Creative Corner

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/XQUE2Zm.png[/img][/center] [center][size=7][font=papyrus][b]Introduction[/b][/font][/size][/center] [font=tempus sans itc]Sekhet Aaru, the dwelling among the reeds, is a small and modest reprieve, acting as a rest spot and port for the journeying travellers, merchants and goods transporters, travelling by foot, cart or trireme, as well as an eternal Kingdom of the Gods for its inhabitants. It had very humble beginnings in the early stages of the Neopetric Era, as the area was populated by early agriculturists utilising the flow and silt accumulation of the Nekhir, and the wildlife that the oasis attracted. As Kneph laid the groundwork for the everlasting garden, now with an ancient one supporting it, the area became more lively and bustling, with more and more sapientes moving in to make use of the fertile soil, pleasant climate with only two distinct seasons and a convenient geographical position for trade. It is not the only settlement that found its success alongside the riverbanks, but it is the furthest-spanning one in the Nekhir's very delta. There may be encroaching forces that wish to take over the region for their own benefit, ever shifting the balance of Ma'at, but neither the settlers or the Old Guardian will allow their Abode to be overrun by darkness. So take the hand of the mantis guide and join us on the journey through the Estates of the Blessed and groves of Usir. This book shall be the vessel between the worlds, the messenger to the realm in which you, the reader, reside, filled with the knowledge gathered by travellers, visitors and eternal residents alike. The original copy belongs to Neper, a traveller and coffee farmer who traversed the expansive lands of Afruika, recording his finds and experiences within the pages of his leather-bound journal. This version is being expanded upon and relayed to you by Kneph, and it will hold the captured essence of lifeforms or the land and its buildings in the form of imagery.[/font] ----- [columns][color=transparent]WWWWWWWWWW[/color][nextcol][center][size=3][font=tempus sans itc][i]I feel you, Your sun, it shines. I feel you, Within my mind. You take me there, You take me where, My kingdom comes. You take me to And lead me through Babylon. This is the morning of our love. It's just the dawning of our love. I feel you, Your heart, it sings. I feel you, The joy it brings. Where heaven waits, These golden gates And back again. You take me to And lead me through Oblivion. This is the morning of our love. It's just the dawning of our love. I feel you, Your precious soul. And I am whole. I feel you, Your rising sun, My kingdom comes. I feel you, Each move you make. I feel you, Each breath you take. Where angels sing And spread their wings My love's on high. You take me home To god's throne, By and by. This is the morning of our love. It's just the dawning of our love. This is the morning of our love. It's just the dawning of our love.[/i][/center][nextcol][center][size=3][font=tempus sans itc][i]I dream of rain, ya leel, ya leel. I dream of gardens in the desert sand. I wake in vain, ya leel, ya leel. I dream of love as time runs through my hand. I dream of fire, ya leel, ya leel. These dreams are tied to a horse That will never tire. And in the flames, ya leel, ya leel, Her shadows play in the shape Of a man's desire. This desert rose, ya leel, ya leel, Each of her veils, A secret promise. This desert flower, ya leel, ya leel, No sweet perfume ever tortured me More than this. And as she turns, ya leel, ya leel, This way she moves in the logic Of all of my dreams. This fire burns, ya leel, ya leel, I realise that nothing's as it seems. I dream of rain, ya leel, ya leel. I dream of gardens in the desert sand. I wake in vain, ya leel, ya leel. I dream of love as time runs through my hand. I dream of rain, ya leel, ya leel, I lift my gaze to empty skies above. I close my eyes, This rare perfume is the sweet intoxication Of her love. Aman aman aman. I dream of rain, ya leel, ya leel. I dream of gardens in the desert sand. I wake in vain, ya leel, ya leel. I dream of love as time runs through my hand. Sweet desert rose, ya leel, ya leel, Each of her veils, A secret promise. This desert flower, ya leel, ya leel, No sweet perfume ever tortured me More than this. Sweet desert rose, ya leel, ya leel. This memory of Eden haunts us all. This desert flower, This rare perfume is the sweet intoxication Of the fall.[/i][/center][/columns] ----- [center][size=4][font=papyrus][b][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2726701/1#post_42996406]Clan's history[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2726701#post_44599678]Geography & climate[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2726701/1#post_45024768]Biota & environment[/url] | [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2726701/1#post_45024769]Culture[/url][/b][/center]

[center][font=papyrus][size=7][b]Clan history[/b][/size][/font][/center] [img]https://i.postimg.cc/8TFj49hs/god-at-work.png[/img]

[center][font=papyrus][size=7][b]Geography & climate[/b][/size][/font][/center] [img]https://i.postimg.cc/y7Www44M/biomes.png[/img] [img]https://i.postimg.cc/1RPkT8sB/territories.png[/img] [img]https://i.postimg.cc/VmkTCQ6J/map.png[/img] [font=papyrus][size=5][b]A short overview of the Distant Lands beyond[/b][/size][/font] [b]Ice[/b] - the majority of the continent of the Southern Icefield experiences nothing more than the polar night and the polar day during winter and summer of the southern hemisphere, respectively. There are no seasons or a difference in biomes for the majority of the continent, as the main landmass has a polar desert biome, some coastal regions have tundras and the Northern Islands have tundras, taigas and montane forests. Northernmost coastal regions have a climate similar to that of Iceland due to some warm oceanic currents circulating around the Northern Islands, so they experience seasons with mild differences, but the frigid waters of the rest leave the land congealed in ice and the soil in permafrost. Only the northernmost regions have viable territories for Draconic and Beastclan habitation while the rest consists of nothing more than a tomb of ice. The majority of the Draconic and Beastclan populations inhabit those forested regions and grasslands. The average temperature in habitable regions ranges from -3 degrees Celsius during winter and up to a whopping 15 degrees during summer, while the polar desert regions average around -30 degrees, with differences depending on elevation and distance from the ocean, the highest and most continental regions reaching -60 degrees. The average precipitation for the Northern Islands is around 800 mm in the forms of both rain and snow, while the interior has a yearly average of less than 150 mm, classifying it as a polar desert. [b]Arcane[/b] - a large portion of the territory experiences a temperate climate and has all four seasons. The main biomes that occur in the Starfall Isles are temperate deciduous forests, temperate steppes, montane forests, dry steppes, and small portions having the Mediterranean climate and the alpine tundra climate. Every biome apart from the alpine tundra are inhabitable for Dragonkind, the majority of the population settling next to rivers, freshwater bodies of water, in coastal areas and in temperate steppes and deciduous forests as they allow various forms of agriculture outside of winter. The southernmost territories, specifically the Tierra del Hielo archipelago, experience the average temperature of around 5-6 degrees Celsius, while the innermost regions and Mediterranean climate regions have an average temperature of 14 degrees Celsius. The annual precipitation varies significantly across different biomes, with 200-300 mm occurring in dry steppes and a whopping 3500 mm occurring in southern costal regions of high elevation and in the direct path of precipitation-carrying clouds. One can easily equate the climate zones of the Starfall Isles to those of Chile and Argentina. [b]Wind[/b] - the territory of the Windswept Plateau features a very wide variety of different biomes and climates across the region. The entirety of the region experiences a form of seasons, all of it following the four-season model, with the only partial exception being the Dao island with a small portion of it having a subtropical climate and primarily experiencing dry (winter) and wet (summer) seasons. The southernmost mountain range, also known as the Tiyuet, is a place of high precipitation as it acts as a physical barrier for the clouds, accumulating the rainfall and snowfall. It is the place of origin for many small but important rivers that descend the mountains and highlands, and into the interior. An offshoot of the Tiyuet, the Himmekun mountain range, also produces the longest river in the Windswept Plateau, known as the Tzi River. Due to the high elevations of the south and the west, the interior features a somewhat dry climate, the biomes predominantly being temperate deciduous forests, temperate steppes and dry steppes. The Windswept Plateau is one of the most densely populated areas of Sornieth, primarily because of its pleasant, temperate climate and fertile, arable land, both in lowlands and highlands. The annual average precipitation ranges from 300 mm in the steppes, over 800 mm within the temperate forests, all the way into the 2000s for the subtropical forests of the Dao island. Tiyuet's peaks and alpine tundras only experience anywhere from 50 to 200 mm of annual precipitation. The average temperatures range from 8 degrees in the steppes to 20 degrees Celsius in the subtropics, while the highest regions of the Tiyuet are subsequently the coldest with the average being -2. [b]Shadow[/b] - the Tangled Wood, just like the Windswept Plateau, features an incredibly vast array of different biomes, terrain and climates. It is the second most densely populated region due to its fertile land, easily traversable plains and forests, a very pleasant climate and conveniently habitable topography. The majority of the territory features a temperate climate of both deciduous and evergreen forests, as well as some small steppes in its interior and a Mediterranean climate in the south, along the coastal, lowland border with the Sunbeam Ruins. The northern region closest to the poles predominantly has taigas, with some alpine tundras and lowland tundras scattered throughout. Despite the harsh in the northwest due to cold oceanic currents, the land is still inhabitated by dragons and beastfolk alike, while the northeast features a much more pleasant climate due to the far-reaching warm currents. The summers are warm and the winters range from cold to mild in the temperate regions, while the Mediterranean climate experiences dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters. The majority of the territory is low in elevation, with only a few mountain ranges scattered throughout, none of them exceptionally high. Most of the hills are ancient, eroded over the eons and rich in fossils, exposing the fossils of primeval aquatic organisms of early Sornieth. Those rolling hills aren't enough to cause a large shift in climate, but they contribute to rainfall, unlike the highest mountain ranges that accumulate the downpour and form some of the economically and agriculturally most important rivers of the region. A lot of Draconic and Beastclan cities were founded along the banks of said rivers, which the land is littered with. The Tangled Wood has more than 350 rivers, the Tunay and Vlaga being the longest and largest rivers, while smaller streams like creeks are in the hundreds of thousands. The valleys of those large rivers are filled with extremely fertile, nutrient-rich soil, perfect for the development of permanent settlements, advancement of agriculture and husbandry. Unlike the northern and central parts of the Tangled Wood which mostly feature woodlands, forests and meadows, in the southern regions with a Mediterranean climate, the karst topography is predominant, creating fascinating landscapes of white, carbonate rocks strewn throughout the meadows, scrub, forests and woodlands. It is a region of many sinkholes, wondrous caves, sinking rivers, karst plains, aquifers and springs, and white stone beaches like those of dolomite, gypsum and limestone are incredibly common. Many sinking streams flow into the Uatch Ur (Sea of a Thousand Currents). The annual precipitation of the entire continent is relatively even, ranging from 500 mm to 1,600 mm, depending on the biome. The northwest has the annual mean of 0 degrees Celsius, the northeast around 5, central Tangled Wood of around 8, while the Mediterranean region has an average of 15 degrees. [b]Plague[/b] - [b]Earth[/b] - Dragonhome is a very vast and large continent spanning over 32 million square kilometres. Nestled in the tropical, subtropical and with a small portion in the temperate zone, it is one of the most climatologically diverse continents. Only the far south experiences a temperate climate with temperate forests, steppes and Mediterranean biomes, where a fairly large portion of its population resides. Due to the continent's unique elevation and scattered mountain ranges, particularly near the western, southern and eastern coast, the interior of the continent is exceptionally dry, primarily featuring xeric shrublands, semiarid deserts, arid deserts and minor dry steppes. The majority of the precipitation occurs in those mountain ranges and highlands, leaving the interior mostly dry, apart from some of the most awe-inspiring rivers of the world. The two largest and longest rivers are Reiio and Aridado, the first flowing from the eastern mountain range through the northeast, feeding large grasslands and woodlands, while the second bore an enormous canyon with its might during its primeval days, and is the most important source of water for the populations of the Aridian Desert. They both provide fertile soil and water for agriculture along the banks, many populations solely relying on it for sustenance. Alongside Reiio and Aridado, there are some smaller rivers scattered throughout the wasteland, as well as some underground streams. The Sabana region in the north is nestled within the tropical belt, consisting of tropical grass savannas, tree savannas, subtropical rainforests, subtropical and tropical dry forests and tropical rainforests. It is densely populated due to its fertile soil, plentiful water and wood resources, and extremely diverse vegetation and fauna. The soil of the Aridian Desert is rich in iron, making it distinctly red, but far less than the sand of the Scarred Wasteland. The land features sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, the most common being sandstone, limestone, hornfels, granite, siltstone and marble. The iron-rich soil extends far into the tropics, as well, making the mud there reddish and orange. Only the southern Resona region and the Mediterranean Kaliifa region experience traditional seasons, while the desert interior and the tropical regions only experience small differences in monthly temperatures or have dry and wet seasons, respectively. The average yearly temperature of Resona is around 14 degrees Celsius, the Kaliifa region gets a warm 19 degrees, the Aridian Desert has an average of 26 degrees and the Sabana 27 degrees Celsius. The interior receives anywhere from 0 to 200 mm of rainfall per year, some years can go without any rainfall, Resona receives a fair amount of rainfall of around 2000 mm annually, Kaliifa experiences much less rain anywhere from 400-1000 mm annually, while the Sabana varies between 1000 and 3000 mm. ----- Approximately what Sekhet Aaru could be imagined as, being looked at from a higher position. [img]https://i.postimg.cc/8DT2q5WJ/Assassin-s-Creed-Origins-Screenshot-2020-08-11-17-51-38-16.png[/img] [map x=3119 y=2773 view=land width=480 height=240]Sekhet Aaru[/map] [right][u][i]Approximate location on the FR map[/i][/u][/right]

