Flora, Fauna and Geography
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Denoted by the name, Verdant Valley is a valley nestled in the mountains west of Eldpoint, sharing a similar temperate climate, with fewer coastal winds. The village is landlocked, and as such, receives regular deliveries of fresh water from Eldpoint. Though not originally planned to be a settlement geared toward mining, the surrounding mountains could in theory be rich with useful minerals. The Valley lacks a prospector to know if this is the case, and as such, leaves them be.
The land is divided into two contrasted elevations: the cliffs, and the valley.
Cliffs: The valley is surrounded by shear stone peaks topped with small grassy plateaus. The air is thinner at this elevation, but the sunlight does reach easier, allowing the growth of some flowers, and housing fauna that enjoy the heights.
Valley: Rolling hills covered by tall grass, dotted by some trees. The nutrient-rich soil here allows the growth of herbs that enjoy shade. The low elevation and surrounding mountains mean that the window of bright sunlight is somewhat shorter in the valley. Rodents and snakes love the combination of shade and grass, so watch your step.
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Fauna
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Brown Bear [DM Use]
The brown bear is a rare sight, mostly on staying toward the mountainous inclines outside of the valley. It is, however, a threat, which can be sometimes lured in by the smell of meat being preserved in the village. The brown bears and grey wolves are constantly locked with each other to wrest the title of apex predator. These bulking beasts are usually found alone, though cubs and young bears have been known to stay with their mothers.
A fool teaches a bear to dance, or at least may try, but the bear, as daunting a foe as it is, can be useful. The teeth, claws, and bones of the bear can be used to decorate personal articles, while the heavy hide provides warmth. The meat is like a fattier, heavier cut of beef, with some slight grittiness, and the body is abundant with fat that can be cut with pork fat, and used in cooking. Some even say this so-called 'bear grease' is good for preventing hair loss.
Gray Wolf [DM Use
]
The smell of meat is not enticing only to people and bears. Outside the valley, on the mountains, and sometimes making their way into the basin are the gray wolves. In the fight for superiority, packs of these vicious canines have been known to bully a single bear for their catch. In stark contrast to the bear, gray wolves are often seen in packs of at least five and reaching all the way up to eight.
Hunting the gray wolf alone is a fool's errand, but those who try may be rewarded. The pelt of a gray wolf provides warmth in the harsh winter. If one must, to survive, they could eat the meat of the wolf, though, this is a highly uncommon practice. Some say it is reminiscent of beef filet. Gray wolves also yield claws and forty-two sharp teeth.
Golden Eagle [DM Use]
The Verdant Valley's skies are ruled by none other than the golden eagle. These raptors, with a wingspan up to seven feet wide, have been known to even attack the goats that frequent the valley, among their smaller prey. Incredibly swift and skilled fliers, these birds can be a threat even to humans in the wrong situation. They fly over the mountain peaks to hunt in pairs but tend to roost closer to the base.
Those brave enough to attack the royalty of the skies may be rewarded with feathers. The very daring may one day hope to tame one of these beasts for hunting through falconry.
Red Kite
The residents of the valley may, over time, come to foster a strong relationship with these swift birds of prey. The red kite's wingspan reaches up to five feet. Their diet consists of small mammals such as hare, voles, and shrew. They also enjoy the taste of chicken, making them something of a threat to chicken farmers. However, those who grow crops may see some benefit from feeding the birds, as they will keep the crops safe through their own appetites.
A red kite's corpse may yield talons or feathers.
Alteran (European) Bison
(Description goes here, I am sidetracked right now.)
Steinbock
Craving the minerals of the mountains, one may find the Steinbock, or Ibex climbing impossibly steep inclines to feed on the sparse patches of vegetation that reach for the sun at the peaks of the surrounding mountains. During the warm seasons, males are spotted more often in the valley, while females keep to the inclines. During the cold season, they are known to head to the warmer coast.
If a skilled hunter can shoot one of these skilled herbivores without knocking its body off the mountain, they can yield their horns, coarse furs, or meat. The meat is said to be a bit more flavorful than beef, but not as sweet as lamb's meat.
