyes pierced through Jin ZiXun as he walked to sit beside his uncle

“How is WuXian?, “XiChen asked

“Had to restrain him, left a guard, “WangJi replied with a displeased air around him

“He’ll break through those ropes eventually, “Nie MingJue added walking to sit down beside his brother once more

Many minor sect leaders started to express ideas about what sort of creature they could be facing. “It could be a bat king”, exclaimed a Yao senior disciple. “No, no, a seduction demon, “claimed another. The possibilities of what truly sent Wei WuXian under were endless.

“I’m just saying that we could have this whole situation over and done with, “Jin ZiXun stood and crossed his arms, “We use Wei WuXian’s compass to lure us straight to it while using him a sure guide, easy.”

“Except that puts him in direct contact with the creature, “Lan XiChen disagreed, “Wei WuXian should stay here until we find out more.”

“Are the Lan unwilling to take risks? Didn’t the Second Young Master say that the Lan would make every effort to cure Wei WuXian?, “Jiang WanYin jeered, “How can that be if you’re not even willing to do something as simple as this?”

“We won’t endanger him, unnecessarily, “XiChen said in a curt tone

“We can’t be certain if he won’t try and fight us again, either, “Jiang Fengmian added his input

“We should at least try, father“Jiang WanYin insisted, “Besides, isn’t this our responsibility?”

“What are you saying, a-Cheng, “the Jiang Sect Leader looked to his son

“I’m saying that the Lan Sect has no business interfering with disciples of our sect. This has gone on for too long; we should end this and get back to our own; we have enough problems as it is, “the Jiang heir said in a clipped tone

Standing up from the table, Jiang WanYin looked at everyone in the room with a sharp demeanor and a challenging glint in his eyes.

“The Jiang Sect are going through with Young Master Jin’s plan, “WanYin said with an air of finality, “Since the Lan are too cowardly, we’ll be assuming control of this situation.”

“Jiang WanYin, “Lan WangJi stood tall, “You’ve no right.”

“Second Young Master Lan is all talk and no action, “WanYin ridiculed him,

“Have you truly put any effort into mending this headache?”

“You cannot be trusted with his safety, “WangJi protested with a fiery look in his gaze

“Neither can you! It’s your fault he’s even in a coma!, “WanYin nearly shouted, “This would’ve never happened had he stayed in Yunmeng!”

The two got closer as they disputed; the sect heirs were almost nose to nose, Jiang WanYin a crackling lightning storm while Lan WangJi a quiet blizzard. Many of the people were astounded that the Jiang Sect heir was willing to rile up the Second Jade of Lan and even more were surprised that the Lan heir was even riled.

“Plan a safer hunt, “WangJi glared

“Show some gallantry, “WanYin countered

Jiang WanYin rubbed at his hand, a contemptuous glare adorning his face as he stared down Lan WangJi; fortunately, he was without Zidian. With how the situation was slowly escalating; many people feared the Jiang heir would raise his blade against the Lan.

“Shouldn’t we all be in agreement, then?, “the tension in the room suddenly shattered to pieces as Wen Ruohan’s luke-warm voice filtered through everyone’s ears

Turning to the Wen Sect Leader, the man sat with his legs cross and hands clasped in front of him. His eyes were lidded, a small smile splayed on his face as if watching a performance instead of two sect heirs disputing.

“It’s no question that a hunt is in order. The Lan want to prove that they are capable of taking care of Wei WuXian. And the Jiang need to prove that they are no longer a threat to him, so both sects will be a part of the hunt, “Ruohan mused, eyes shifting as the air seemed to thin and choke everyone else in the room, “Everyone else here is simply support.”

The Lans stared as the Wen Sect leader unclasped his hands and started to tap on the side of his seat, posture set as if he was waiting on a simple missive from a teaching disciple instead of forcing the other sects to make a decision. Nie MingJue glared at the man, slowly seething within at his arrogance. The Jiangs all found themselves glaring, but no words or actions were taken. The minor sects were all sufficiently cowed, everyone silent and afraid to speak.

Wen Ruohan smirked.

“I’ll say again....are we all in agreement?”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, Lan and Jiang disciples were shuffling back and forth to hurriedly prepare the night-hunt that night. Back again in the discussion hall, leaders of the sects and Lan Qiren collaborated on who they would be sending in such a short manner of time.

In the Jingshi, Lan XiChen helped his little brother change Wei WuXian into a fresher set of robes.

“You know you could just ask a servant to attend to him, “XiChen raised a brow as he helped removed WuXian’s arms from the old robe’s sleeves

“No need, “WangJi succinctly replied

A fond smile coming over his face, XiChen reached for the nearby basin and ringed out a tower, wiping down Wei WuXian’s face, arms and torso before throwing the dusty rag back into the bowl.