[center][font=papyrus][size=7][b]Biota & environment[/b][/size][/font][/center] [font=tempus sans itc]The delta's biodiversity is an exceptional element of the Tesheret desert, with a vast range of unique and beautiful species of animals, plants and fungi residing in this green oasis. From small fish, over vibrant hibridits, all the way to the largest of mammals, this area is home to many wonderful and diverse types of organisms.[/font] [center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/v8NvnKqn/image.png[/img][/center] [font=papyrus][size=5][b]Important notes:[/b][/size][/font] [LIST] [*][font=tempus sans itc]the organisms of Sornieth are genetically and taxonomically completely unrelated to the organisms of Earth as they are alien lifeforms, therefore taxonomical categorisations such as "animal", "plant", "fish", "fungus", "mammal", etc are all simplified terms for easier comprehension. As they are unrelated, they do not belong to individual groups of taxonomy of Earth's life (e.g. Plantae, Animalia, Chordata, Arthropoda), but for simplicity's sake, I refer to them as such as the biota of Sornieth closely reflects the biota of Earth...and because people will understand it more easily [*][font=tempus sans itc][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2982477]related thread that explains the phylogeny of Sornieth life in a simplified template[/url] [/LIST] ----- [center][font=papyrus][size=6][color=#731d08][b]Xenoanimalia[/b][/color][/size][/font][/center] [font=papyrus][size=5][b]Xenochordata - "Fishes"[/b][/size][/font] [font=tempus sans itc]The fertile and ever-flowing, clean streams of the Nekhir, its murky and silent backwaters, small and crisp aquifer lakes, and the brackish waters at the very delta are all teeming with extraordinary forms of aquatic life, many of which are fish. The sluggish stream of the river is home to many freshwater fish; from small cichlids, guppies and discuses, over medium sized and opportunistic Eonile perches, basslets and smallmouths, all the way to the largest of predatory fish such as Eonile catfish, tilapia, gars and tigerfish. Different species have filled different niches, as well as found their place in different environments. The smallest herbivores and omnivores hide amongst the reeds and beneath logs of trees near the bottom and close to the shore, feeding on algae or unlucky invertebrates, rustling up the sediment in search for food, while the swifter opportunistic predators use the powers of the stream to pursue and hunt their prey. Medium-sized predators can be found in slightly deeper areas of the river, in the zone of slightly faster flow where they hunt for reckless minnows. In the deepest areas of the river, at around 7 meters of maximum depth, reside the largest predators and largest of herbivores, such as gar, catfish and carp, respectively. In aquifer lakes that create small oases which can be found in the vicinity of the stream, small herbivores and omnivores are the ones that thrive the most. Large predators are basically non-existent so the smaller fish can successfully and almost carelessly feed on the algae and even on the fruit that falls into the water. Several different niches are filled in those lakes, from bottom feeders at the bottom, over grazers in the middle zones, all the way to fruit eaters near the surface and insectivores who jump out of the water to catch unsuspecting insects. Due to mineral-rich waters of springs that feed the lakes, Hardwater Loaches are one of the most successful fish in oases. The backwaters of the Nekhir are filled with the largest populations of herbivores and insectivores such as carp, cichlids, barbs, distichodus, silversides and perches, while also hosting the largest predators such as catfish, tilapia, gar, arowana and the largest of bass. Those calm and murky green waters are sufficiently isolated from the stream to establish their own small and unique environments, usually overshadowed by mangroves, dense foliage and palm trees. One of the most unique inhabitants are the two species of the Equatorial lungfish genus. Brackish waters of the delta are home to several unique species that are adapted to turbulent changes in salinity, and while those areas are inaccessible to specific species, they are still full of life. Numerous marine and freshwater species can be found in the very delta such as mullets, the Eonile carp, barbs, some species of catfish, eels, gobies, blennies, breams, flounders and less frequently tilapia, but small sharks can also be found wandering into the upper part of the delta as well as the well-known Brack Bloat. Due to the river's stream, the salinity around the delta is fairly low. The following are some of the classified fish inhabitants of the area: [columns][color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Sharks[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=barhide cat shark][item=aberrant cat shark][item=striped biter][item=lesser shallowshark][item=leopard needletooth][item=grey catshark][item=shale thresher][item=granite thresher][nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]Sharks are a particularly diverse group of cartilaginous fish and they come in many shapes and sizes. They can be found primarily in saltwater, however several species are capable of traversing into freshwater successfully, including the Nekhir. They tend to be the top predators of their ecosystem, and are only threatened by draconic intervention. Sharks in this region of the western coast of the Sea of a Thousand Currents aren't a particularly common sight, however some sharks are more commonly distributed than others. Requiem sharks such as tiger sharks, reef sharks and blue sharks, and mackerel sharks such as great whites and makos are a more common occurrence in deeper waters which do not belong to the territory of Sekhet Aaru. However, more commonly occurring genera and species are those of catsharks. These several species of catsharks are well-distributed throughout the entire western and north-western coast of the Thousand Current Sea, although many are found in the outer oceans as well. These catsharks are well-adapted to the waters of lower salinity and are the most successful sharks of this region, primarily due to their ground-feeding nature which is supported by this area's ecosystem. Whalesharks are exceptionally rare.[/columns] [columns][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]Rays are cartilaginous fish closely related to sharks, and they are known for their unique, flat body shape with elongated pectoral fins (arms) that are spread along their body. They are primarily bottom dwellers but are also quite successful predators. All four orders of rays can be found in this region although smaller species such as stingrays and skates are more common than larger species. Shovelnoses are the rarest of all the rays, containing only two migratory species who very rarely approach the shore. Eagle rays, the family which mantas belong to, are the second rarest, while the family of whiptail stingrays is the most plentiful one, followed by classic rays and electric rays respectively. Species such as ribbontails, marbled stingrays, roughtails, starry rays and brown rays are well-distributed in shallow, coastal waters and can sometimes be found swimming up stream and into the Nekhir. Mantarunes can be found only during specific months following their migratory patterns, although certain individuals have been known to stick around all year long due to feeding. The marbled ray is the only species that is fully adapted to freshwater inhabitation and is strictly bound to the inner part of the river.[nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol] [color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Rays[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=marbled stingray][item=spotted stingray][item=coral dweller][item=leatherback wave sweeper][item=wave sweeper][item=mantarune][/columns] [columns] [color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Perch-like fishes[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=killer fanfish][item=currents fanfish][item=fanfish][item=carnival angelfish][item=sunset butterflyfish][item=four-eyed butterflyfish][item=double saddle butterflyfish][item=copperband butterflyfish][item=sea bass][item=nogglet][item=billy bass][item=pale smallmouth][item=smallmouth bass][item=warmouth][item=sunfish][item=pumpkinseed sunfish][item=bluegill][nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]There are hundreds of species of the Perciformes order known to inhabit the western coast of the Thousand Current Sea that spans over 110,000 kilometres of coastline of the Afruikan territory (Ashfall Waste, Shifting Expanse and Sunbeam Ruins.) Approximately 370 of those species can be found on the coast of the Shifting Expanse and in its lakes and rivers. Perciformes are the most numerous of all ray-finned fish and can be found in all aquatic ecosystems. They fill numerous different niches and can have extremely large size differences between species; from smallest planktonivores to the largest of carnivores. In this area, tangs, unicornfish and surgeonfish are plentiful, there are several dozen of cardinalfish species, several of which inhabit brackish waters. All of them are found in shallow areas. Blennies and gobies are extremely common, and are the most plentiful families found around the shore and in the shallows. Peacock blennies, rockskippers, stag blennies, black gobies, decorated gobies and giant gobies have the largest numbers of the two families. Another two families that are very common in shallow waters are butterflyfish and angelfish, especially longnoses, lined butterflies, threadfins, emperors, regals and Arabian angelfish. Groupers inhabit many different areas, from shallow waters to deeper areas. As gobies and blennies are the most plentiful in shallow waters, porgies, jacks, pompanos, snappers and goatfish inhabit slightly deeper regions. Breams in particular are extremely common and are used by residents as food. Cichlids inhabit brackish waters and fresh waters, and are quite a common occurrence. Fish such as hawkfish are quite rare and billfishes can be found only in deeper waters, outside of Sekhet Aaru's territory. Mackerels, tunas and bonitos are the ones who inhabit the deepest waters, farthest from the territory, but can sometimes be found near the coast. The only species of Lates perches is the Eonile perch that can grow to massive sizes and are quite ravenous and aggressive, while perches that belong to Percidae inhabit lakes and rivers and come in large numbers. Centrarchidae, also known as sunfish, inhabit freshwater regions and are mostly found in warm, slower-moving waters such as lakes and swamps. Smallmouths and largemouths are voracious predators and quite known for their brave nature.[/columns] [columns][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]Eels are known for their slender, elongated bodies and seemingly serpent-like appearance. Their dorsal and anal fins are fused with their caudal (tail) fin, running along their flattened bodies, creating a perfectly balanced ribbon. Eels are a less common occurrence in this area, however some species and individuals have been known to stick around in areas in which they can easily obtain food, both on their own or from Sekhet Aaru residents. Morays, snake eels, congers and garden eels can be found in this region, and by far morays appear to be the most plentiful in numbers of species, however garden eels are the most plentiful in terms of population numbers. Garden eels, due to very soft and smooth sand which is common in the area, are a very successful genus of eels. However, only two species are found in this region and those are the splendid garden eel and Gorgasia sillneri. Despite their fairly large numbers and a status of low concern, preservation measures such as protections have been put into action. Another eel, one that is quite elusive, is the common conger. They can be found in deeper waters and hide among grasses or inside hollow rocks, while moray eels inhabit shallower waters, particularly reefs. There are only three species of eel that inhabit freshwater habitats and those are the common eel and the two coiler species. Coilers are strictly freshwater species, both of which can be found in either mineral-rich lakes or in thermal lakes.[nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Eels[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=redfin eel][item=snowflake eel][item=firecoiler][item=warmwater twister][/columns] [columns][color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Carp-like fishes[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=subterranean goldfish][item=telescope butterfly][item=kuhli loach][item=hardwater loach][item=bluespot weather loach][item=rosaline gulper][item=common minnow][item=crystal carrier][nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]All Cypriniformes that are found in this region are strictly freshwater species or can survive in brackish waters. Carp are the most distributed types of Cypriniformes, mainly common carps, grass carps, silver carps and nigrus barbs. Eonile carps are quite rare and a pretty elusive species that can sometimes be caught on a hook but mainly with nets due to their diet of small invertebrates. Crucian carps, also known as goldfish, are very rare but can be found domesticated in artificial ponds. Loaches such as the Kuhli loach and Hardwater loach mainly inhabit lakes and ponds, particularly those that are rich in minerals such as aquifer lakes and oases.[/columns] [columns][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]Afruikan tetras aka the tetras that inhabit the territories of Fire, Lightning and Light, are the most diverse Characiformes of the region. They consist of small and large tetras, and tigerfish, known for their very long conical teeth inside their gaping mouths, who can grow to very large sizes. Wild tetras very rarely possess vibrant colours, however there have been instances of genetic anomalies in colouration of different species and breeds of wild tetras. All of the most vibrant tetras are the ones who can be found in artificial ponds and aquariums. Characins, silversides and true tetras are some of the most intriguing species of wild tetras. Tigerfish are less common, especially the large goliath tigerfish species that is known to grow over 2 meters in length. The only known predators to the goliath tigerfish besides Dragonkind and Beastclan are Eonile toridae, and there have been reports of tigerfish attacking Fae, Nocturne and Spirals. Besides tetras, there is also one known species of lutefish, three species of Distichodontids, and three species of hatchetfish that primarily inhabit the secluded and calm areas of the Nekhir such as backwaters. They are known to launch themselves out of the water and glide in the morning and evening, catching low-flying insects. Despite their small sizes, they are voracious predators.[nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Characins[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=cyan tetras][item=gilded tetras][item=pond slip][item=marbled hatchetfish][item=hatchetfish][item=silverside tetras][/columns] [columns][color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Wrasses[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=brackwater lumphead][item=blue buffalohead][item=ebony hogfish][item=speckled hogfish][item=pygmy wrasse][item=blue spot pygmy wrasse][item=deepwater constructor][item=eyebiter][item=blacksaddle wrasse][item=dogtooth wrasse][nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]Wrasses come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and mainly inhabit shorelines and shallow waters up to 15 meters, but can be found in areas of 50 meters of depth, although such depths do not exist in Sekhet Aaru territory. All wrasse species are strictly marine animals and can be found only near the seashore further from the delta. Peacock wrasses, rainbow wrasses and surge wrasses are the most common ones, however species such as large humpheads can also be found. They all feed on small invertebrates, primarily crustaceans, and some have even established symbiotic relationships with larger fish whom they clean. Parrotfish can primarily be found in atolls and small coral reefs in the region. Species such as Mefkat parrotfish, humpheads, bicolours, Kamur parrotfish and common parrotfish can be found across all reefs where they feed on algae or small animals. Their distinct beak-like structures made out of teeth are used to grind up coral.[/columns] [columns][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]Gar are an ancient order of actinopterygii, which is clearly visible on their seemingly prehistoric-looking exterior. Their long snouts are filled with rows of sharp, needle-like teeth, perfect for preying on smaller fish. They can be found in sluggish, murky waters such as the slowest flowing parts of the Nekhir, and in backwater habitats, lurking amongst grasses and weeds, waiting for their unsuspecting prey to arrive. They are not found in any aquifer lake due to the incredible clarity of those lakes, creating quite unfavourable elements for the gar. There are only two species of gar inhabiting this area: the Marsh Stalker and the Sicklemaw Gar, with the latter capable of surviving in the lower part of the stream in brackish water. Both of these species are capable of breathing air when it is needed and can rely on that evolutionary trait to survive.[nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Gars[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=marsh stalker][item=sicklemaw gar][/columns] [columns][color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Bony tongues[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=ringscale arowana][item=showman's arowana][nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]Sekhet Aaru and the waters that are a part of its territory are a home to several different genera of a very unique fish order called Osteoglossiformes aka bony-tongues. They are an ancient order of fish of unusual looks, perfectly adapted to their environments and for the niches they fill. All members of this order are strictly freshwater fish and can only be found in the upper stream of the river and in lakes. Four different families of bony-tongues can be found in the Nekhir and the surrounding lakes: the aba fish, the arowana, the elephantfish (also known as mormyrids), and the knifefish. There are two species of arowana, the Ringscale Arowana and the Showman's Arowana, both of which can be found in the river, backwaters and lakes. They are quite voracious and will feast opportunistically. Mormyrids (elephantfish) and the aba fish are closely related, both of which have very large brains compared to their body size, mainly due to the complexity of interpretation and analysation of bio-electrical signals. Both of those families of fish are capable of producing small electrical fields that aid them in sensing their surroundings, including communication. There are numerous species of mormyrids present in the Nekhir, however there is only one known species of the aba fish. Knifefish are fairly elusive and inhabit the deepest and the most sluggish parts of the Nekhir but, unlike others, are not found in lakes. They are nocturnal hunters and use their lateral line to sense their surroundings and, just like the aba, the Afruikan knifefish is the only species found in this area.