Fauna and Flora of Aestas

Major Fau

na and Flora of Aestas: The mundane animals of Aestas are roughly similar to Earth, differing only in minor details; coloration and pattern, horns, and so forth. Domesticated animals such as horses, cattle, goats, pigs, chickens, and so forth are largely identical to what one would expect. It is out in the great empty expanses of wilderness that the differences appear. Many of the larger mammals greatly resemble Earth fauna of earlier geologic eras, such as various brontotheres, giant sloths, sabercats, glyptodonts, and an endless variety of "Dire Animals". Most animals tend to be larger and more aggressive than their Earth varieties, with colorful names. In the Known World, many of these interesting creatures have either been domesticated or eradicated, though most can still be found in abundance in the vast areas of wilderness that remain between settlements.Aestas is also home to a variety of giant reptiles, called dinosaurs on Earth but known by a variety of names on Aestas. Aestan scholars distinguish them from other types of animals by their size and scaly skin, and suspect that they are perhaps related to modern dragons. Dinosaurs are not commonly found in the known world, being found in abundance only in the Mayhar Peninsula, parts of Terathmin, and in Keller and Pershamon Imperial game preserves. Some of the better-known varieties include the famous Threehorn (Triceratops), the Greatnecks (various Sauropods), Leatherwings (Pterodactyl), Swiftrippers (small Theropods like the Velociraptor), Grandrippers (large Theropods like Allosaurus), and Titanfangs (larger Theropods such as Tyrannosaurus). Threehorns are used as warbeasts by some empires in the same way that elephants were, as they are more aggressive but less intelligent than the common pachyderm. In a few dangerous places, they are even used as beasts of burden due to their hardiness and ability to defend themselves from predators!Compared to the animals of Aestas, little need be said about the plant life. Nearly all varieties one would expect can be found on Aestas, again differing only in minor detail. The main difference is the existence of mobile and carnivorous giant plants, mainly in desolate and swampy areas where the extra nutrients required by the plants must be taken by predation. As this appears to violate natural laws, magic or the work of dark gods is usually held to blame.