“I’m going to tell him how loving you were when he wakes, “XiChen huffed as he slipped arms through clean silk

Lan WangJi did not reply, seemingly ignoring his brother, but XiChen was immediately delighted to see the tips of his didi’s ears darkening ever so slightly.

“a-Cheng!, “a frightful shout interrupted the brother’s peace

Standing quickly, they moved towards the window of the Jingshi and peered out to see who dared break their rules in broad daylight.

Yu ZiYuan with her arms crossed and a dark look upon her face as she glared up at her son. Her maids, ever-present at her side, sent sharp looks to any disciple frowning at their madam’s direct disregard of their rules.

“What are you doing, playing around! Do you normally idle this much before a night-hunt?! What a lazy son of mine, “Yu ZiYuan scolded her son in the middle of the path

Jiang WanYin scowled as his mother continued to berate him. Letting out a barely noticeable sigh, he nodded along to what she was saying.

“Don’t embarrass YunmengJiang tonight! Heavens already knows the madness we have to endure because of that boy; don’t make it any worse!, “ZiYuan barked while twisting the ring around her finger

The ring crackled slightly while slipping off its master’s slender finger. Landing in Jiang WanYin’s hand, he quickly slipped the ring on; the spiritual tool adjusting to his size and sparkling as it registered its current user.

“Xiongzhang, “Lan WangJi said with a tight-lipped expression, watching as mother and son continued to converse

“I don’t want Jiang WanYin going as much as you do, “XiChen replied, “but if we try to make the Jiangs stay behind, Wen Zongzhu....”

Eyes narrowing and fists clenching at the mention of the Wen Sect Leader, Lan WangJi vowed, “I won’t let him take Wei Ying.”

“Mother, a-Cheng, “the Twin Jades watched as Jiang Yanli slowly walked up the path to her relatives, “Father wants to see you both in the discussion hall.”

Both mother and son were tight-faced as they followed the Jiang heiress back down the path. The Lan brothers looked to one another.

“MingJue-Xiong is coming as support tonight, “XiChen folded an arm behind his back, “We’ll do our best to keep WuXian safe, from this creature....and everyone else.”

...

The night came faster than they would have wanted. The full moon shined down on them, brightening up the quiet paths of the Cloud Recesses as disciples gathered in front of the Jingshi.

“Calling me.....”

Standing on the porch of the Jingshi, the Twin jades of Lan held Wei WuXian tightly by the arms. The enthralled man weakly struggled against their hold, trying to wander off once more.

“I’m still uncomfortable with this, “Lan XiChen said to his uncle

“I am as well, “Lan Qiren brows furrowed deeply as he watched the night-hunting party check their supplies

“He’s....calling me......, “Wei WuXian gave a weak tug at his arms

“Wei Ying, “Lan WangJi said, gently grasping the man’s chin to make him face him

Once again, Lan WangJi stared into glossy pink eyes, the man’s cognition completely gone. What was normally a smiling face held practically no emotion as he continued his endless chant.

“Calling me.....”

Letting out a deep sigh, Lan WangJi pressed his forehead against the other man’s.  Take a few calming breaths, he nodded towards his brother who watched on with a solemn smile.

Simultaneously, the Twin Jades let go of the man’s arms; Wei WuXian instantly stepping forward and walking off the porch. Body slouched forward and hair covering his face, he was no different from the walking dead.

“He’s....calling me.....”

“Be careful, “Lan Qiren gave a sharp nod to his nephews

“Thank you, shufu, “XiChen smiled while WangJi nodded

As his nephews and the parties shuffled past, Lan Qiren said in a quiet tone, “I will see what I can do about Jiang Zongzhu and Wen Zongzhu.”

The night watch was waiting for them at the gate, giving the bewitched man a slight head start, they opened the barrier just enough for him to slip through while the hunting party trailed behind.

“Let’s head out!, “Jiang WanYin ordered everyone

Everyone was quiet as they followed Wei WuXian through the mountains. Crossing over creeks and fallen trees, they sometimes had to zoom forward to help the man overcome the obstacles. All the while, he continued as if those things weren’t there, ever determined to reach his destination.

“Calling me.....”

Tensions rose as they once again met at the waterfall. This time, however, they were better prepared and tensely helped the man cross the log bridge despite the tight feeling in their chests ever-worsening with each step across the dangerous basin.

“He’s....calling me.....”

Mountain range after range was crossed, the night sky dimming from midnight blue to the darkest of black. The chirps of nightly creatures continued on, trilling away as the hunting party followed their lure.

“Calling...calling.....”