[/columns] [columns][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]Cichlids are an unbelievably diverse family of fish, with approximately 2,500 species across Sornieth. There are carnivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous types of cichlids in this area, with the overwhelming majority residing strictly in freshwater habitats, although some species are capable of enduring brackish water more down the stream. The largest of all the cichlids are the tilapia (Oreochromini) and the Afruikan peacock bass, both of which can be found in the river and in lakes. There are several large and deep lakes in the Fire-Lightning territory in which the true tilapia (Tilapiini) and the Afruikan peacock bass thrive. In Sekhet Aaru territory, another genera such as Coptodon, jewel cichlids, mango tilapia, mouth-brooders, Uaru and happies can be found, all of which have extremely diverse species that can inhabit both the river and the lakes. There are several other cichlids that can primarily be found in lakes such as Rosy Similis and the Shell-Dwelling Cichlid, and numerous discus species. A subfamily of cichlids called Ptychochrominae are restricted to a large, heavily isolated island on the eastern coast of the Shifting Expanse, and although the fossil record suggests their ancestors have inhabitated the large land mass of Afruika, including the river Nekhir, those are the only living species today.[nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Cichlids[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=uaru][item=striped uaru][item=rosy similis][item=shell-dwelling cichlid][item=wild green discus][item=discus][/columns] [columns][color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Catfishes[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=pleco][item=broadback pleco][item=green corycat][item=corycat][item=umbral catfish][nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]Catfish are a diverse group of ray-finned fish, most commonly known for their facial barbels and unique head shapes with large mouths, although not all members of this order have barbels or large mouths. They are found primarily in freshwater habitats or rarely in brackish waters, but there are some marine species. Catfish are notorious for their voracious nature, and can usually be found near the bottom as the majority are bottom feeders. There are many different species of catfish that can be found around Sornieth, and they can vary greatly in sizes - from giant predatory catfish all the way to small parasitic catfish. Numerous different catfish families can be found inhabiting this area and are spread throughout the territory of Afruika, including the shallow seas around it. There are several visually unique catfish species such as the Bayad which belongs to the Bagrus genus, along with Semutundu. The Nekhir and the lakes surrounding it are home to airbreathing catfish, claroteid catfish, loricariids, armored catfish and squeakers, such as the mudfish, North Afruikan catfish, Pleco, Corycat, Wahrindi, Mandi and Upsidedown catfish. In saltwater habitats, catfish such as the ariid catfish and schilbid catfish can be found.[/columns] [columns][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]The Clupeiformes, best known as the food fish group, contain one of the most commercially important fish families such as herrings and anchovies. They are an unbelievably plentiful, common and widespread group of small to medium-sized fish. Most of them are planktivores, but there are numerous species that grow to fairly large sizes and are carnivorous. Fish such as those are wolf herrings - Dorab and whitefin wolf herrings, both of which can be found in the Sea of a Thousand Currents and in the Kamur Sea, spreading to the outer oceans. Another family of fish that is quite common is the one that contains herrings, shads, sardines, hilsa and menhadens. Species such as the common sprat, Madeiran sardinella, Punt sardine and bluestripe herring. Besides those species, there are also several species of anchovies and round herrings.[nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol] [color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Herrings, sardines, anchovies[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=dried anchovies][item=sardines][/columns] [img]https://i.postimg.cc/zzntn9Mb/silly.png[/img] [columns][color=transparent]hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh[/color] [center][font=papyrus][size=5][b]Lampriforms[/b][/size][/font][/center] [item=oarfish][item=giant oarfish][nextcol][color=transparent]hhh[/color][nextcol][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]Lamprids are an incredibly elusive and rare group of fish. Many of its species inhabit open oceans and deep waters which is why only a few are seen or, even more rarely, caught. While lamprids such as the sailfin moonfish are found in the outer oceans, opahs and ribbonfish can be found in the Sea of a Thousand Currents. Opahs are the most common, although they are still far from being put on the list of commonly found fish. It is thought that these fish feed on krill, squid and small fish, and are quite uniquely shaped compared to other lamprids. Oarfish on the other hand can be occasionally found in this area but only due to the channel of the Kamur Sea through which they wander in. They are very rarely encountered alive. Little is known about these fish, and while the opahs are more frequently encountered, they are still a very mysterious group of organisms.[/columns] [b]Superclass:[/b] Osteichthyes [b]Class:[/b] Actinopterygii [b]Subclass:[/b] Neopterygii [b]Order:[/b] Anabantiformes [item=violet betta][item=golden betta][item=golden snakehead] [columns][quote][b]Superclass:[/b] Osteichthyes [b]Class:[/b] Actinopterygii [b]Subclass:[/b] Neopterygii [b]Order:[/b] Gobiiformes [item=amber goby][item=almandine goby][/quote][nextcol][quote][b]Superclass:[/b] Osteichthyes [b]Class:[/b] Actinopterygii [b]Subclass:[/b] Neopterygii [b]Order:[/b] Syngnathiformes [item=flying gurnard][item=sunset sea dragon][/quote][nextcol][quote][b]Superclass:[/b] Osteichthyes [b]Class:[/b] Actinopterygii [b]Subclass:[/b] Neopterygii [b]Order:[/b] Istiophoriformes [item=scaleskin marlin][item=swordfish][/quote][/columns] [columns][quote][b]Superclass:[/b] Osteichthyes [b]Class:[/b] Actinopterygii [b]Subclass:[/b] Neopterygii [b]Order:[/b] Cyprinodontiformes [item=silver guppy][item=topaz guppy][/quote][nextcol][quote][b]Superclass:[/b] Osteichthyes [b]Class:[/b] Actinopterygii [b]Subclass:[/b] Neopterygii [b]Order:[/b] Beloniformes [item=wave skipper][item=flying fish][/quote][nextcol][quote][b]Superclass:[/b] Osteichthyes [b]Class:[/b] Actinopterygii [b]Subclass:[/b] Neopterygii [b]Order:[/b] Scorpaeniformes [item=citrus lionfish][item=longjaw lurefish][/quote][/columns] [columns][quote][b]Superclass:[/b] Osteichthyes [b]Class:[/b] Actinopterygii [b]Subclass:[/b] Neopterygii [b]Order:[/b] Kurtiformes [item=cardinalfish][/quote][nextcol][quote][b]Superclass:[/b] Osteichthyes [b]Class:[/b] Actinopterygii [b]Subclass:[/b] Neopterygii [b]Order:[/b] Pleuronectiformes [item=lakebottom flounder][/quote][nextcol][quote][b]Superclass:[/b] Osteichthyes [b]Class:[/b] Actinopterygii [b]Subclass:[/b] Neopterygii [b]Order:[/b] Tetraodontiformes [item=brack bloat][/quote][/columns] [center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/NgqpbWg7/goby.png[/img][/center] ----- [font=papyrus][size=5][b]Xenochordata - "Amphibians"[/b][/size][/font] [columns][quote][b]Class:[/b] Amphibia [b]Subclass:[/b] Lissamphibia [b]Superorder:[/b] Batrachia [b]Order:[/b] Anura [b]Suborder:[/b] Neobatrachia [b]Family:[/b] Ceratophryidae [item=molten tadpole][item=wartoad trainee][item=molten wartoad][item=wartoad][item=fear frog][item=terror toad][/quote][nextcol][quote][b]Class:[/b] Amphibia [b]Subclass:[/b] Lissamphibia [b]Superorder:[/b] Batrachia [b]Order:[/b] Anura [b]Suborder:[/b] Neobatrachia [b]Family:[/b] Hylidae [item=slimy delight][item=anomalous frog][item=reedhopper][item=canopy darter][item=river warden][/quote][/columns] [columns][quote][b]Class:[/b] Amphibia [b]Subclass:[/b] Lissamphibia [b]Superorder:[/b] Batrachia [b]Order:[/b] Anura [b]Suborder:[/b] Neobatrachia [b]Family:[/b] Mantellidae [item=dreamwaker][item=puddlehopper][item=regenerating reedjumper][/quote][nextcol][quote][b]Class:[/b] Amphibia [b]Subclass:[/b] Lissamphibia [b]Superorder:[/b] Batrachia [b]Order:[/b] Anura [b]Suborder:[/b] Neobatrachia [b]Family:[/b] Bufonidae [item=brown spot toad][/quote][nextcol][quote][b]Class:[/b] Amphibia [b]Subclass:[/b] Lissamphibia [b]Superorder:[/b] Batrachia [b]Order:[/b] Anura [b]Suborder:[/b] Neobatrachia [b]Family:[/b] Dendrobatidae [item=banded dart frog][/quote][/columns] [columns][quote][b]Class:[/b] Amphibia [b]Subclass:[/b] Lissamphibia [b]Superorder:[/b] Batrachia [b]Order:[/b] Urodela [b]Suborder:[/b] Salamandroidea [b]Family:[/b] Ambystomatidae [item=mudpuppy][item=salamander][/quote][/columns] ----- [font=papyrus][size=5][b]Xenochordata - "Reptiles"[/b][/size][/font] [font=papyrus][size=4]WIP[/size][/font] ----- [font=papyrus][size=5][b]Xenochordata - "Mammals"[/b][/size][/font] [img]https://i.imgur.com/HhOKqn5.png[/img] [font=papyrus][size=4][b]Desert Nightmare[/b][/size][/font] [font=tempus sans itc]Desert Nightmare (akhekh ses Teshert) is a species of Nightmare endemic to the great sandy desert of The Shifting Expanse. As all other Nightmares, they are omnivorous, however, desert Nightmares belong to the more carnivorous subgenus of the Noctoequus genus, allowing them to survive in very harsh conditions and possessing unique physical, psychological and social traits. [font=papyrus][b]Physical characteristics:[/b][/font] [font=tempus sans itc]Desert Nightmares are a very muscular and heavy-built species, the largest towering at around 2,7 meters at the highest point of the shoulder. Compared to equines of Earth, Nightmares are true giants, but observing the fauna of Sornieth and its planetary size, Nightmares are certainly not the largest creatures out there. This desert variety is by far the largest type of night horses that exist on Sornieth. Their heads are long but very sturdy, with a strong bite force, supported by their large masseter and temporalis muscles, which are both larger and stronger than of herbivorous animals and are more akin to carnivorous animals. Just like all Nightmares, the premaxilla, the front of the nasal bone and the front of the dentary are exposed and form a beak-like structure, however the bone closer to teeth is covered with a thin layer of tissue. They also have a prominent Roman nose which is very apparent from their profile. A trait unique to this desert species is the ability to partially close their nasal passages to prevent sand from entering. Desert Nightmares have very large, sharp and long canines that stick out out of the maxillary and dentary bones, which are used for swift and efficient killing of small to medium-sized prey, and their flexible lips allow them to open their mouth more than what an Earthen equine is capable of. Like all other Nightmares, they have horizontal pupils that are capable of dilating into a semi-rounded shape, but the eyes face more to the front, allowing these carnivorous horses to have excellent binocular vision and depth perception. Horns on their frontal bones can have several different textures and lengths but they never branch unless they were split by an injury. Most Nightmares have only 1 horn, 2 horns are also pretty common while 3 and 4 are fairly rare. Zygomatic protrusions are a trait that some Nightmares have and they resemble curved cow horns. Another noticeable trait is their very strong and muscular neck with a prominent curve and hump on their shoulders due to their enormous trapezius muscle. The neck is mostly adorned with a short and bristly, erect mane, but different breeds of desert Nightmares can possess semi-erect manes with longer hair hanging down their neck. Their shoulder and neck muscles are incredibly strong, allowing them to have extreme upper body strength. Their arms and legs are seemingly of the same length, and are very muscular and wide, allowing them to trek for long periods of time and to have fast and strong bursts of movement when running; you do not want to be kicked by their leg. Unlike Earthen horses and the more herbivorous varieties of Nightmares, these carnivorous horses have much more flexible wrists and ankles, with carpal movements more closely resembling those of canines, hyenas or in some cases even felines. Their carpal joint allows them to put their hands into a neutral position (palm facing inward) while their shoulders are flexible with a wider rotational degree compared to any Earthen equine or other ungulate. Their forearms, hands, lower legs and feet are all adorned with "primitive markings" (stripes). The fingers and toes (hooves) are flatter, wider and rest on the second and third phalanx, rather than just resting on the tip of the third phalanx, ensuring more stability and safety for joints. Both their hands and feet feature three fingers or toes, with the middle one being the largest and widest, while the index and ring fingers/toes support some of the weight. A trait unique to the carnivorous subgenus of Nightmares are the vestigial thumbs and pinkies that are clawed but do not touch the ground. All desert Nightmares have extremely short tails with no long hair or hair tufts, and resemble those of a docked rottweiler or doberman's tail. Another very obvious trait that is present in all members of the Noctoequus genus and was present in their distant ancestors is the ability to constantly produce a chemical that reacts with oxygen, resembling a smoke-like effect and emitting a faint glow primarily visible in the dark. [font=papyrus][b]Ecology:[/b][/font] [font=tempus sans itc]Desert Nightmares, as their name suggests, inhabit the great desert Teshert of The Shifting Expanse and are endemic to this region. Their habitats range from the dry sandy dunes and xeric shrublands, over rocky highlands and grassy savannas, all the way to the green delta of the river Nekhir. They are highly adapted to the harsh and dry desert environment and can survive for weeks without water. They are omnivorous which means they can live both on plant fiber and meat but prefer to have access to both types of food and a diverse diet. They will rarely eat grass but will if they have to, they mainly prefer greener plants and leaves such as reeds or tree leaves, fruit such as pomegranates, pears, apples and melons, vegetables such as lettuce and carrots, and meat of antelopes, rambras, ibexes, wild sheep and wild goats. However, due to their resistant and hardy nature, they are capable of surviving on bark, roots, cacti and carrion when in harsher conditions. Numerous clans that have lived in the desert for generations are more adapted to that sort of diet. [font=papyrus][b]Social:[/b][/font] [font=tempus sans itc]All Nightmares lie on the part of the spectrum of intelligence similar to the one found in Earthen order Carnivora which means their cognitive abilities, behaviour and social characteristics resemble those of Felidae, Canidae, Ursidae, Hyaenidae and similar. More herbivorous Nightmare subgenera stick in clans of mixed sexes and tend to form larger clans, sometimes merging with other clans for practicality, benefits and social interaction. The more carnivorous subgenus of Nightmares, the one desert Nightmares belong to, form more closely-knit clans with fewer members and a much stronger bond between individuals. Hierarchy in these clans is based solely on performance, competence and social influence aka others will follow the one or the ones who prove themselves as most competent. [i]Let's say they really like chutzpah.