#kobani

Pictured Above: The Sea-Dragon Gabrisu, which lives off of the KIshic Coast. Gabrisu is the largest living thing in Kobani. I will talk about Gabrisu more in a future post. Gabrisu is an example of a Great Monster.

25. What kind of animals and creatures live here?

This is a subject I could go into a lot of depth about, aside from species that are familiar to those on earth, there are also thousands of other species native to all parts of Kobani. In the interest of time I will be limiting this list to just Kishetal and will only give a few examples. More information on various species will be shared in future posts.

First, a quick classification of beings 

This is a quick description of the classification of mortal beings in Kobani. Gods and Spirits do not fall into these classifications.

Animals/humans/other: Those creatures and entities seemingly unaffected or unchanged by the effects of wild magic. These beings are, as a rule, not magical, not including the intrinsically magical aspects of life itself, though certain humans, sages, and seers, are capable of seeing and communicating with spirits and, with permission, may wield their power though never their own. Examples unique to Kobani include horned rabbits and giant minks

Beasts/Forestfolk: These are mortal and physical creatures and beings that have been reshaped and changed by wild magic but have not been changed to such an extent that wisemen cannot determine their original origin. Examples include the Deer of Lat and the Dorasi. Most forestfolk fall into this category as well, being vastly changed but still recognizably originating from a mundane and non-magical creature, namely humans or, on rare occasions, Giants or one of the other Sapient/Awakened Creatures. Beasts/Forestfolk may exhibit supernatural or magical aspects, but this is relatively rare as their mutations are typically physical and, at times, neurological rather than spiritual or metaphysical. In essence, the soul is unchanged, despite what may be claimed by certain people. Though their bodies and, at times, their behaviors are different, forestfolk, on the level of the soul/het, are still human and thus still privy to the Human/Awakened Cycle of Reincarnation rather than the typical mortal cycle experienced by Animals and other non-sapient creatures.

Monsters: Monster is a broad category. A monster is any creature whose lineage has been affected by magic to the extent that the species of its original ancestry is no longer clear, as with the silverwings of the Baalic Island. They may also be beings that seemingly have no distinct origin and/or are naturally found in their state, having not been affected by wild magic. These creatures are typically differentiated from animals by various magical or supernatural properties though their magical nature/dynamic nature is still mostly static and purely physical, unlike spirits. Examples of these "true" monsters include creatures such as lesser dragons, many sea serpents, and the kirki. To be considered a monster rather than a “Great” monster, an individual must necessarily be considered part of a group or species.

Great Monsters: These are ancient creatures that are unique in nature, they may be the progenitor of a line of lesser monsters, but they must be the first of their kind or else included in a very small group, one which prohibits the proliferation of the creature without degradation. Typically they are named individuals and are typically though not necessarily supernatural or magical. Examples include the Great Dragon Ilhumbaya. 

Demigods: A demigod is the progeny of a human or human-descended forestfolk and a spirit, typically a Great Spirit, given the power and focus required by spirits to produce and provide the necessary materials for sexual reproduction. Demigods are almost always born from a human mother, as most spirits detest the physical limits which come from carrying a physically static being. Unlike forestfolk, demigods are magical in nature and not merely the result of magical mutation. Demigods are typically not able to wield magic and change their form in the same sense as a spirit, as their physical body forbids it. Magic rather manifests in the body itself. Demigods are prone to unusually large stature, heal at an unusually fast pace, and possess great physical strength. Demigods are also capable of speaking with and seeing spirits regardless of the spirit's wishes. In some cases, this may only occur after certain mental blocks and expectations are broken. Depending on the individual, if not killed by unnatural means, a demigod may live for upwards of fifteen hundred years. Despite this, demigods are still considered among the Awakened and mortal beings.

For the purposes of this post, I will be addressing species from the first two categories, Animals and Beasts.

1. Horned Rabbit

Classification: Animal

Common Name: The Wild Horned Rabbit

Kishic Name: Juraijir (Juraba- Rabbit, Jir- Horn/Antler/Branch)

Description: The Wild Horned Rabbit is a large leporid typically found in plains and mountain slopes though populations may exist in a range of biomes. Both males and females possess large curling horns similar to those found in wild sheep. Males possess thick manes similar in some sense to that of the American Bison. Horned Rabbits are considerably larger than their non-horned cousins. Horned Rabbits typically travel in large groups called clatters, named for the tell-tale sound of their horns clashing during the mating season. During the mating season Horned Rabbit males may become aggressive, more than one Kishic shepherd or hunter has taken an unfortunate fall of a cliff or ledge after running afoul of horned rabbit. Unlike rabbits Horned Rabbits do not create burrows but rather construct nest like structures called isisu. Does may produce a litter twice a year with each litter typically consisting of 2 to 4 kits. Rabbits typically live between 4-7 years.