The many trees soon thinned away in a clearing. Wei WuXian stopped dead in his tracks.

The hunting party was immediately set on edge.

“Ehh, what is he-”

"SCREEEEEAAAAAH!”

The cultivators flinched at the sound, taking out banishment talismans for quick defense. Quickly shielding themselves within the trees, they could only prepare for the coming encounter.

Lan WangJi’s hand immediately went to his sword’s hilt, “The sound that made up separate, “he warned his brother

XiChen nodded in understanding, “Everyone, be careful.”

"SCREEEEEAAAAAH!”

Sleeping birds woke abruptly, fleeing from their trees in fear, the cries of critters and prey animals scurrying away from the approaching creature added to the rising tension of the hunting party.

The wind seemed to shift as if noticing the creature’s arrival; the air grew colder. The sound of wings slicing through the sky reverberated through their ears.

Suddenly, a large being landed roughly on the other side of the clearing upon large stones. It was huddled, but then, its large wings flew out! Its silhouette was in the shape of a gangly man.

With a beastly growl, it stepped forward into the moonlight.

"Huh, “Jin ZiXun gasped in shock and horror

It was a horrible sight to see, a bony, stark white creature covered with leather -like skin. The wings of a bat protruded out of its back, clawed hands and feet digging into the rough bark of the trees. Blood red eyes blazed from behind black sockets; its mouth bared a pair of needle-like fangs.

Wei WuXian smiled at the creature, a pleasant sigh leaving his mouth.

“It’s you, “Wei WuXian murmured trailing forward with an enamored look on his face

Arms and wings spreading wide, the creature grumbled at its prey. Its scarlet eyes narrowed in on the bewitched cultivator as he approached. A few feet away from it, Wei WuXian jumped into its arms, wrapping his arms around the beast.

The Twin Jades hissed at the sight, filled with worry.

“Stay where you are, “Nie MingJue warned as Jiang WanYin and Jin ZiXun raised their blades, “It may kill him if we move too quickly.”

“It’s you, “Wei WuXian said once more, raising his hand towards the creature’s head, his fingers curled in the air beside its bare skull, as if twisting locks of hair

The creature captured Wei WuXian within its arms, followed by its wings attempt to hide the man from view.

"Master, “only due to their enhanced senses were the cultivator’s able to hear Wei WuXian’s amorous words, “I’m here.”

Removing one hand from his person, a clawed hand grasped Wei WuXian’s chin, forcing him to look up, eyes lidded, a dream-like expression and pleasant smile upon his face. The creature gave a low rumble and lowered its head, closing the space between them.

Lan XiChen forced himself to look away, while Jiang WanYin growled in disgust.

‘Wei Ying, ‘Lan WangJi thought, gripping Bichen with enough force to crumble even the densest of stone

Wei WuXian gave a gasp as the creature separated from him, an enamored smile splayed across his lips as he once again wrapped his arms around it.

“Master, “the bewitched man repeated, “I’m here.”

The creature moved Wei WuXian’s head to the side, exposing his neck. A sharp tongue unfurled from the monster’s mouth, trailing up the bewitched man’s neck; and he sighed in content.

The beast growled; the hunting party lifted their blades in preparation.

Suddenly, the monster’s fangs seemed to elongate before thrusting down upon Wei WuXian’s neck!

“Go, go!, “XiChen ordered in a near shout, eyes wide

Dashing from their hiding space, the creature’s eyes widened as glares from as many as twenty swords came its way. Ripping its teeth from Wei WuXian’s neck, blood splashed along the ground.

"SCREEEEEAAAAAH!, “it thundered out towards them, throwing Wei WuXian behind it in one fell swoop

Charging ahead, the creature met Nie MingJue’s saber head-on. Sharp nails grated against the blade’s dark metal. Gritting his teeth, the Nie Sect Leader tried to push forward against it, but the beast held strong.

“Surround it!, “unfurling Zidian, Jiang WanYin barked towards his fellow Jiang disciples

Spreading out, some Jiang disciples took out arrows while the rest got into formation with their swords. Brandishing his whip and Sandu, Jiang WanYin looked for a break in the beast’s defense.

A clawed hand forced Nie MingJue back. Getting in line with Lan XiChen they both charged at the gangly beast as one, purple and light green sword glares lashed out.

The beast wrapped itself in its wings as the glares collided, dust rising up from the grounds as glare after glare pummeled into it.

“Fire!, “Jiang WanYin ordered to the archers

Aiming into the dust cloud, the archers struck true, arrow after arrow flying into the beast. A loud angry roar sounded from the cloud as they wouldn’t let up with the assault.

Rushing past them all, WangJi stormed up to the unconscious Wei WuXian. Ripping the arm off his sleeve, WangJi hurriedly pressed the fabric against WuXian’s bleeding neck.