[/i] These horses have a complex social structure; both males and females can prove themselves as the ones with most competence, and they will remain leaders as long as someone doesn't prove themselves as a better, more competent individual, and the current leader will hand over the role. The role of the leader is frequently exchanged and corresponds to the situation in a longer period of time. Alongside leaders, there are also protectors who will ensure the safety of the clan. Nightmares perform very well both in groups and on their own, and can hunt together or as individuals. They always make sure to return to the group once night falls. Nightmares, just like other social animals and all other complex organisms, have a wide variety of personalities which entirely depend on the individual; breeds do not determine personality. While some individuals are very loud, rude and unfriendly, there are just as many who are pleasant, kind and understanding. From anxious and wary individuals over smaller and feisty ones, all the way to gentle giants, serious and stoic beauties, and mischevious...basards. However, the most frequently present trait amongst all is wanting to enjoy themselves and maintaining peace. All Nightmares are extremely expressive creatures. Their lips, mouths, eyebrows, facial muscles and ears all contribute to effective and straightforward communication, but if reared in isolation, gestures common to other Nightmares might be hard to learn. Their movement resembles that of both canines and equines, with seemingly erratic movement of the head, nodding, clopping, stepping, shifting and prancing, but also direct eye contact, playful bows, tail wagging, rolling, showing the stomach, snarling nose, eyebrows that show curiosity, anger, sadness and happiness. Nightmares are also very vocal, capable of producing all sorts of noises. They are known for their loud medium-pitched shrieks and hollering that sounds similar to dragging metal on concrete. They are capable of making snorting noises, grunts, nickers, low-pitched barks, snarls and roars. Snorting and grunting is used when the horse is neutral but active, curious and content, sighing is a sign of relaxation and/or boredom while nickering is usually used as a short greet and to remind others of their presence. Barks and shrieks are both used in many instances, be it showing happiness, excitement, playful brashness or just proving a point. However, shrieks and hollering can also be used to express annoyance or dislike towards someone else and their actions; the only way to know is to observe their movements and facial expressions. Snarling is used as a warning, and once roaring starts, you know that you messed up. Noctoequines that live in arid regions are known for their impeccable sense of smell and ability to find underground waters such as aquifers. They can frequently be observed digging in the sand and dirt to reach underground waters, and not only does that physical and intellectual ability help them to survive in deserts but it can also help all sorts of other organisms in survival. Many other animals can be seen using the water holes, and both Dragonkind and Beastclans have found a way to utilise the skills of these desert horses. All desert Nightmares retain a lot of fluids in their bodies for surviving treks across the desert which is why they look so strong and plump, as well as why they are fairly heavy. Horses who have spent a lot of weeks in the desert, away from water sources, tend to be leaner until they've regained the water they'd lost. [font=papyrus][b]Relations with Dragonkind and Beastclans:[/b][/font] [font=tempus sans itc]Due to Nightmares' independent nature, lots of personal opinions and great survival skills, Nightmares need to be co-operated with. There needs to be a mutual understanding and bond between the horse and the sapient individual. "Ownership" of these horses is pretty much impossible due to them pursuing their own choices and opinions, but training and obedience can be easily achieved as long as proper communication, mutual understanding and beneficial bonds are established. To put it simply, many of these horses aren't pleasers; they will do what they want to do as long as there is peace. However, when a bond is established, they will treat the sapient individual as an equal and someone worth protecting; if you managed to bond with the horse, they would adopt you to their clan. Bonds like these can produce lifelong friendships or working relationships. Dragons frequently ride Nightmares, and all bipedal, terrestrial Beastclans are capable of the same, so riding, racing and chariot driving is possible. Most activities desert Nightmares are used for are field work, towing, guarding, hunting, scouting or, rarely, shows. A cultural trait unique for Sekhet Aaru is shaving patterns into the horse's fur for aesthetic purposes. [img]https://i.postimg.cc/v8BzcyzM/Aasha.png[/img] ----- [font=papyrus][size=5][b]Xenochordata; Hexapedalia - Draconia[/b][/size][/font] [font=papyrus][size=4][b]Dragonkind[/b][/size][/font] Dragonkind is the most abundant and widespread group of dragons across Sornieth, due to their exceptional skills for adaptation to different temperatures and elements. They are one of numerous groups of organisms who developed sthe sophont status due to their evolutionary path consisting of object manipulation and complex social behaviour, such as teaching. Some other examples of sapient organisms of Sornieth are greattusks, mammophants and their relatives, bicorns, porpoises and their relatives, corvids, woodoons, squirmscoots, squid, octopodes and their relatives, parrots, rats, doves, kitsune, manticores and sphinxes. However, there are numerous other sophont groups that developed complex crafting abilities and language, also known colloquially as Beastclans, despite the fact that they may consist of distantly related organisms. Those Beastclans consist of: [LIST] [*]Centaur - the hexapodal okapi-like folk [*]Talonok - hexapodal bird-like folk who include Harpies, Raptorik, Tengu, Corven, Aviars and the like [*]Serthis & Maren - very derived hexapods, skink-like folk with two pairs of nigh vestigial limbs; the Serthis are more land-based while the Maren prefer to live in coastal areas or build on water [*]Longneck - furred, bipedal folk, reminscent of a blend of kangaroos and alpacas [/LIST] Serthis, Maren and Talonok are the Beastclans most closely related to Dragonkind, all of which who stem from a shared distant ancestor, but rapidly diverging into different niches - Dragonkind went down the path of terrestrial, upright locomotion, Talonok kept powered flight, while Serthis elongated their bodies and shortened their limbs. [font=papyrus][b]Physical characteristics:[/b][/font] Dragonkind are known for their very diverse physical characteristics such as colour, size, facial structure, boney head adornments and filament coverage, while the most prominent differences come from various cultures in the form of fashion, manestyles, makeup and practices. Healthy and average Dragonkind adult height varies from 150 cm in smallest groups, such as Veilspun and Fae, to 270 cm in the largest sgroups, such as Imperials and Ridgeback. All Dragonkind features a predominantly upright, bipedal posture, with digitigrade or semi-plantigrade feet and locomotion, similar to those of parrots. Both of their two pairs of arms feature 5 fingers per hand, the 1st digit being an opposable thumb. Their distal pair of arms are adapted for grasping and precise object manipulation while their proximal pair still features the plagiopatagium that spreads to their flank from their 5th digit (pinky), as well as dactylopatagia that spread in between each finger. Those limbs once acted as wings in their ancient ancestors which supported powered flight, but as Dragonkind moved from arboreal habitation to the ground, with their mass increased and terrestrial habitation preferred, the wings reduced and instead helped with climbing and grasping. Those limbs are nowadays vestigial wings, but they are still used in other ways such as for object manipulation, balance, grasping, as well as in cultural and individual signalling through different adornments and accessories. Their feet have 5 toes, each ending with a claw, with racial, ethnical and individual differences, just like those in humans. Their earlier, arboreal ancestors of Dragonkind had opposable thumbs on their feet, aiding in grasping branches and trunks during climbing, but with the transition to terrestrial habitation, those thumbs were moved more forward in line with the rest of the toes, while still having some grasping functionality. As they are digitigrade, their weight is placed on their toes and the distal-most part of the sole aka the large pads. Their heels are much less padded compared to those of humans, as human locomotion and leg physiology are based on the plantigrade model. Dragonkind uses both digitigrade and plantigrade locomotion, with the latter more sparingly, but a plantigrade stance is much more commonly used when standing for more prolonged periods, lifting heavy objects, squatting or for general stabilisation. Running is predominantly digitigrade as their heels aren't developed for continuous strong impacts, but smaller races and species are capable of doing so. This frequent transitioning between a digitigrade and plantigrade stance is the reason why all Dragonkind footwear reaches their heel and covers the entire sole of each foot. Unlike quadrupedal and hexapedal organisms, as well as distant Dragonkind ancestors, Dragonkind have a less barrel-like torso. They feature wider shoulders with their shoulders positioned more outwards, significantly increasing the range of movement, and their ribcage compressed and flatter, having long lost the enlarged sternum for the attachment of strong flight muscles. Compared to other extant and extinct dragon groups, their pelvis is at a slightly different angle and more in line with the spinal column, more suited for upright bipedal locomotion. All groups of Dragonkind have external ears aka pinnae, some much larger and more developed, while some are much smaller and near vestigial. Those with larger ears still retain complex and strong muscles that can orientate the earlobes in different directions, while those who have more reduced earlobes have less-developed muscles for the same function. Ethnical and racial differences in sizes also show up, although they are miniscule. Those who live in polar regions are much more likely to have reduced ears, even those groups who usually have much larger ears such as Pearlcatchers, as extremities lose heat and can become frostbitten very quickly in temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, those who live in equatorial regions can have larger ears to help with cooling, but that sort of characteristic is only prominent in species and genera who have larger ears. The maxillary length varies significantly based on the group of dragons. Imperials, Spirals and Veilspun are known for their exceptionally elongated maxillae, while Fae and Coatl are on the different side of the spectrum. Tundra, Gaoler and Obelisks all have fairly tall snouts while Wildclaw and Skydancers have much flatter snouts. Pearlcatchers, Bogsneak and Mirrors are just about in the middle, and individual differences also exist. Dentary plans are the same across all Dragonkind and are adapted to an omnivorous diet, but large canines persist entirely due to cultural admiration and respect of such characteristics. The dental plan consists of 6 upper incisors, 6 lower incisors, 4 upper canines, 4 lower canines, 4 upper premolars, 4 lower premolars, 4 upper molars and 6 lower molars. The incisors are not nearly as wide or large as those of hominids, but are instead more compact and sharper, similar to those of baboons and mandrills. Canines consist of front canines and back canines, with the front being positioned right after the third incisor on each side, while the back canines are positioned right behind the front canines and in between the first premolar. Only the frontmost canines are large while the back ones are smaller and less sharp. The premolars are much sharper than the molars, but significantly flatter and wider than any of the front teeth. They are somewhat similar to canid premolars and molars but usually flatter and wider, more adapted to an omnivorous diet. The temporomandibular joint of the jaw allows slight side to side and front to back movement which helps with chewing. All dragons possess 2 types of horn processes on their skulls, but with some more and some less prominent in specific breeds, species, genera and subtribes. The horn processes are located on the front part of each parietal bone and above the temporoparietal suture. There is an additional process on the dentary called the angular process, but it is not an attachment for true horns, only the potential keratinous growth such as a combination between a warthog wattle and the subtympanic shield on an iguana or the jugal horn on ceratopsians. The actual existence of horns depends on the genes, just like in sheep such as the Jacob sheep breed that usually has four horns compared to the usual two. Some individuals might not have any horns at all. Dragonkind has varying physical characteristics based on individualism as well, such as some individuals being large and bulky, some being small and elegant, some thin, average or chubby, strong and muscular or average and lean, soft and round or with more defined jaws, and so on. Those characteristics are not only affected by genes or race but also by their lifestyle, cultural customs and wealth. In draconic society, styling manes, equipping personalised accessories and wearing makeup are factors that overall mark the person as a true individual with their own identity, usually with varying levels of complexity between cultures. As it is expected, some individuals are much less motivated to care about such a thing, but that in turn also defines their identity. [font=papyrus][b]Phylogeny and history:[/b][/font] [LIST] [*]Obelisks, Tundra and Gaoler are very closely related, they are within the same species, e.g. H0m0 sapiens [*]Spirals, Imperials and Veilspun are within the same species [*]Bogsneak, Coatl and Fae are within the same genus, e.g. H0m0 (sapiens, neanderthalensis, heidelbergensis, floresiensis, etc) [*]Pearlcatchers and Mirrors are two different genera, e.g. H0m0 vs Australopithecus, but belong to the same subtribe, e.g. Hominina [*]Skydancers, Aberrations and Wildclaws share the same genus [*]Obelisks, Tundra, Gaoler, Imperials, Spirals, Veilspun, Bogsneak, Coatl, Fae, Pearlcatchers and Mirrors are all within the same tribe, e.g. Hominini [*]Snappers, Ridgeback, Guardians and Nocturne are all relatively closely related, each species belongs to its own genus, but as a group, they are a sister taxon to the tribe the others belong to, e.g. Gorillini vs Hominini [*]Banescales are the most distant relatives and just belong to the same supefamily the other dragons belong to [/LIST] [center][font=papyrus][size=6][color=#731d08][b]Plantae[/b][/color][/size][/font][/center] [font=tempus sans itc]The river Nekhir provides the essentials for creating a highly biodiverse environment. The delta is home to hundreds of different species of animals, and just as many species of plants, including numerous endemic species. An extraordinary endemic species of plant, belonging to the Vitis genus, is the desert grape vine ([i]Vitis aridus[/i]). This species of the domesticated grape vine is capable of fruiting twice a year due to the ideal climate conditions. In this part of the world, there are no cold seasons, creating the perfect conditions for this plant to be active for the entire year without having the need to be dormant. It doesn't require a lot of water compared to its temperate climate counterparts, but it still cannot grow in completely arid environments which is why it is distributed along the riverbank and in the delta. It grows small white flowers which produce dark red medium-sized grapes, mainly due to the limited water resource. However, if the farmer supplies enough water, the grapes can become quite large. The flavour is very strong and distinct. The desert grape is used for both fruit consumption and the production of wine, both of which are the staples of Sekhet Aaru's agriculture. ----- [center][font=papyrus][size=6][color=#731d08][b]Fungi[/b][/color][/size][/font][/center] [font=tempus sans itc]Due to the hot desert climate in the delta, and the dry, rocky karst environment with xeric shrubland on the coast and the islands, very few fungi have the means to grow in such temperatures. However, as it is with life, there are always resistant exceptions. The Nekhir Delta is home to a special type of subterranean fungus - the Tesheret truffle, also called the desert truffle. As its name suggests, it thrives in hot, arid or semi-arid environments, and due to its specific requirements that are found in the delta, this truffle is an endemic species. Other types of desert truffles exist in the Tesheret, however the [i]Flumotuber deserti[/i] only exists in the delta of the river Nekhir. It lives in symbiosis with several types of plants, mainly trees such as date palms, olives, evergreen oaks, acacias, pines and cypresses, from which it earns its required nutrients and obtains the water it so desperately needs. Due to its dependence on those plants, in Sekhet Aaru it is strictly forbidden to take down any tree without proper authorisation in areas that are known to contain desert truffles. It varies in colour from ash grey to black, even though some specimens can be dirty white. Due to its very strong and potent flavour, it is considered a culinary delicacy and it is sought after in the desert. Also called [i]Histria gold[/i] due to its resemblance of Istrian truffles and its high value status, there have been numerous nomadic truffle hunters in this region who passed on their traditions to either their descendants or their trusted companions. However, due to the loss of local nomadic culture, at least until Sekhet Aaru was established, Apedemak is currently one of only a few truffle hunters in the region.

