The Tchita Uplands
134. Tchita Uplands: Coeurl
GENUS: Beast
CLASSIFICATION: Coeurl
[1/2] Observations
Being an odd creature with webbing, like that of an amphibian, on its feet to aid swimming, a long, slender body, and even longer streaming whiskers.
Prefers to eat small animals and the like, but known to venture into the shallows to catch fish when food is scarce.
This consumption of aquatic prey appears to be a taste acquired after the age of ice, when most land-based fauna was extinguished, and it was then that the coeurl developed its distinctive webbing.
[2/2] Sage Knowledge (59 of 78)
Tchita Uplands
A hilly region reaching to the south of Archadia. Before the widespread adoption of airships as the primary means of conveyance, this region was the highway to the Imperial City, and filled with travelers.
Ruins can be spotted here and there amongst the tall grasses, and researchers from Archades often come here to delve into the mysteries left by whatever ancient civilization built them.
135. Tchita Uplands: Feral Croc
GENUS: Beast
CLASSIFICATION: Gator
[1/2] Observations
Fur the color of dead grass conceals a hard, scaly exoskeleton protecting this flesh-eater with few known predators.
Its head is concealed by a split upper and lower jaw, and it is from between these that it keeps careful watch on prey through well-protected sunken eyeholes.
It is aggressive, yet wary, threatening potential aggressors with displays of its wide-open maw.
[2/2] A Curious Treasure
Though the fur of the feral croc might seem, at first, to grow in a random fashion, the careful observer will note channels in the fur which permit air to pass and cool the beast.
Typically, air flows freely over the creature's body before continuing on its way, yet on rare occasions it leaves the channels, swirling instead around the nooks and crannies of the croc's strange physiology. There the wind takes on tangible form, and so is the substance known as the antarctic wind formed.
136. Tchita Uplands: Serpent
GENUS: Beast
CLASSIFICATION: Serpent
[1/2] Observations
Being a fiendish creature of terrible aspect, bearing three sets of venomous fangs with which it brings death to all unfortunate enough to be bitten.
It is sheathed in hard, slick scales, allowing quick movement in even arid climes. Recent studies have revealed that the body of this creature has no less than six limb joints, suggesting perhaps that it was once winged.
[2/2] Aletap Rumors
Amongst the followers of the Light, it is believed that the Creator-god sent twelve apostles to us upon the great Working of the World...but I've heard there may have been a thirteenth, yes, another apostle!
It's rumored that someone found an ancient tome, and that had record of an apostle who came among us in the form of a giant serpent. If this is true (and I see no reason to believe it isn't) then there should also be a gemstone, a great treasure bearing the mark of the snake! A gemstone... named Serpentarius!
Eldea, Summoner
137. Tchita Uplands: Earth Elemental
GENUS: Earth Elemental
CLASSIFICATION: Elemental
[1/2] Observations
Being an elemental of earth, the essence of any land supporting life. Certain sects worship these elementals as the sacred force that ties men to the land, and they give thanks to the elementals for rich soil and good harvests. Lands with parched soil, devoid of vegetation, are thought to be those where the earth elementals have been eradicated, and no longer protect the soil from depletion.
[2/2] Aletap Rumors
I heard people saying they'd revealed the method to making ether, but what good does a recipe like this do me?
A mix of unpurified ether and caramel? Right. Now where am I supposed to get those?
Paty, Geomancer