“Enough!, “Jin ZiXun called an end to the assault with the raise of his hand

The archers halted and XiChen and MingJue lowered their swords ever so slightly. The dust cloud was thick with the smell of blood.

"SCREEEEEAAAAAH!, “Suddenly, the strong flag of its wings, the cloud dissipated and the creature revealed itself once more

“What?, “Jiang WanYin gasped at the creature

The beast was full of arrows and covered in slashes, its leather-like skin punctured all over. Its bare head was covered in gashes from sword glares.

*Thump* *Thump* The beast growled at them a dark a guttural noise. The arrows were falling off of its body as if being pushed out; the beast’s wounds were healing!

“What the hell is that thing!, “a Jin disciple shouted

“Charge!, “Nie MingJue hollered

All raising their swords, they could only face the beast head-on with their blades. It screamed again, claws reaching out to tear them in two.

“Rah!, “Jiang WanYin tried to lash at it with his whip, but it deflected it as easily as it did their swords

“WangJi, go!, “XiChen ordered with a quick glance back, parrying against the beast

Taking the limp man into his arms, Bichen quickly hovered for its master to mount it. Long grasses danced and leaves were ripped from their branches as the Lan Sect heir shot out the clearing.

"SCREEEEEAAAAAH!, “The creature shrieked at the sight of its prey being taken away and attempted to charge after them. Before it could, a pair of light green sword glares stopped it right in its path.

Lan XiChen and Nie MingJue glared the creature down, blades raised high as they prepared for another clash. Circling around the beast, Jiang and Jin Cultivators glared it down, harsh breaths coming out from the long fight before them.

Bearing its teeth at them, the monster’s eyes seemed to grow even redder in its anger as it glared them down. Shuddering, it opened its mouth and roared.

"SCREEEEEAAAAAH!“

With a burst of wind, the creature shot up into the sky, the moonlight shining on its pale body.

“After it!, “Jin ZiXun shouted, about to mount his blade

“No, forget it!, “Nie MingJue hollered, “Get back to the Cloud Recesses, seal everything off in case it tries to come back for Wei WuXian!”

...

“Nnng, “Wei WuXian groaned as golden spiritual energy pulsed throughout his body

“Almost over, “passing over his own spiritual power, Lan WangJi sat in the middle of the array with Wei WuXian huddled in his lap

“Calling....calling, “Wei WuXian started to mumble while flinching at the energy seeping into him

Frowning at the cursed words, WangJi nodded to the other disciples in the room. The sound of Cleansing permeated and echoed against the walls, Lan Qing's long fingers danced along the silver strings of their guqin. The healing array shined brightly in the room, the golden energy a stark contrast to the looming shadows of the night.

On Wei WuXian’s neck, the bite marks slowly closed, a small trickle of blood still seeping out of the holes.

“Hah, “a loud gasp resounded throughout the entire room, sweat dripping from Wei WuXian’s creased brows

“Calling me.....”

Brushing his hair out of his face, WangJi held WuXian’s face as gently as he could. Harsh breathes blew against his hand, and Wei WuXian hissed again.

“Master....”

Ever so slowly, the bite marks were replaced with freshly healed skin; Wei WuXian groaned in agony. Calling out for the monster, he weakly shifted in Lan WangJi’s hold.

With a final flourish of the hand, Lan Qing slowly took their hand away from their guqin and the room soon quieted, the resonating sound of Cleansing abated.

"He’s....calling me.....”

Wiping the sweat from WuXian’s brow, WangJi tried to move him into a move comfortable position as the man weakly pushed against him.

“I’m sorry, “he said to the unconscious man

Holding him tight, he pressed his face deep into the crook of his neck. The sound of WuXian’s chants rumbled from his throat and thumped against his face.

With the wounds closed, the medics stopped distributing their energy into the array. As the light dimmed, the room grew darker and darker until they were all encased in shadows.

“I’m sorry.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Author’s Notes:

-Wen Ruohan really just slapped me across the face and said “I’m the tertiary antagonist of this fic.”

Read my Prompts and WIPs [Here]

[primrose-fr]

Wildlife of the Windswept Plateau

Hey I've decided to make this a series. Next on my list of "researcher documents the Flights native wildlife" we have the Wind Flight! I hope this is at least a good jumping off point for you writers/RPers/Worldbuilders!

Includes little personal notes here and there about possible uses, ecology and real-life equivalents, and interesting notes from the items bio too. Calling this series “Ecology of Sornieth” where I detail: Wildlife.  Aquatic life. Insects. Plant life. ???.

Long post ahead. Cut for convenience.