[center][font=papyrus][size=7][b]Culture[/b][/size][/font][/center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/cMq5KUh.png[/img] [center][font=papyrus][color=#731d08][size=6][b]Architecture[/b][/size][/color][/font][/center] [font=tempus sans itc]- Assassin's Creed: Origins screenshots are used to provide visuals for simplicity's sake The architecture is based on Ancient Egyptian, Hellenistic, Roman, minor Middle Eastern and Istrian aspects with some Sornieth details thrown in. It is an eternal paradise in the Tesheret desert, in the delta of the river Nekhir. The material that is used for construction is either mud gotten from the Nekhir which is then formed into bricks and baked in the sun, or out of clay which tends to be more solid. Those smaller mud-brick homes use mud because it provides great insulation which shields from the intense day heat. Although, mud is not used as the only building material for houses for living as mud can get fairly brittle and has to get renewed after a few years. Buildings in which only mud and some wood are used are primarily temporary farmer houses (small shelters near the riverbanks that get flooded during flood seasons), shelters (which are used as lounging and resting areas in the fields), pigeon towers and grain storerooms or silos. Field shelters are also sometimes made out of reeds. Mud bricks, stone and wood is used for gorgeous irrigation systems such as mills, canals, pools and the sorts. Another thing that is very commonly found in this region as well as the rest of the Shifting Expanse are structures called "dry walls". They are walls made out of stone without any sort of adhesive to bond said stones but they are rather constructed to fit in individually like jigsaw pieces. This sort of tradition is very old and it helps not only with separating individual land but also to safely keep sheep, goats and other animals, to strengthen the terrain of groves and orchards, to provide shelter from low sandblows, prevent erosion, floods, landslides and desertification of the soil. Not only that but small shelters made out of carefully placed stone can also be found in grazing areas of herds and flocks. [img]https://i.imgur.com/Tb9HFJf.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]Grain storage buildings, currently flooded by the river[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [img]https://i.imgur.com/dozXLaQ.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]Wheat fields are a frequent occurrence all across Sekhet Aaru[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [img]https://i.imgur.com/wqK4rdL.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]The traditional but grade A irrigation system is mostly connected throughout the entire field through a lot of canals reinforced with bricks and separated with finely-designed separators that can be lowered or lifted as needed[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [img]https://i.imgur.com/7yBPBWG.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]Large pigeon towers and grain silos loom over the fragrant fields of poppy plants, flax and onions[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [img]https://i.imgur.com/XB8pARc.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/lhavRrL.png[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]"Dry walls" such as these are a very common occurrence in this region and can be found across the Shifting Expanse in areas in which Dragonkind lives, as well as these stone shelters called Kažun[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [font=tempus sans itc]Many houses are simple, smaller houses made out of hardened mud and bricks, with strong wooden internal framing. All of those types of houses have access to a flat roof which can be used for lounging, sleeping, decor or storage. Both the interior and exterior are purposely made to look rustic and ancient but in reality the interior is actually perfectly levelled and constructed within modern standards. It looks very rustic [b]and[/b] exotic at the same time. The interior tends to be heavily adorned with flowers, linens, carpets, torches and all sorts of everyday items, as storing your tools and items away is highly impractical and would require much more storage space which is deemed unnecessary, unless the items need to be protected from the dust. We go by "if you have things, show them freely to your neighbour." Along with dried flowers and herbs, one of the highest compliments to the visitor's eyes are vases and pots upon pots of beautiful indoor plants, and complimenting the owner's plants is one of the most flattering praises one can receive. Basically, clutter is highly encouraged and it fills the room in a highly aesthetical way - no minimalism here! [img]https://i.imgur.com/bnIkvIF.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/EmL3qvf.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]A section of your usual interior, in this case, one heavily adorned with herbs which fill the air with strong aromas[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [img]https://i.imgur.com/N1bbjvT.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/J00ku5c.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]A walk through the more densely-populated area of the village in the afternoon will certainly be accompanied by the smell of cooked coffee, sweet fruit cakes, and the laughter of the denizens, with rows of freshly-washed laundry hung on the line above your head[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [font=tempus sans itc]When it comes to actual living houses, as mud and clay bricks are unbelievably versatile, they are used in all sorts of houses, from small ones to huge villas, but they're also reinforced with strong palm and pine wood beams. In the majority of houses in general, finely cut or well-arranged stone is used for the base of each outside wall, then bricks are piled on top, as solid stone provides stability but it's also really good for insulation. This isn't an area that experiences earthquakes frequently so that's not an issue. These houses are also built with finely polished limestone and sandstone slabs, each has a flat, accessible roof mainly for lounging and parties. [img]https://i.imgur.com/tNQLV75.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]A common farmer's house, surrounded by groves of palm trees, apples, olives or citrus trees, and bushes or fields of flowers, usually on flat ground on different levels reinforced with stones[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [font=tempus sans itc]The majority of them are heavily decorated with beautiful and colourful floral, plant or animal motifs (mainly papyrus and water lilies) although that varies depending on the house owner. The columns have colourful capitals but the columns themselves are very colourful as well. The interior is just as colourful - with decorated walls and finely structured wooden ceilings. House sizes range from medium to very large, although those that are the largest also tend to hold numerous denizens. Every house has living/lounging quarters that have mattresses, futons, tables, chairs and seats as well as other homely elements like hanging plants, paintings, faience pottery and vases, and those rooms are usually used for sleeping. However, some houses do have rooms designated for sleeping and they are usually found upstairs. Those rooms also always have some sort of balcony. Some individuals prefer to have their meals prepared outside on grills, in cauldrons or stone ovens while some prefer to have their kitchens inside. Large, marble counters with solid drawers, compartments and metal or stone sinks are very common and a gorgeous aesthetical element of the interior. Golden chairs and wooden tables are a normal occurrence. Many bathrooms aren't really bathrooms, they are mini-bathhouses, based on Roman and Greek bathhouses, with stone, mosaic-tile baths in the middle of the floor of a fairly large, wonderfully-tiled room. However, not all houses have those as some individuals prefer outside pools, while the mortals can deal with anything bathroom-related in enclosed sections of the mini-bathhouses. Some larger houses also have enormous rooms, primarily on the second floor, which are only separated by beautiful, intricate room dividers. Those rooms tend to be used for sleeping, private lounging and parties, or for record-keeping and literary work. All houses have balconies and/or terraces, as lounging on the same is culturally seen as a gift and element of freedom. The balconies and terraces range from small, all the way to really enormous terraces. They're usually enclosed either with stone/brick walls or with beautiful wooden lattices. Lattices can also be found as awnings that are supported by pretty, colourful columns, usually adorned with silks or all sorts of colourful fabrics. Each house has some sort of garden for many plants, shrubs and a rectangular pond with fish, lilies and waterfowl. The size of the garden also depends on the individual's needs. [img]https://i.imgur.com/GTm9QfZ.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]An image of an interior resembling the lounging area of the Royal House (the residence of the gods Neb Ertcher and Kneph), although this particular one features a small bath next to the bed, when that can be found in a separate room[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [img]https://i.imgur.com/jG139c0.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]A finely-decorated garden with canals of flowing water spreading throughout it between individual buildings, and with flower fields arranged on different levels as the area on which the property was built isn't flat[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [img]https://i.imgur.com/P00ylIa.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/j9tUY2z.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]A classic, colourful Egyptian-style house for those with a more extravagant style, and its very pool that is situated in the front garden, on the image below[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [img]https://i.imgur.com/06Fbuat.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]The interior of a more spacious room in a common house, usually assigned to dining and lounging, adorned with colourful walls, small windows, and with soft pillows, futons, carpets and mattresses scattered about[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [img]https://i.imgur.com/4V6e9oy.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]A terrace such as this is a very common sight, as well as the people who sit on it during the morning or the afternoon[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [font=tempus sans itc]The gardens of houses range from small, enclosed gardens that are primarily filled with pretty flowers, vegetables and fruit, over larger decorative gardens that hold flowers and stone pools with waterlilies and papyrus plants, all the way to big and spacious gardens with gorgeous hedges, numerous pools, fountains and pathways. Just because a single house might not have both a huge front yard and a huge backyard, every single person has some sort of garden. While the god-royals might have a big and decorated garden on their estate, which includes a small grove of olive trees, they do not have outside fields, orchards or vineyards. Even those who enjoy smaller houses and gardens tend to have fields and orchards that can be triple the size of the royal estate. Trees that are most commonly found in gardens are conifers such as cypresses, pines, cedar, then fruit trees such as apples, pears, pomegranates, citrus trees or olive trees, numerous species of palm trees, acacias, tamarisks, and occasionally birch and willows. Other larger plants commonly found there are rose bushes, papyrus plants, waterlilies, as well as grape vine which is usually carefully grown in small plots or grown over trellises. No garden has a "spotless lawn" made only out of grass as we embrace biodiversity and clutter. Gardens are as wild as they can be, only arranged into a more orderly manner. In basically every garden, a small or even large well can be found which is used for obtaining fresh and cold water for drinking as those ground waters are clean, full of minerals and free of bacteria. Some have water pumps but most have stone wells with aesthetically pleasing wooden rooves built above. [img]https://i.imgur.com/uMggKOz.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.postimg.cc/fb1dHVFf/image.png[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]A garden reminiscent of the water garden of the god-royals[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [font=tempus sans itc]That is not all, however, as certain houses also feature more Hellenistic or Istrian elements such as partially having slanted rooves with beautiful terracotta tiles. Not only that but some also feature mixed sorts of art and interior design. Those that lean more to the Hellenistic style all have peristyles (open areas/gardens that can be found in the middle of the structure) although they are not very big. As usual, the base of the houses' walls is built out of stone in a style very reminiscent of Istrian houses, and the upper part built out of bricks. The bricks are covered with plaster to insulate and protect them better, and even out the exterior to better apply the paint. Windows have wooden frames and stone window sills (limestone, granite or marble). The windows tend to be small for better structural stability of the building and to prevent sand and dust from coming in. The larger ones can be freely opened while the smaller ones are usually just decorative wooden windows. The interior of such houses comes in all sorts of colours, although primarily warm. All have walls adorned with intricate imagery and golden elements and small pilasters are completely normal in all houses as they provide stability and a defined and refined look. Houses that feature the Hellenistic style also have wonderful, intricate friezes with imagery of everyday life. The interior pilasters don't usually feature any particularly complex capitals but the outside ones that are found on the corners of buildings tend to have fairly intricate capitals, very similar to the Corinthian style. Walls tend to be dark red or crimson with contrasting white or golden imagery on them, while the pilasters are white, black or stone-coloured. Shezmu's tavern, for example, is the perfect example of a Hellenistic style building. It is the biggest tavern of the village and is considered a welcoming place for travellers and merchants, in a mostly Hellenistic style with futons, pretty wooden chairs, intricate metal tables and marble counters, and beautifully painted walls adorned with shields, spears and trophies. Shezmu, the tavern owner, makes sure that the counters are always filled with food and drink, while all of the clan's denizens are free to eat, tourists and travellers need to have a coin to provide. The kitchen is a part of the dining area since it is a public place available to everyone, and the food preparation takes place in the same room. The tavern also has numerous rooms for travellers to rest in, many of them shared, or mattresses separated with dividers, all in a torch-lit environment. The tavern also has a yard enclosed by the building itself or by low hedges and fences, and the yard is used for dining as it is filled with tables and chairs with trellises overhead, as well as miniature freshwater fountains perfect for washing your hands. [img]https://i.imgur.com/XhRit2a.