#arcana stuff

Small Creatures: 

Common Jackalope: The common jackalope is a rabbit like creature that grows antlers as they reach maturity, which will continue to grow as they age. Jackalope are found throughout Vesuvia and much of the surrounding areas, as well as in Zadith and the Fennekh Dessert. They are as versatile as the less fantastical members of the lagomorph family. Jackalope are herbivorous, their diet consists primarily of leafy plants, cacti, and roots.

In the wild, jackalope live in small groups in warrens. Groups are usually comprised of several female jackalope, with male jackalope living solitary lives outside of the mating season. During which, male jackalope, called bucks, will become territorial and spar other males with their antlers.  Jackalope, like rabbits, are valued for their meat and their fur. However, their antlers are also valuable in folk medicine and in artisan craft-work. Jackalope are easy to raise and make fine pets, however in recent years the Wolpertinger has overtaken them in popularity due to their comparatively softer and thicker fur.

Vesuvian Wolpertinger: While not native to Vesuvia, wolpertingers have flourished in the wild since their introduction by Drakr immigrants some hundred years ago. The Vesuvian Wolpertinger have developed larger ears and thinner coats than their ancestors as an adaptation to Vesuvia’s climate. Wolpertinger are closely related to jackalope, however a wolpertinger’s antlers are considerably smaller, and are shed in the spring. They also have a pair of wings that allow them to fly for a short distance. Vesuvian Wolpertinger nest in tree hollows or bramble thickets, and have been observed to hibernate through the summer if the temperatures become too high. The structure of a Wolpertinger’s feet is unique from other lagomorphs, their wrists are capable of turning 360 degrees, similar to a squirrel, which allows them to climb trees. Wolpertinger are primarily herbivourous, feeding on roots, tree nuts, and bark. However they have been observed catching small fish when foliage is scarce. Wolpertinger are highly prized for their soft, thick fur, and in countries like Firent and Drakr, domesticated wolpertinger have been bred into many different lines to produce a wide variety of fur.   Prospero’s Salamander: A species of salamander that was initially discovered (and according to legend, the familiar of) by the first Count of Vesuvia. Prospero’s salamanders are a sleek, golden brown color with red dapple markings along their back. They have three legs on either side of their torso, and have comparatively less fire capabilities than other members of the Minor Draconic genus.  Prospero’s salamanders are very common throughout Vesuvia, and can easily be found under logs, rubble, or dried river beds. They are a very docile species,  and even wild caught ones easily and amicably adapt to living in a home’s stove or furnace. 

Large Creatures: 

Venterre Boar: Descended from escaped truffle-swine of the Venterre region’s vineyards, Venterre boar are massive animals with a keen sense of smell. Their snouts are noticeably spade shaped, making foraging for roots, truffles, and subterranean creatures very easy. 

At a glance, Venterre boar are hard to differentiate from common boar, however the most notable differences are their large size, wiry coats that range in color from dark violet to red, and spade shaped snouts. 

Venterre boar can be very dangerous, and are commonly thought to be bad tempered, as opposed to common boar who are usually only aggressive when defending piglets or during the mating season.

Venterre boar are prized for their meat, which is said to have a taste similar to buttery wines. 

Shiny Chamois: A light-framed species of antelope that can be found on the Vesuvian plains, through to the Great Gate and edges of the Catclaw Desert. Shiny Chamois are named for their light, sandy colored coats that easily blend into long grasses or sand dunes. Shiny Camois have a pair of ivory colored, pronged horns that develop shortly before the animal reaches maturity.