Wild Life:

Balsas Anole (Able to change color based on mood. probably a popular catch for hatchlings) Plague Bat (Bats native to the Scarred Wasteland. Most likely purged for spreading diseases.) Sun Flecked Fieldmouse (Fur sparkles in the sunlight. can leap great distances and has a tendency to brood.) Zephyr Sparrow (Flies very high but is prone to oxygen deprivation. Tend to be short lived due to this reason. Possibly kept by dragons for it's plumage) Broad-footed Moles (Stubborn. strangely tend to dig in opposite directions from their mates. Possibly dug up as food by hatchlings) Cottontail Rabbit (A decent meal for dragons, probably farmed for meat and fur. hilariously large dragons might use them similarly to cottonballs.) Hooded Hen (Can be ornery maybe? A decent meal for a dragon. Probably farmed for meat and feathers.) Steppes Box Turtle (Known for the pattern on it's shell) Hooded Skunk (despite being a skunk its rather docile. Probably hunted for as wild game for meat and fur) False-Peacock Quail (Pretty plumage. A decent meal for a dragon. Probably hunted as wild game for meat and feathers) Mallard (A decent meal for a dragon. Probably hunted as wild game for meat and feathers. Note: Irl only male Mallards have the signature green hood.) Golden-Laced Rooster (Can reached running speeds of up to 15km an hour. Probably hunted as wild game.) Arroyo Toad (Most dragons have developed an immunity to it's skin toxin. Mirrors however are allergic.) Firebearer (A type of squirrel monkey. Has been observed spreading forest fires by carrying burning branches to new areas. Possibly done to flush out game from underbrush or usher in new growth in remote areas. Possibly a Keystone species?) Fancy Rat (Possibly kept as pets. Might even be given as gifts(for pets or to eat) during special occasions) Wallaby (Probably hunted as wild game. A decent meal for a dragon.) Pangolin (Noted for keeping lairs insect free! Might be kept around as a form of pest control. although maybe not by insectivorous dominated clans.) White-Eared Hummingbird (Yes birds do have ears!) Olive Sea Snake (VENOMOUS. Aposematic. Bright blue and orange coloration warns of it's toxicity. Named not for it's color by for it's curious love of olives. Note: Irl all species of sea snake are venomous. they are close cousins to cobras and kraits.) Grey Squirrel (Probably a common meat in stews and campfire roasts) Tree Gecko (Has great camouflage but oddly is color blind.) Magpie (Hunted for both their meat and hoards of shinies) Ferret (Probably kept as popular pets/small game hunting companions.) Sugarglider (A prime pest of Sugarmelon crops. Probably kept and bred as pets for their cuteness. Funfact: It's a possum!) Bar-headed Goose (Probably hunted as wild game or farmed for meat and feathers.) Crested Newt (Notable has a crest for mating displays) Emerald Striker (VENOMOUS. Contains it's venom in the "emeralds" on it's body. Probably not safe to eat due to the "venom pockets" throughout it's body) Silver Racoon (Named for it's love of silver ore and trinkets. Might be hunted as wild game.) Lesser Land Iguana (apparently very self confident. I take that to mean they are aware of how dangerous they are and probably have few predators. Probably hunted if there are no other options though. Most likely avoided due to average iguana temperament (That is to say violent as hell)) Bog Canary (Has an awful call. but it's plumage is pretty and might be kept as pets (Note: Picture depicts a budgerigar not a canary)) Golden Reefprince (A type of axolotl, has a golden sheen. typically given by dragons to someone they're trying to impress. Might be farmed similarly to Valentines roses and sold for holidays and anniversaries.) Black Swan (Probably kept as ornamental birds by the upperclass. Compete in elegant displays with each other. Probably over mating rights.) Juvenile Prairie Skink (The adults of this species perform excellent parental care for lizards when the hatchlings are young. (Note: Maternal care in irl skinks is highly unlikely. Note 2: Art possibly depicts a jeweled lacerta instead?)) Muskrat (A native to the Gladevines of the Viridian labryinth this rodent is commonly found in aqueducts hunting small aquatic life. Probably hunted as wild game or farmed for meat and water resistant fur.) Reedhopper (Amphibian. well camouflaged though makes a loud incessant croaking. Probably a common sound at night near fresh waterways like ponds and rivers.) Collard Lemmings (Has local folk stories that tell of them staring into your soul and knowing all your secrets.) Glowing Pocket mouse (Common prey to smaller predators. It's brightness indicates it's mood. Kept as familiars) Skycats (Common winged felines that guide dragons throughout the Windswept Plateau. Multiple sets of large ears implies excellent hearing. Normally catch the updraft of larger dragon wings for easier flight. Kept as familiars.) Bamboo Phytocat (Has developed bamboo growths on it's body for camouflage in the reeds. Ambush Predator. Large and dangerous. Possibly hunted for trophies or as rites of passage. Kept as familiars) Banded Owlcat (Silent ambush predators from both the land and the sky. Kept as familiars) Grassland Trunker (Small squat herbivores. Very docile. Often kept as pets or farmed for meat. Kept as familiars.) Lilyfowl (Birds who spend most of their time submerged in ponds and such. Can breath through it's plant-like growths! Kept as familiars.) Myosotis Fox (Fur is vibrant in color and displays many beautiful flowers. In the wild they most likely use this for camouflage. However they are kept and bred as companions. Possibly bred for color and flower variation. May even be used in shows. Popular among upper class? Kept as familiars.) Traveling Garden (Large tortoises with a variety of plant life growing amongst their shell. Maybe a Keystone species? Kept as familiars.) Heckling Hydrena (Possibly native to the Shifting Expanse. Unknown if invasive or just widespread. Most likely inhabits marshlands and other waterways. Apparently pose danger to stray hatchlings. Kept as familiars) Toxic Igueel (TOXIC. Coloration is aposematic to warn would be predators. Probably inhabits rocky coastlines and other marine environments. Leather is very useful in leatherworking as interfacing and support. Kept as familiars) Tradewinds Gull (Common seabirds. Popular for use in message transport. Most likely used by maritime trades. Kept as familiars) Blueridge Greatshell (Large aquatic turtles that inhabit freshwater only. Cannot survive saltwater. Probably hunted for meat. Kept as familiars) Scaleside Noggle (Most likely a riverway/lake predator for small to mid sized creatures. Kept as familiars) Fiendcat (Fiery predators that cook their prey. large and dangerous. Probably a threat to smaller clans. Hunting one could be considered and accomplishment. Kept as familiars) Bluetail Skira (Large herbivores who spend much of their time lounging in ponds and lakes. Blue algea growing on their tail gives it that blue color. Kept as familiars ) Ringlet Amphithere (Tiny winged snakes that can fit in a Fae's claws. Might be kept as pets. Kept as familiars.) Hippojay (Might be farmed for meat or hunted as big/trophy game. Probably a common sight in wind clan backyards. Or kept as familiars) Crowned Roc (DEADLY. Massive dangerous birds that can be found hunting the skies of the Windswept Plateau. Poses a threat to all but the largest of dragons(Imperials?). Might even hunt/eat mid to small sized dragons. Apex predator of the region and a possible keystone species. Might commonly be the subject of stories, legends, myths, art, ect. Hunting one is probably a great event. Kept as familiars) Cloud Chaser (Airborne cetaceans that fly through the air, possibly in massive beautiful pods. produces clicks and whistles. Groups of them might sound like an orchestra of woodwind instruments. Most likely the favored prey of Crowned Rocs. Also probably subjects of popular culture. Kept as familiars. )