Range: Red Areas represent the native range of the Horned Rabbit, Green diagrams those areas where horned rabbits have been introduced in wild or domesticated form.

Size: Bucks(Male) generally reach between 50-60 lbs with the largest specimens reaching upwards of 85 lbs. Does generally weigh between 40-50 lbs with the heaviest examples reaching 70 lbs.

Diet: Rabbits are herbivorous, the majority of their diet is composed of grasses, shrubs, herbs, and mosses. In some areas the diet may be supplemented by twigs, and buds.

Magical Aspects: Horned Rabbits are not inherently magical, however by eating magical herbs Rabbits may begin to exhibit magical traits. These traits become particularly important in cases where magically affected rabbit is eaten by humans or other species.

Relation to Humans: Wild rabbits are often hunted for meat and fur. The mane of the male rabbit is commonly used for shawls and decorative purposes while meat is a common ingredient in stews and sauces throughout the Red Cedar Mountains. The horns commonly used in the creation of jewelry, weapons, and drinking vessels. Over 45 separate breeds of domesticated horned rabbit exist throughout Kobani. The largest breed, the Amshigarian Imar, may reach up to 400 lbs. The smallest domesticated breed the Jurasum, popular among Kishic commoners, weigh in at around 15 lbs. 

2. The Giant Mink

Classification: Animal

Common Name: The Giant Mink

Kishic Name: Jalkukusu (Jal- Great or Big, Kukusu- Mink)

Description: The Giant Mink is a large mustelid most closely related to the common mink. Aside from the obvious difference in size, the giant mink possesses longer and more powerful legs suited for both climbing and running. Giant Mink typically hunt via ambush, pouncing down on their prey from thick limbs and branches or else springing from water in similar fashion to a crocodilian. Giant Minks are accomplished swimmers and climbers and can be found in most areas of the eastern Green Sea where both forest and running water can be found. The range of the Giant Mink has shrunk somewhat as a result of deforestation throughout the Green Sea. The rich and glossy coat of the Giant mink is a deep brown and is known for its silky appearance. Mink typically live between 7-10 years.

Range: Red areas represent the current range of the Giant Mink, Pink areas represent the former range.

Size: Differences between male and female specimens is often substantial. Males may reach weights of up to 210lbs but are generally 130-170 lbs and approximately 8ft from snout to the tip of the tail. Females typically fall around 100-120 lbs and 7.3ft. In size they are comparable to the Puma Concolor or Mountain Lion. Giant Mink are both the longest and heaviest mustelids in Kobani.

Diet: Giant Minks are voracious and often vicious predators. The diet consists of fish, shellfish, small birds and mammals, eggs, insects, and reptiles as well as larger prey including gazelle, deer, boar, wild goat and sheep, porcupine, horned rabbit, small bears, lion cubs, livestock, and on rare occasion, humans and forestfolk.

Magical Aspects: Giant Mink in their natural state have no magical traits unless introduced via diet.

Relation with Humans: While Giant Mink fur is heavily coveted and the pelts a symbol of wealth and power, hunting the mink is considered a dangerous endeavor due to the species’ aggressive nature. Some consider the hunting of Giant Minks to be a greater honor than the hunting of lions. Minks often prey on livestock including sheep and horned rabbits. It is not unheard of for Giant Mink to find their way into villages only to make off with pets and small children.

3. The Deer of Lat

Classification: Beast

Common Name(s): Flesh-eating Deer, Deer of Lat

Kishic Name:  Latdul Atjir (Latdul- Of Lat, Atjir- Deer)

Description: The Flesh-Eating Deer of Lat are a monstrous species originally native to Kishetal that have since spread to surrounding regions. Their name stems from the semi-historical folk-hero, Lat, who it is said first encountered the creatures near the future site of the Kishic city of Bur. The deer are quite easy to separate from their plant-eating cousins by their comparatively bulky bodies, their large size, long busy tails, the presence of canine-like teeth, and front facing eyeballs. Does and Bucks alike possess antlers. Unlike other species, antlers are not used in mating rituals. Rather male deer compete by creating caches of food. As a result male deer are particularly aggressive during the breeding season and will often actively hunt down humans. Deer move in small packs of between 3 and 8 individuals typically led by a dominant pair. Often deer will hunt in similar fashion to wolves, using their hooves, teeth, and antlers to kill prey. Unlike other deer, Deer of Lat do not shed their antlers. It is is not unusual to see deer with small prey items skewered upon the antlers. Deer are highly aggressive and will almost certainly prey on humans if given the chance. It is believed that the Deer of Lat are the descendants of roe deer exposed to wild magic in the Red Cedar Mountains. Deer live approximately 9 years on average. 