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]The beautiful red walls and intricate friezes give the visitors of the tavern the impression of a welcoming home[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [font=tempus sans itc]The centre of the village is comprised of numerous larger houses two to three storeys in height. Almost all of those houses are connected, either sharing a wall or through stone passages between the houses that have some sort of building element overhead. The innermost part, also known as the enormous inner yard (could technically be considered an "atrium" as it is surrounded by buildings) is a dusty, cobblestone bazaar. With wooden stalls ranging from one building to another, and narrow pathways between the stalls forcing you to be careful when passing through, it might give you feelings of excitement, delight and calm as the air is filled with exotic smells of fresh fruit, vegetables, perfumes and spices. Some stalls are also cleverly implemented into the architecture of the building itself. [img]https://i.imgur.com/VvYoaS3.jpg[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]Image of a bazaar awfully similar to the one of Sekhet Aaru[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [font=tempus sans itc]Palaces and temples are the grandest types of architecture, all are accessible to all folk, temples are open all the time while palaces are populated mostly in the evening and during the night during lavish parties, but are still accessible whenever. Temples are huge limestone structures with strong colourful columns and walls, limestone or granite floors (inside), usually with many columns consisting of grand statues, and sometimes walls were carved to present stunning wall carvings of people and other motifs. [img]https://i.imgur.com/DIPM8RM.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/vwkRfdF.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/9XQdIuD.jpg[/img] [font=tempus sans itc]Palaces are also huge stone buildings with enormous granite columns, have less plant motifs but more motifs of people and culture. Walls are usually white with pretty colourful patterns but the colour scheme is usually white, red, black and gold. Floors are once again granite or stone with geometric patterns. Both temples and palaces have enormous gardens; temple gardens are situated inside the building, palace gardens are outside the building. [img]https://i.imgur.com/EKldcoO.jpg[/img] [font=tempus sans itc]There are also other public types of architecture like the library, coliseum, granaries, taverns or the hippodrome. [img]https://i.imgur.com/dBmpW3I.jpg[/img] [center]~~~[/center] [font=tempus sans itc] [font=tempus sans itc]People mainly build their mertiu (houses) based on their own needs. A farmer would have nice living quarters next to a field or an orchard and a storage area for vegetables, fruit or grain. A fisherdragon would have a house next to the river or on a small island with a dock for their felucca, and some fishing rafts. A person of a fancy personality would have a larger, more colourful home, such as those of Lapis traders or jewellery makers. The winemaker, who is a royal, has a beautiful villa and an estate occupying the hill on which grape vine is grown, and the villa accommodates several workers/servants which is why it is bigger, plus a pretty pond and a visually pleasing interior and exterior are the little things that could make someone happier and feel more welcome. It is all based on taste and requirements. [b]Description of one of the two houses of the Royal Estate[/b] >the house is a smaller, sophisticated-but-ancient-inspired villa with Ancient Egyptian and Hellenistic elements, although it is primarily based on a Mediterranean house design, particularly Istrian >it has a large garden filled with terracotta-potted plants, cypress trees, small palm trees, surrounded by olive and mulberry trees with a small apple orchard in the back >right next to the house, to the right of the entrance, there is a small, ornate stone well and a water pump, including a beautiful trellis pergola with a meter tall stone wall supporting the arch on two sides, while the arch is covered in grapevine, underneath the pergola there is a stone table >the house's wall on the eastern side supports a large desert rose bush (endemic species) which has climbed onto the wall and is tended by Aseb >on the same eastern side, the majority of the furbished is there; it is rectangular in shape with dusty but neatly flattened earthen paths and tiled parts, surrounded by hedges, a fountain in the middle, numerous trellis arches and stone columns supporting grape vines, and alabaster benches >the area of the estate has numerous small, white, stone fountains and either has drywalls on one side or stone walls with fancy iron >the house is primarily made of stone with a solid brick base, has strong wooden beams supporting the roof, colourful wall interior with engaged stone columns and frequent ebony wall plating, stone and marble columns holding the roof as well as balconies in some parts, small windows with wooden frames and šalaporke, and the roof is covered in vibrant terracotta rooftiles; the house does have a cellar, only accessible through the outside entrance, and the majority of the lower floor is on the same level as the surrounding area >only the northeastern part of the house, the part where the bath is situated, is seemingly elevated from the surrounding area when in actuality the entrance to the basement had just been dug out and then reinforced with stone >downstairs has four rooms; a) as you enter the house through the door, you are presented with a spacious hallway-room with white marble floors and maroon red, dark orange-yellow and black walls with floral patterns, etched ebony wall plates and engaged columns next to doors and entrances (not all room entrances have doors.) The hallway-room holds numerous smaller props such as a round table for drinks and food in the left corner next to the door, several papyrus and wood paintings, several fire bowls and a metal chandelier. To the right is a marble staircase with wooden railing leading upstairs and beneath the stairs there is a wooden door leading into a very small pantry area. Next to the staircase, there is the rest of the hallway leading to the kitchen and the spacious bath area, while right across the house's entrance is the entrance to the living area b) the second room is the living area with futons, a round, ornate metal-marble table, fancy chairs, an exotic stack of mattresses, fancy carpets and a (Hellenistic) wooden showcase that holds drinks, chalices and glasses. The room has 2 double windows with šalaporke, lots of flower pots hanging off of the windows on the outside, luxurious but cozy, red curtains with tassels, hoisted on a bronze railing connected to the wall above the windows, and with white, see-through silks as decor mixed in with the curtains. The walls are adorned with dried flowers and fabrics, and the room is filled with potted plants in exotic pots/vases. There is also a small fireplace at the very end of the room, simply for boiling water and aesthetic purposes. This room has a fancy, white, wooden door with red floral imagery c) next to the living room, there is the kitchen and dining area although it is pretty rarely used except for sitting. The kitchen has a stone oven, a large, rustic, marble counter covered in chalices, golden platters, utensils, bowls, candelabra and fruit, while the two marble sinks are round and made to appear classical. There are only two small wooden windows, one on the western and one on the northern side, while next to the window on the northern side is a large door that leads to a small stone terrace with a small staircase facing the orchard. A small grapevine plant is in a large, ornate pot in the corner of the kitchen and the cordons are spread over the wood-framed ceiling, decorating the room. The walls are adorned with numerous utensils and pans, and small, wooden shelves filled with herbs and spices. On the eastern side of the kitchen, right across the countertop and against the wall that separates the hallway and kitchen, there are two, fancy wooden tables with pretty chairs. The kitchen is also filled with numerous large amphoras and rags d) the fourth room is the bath area which is open (doesn't have a door) but is separated enough from the rest of the house to be in its own nook. The room consists of a finely-tiled floor and a spacious rectangular mosaic bath in the middle. There are several metal screen dividers scattered across the room, there are two smaller tables made of sycamore-fig wood, piled usually with chalices, golden trays and Greek-style towels, and a fancy, elevated, wooden bed is partially behind one of the screens. The room also has numerous plants, vases and the windows are primarily small apart from the slightly larger opening on the roof covered with a lattice [img]https://i.imgur.com/0WYmQss.png[/img] >upstairs has two rooms, one of which is just the more spacious stairwell area which has a small balcony right above the main house entrance below >the room beyond the stairwell area is separated by a wall but does not have a door. It is a fairly spacious room, as spacious as the living quarters of the lower floor. The room has beautiful carpets, a few tables for writing, several futons and a small round table in the middle, some smaller beds and a large canopy bed to the right of the door, more towards the northeastern corner of the room, a wooden bookcase for books and scrolls, and a few ornamental shelves for artefacts. The room is also full of plants, has beautiful although more translucent white curtains and silks draped over the exit that leads towards a very large balcony. The balcony has a lattice roof covering it which is supported by white, stone columns, with ivy covering the lattice and lots of silks draped across the columns. The balcony overlooks the rest of the estate, particularly a small Egyptian water garden which is below [img]https://i.imgur.com/oLkQQkf.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/vQRougA.png[/img] [center][i]"Per Ankh" - the House of Life; residence of Neb Ertcher[/i][/center] [img]https://i.postimg.cc/TwXwLgFF/image.png[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]Downstairs[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] [img]https://i.postimg.cc/dwQ3XBsb/image.png[/img] [right][font=tempus sans itc][i]Upstairs[/i][color=transparent]W[/color][/right] ----- [center][font=papyrus][color=#731d08][size=6][b]Social[/b][/size][/color][/font][/center] [font=papyrus][b]- festivals, religion & gatherings[/b][/font] [font=tempus sans itc]The grandest festival is called Mesut Nepra (during Drakeharvest) where we celebrate the hottest days in the desert, the harvest of first grape vines and the making of wine, and mainly grain and produce. It is celebrated during the last two weeks of the second season, and it's a festival dedicated to Neper, the god of grain, during which people are found in the streets near fruit-filled stands or in the pronaos or courtyard of the grand temple where they can dine, sing, dance or watch the stars from the top of the temple if they don't enjoy the crowds so much. During Mesut Nepra, a healthy black polycephallic bull called Bekh is adorned with linens, jewellery and flowers, then escorted through the city on the first day to a shrine where he can reside for the next two weeks and get spoiled by all the denizens. He's also accompanied by other oxen and donkeys who carry around baskets of produce that are ready to be eaten or taken. The streets and the temples are then adorned with lots of flowers and palm leaves, there are wooden stands filled with produce, artefacts, herbs, amulets, trinkets, linens and so on that people can buy or trade for. The last day of the festival indicates the first day of the third season and the first day of the festival that's dedicated to the grape vine harvest. Due to the optimal environmental conditions and geographical position of the desert, including the delta where the clan is, the endemic varieties of the desert grape vine bear fruit twice a year. There are no cold months in the desert so it's the perfect place to grow the grape vine, especially because of the fertile soil and enough water distribution from the river. During a span of 5 days twice a year Wadjet the winemaker organises parties in her villa where a large portion of the clan joins the harvest and helps with the wine press. The festival of grape vine harvest happens twice a year - on the first day of the third week of the first season, and on the first day of the third week of the third season. Various other festivals and festivities exist, some of them being: [i]"Shespit Atru"[/i] - festival dedicated to water and Hapi, celebrating the inundation of the Nekhir [i]"Upit Renpet"[/i] - "Opening of the Year" which occurs on the first day of the first season (Akhet) which, in our terms, would start somewhere mid-July. A festival of food and feasts, rejoicing, music, drinks, life, hardships and balance. It is celebrated around the village near fountains, on riverbanks, beaches, bathhouses and even in inundated fields, symbolising cleanliness, rejuvenation, rebirth and the passage of time, just as the Nekhir snakes its way through the dry, sand-covered lands, constantly changing but same, always in a cycle. The denizens of Sekhet Aaru celebrate the knowledge of the past year they've gathered, the hardships they've overcome, the good deeds and times they've had and what they're planning on achieving in the next year. [i]"Ha Nefer"[/i] - "Beautiful Day", a small, personal festivity of a family or individual who wishes to celebrate something personal such as birthdays or other anniversaries [i]"Heb Nefer en Anit"[/i] - "Beautiful Festival of the Valley", a festival celebrating the Dead, as well as celebrating life, during which people are encouraged to take in the bliss of life, be it by joining their friends in public festivities. While everyone can choose what they want to do on any day, this day is seen as a day of rest, encouraging people to relax and leave their work for another day. That's why it is common to find people around and in temples, on squares and in other public spaces resting or even sleeping, experiencing different forms of lucidity and consciousness [i]"Heb Tekh Arit Re"[/i] - "Festival of the Drunkeness of the Eye of Re", referencing the Ancient Egyptian festival of the same name, as well as the Kemetic story of humanity being saved by the drunkeness of the Eye of Re, also known as Hathor or Sekhmet, who had entered a blood-fuelled rage towards humanity and wanted to cleanse the Earth, until Re offered her beer infused with blood and she fell asleep, becoming the benevolent Hathor. In the same way, the people of Sekhet Aaru celebrate it through drinking their most favoured drinks, be it various types of fruit wine, beer, juices, milk or even just water. It is a festival of refreshment, a celebration of Sornieth's produce, and senses through wild flavours [i]"Heb Kheru"[/i] - the Festival of the Dwellers of Geb, cherishing Dragonkind, Beastclan, other animal, plant, fungus, microbe and so on, for keeping the earth and air vital, nourished, clean and protected. Three days of fasting for Dragonkind and Beastclan, during which only fruit and seeds are eaten, new saplings are planted, other animals are fed and juice is consumed. [center]~~~[/center] [font=tempus sans itc]Something seen on all individuals associated with the sacral, which includes the primary temple, other smaller temples and shrines, are banners which bind them. When on duty, the workers wear the banners as a sign of cultural enlightenment. The most prominent figures, of course, are the priests who have their important functions across the