Aquatic Life:

Fissure Crawdad (Found only in dark crevices. Tasty. worth the effort) Leech (Common pest after swimming in waterways) Common Minnow (can be eaten in mass quantities for nourishment. Possibly kept in dragon aquaria) Sun Baked Oysters Jumbo Shrimp (Meat has a sweet and tender flavor.) Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Tasty and addictive when roasted and salted. decent meal) Sea Sparrow (flying fish known for it's abrasive chirping) Sea Hare Sea Fae (Known for it's resemblance to the dragon species. Plentiful snacks) Dumpling Squid (dipped in tangy sauce when eaten) Golden Rainbow Trout (Commonly fished from riverways as a decent meal. Golden shine is noticeable from the bank. Might be farmed in aquaponics for meat) Green Corydoras catfish (Tiny bottom dwelling armored catfish. Might be kept in dragon aquaria) Golden Cushionfish (Puffer fish) Seabed Pincher (When threatened they swarm and attack the threat. Plentiful food if a little difficult) Longfin Urchinbane (Species of cardinalfish that preys on urchins. considered a pest fish by dragons.) Sea Heart (Some kinda urchin. might be preyed on by Longfin Urchinbane) Steppes Pincher (Well camouflaged and possibly territorial) Topaz Guppy (Very friendly, possibly live in a area free of natural predators. Beautiful copper finage. possibly kept in dragon aquaria) Silverside Tetras (Small tetras, shimmery scales confuse predators when in schools. Possibly kept in dragon aquaria) Red Octopus (Color changing cephalopods. Might display typical cephalopod intelligence. Tentacles might be eaten as seafood.) Lesser Shallowshark (Small cat sharks. Scavengers. Large schools are common and very efficient at striping large carcasses) Royal Oyster (The more pearls this species has produced the more valuable they are to dragon collectors.) Chromodori Swimmer (Variety of dragon sea slugs) Golden Snakehead (Labrynthian fish capable of breathing through primitive lungs. Allows them to live in low oxygenated water. Medium vicious predators. Decent meal for dragons.) Electric Stingers (Jellyfish whose sting is particularly painful) Marbled Hatchetfish (Top dwelling schooling fish. Probably kept in dragon aquaria) Kuhli Loach (Bright colors ward off potential predators. Probably kept in dragon aquaria. (Note: Water spaghetti! One of my favorite fish in aquaria)) Molten Goby (Thrives in incredibly hot waters. meat is possibly very spicy.) Glass Isopod (Have very fragile shells that crack easily.) Pale Smallmouth (CANNOT handle water touched by the plaguebringer, It's presence is an indication of a healthy ecosystem and safe water. Indicator species. Decent meal for dragons too) Discus (Popular, beautiful, and challenging to care for in irl aquaria. Possibly kept as decorative fish for the upper class in dragon aquaria) Four-Eyed Butterflyfish Morning Star (Seastars active only in the early hours of the morning.) Angelspine (Golden spines of this urchin are valued. Meat however is bland.) Gaseous Megashrimp (Big, kept as familiars. this is speculation but depending on the size it may also be used as a seafood alternative to whole roasts like pig) Skittering Megashrimp (See above) Lurefish (Predates on other fish using it's lure. Probably a species of jawfish. Kept as familiars) Plantation Pincher (Considered a rampant pest on farmland.)