Range: The range of the Flesh-eating Deer is shown in red.

Size:  The Deer of Lat reach on average, 6ft 5in tall at the shoulders. Sexual dimorphism is surprisingly limited. Deer may typically reach 990–1,320 lbs and up to 1,640 lbs.

Diet: The Deer of Lat are obligate carnivores. A single individual may eat upwards of 100lbs of flesh in a week. Prey animals include gazelle, deer, boar, wild goat and sheep, porcupine, horned rabbit, small bears, lion cubs, livestock, and humans.

Magical Aspects: The Deer of Lat are immune to all diseases. Additionally it would seem the deer possess supernatural quietness, as despite their massive size, deer are capable of sneaking up on prey practically silently. The deer hide is supernaturally resistant against extreme cold.

Relation with Humans: The Deer of Lat are one of the few species which actively hunt and seem to show a preference for human and forestfolk as a part of their diet. Packs of deer will stalk the outside of villages, preying on stragglers. The Deer are much feared and are a common villain in Kishic folklore. Despite the dangerous nature of the deer, the antlers are prized for use in weapons and jewelry. The hide with its magical properties is often used in the creation of cold-weather and mountain clothing.

4. Long-Necked Bear

Classification: Beast

Common Name: The Long-Necked Bear

Kishic Name: Dorasi (borrowed from a forestfolk dialect)

Description: The long-necked bear is believed to descend from a mutated population of brown bear in the Shabalic Mountains before the decent of humanity from the mountains of sanctuary. Dorasi are now found all over northwestern Macia and Kallistera. The dorasi is thinner and less robust than the brown bear, better suited to sudden bursts of speed. Dorasi are known to gallop after their prey. The Dorasi is additionally quite a good swimmer and may on some occasions swim many miles over lake or sea, accounting for its spread off of the mainland. The most identifiable traits the dorasi are its elongated neck, fanged mouth, and iridescent fur. Like the brown bear, dorasi hibernate during colder seasons and will gorge themselves before the winter season in order to gain the requisite fat deposits. Dorasi are highly solitary and territorial and will attack strange bears, monsters, and even humans that enter their territory, which may cover several hundred acres. Bears will only leave their territory when searching for a mate or else leaving the territory of their mother. Bears typically live between 10 and 15 years. Dorasi are known to hoard shiny objects including gold and silver which is then incorporated into their den.

Range: The range of the Dorasi is shown in red. 

Size: While thinner than the Shabalic brown bear, the Dorasi is taller and longer and thus roughly equivalent in weight at 500-780 lbs for males and 400-650 lbs for females with females typically being sleeker and less bulky than males. Both sexes generally measure at 8 to 10ft from nose to tail.

Diet: The diet of the dorasi varies greatly on geographical location. Typically a dorasi’s diet will consist of a mixture of grasses, berries, sedges, fungi, mosses, nuts, fruit, honey, insects, birds and fish as as larger prey items like deer and boar. Dorasi may occasionally prey on humans but most attacks are territorial in nature.

Magical Aspects: The iridescent fur of the dorasi expels water. Dorasi have a seemingly supernatural ability to detect gold and other precious metals, and make their dens near deposits. As such dorasi are often used as an indication of the presence of gold and silver. It is said that same northern populations are capable of imitating human speech. Dorasi blood is an oft ingredient in potions and medicines as it seems to increase the effect of other magical components consumed alongside it.

Twitter/Amed Dicle aracılığıyla +görüntüsü Delil Zilan

＊updated

Kobane, the city that defeated ISIS, is subjected to bombardment by the aircraft of the Turkish occupation.

Via Twitter/Farhad Shami,Head of SDF Media Centre +video Delil Zilan

＊複数の情報によれば､西クルディスタン(シリア北部)の街コバネーがトルコの戦闘機から空爆されている模様｡

動画提供-Twitter/デリル・ズィランさんより

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