Roe Deer
Roe deer are a somewhat smaller variety of cervid that are docile, and will not disturb the residents of the valley. They stray from grass which livestock had been raised on, believing it to be unclean, and maintain territories outside the limits of the town. They can be observed within the valley, where the males may be seen rubbing their antlers on trees, or fighting over land. The species is known to be polygamous, and when courting, leave distinct figure-eight patterns in the grass known as 'roe rings.' Unlike other cervids, the males begin regrowing antlers as soon as they are shed.
The body of the roe deer may yield pelts and venison. The males hunted during the correct season will yield racks of antlers.
Coney Hare
The rolling fields of the valley are marred with holes that lead into the warrens of the coney hare. These rabbits yield a threat only to grass, and wheat farmers.
The body of the coney hare will yield small pelts, when hunted effectively, rabbit meat, and feet which are often used in good luck charms.
Common Vole
These little rodents can be difficult to control for farmers, but are luckily kept in check by the population of birds of prey.
Viper
The shade and tall grass of the valley create the perfect habitat for the slithering viper. Bites from these snakes are extremely painful, but rarely fatal. Victims tend to more often be livestock. Tenderness, blood blisters, redness, and a tingling sensation are common symptoms affecting the bite area.
The slain viper may yield skin, meat, small amounts of venom, and fangs.
Fire Salamander
The fire salamander is anything but hot, but don't handle it with bare hands! These small lizards frequent the trunks of the valley's trees. They are most active in the evening, but can also be found in grassy areas on rainy days. The yellow spots on their dark skin correspond to glands that secrete a toxin which causes muscle convulsions and hyperventilation.
Helix Snail
The helix snail mantle covers a wide mantle of large gastropods who are most active at night, following rainfall.
These snails are edible, and said to be a delicacy in some places.
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Flora
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Chives
Fluffy, light purple flowers that follow long stems down to a subterranean bulb. Chives are similar to green onions and can be used in cooking. The juices of the growing plant also ward off unwanted insect life from crops.
Spearmint
Textured, sawtoothed leaves that end at points and come off long stems in clusters. Spearmint is one part of the popular hybrid peppermint, and can be used for the same purposes.
Valerian
Cloudy clusters of pastel pink flowers cap long stems. Valerian's root can be harvested and used as a relaxant. It is most effective when diffused into a neutral oil, but can be consumed directly. The oil is known to smell like a mix of cheese, and unwashed feet, but is good for calming one's nerves. Often found in archers' toolkits.
Rose Madder
Six-pointed stars of long leaves lie at the base of long stems, which hold more clusters of yellow star-shaped flowers. On the surface, nothing about rose madder screams rose, but the secret lies below. The roots of mature rose madder plants can be harvested, and used to dye clothing and leather red.
Cornflower
Easily identifiable by thin stems and brilliant, intricate blue-purple flowers. The flowers of the cornflower plant are edible and can be used for decoration, or in tea. They have also been used for their blue pigmentation.
Sweetscented Bedstraw
Low-lying shrubs of smooth, pointed leaves that are adorned with clusters of white flowers. This plant is most identifiable by its saccharine aroma. The scent only increases when the plant is dried. It can be used in potpourri, to keep moths away, or even in sweets and liqueurs.
Wood Cranesbill
Fuzzy green leaves that are accented with some red flesh are topped with broad-petaled purple flowers. These flowers yield a blue-gray dye that some use for warcloaks.
Valley Iris
Purple-colored flowers top single long stems. Half the petals curl down, while half point up. The valley iris is known to serve a number of uses. Despite the purple color, the flowers can be used to pigment fabric yellow. Similar to all iris plants, the roots can be used to produce a natural black dye as well. According to old traditions, the seeds can be chewed as a contraceptive. This is likely not true, but tradition runs deep.
Cerulean Crown
The bark is a pale gray and the wood is rather soft and smooth. Carpenters and woodworkers have made use of it as a good carving wood for utensils, statues, and bowls. The leaves are a deep green and akin to ferns in appearance. When the tree is in bloom, the flowers are what give it the distinctive blue look. The Crown has vibrant flowers that completely cover the tree, and often litter the ground below. It has been noted that there are a variety of Cerulean Crown's on the new continent, some with varying hues of blues and deep purples. (Credit to
NIAH for doing my job for me on this one.)
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