oasis, but the banners are not exclusive only to those who are intertwined in the divine yet each individual who works at the temples is seen with the insignia of knowledge - an ibis with the Ankh on their head which symbolises the god Djehwty and his celestial knowledge. Workers such as temple tenders, shrine tenders and archivists all bear the same symbol. The symbol can be embroidered in any way the wearer wishes; on a kilt or dress, in a mantle, cape, shawl or simply on a classical banner, which allows the wearer freedom with their choice of clothing. The temples themselves are open to the public at any time, often providing nourishment to those who need it in the form of fruit and other offerings, sweet or savoury. The primary and accordingly the largest temple is the imposing Temple of Djehwty, situated in the centre of the urbanised area, in between numerous canals and near the enclosed bazaar. It is jointed with the library which holds the archive of knowledge collected throughout the eons by Kneph, one of the most prized possessions of the denizens of Sekhet Aaru. The archive is tended by numerous archivists, priests, scribes and, logically, the tenders. The temple has numerous entrances, one of which is a water entrance that is usually accessed by boat. It has been built out of giant blocks of white limestone and the walls were painted with Kemetic imagery of gods, while the interior is decorated with flowers, banners, curtains, torches and braziers, large and small statues and decorative leaves and fans. There are two other moderately large temples, one smaller one and several shrines strewn throughout the oasis. The other larger temples are the Temple of Hapi and the Temple of Ptah, the former closer to the outskirts of the urbanised area to better fit in with the flooded area of the Nekhir, and the latter adjacent to the Temple of Djehwty, several hundred meters away. The Temple of Ptah holds the treasury and the Temple of Hapi has a small granary. The smaller temple is the one of Ma'at while the shrines are of Shu, Khepri, Geb, Hathor and Khnum. [font=papyrus][b]- literature, art, education & language[/b][/font] [font=tempus sans itc]Dragonkind's need for cooperation, bonding, planning and overall sharing of complex information caused a progressive development of verbal communication during early draconic prehistory. Those forms only evolved further into more complex ones as time went on, with oral tradition and petroglyphs dominating the middle and late draconic prehistory. The first forms of verbal writing of Dragonkind date back to around 6100 BCE, and with that bringing the end of the Neopetric era, while notational signs and communication through imagery date back tens of thousands of years. The peoples of the "newer" (ancient) world use various advanced writing forms, be it in stone monuments, stone tablets, paper and papyrus, leather, paint, mosaic or chalk. In the regions of Kemet, Uatch Ur, Oriens and Anatolii, papyrus in the forms of books and scrolls, forms of more advanced paper and stone are the most common materials for inscription, with leather and "chalkboards" less commonly utilised. Those four aforementioned regions all emphasise the importance of recording, archiving and retelling stories, history, observations and sciences, as well as utilising their literary skills for entertainment purposes such as in the rise of theatre, poetry and creative writing. The levels of literacy vary widely between individuals, based on the communities, lifestyles and regions they originate from, with cities and larger towns on the other hand teeming with more literate folk. This is quite normal, as most peoples whose main occupations are field work or crafts do not have the incentive to learn formal writing, but most folk learn the basic forms of writing and reading as they grow. Sekhet Aaru prioritises accessibility to knowledge and learning, following the principles of Djehwty and Seshat, having a literate population of 100% (Dragonkind and Beastclan). One of those forms of accessibility is the grand library within the Temple of Djehwty aggregation. The temple serves as a public and sacred space of learning, teaching, celebration, natural sciences, architecture, liberty, philosophy, poetry and mathematics, having many large, wooden scroll shelves, tables and seats strewn throughout the expansive, torch-lit halls, acting as a form of a library on its own. A conjoined portion to the temple is the grand archive, also known as the grand library, where the archivists and priests store the knowledge collected throughout eons. Said library is freely accessible to any and all draconic and Beastclan residents of Sekhet Aaru, and while books and scrolls can be offered to other residents such as horses, parrots and elephants for a chuckle or some form of creative enrichment, it is mostly advised not to do that, particularly not to give it to those with the affinity for eating paper. Additionally, while learning is done mostly individually, priests, archivists and tutors are willing to teach groups of learners either on the premises of the temple and library, or in courtyards. The residents of Sekhet Aaru as well as some nearby towns use several writing systems, the most prevalent being a pictoral writing system similar to that of hieroglyphs, and an alphabetic system similar to that of the Greek alphabet. Kneph's influence through the introduction of ancient Earthen languages partially affected populaces of neighbouring regions within the delta by learning and adopting some portions of those languages. Most folk use simple paper, papyrus and ink to write at home, while leather is primarily provided as a protective cover for the books or as a case for the scrolls. Occasionally, more formal and artistic texts are written in stone on stone tablets or even in ceramics and pottery for better preservation. On the other hand, some stories of great importance are oftentimes either carved or painted on the walls and surfaces of monuments, be it obelisks, bases of statues, columns, walls of public buildings or sacral buildings such as temples. For that, colourful paint and stone chisels are most commonly used, while the most pristine and ornate artefacts and monuments might even be adorned with precious metals such as gold and silver in the forms of letters or pictoral symbols. Teeming with a very rich history of art, residents of Sekhet Aaru, similarly to the entire region of the delta, take pride in and care for their artistic history, as well as the contemporary forms. Art is part of daily life, even though sometimes they might take it for granted subconsciously. It has a history of trade and intercultural relations, both of which positively affect the local art forms by expanding them and exposing the native populace to different forms of expression. It is most often expressed in visual, literary, oral, musical and craft form, some examples being paintings, reliefs and mosaics, poetry, comedies and drama, storytelling and theatre, singing and dancing, and various sorts of crafts in the forms of terracotta crafts, fabric weaving, furniture design, woodcarving, stone carving, sculpting and the like. Many individuals partake in art, be it simply out of interest or association, primarily as the majority of the occupations require some artistic skill to be effective. Outside of less artistic occupations, people still gladly create their own crafts and express themselves creatively, especially to bond with others, convey emotions and interests, or even for additional coin. A very consistent and predominant characteristic of art forms of the Afruika region are complex patterns, polychromy and essentially maximalistic designs. It is expressed through very colourful fabrics, many of which the dyes and pigments used for the creation of bright and vibrant colours are considered an important good. To achieve such vibrancy, crafters use high quality resources for the creation of pigments and dyes, many of which are of mineral origin, although some are also of organic origin. The most commonly used resources are ground up Carbon for black, Lapis Lazuli for ultramarine, Malachite for green, Azurite for blue, Orpiment for yellow, Realgar for red, Gypsum for white, Jarosite for paler yellow, woad for the production of indigo lakh and rose madder for pink pigments, while henna is used for body art, hair dyes and fabric dyeing, ink excretions of marine snails for Tyrian purple, cephalopod excretions for brown dyes, and resin for red dyes and binding agents. The most common forms of art the residents partake in are visual art such as simple drawings and paintings, creative writing such as poetry or writing of hymns and prayers, playing of musical instruments, and terracotta crafts. The aforementioned terracotta crafts are some of the most crucial and widespread forms of art as they do not only exist to look pretty, but aid in everyday tasks, storage and jobs. The more serious forms of art are those meant to be experienced by the public, such as theatre plays, festivities, sculpting and spectacular wall art on the walls of temples, libraries, palaces and homes. That art is performed by skilled artisans who are specialised in their field of work, although some individuals who are passionate about their work but wouldn't usually be considered "conventionally skilled" are supported regardless (two examples being Sebiumeker the dauber and a village dog who likes to paint walls). Less common but no less important forms of art are makeup artistry, culinary expression, jewellery and the creation of entertainment media such as board games, many of which are learned by individuals or manufactured as a side hobby by skilled crafters. Arts and crafts are both considered a staple of a good life and stable society, and they are seen as valid jobs, as the culture teaches that any form of job is worthy of respect. Artists and crafters are paid handsomly for their work, as it is the learned nature of the people of the ouahe to support and help each other whenever possible. Many people whose occupations are moreso non-artistic can still earn additional goods, reputation and coin for their hobbies that they decide to sell.[/font] ----- [center][font=papyrus][color=#731d08][size=6][b]Cuisine[/b][/color][/size][/center] [font=papyrus][b]- agriculture[/b][/font] [columns][item=water lettuce][nextcol][size=4][font=tempus sans itc]The water lettuce ([i]Lactuca aquatica[/i]) is one of the most popular and most cultivated vegetables in the village. It is not to be confused with another plant found in the region, also referred to as water lettuce, but vaguely poisonous, scientifically known as [i]Pistia stratiotes[/i]. Due to its hardiness, fast growth, wide distribution and overly easy cultivation, it is a must-have in your garden and on your table. It is awfully easily grown, be it in a dryer garden with irrigation or simply in water. While the lettuce is dependent on a steady access to water, due to the clan's sophisticated irrigation system, that is not an issue even in the driest parts of the village. Since the residents have easy access to the shallow waters of the Nekhir, cultivation on the flooded fields on the riverbank is constant, grown year-round. The shallow, flooded fields are speckled with bright green salads and are truly a sight to behold, especially during the day when the sun reflects off the water, making the lettuces gleam. They tend to be grown in small rectangular patches over linen nets, with their roots entangled over the rope for easy harvesting. They can also sometimes be found as ornamental plants in water gardens of houses, growing next to the inedible [i]Pistia[/i] water lettuce.[/columns] [font=papyrus][b]- recipes[/b][/font] [font=tempus sans itc]Hot-smoked bass with grilled vegetables and Bottarga - the bass is cleaned, the head and backbone removed then submerged in brine with water, sugar and salt, then left to sit in a cooler place for around 3 hours. In the meantime, the smokehouse is prepared with water-soaked wood trimmings and pre-heated. The fish is suspended over slowly smouldering wood trimmings at around 80 degrees Celsius for approximately 2.5 hours. The vegetables are cleaned, cut and separately grilled. The courgettes are sliced into long, thin slices, the carrots are peeled and put on the grill without cutting, while onions are put on the grill in large slices. The garlic isn't peeled and all of the vegetables are coated in olive oil and left on the fine-mesh grill until nicely cooked - the roastier, the stronger the flavour. Afterwards, they are seasoned with salt, pepper and rosemary. The fish is then covered with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and freshly-cut parsley. The dish is served with said grilled vegetables and Bottarga. [item=pale smallmouth][item=wild onion][item=vegetable oil][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/3mrt2drohjmnusk/lemon.png[/img] [center]~~~[/center] [font=tempus sans itc]Elderberry and acacia juice - you want to pick approximately 30 flowerheads of elderberry and 30 flowerheads of acacia, but make sure not to get them too wet or wash them before preparation because that rinses off the pollen which is the most important part of the recipe. The flowers tend to have small insects inside so shake or hand-clean the flowers before use, but if they still remain inside, that is not a big problem as a fine-mesh cloth can easily separate any impurities. You'll need a big pot that can hold 3 liters of water, then put the flowers in the water and submerge them, as well as add around 5 dkg of citric acid. Leave the pot in in your room, preferably at around 24-ish degrees Celsius or higher, for 24 hours and feel free to stir it 2-3 times. After 24 hours had passed, take the fine-mesh cloth and strain everything so the liquid is clean. After that, you add 2 kg of sugar (for preservatives) and the juice of three lemons into the mixture, then cook it until the boiling point. In the meantime, sterilise sealable bottles/jars with hot water. Pour the contents into the bottles/jars and make sure you leave some air inside, then submerge the containers in boiling hot water. Take them out of the water and leave them overnight to vacuum-seal. Keep the syrup in a cool and dry place as it can stay fresh when sealed, but once opened, use it up in a span of a week or so. Make sure to dilute the syrup with water and feel free to add lemon chunks. [item=crusty copper pot][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/3mrt2drohjmnusk/lemon.png[/img]