Insect Life:

Gliding Ant (Known for it's ability to glide across the ice. Most likely Native to Ice) Honeybee (Tastes sweet. Most likely kept for food as well as honey.) Crop Cutter (Pests that can devour entire fields. Plant eater hate them while others feast on them.) Nymph (appears to be just a grub) Bean Beetle (considered a pest to gardener. popular to eat for insectivorous dragons though. Get your Fae friends!) Swamp Mosquito (Clouds of this insects are a joy for insect eaters and a plague for everyone else.) Blow Fly (Very common in summers. tend to swarm lairs to keep cool. Doesn't need to be stated that that's upsetting.) Cricket (Commonly caught in bulk, dried, and sold as snack. Faes are experts at catching them) Greenworm (Blends in well and challenging to find) Garden Snail Spotted Grasshopper (Particularly vibrant specimens are caught as trophies and pinned to walls by Fae.) Stick Insect (Tundras often mistake them for actual sticks and often get a buggy surprise) Striped Earwig (Common pests that get into everything) Lunar Lacewing (Swarms can be found flitting between trees on full moon nights.) Redknee Tarantula Southern Grass Cicada (Nymphs can't fly and are commonly dug up as snacks) Millipede White Cabbage Butterfly (Very common. Overconsumption can lead to gas issues.) Stinglash (DEADLY. Aposematic. Skull pattern on it’s head is a threat display. When stinger is removed however it’s considered a delicacy) Pillbug (curls into a ball when threatened) Four-Spot Mealworm (Commonly found feasting on festering rot) Rhododendron Leafhopper (Swarms of these insects inhabit the interiors of bamboo stalks. Hatchlings love playing "Shake the Stick.") Venomous Fly (DANGER. Bite has paralyzing venom.) Green June Beetle Blackshield Cockroach (Fae use rocks to crack it’s shell for eating.) Diving Aranea (Aquatic spiders similar to the diving bell spider) Petal Moth (Makes its home in flower beds of a similar color to its wings, helping it hide from darting birds and lesser mammals.) Yellowtail Caterpillar (Commonly eaten in piles with pepper sauce, cucumber, rice, and wrapped in seaweed) Bark Biter (Devours tree bark. Can devastate entire forests overnight if population wasn't kept in check by dragons. Quite tasty!) Water Bug Micromoth (Common reagent in magical remedies. Most likely cultivated for medicinal purposes) False Mantis Prickler (Herbivorous. Example of batesian mimicry. Mimics the threat display of mantids to fool predators) Autumn Pennant (Dragonfly. Scarce, only appears towards the end of autumn) Brave Blue Bee (carapace is a shiny blue color. Possibly a species of solitary bee.) Reedcleft Sparkler (Hides amongst reeds. capable of bioluminescence) Leafy Moth (This large moth feeds by spreading its chlorophyll-rich wings in a patch of sunlight and flapping gently. Large. Possibly farmed as cow equivalents to insectivorous dragons. Kept as familiars) Triple-Sight Firebug (Dragons closely bonded to this bug can use it’s sight for short periods of time. Possibly used for rough reconnaissance. Kept as familiars) Goliath Mountain Beetle (Long lifespans and natural armor allow this insect to reach enormous sizes. The largest has up to a 7m wingspan! I could see these being herded and tended to by Fae. Kept as familiars.) Garden Larail (Pests. A gardeners nemesis. However they are cannibalistic and keep their own population in check.) Highgrass Priest (A type of mantid)