[center][font=papyrus][size=7][b]Economy[/b][/size][/font][/center] The economy of Sekhet Aaru is based on a social template in which the lives and wellbeing of its residents are of utmost importance, where workers across all different sectors have the exact same value and worth, as well as a prominent voice and a valuable influence. It revolves around the concept of encouraging the trading of materials and contributing to the community rather than the concept of giving fake value to an object or non-material construct, such as money. To minimise the negative influence of "money", money-hoarding and its potentially dangerous late-stage outcome, using "money" as the means of trade is strongly discouraged. At this point in history, many regions of the world are still developing, with kingdoms, empires, democratic countries, smaller settlements, tribes and clans strewn across the continent, and with such development come new currencies and trades. Sekhet Aaru, as an oasis in one of the most fertile non-rainforest regions of Ta Meri (Shifting Expanse), situated in the vast, north-western desert region called Kemet, it is a prominent centre of trade. Due to Kemet's geographical position, it is in an extremely favourable position for routes and ports, but its strategical position is of great importance to many military strategists, either those who try to take the land as theirs or those who try to protect their land from people like them. However, military aside, trading is still booming. The nations and people Kemet comes in contact with are numerous tribes from the shores of Kam-Ur (the sea between Ta Meri and Arbin), numerous nations from the vastness of Arbin (Sunbeam Ruins), all across its tropical highlands and mountains, savannas and woodlands, many peoples from the eastern and central Uatch Ur (Sea of a Thousand Currents) and its 5,000+ islands, many tribes from the inland of Ta Meri such as desert nomads, neighbouring territories, savanna tribes and highland peoples. In some cases, even more distant lands occasionally establish trading routes such as the silk road ranging from the east of Windswept Plateau and going through the Ashfall Waste along the coast of the Uatch Ur, then through the Desheret, ending up in Kemet. WIP WIP WIP [img]https://i.postimg.cc/YS7KQR26/image.png[/img] [right][i]Old Dalmatian postcard pulled out from the back of a drawer that hasn't been opened in years and you just found it accidentally while rummaging through your vikendica, looking for a specific newspaper issue with that crosswords puzzle you need to reference to your family member so they stop annoying you[/i][/right] ----- [center][font=papyrus][color=#731d08][size=6][b]Technology[/b][/size][/color][/font][/center] [img]https://i.postimg.cc/D75R2nz3/Yugo.png[/img] WIP WIP WIP Among other very time-appropriate technology, in Sekhet Aaru one can encounter an oddity - "Wagons". Brought to the oasis and introduced to the populace by Kneph, these vehicles, specifically referred to as "Wagons" by the denizens, are old husks of cars once used throughout Europe between the late 1950's and late 80's, with the Chevrolet Wagon acting as an American anomaly among other European wagons. However, do not be fooled, while their exterior and visible interior is reminiscent of some of the most uncomfortable, non-ergonomic and cramped vehicles known to Earth, they are equipped with state of the art technology adapted by Baaket and Kneph. None of the residents apart from the "gods" understand the very meticulous details of the technology, but all of the owners of such Wagons have learned how to perform basic maintenance, which confuses anyone not accustomed to the strange exclusivities of the oasis. The types of Wagons found in the oasis, based on previously manufactured Earthen models: [LIST] [*]Zastava Yugo 45 (pictured) [*]Zastava 750 Fico [*]Zastava 101 Stojadin [*]Renault 4 [*]Fiat 126 Peglica [*]Fiat 500 [*]Fiat Panda [*]Volkswagen Golf 1 [*]Lada Niva [*]Citroën 2CV Spacek [*]BMW 323i (E21) [*]Chevrolet Camaro 1968 [*]Skoda Favorit [/LIST]

List of familiars that vaguely represent species that are present in the region: [item=golden idol][item=smoky bantam fangar][item=golden bantam fangar][item=flamerest fiendcat][item=liquid fiendcat][item=fiendcat][item=parda][item=king parda][item=scorchpaw prowler][item=runescar lynx][item=harvest floracat][item=velvet floracat][item=anomalous nekomata][item=irregular nekomata][item=ferberus][item=calico ferberus][item=roving lionsnake][item=golden lionsnake][item=quillrunner][item=king quillrunner][item=serpenta][item=scarlet serpenta][item=leo][item=medusa leon][item=warcat protector][item=double-tailed warcat][item=tigerblood foo][item=mantled foo][item=raging tiger foo][item=ferocious foo][item=augite protector][item=moss-covered golem][item=chimera][item=bengal chimera][item=ashmane chimera][item=scaleback][item=iridescent scaleback][item=bamboo phytocat][item=firemane manticore][item=fleetflight manticore][item=ghost manticore][item=manticore][item=silvermane barbtail][item=dunewind manticore][item=conflagrant ambassador][item=manticorian provocateur][item=proto manticore][item=manticore screamer][item=spring sphinx][item=summer sphinx][item=autumn sphinx][item=winter sphinx][item=dustfeather sphinx][item=magpie sphinx][item=spiffy sphinx][item=sphinx battlelord][item=platewing sphinx][item=platewing messenger][item=false sphinx][item=wasteland collector][item=dire hyena] [item=hellhound][item=wraith hound][item=infestation hound][item=libra][item=skoll][item=downy fox rat][item=fennec kitsune][item=charcoal kitsune][item=hainu][item=tricolor yapper][item=dwarf hainu macaw][item=brightwing dwarf hainu] [item=cragbacked bouldursa][item=hibernal starbear] [item=false eye depin] [item=djamor bat][item=armored duskflapper] [item=common podid][item=southmarsh podid][item=patina pangolin][item=pangolin racer][item=inscribed pangolin] [item=featherback boar][item=undying featherback][item=deadwood boar][item=shardspine boar][item=barkback boar][item=mossy beetleboar][item=undergrowth shovelsnout] [item=longhorn capricat][item=prancing capricat][item=spiral capricat][item=roaming aries][item=unburdened billy][item=satin rambra][item=rambra][item=dreadram][item=battleram skirmisher][item=conflict creature][item=spirit of earth][item=bell goat][item=flowing taurus][item=ophiotaurus][item=ashscale ophiotaurus][item=swarmsprite deerling][item=mossy cerdae][item=shorn cerdae][item=celestial antelope][item=silver springbok][item=ampelope][item=basalt eruption][item=barred skira][item=bluetail skira] [item=flowering pohip][item=mossy pohip][item=spiney whale] [item=nightmare][item=carrioncorn][item=courageous warhorse][item=marsh kelpie][item=kelpie][item=surf strider][item=coast charger][item=dunhoof ambassador][item=dappled dunhoof][item=painted centaur][item=roughshod sniper][item=dapplemane deceiver][item=crystalcourt ambassador][item=swiftstride soldier][item=stonestomp spearmaiden][item=unyielding sagittarius] [item=moordwelling trunker][item=grasslands trunker][item=rockback charger] [item=silky mole][item=pink-tail mole] [item=jerboa clawmasher][item=clubtail jerboa][item=ragamouse][item=warbound capyhog][item=rat king] [item=overcharged silverbeast][item=goldenbeast][item=bihorn chacma][item=barhide menace][item=bearded yeti] [item=baku][item=mammophant][item=greattusk][item=pale greattusk] [item=tawny aardvark][item=peacevine aardvark] [item=fungal garden][item=armored colony] [item=sprangyroo][item=charcoal sprangyroo][item=battle chef][item=longneck messmaster][item=longneck gladiator][item=longneck scrapper][item=longneck mender][item=longneck magi][item=longneck scholar] [item=phoenix][item=mock firebird][item=peacock firebird][item=storm seeker][item=death seeker][item=spirit of fire][item=proto-roc][item=pet roc][item=roc][item=crowned roc][item=golden roc][item=enstatite burrower][item=basilisk][item=cockatrice][item=battlelisk][item=albino battlelisk][item=grouse basilisk][item=sweetheart swan][item=charming swan][item=enamored swan][item=red-footed akirbeak][item=marshfowl][item=lilyfowl][item=paddyfowl][item=lakelight weaver][item=rosy lake cormorant][item=coastline sawbeak][item=green-breasted sawbeak][item=murkbottom gull][item=tradewinds gull][item=blue-footed eggull][item=eggull][item=apatite fisher][item=shatterbone vulture][item=tatterwing carcass][item=fisher king][item=kingfish][item=voguepuff][item=sweetpuff][item=ragepuff][item=vigilant sparrow][item=gold-throated sparrow][item=moonglow nightjar][item=glorious dayjar][item=crackers][item=blue and gold macaw][item=scarlet macaw][item=slight eyewing][item=ornamental eyewing][item=buff laced cockatrice][item=firefly cockatrice][item=buff dunerunner][item=dunerunner][item=dire vulture][item=flesh forager][item=warped gryphon][item=highreach bonepicker][item=banded owlcat][item=brilliant gryphlet][item=superb gryphlet][item=sorrel gryphlet][item=masked gryphon][item=redtail gryphon][item=bluejay gryphon][item=crowned gryph][item=roseate gryph][item=yellow-throated sparrowmouse][item=tengu][item=wandering surgepriest][item=raptorik ringmaster][item=stormclaw showman][item=greenwing razorclaw][item=raptorik bladedancer][item=sweetsong reaper][item=raptorik wanderer][item=raptorik herder][item=rainbowfeather thief][item=murkmirth ambassador][item=windcarve miller][item=harpy artisan][item=mesacliff painter][item=woodoon][item=sprouting gemini][item=mesacliff noble][item=stonewatch prince][item=falconclaw warrior][item=condorwing champion][item=raptorik freebooter][item=raptorik captain] [item=mundane terror bird][item=fancy terror bird][item=sunrise troodo][item=jade troodo] [item=styrantrum][item=iguanador][item=lowjaw minmi] [item=sanddrift fuiran][item=nightsky fuiran][item=fuiran][item=anomalous skink][item=conjoined skink][item=leopard coralclimber][item=venomtooth pilco][item=five-toed pilco][item=watermelon coleus gecko][item=boran alpha][item=sandskink][item=nephrite chameleon][item=toxic igueel][item=igueel matriarch][item=spirit of wind][item=shattered serpent][item=serrated snake][item=bladed boa][item=regal bladebearer][item=rose of brightshine][item=mimic buttersnake][item=swallowtail buttersnake][item=colorburst buttersnake][item=sunset buttersnake][item=ultramel amphithere][item=ringlet amphithere][item=bottlesnake][item=larkspur of thundercrack][item=poppy of flameforger][item=spined cobra][item=maned cobra][item=aster of starfall][item=kelp caretaker][item=maren harvester][item=clearwater oracle][item=maren warlock][item=maren fisher][item=trench siren][item=aquarius][item=oceansurf magus][item=waveswell sorcerer][item=serthis potionmaster][item=serthis alchemist][item=virgo][item=opheodrys serthis][item=carmine serthis][item=lithetail assassin][item=serthis loremaster][item=serthis archivist][item=tunnel hydra][item=hydra] [item=butter caiman][item=gladeveins needletooth][item=rosetail][item=tropical caiman][item=poisonous toridae][item=venomous toridae][item=giant white toridae][item=sewer toridae][item=juvenile crocoturtle][item=ridged crocoturtle] [item=locomoting lilypad] [item=bladebone goliath][item=terra tortoise][item=travelling garden][item=greatshell] [item=terror toad][item=wartoad][item=molten wartoad][item=catercroak][item=climbing catercroak][item=regenerating reedjumper][item=harlequin feathercroak][item=sable feathercroak][item=painted protobeast] [item=wave sweeper][item=muckbottom catfish][item=furry fiddle][item=tendril loach][item=cinderkelp loach][item=watermelon puffer][item=lurefish][item=longjaw lurefish][item=blotched quetzeel][item=quetzeel][item=eel of the depths][item=glamourtail hopper][item=scarlet flycatcher][item=hex noggle][item=striped noggle][item=fanfin noggle][item=greater sandstrike][item=everglade lasher] [item=harvest hardshell][item=plantation pincher][item=shining cancer][item=cancer][item=sword spider][item=sandshore snipper][item=riptide clipper][item=chalcedony snipper][item=skittering megashrimp][item=root dweller] [item=spoiling scorpio][item=fan scorpion][item=hydra scorpion][item=peacock scorpion] [item=speckled peacock spider][item=peacock spider] [item=crowned bonepriest][item=corpse cleaner][item=autumn millifae][item=spring millifae] [item=tufted leaf beetle][item=goliath mountain beetle][item=bloodstone beetle][item=empress beetle][item=feathered beetle][item=moth keeper][item=firebug][item=colony killer][item=assassin bug][item=spirit of lightning][item=swallowtail jumper][item=petal jumper][item=budwing morpho][item=scytheclaw mantis][item=petalprayer mantis][item=flighted molecricket][item=bumble][item=coral carpenter][item=acid ant][item=longwing epiptite][item=vermillion epiptite][item=glasswing flutter][item=ruffle glasswing][item=weapon scavenger][item=regal silkmith][item=shy bagwitch][item=tricolor viperpillar][item=gaboon viperpillar][item=watchful viperpillar] [item=alabaster squirmscoot][item=melon squirmscoot][item=seaweed nautilus] [item=crimson reef snail][item=ruche slug][item=ruched sojourner][item=garden larail][item=tender larail] [item=tendriltrail jellyfish] [item=deadwood strangler][item=desert strangler][item=prickly strangler][item=blooming strangler][item=strangler][item=buttercup strangler][item=algae-bottom slarg][item=melon marzal][item=cactus marzal][item=blooming hedgehide][item=garden watcher][item=creeping tendril][item=orange blotch pansy][item=blue vein pansy] Cryptic familiars that very loosely represent actual species present in the region, or just objects: [item=steelhound][item=scrapmetal tracker][item=vulpine lamp][item=silt wolf][item=swamp wolf][item=copperplate longmech][item=longmech][item=iron golem][item=rusty golem] [item=corvid lamp][item=mechanical destroyer][item=robotic tender][item=crane contraption][item=serpentine lamp][item=bone fiend][item=bogsneak puppet] [item=coppercoil creeper][item=black iron creeper] [item=ichor nymph][item=flower nymph][item=bubble nymph][item=molten marauder][item=sunbeam soldier][item=spring glade lord][item=disoriented spirit][item=malevolent spirit] [item=battered vase][item=glazed sentry][item=bouncy broiler][item=seething stove][item=dancing chalice][item=vigorous goblet][item=cracked crystal][item=veilspun verse][item=crooked hatchet][item=axe mimic][item=cryptic cameo][item=banshee brooch][item=tinder toy][item=wicker dragon][item=guest greeter][item=brass knocker][item=bewildered broom][item=steadfast sweeper][item=spidered seat][item=antique chair][item=poltergeist pile][item=transmuted treasure][item=wooden marionette][item=painted marionette][item=porphyry flamecaller][item=marble lightweaver][item=which waychip][item=which waychunk][item=glowing globe][item=time devourer][item=tick-tock][item=raucous runner][item=magic carpet][item=leisure loaf][item=colubrid column][item=serthis support][item=pitfall fixture][item=swinging chandelier][item=rogue excavator][item=stone borer][item=salt and pepper][item=sugar and spice][item=afternoon tea][item=flying brass key][item=rock paper scissors][item=sumptuous cape][item=valorous cape][item=inquisitive shroud][item=pinpush mirror doll][item=tricky telescope][item=mischievous magnifier][item=writer's aid][item=encouraging quill][item=sorcerous arms][item=enchanted armaments][item=catty cannon][item=manticore's might][item=book swarm][item=book hoard][item=ensorcelled volume][item=spellbound tome][item=animated statue][item=living sculpture][item=magic mirror] ----- Golden Idol - Felis catus/Pantera leo leo Chimera - Pantera leo leo Double-Tailed Warcat - Pantera leo leo Warcat Protector - Pantera leo leo Scaleback - ??? Iridescent Scaleback - ??? Bamboo Phytocat - ??? Skoll - Canis lupaster lupaster Hainu - Canis lupus arabs False Eye Depin - Monachus monachus Downy Fox Rat - Vulpes zerda Baku - Gomphotherium angustidens Celestial Antelope - Aepyceros melampus Rambra - Okapia johnstoni/Equus quagga quagga/Ovis gmelini ophion Satin Rambra - Okapia johnstoni/Equus quagga quagga (pseudomelanism)/Ovis gmelini ophion Ragamouse - Meriones crassus Common Podid - Manidae Southmarsh Podid - Manidae Storm Seeker - Corvus cornix Death Seeker - Corvus crassirostris Gold-throated Sparrow - Nesocharis shelleyi Mock Firebird - ??? Peacock Firebird - ??? Basilisk - Gallus gallus Cockatrice - Gallus lafayetii Red-footed Akirbeak - Plectropterus gambensis Tengu - Corvus frugilegus Sweetsong Reaper - Coracias oriolus Banded Owlcat - Bubo ascalaphus Shattered Serpent - Cerastes vipera Fuiran - ??? Sanddrift Fuiran - ??? Nightsky Fuiran - ??? Everglade Lasher - Tiktaalik roseae Scarlet Flycatcher - Chelidonichthys cuculus Fan Scorpion - ??? Hydra Scorpion - ??? Peacock Scorpion - ??? Crowned Bonepriest - Scolopendra cingulata Corpse Cleaner - Scolopendra mirabilis Crimson Reef Snail - Hexaplex trunculus Strangler - Agave Blooming Strangler - Agave Prickly Strangler - Opuntia Desert Strangler - Opuntia Buttercup Strangler - Ranunculus Deadwood Strangler - ???