Plant Life:

Clover (Common plant life. A legend tells of a rare clover that can unlock anything and uncover buried treasure.) Cliff Lion (A species similar to dandelions that grow on cliffsides. Like it's cousin it can be fermented into wines and beer) Sweet Grass (Some dragons choose to chew on sweetgrass for hours. probably similar to chewing gum.) Cindershroom (Spores resemble cinders but are completely harmless. Unknown if edible. Possible.) Red Emperor Tulip (Cultivated by herbivorous dragons as both beautiful displays and tasty treats!) Greenstripe Amaranth (Healthy food for herbivorous creatures. Cultivated for food. Naughty hatchlings pass their amaranth to their familiars.) Wild Mustard (Grows in thick patches with bright yellow flowers. Goes great with wild Catsup) Thistle (Provides food for herbivores. Seeds provide food to songbirds.) Sour Spinach (Has little to no nutritional value and is nearly inedible. Used to discipline naughty hatchlings.) Sunkernel (Smallest of the acorns. Harvested and eaten in mass quantity.) Green Shoots (Hollow. Makes for a chewy meal or a durable paper.) Chickweed (Used in herbal remedies to sooth itchy scales. Probably cultivated for medicinal purposes) Greater Plantain. (possibly like its relative the Herbal plantain whos leaves can be used as an effective anti-toxin. Probably cultivated for medicinal purposes) Peace Lily (Pretty and edible, it’s petals are a favorite snack of peace doves. Probably cultivated for decoration and consumption.) Corona Sempervivum (Edible succulent. Cultivated for food and décor) Treasure Plant (Considered to bring good luck if kept in the lair. Possibly cultivated for decoration or as gifts.) Boxwood (Has a subtle flavor?) Seaberry (Bright blue berries most likely found near marshes and waterways.) Bonebark Mold (Plentiful. grows on dead trees.) Tundra Cactus (Grows well in winter and colder climates. Probably native to Ice.) Sour Green Apple (A green apple. Sour. Probably cultivated in orchards for consumption) Wild Onion ( Edible? Possibly Deadly??) Prickly Pear (The fruit of cacti. Edible but not that great.) Peppermint (can be consumed to help aid a number of maladies such as indigestion, nausea, colds, and headaches. Probably cultivated for medicinal purposes) Sunbeam Fig (Edible fruit. Trees only produce fruit when exposed to direct sun for long periods of time.) Fairy Ears (Tree fungus. Theres a myth explaining it's existence but it's apparently unpleasant. Unknown if edible.) Green Plantain (Has a tart flavor and can be stored in cool places for long periods of time. Probably cultivated and exported to other flights.) Lume Daffodil  (Blooms under moonlight, with a cool, refreshing taste. Often consumed as after-dinner mints. Probably cultivated for these reasons.) Quinoa (Recently, Tundras have started claiming quinoa is full of vitamins, cures disease, and attracts mates. Mirrors are skeptical.) Pinwheel Paddies (The blooms of this plant can spin for hours.) Minty Jadevine ( leaves are favored as snacks due to their sweet, cooling taste. Probably cultivated for these reasons.) Strawberry (Its a strawberry.) Withered Rose (perfume made from this rose remains nauseatingly strong. Dragons may use such blooms to cover up all manner of undesirable scents. Possibly cultivated for this industry) Pompom Mums (Vibrant, cheerful petals. Very attention getting to pollinators. might be used to attract pollinators to fields. Also useful for decorative purposes) Sand Creeper (Type of ivy that spreads prolifically over sand. Might be a good crop for those in barren wastelands.) Charged Duneberry (Berries glow brightest and taste the best after storms. Possibly native to the Shifting Expanse.)

???:

Gale Wolf (Dangerous and possibly extradimensional? Only appear wherever a warm front meets a cold front. leaves behind mass destruction. Hunting them is probably considered a great accomplishment. Kept as familiars) Glassbound Gustvul (Glasslike vulpines that can be found often napping in patches of sunlight. Might be popular in folk-lore, stories, art subject ect.. Kept as familiars.) River Muck (Goopy. probably common in or near waterways. Probably a pest/hazard) Garden Watcher  (Walking tulips???) Orange Blotch Pansy (??? Uproots and moves itself to more optimal locations when required.) Cactus Marzal (Behaves like a normal plant until it matures in which it will become more animalistic. Weird. Kept as familiars)