Post by Asphyxia on Jan 1, 2010 17:29:44 GMT -5
The Land of Rock, also known as Terra of Silicis are very vast, solely rocky terrain. The temperatures in the canyon areas gets extremely hot and oftentimes, the rock will grow so hot around midday that it is known for causing second to third degree burns. Shade is a must during the daytime, when the sun is at its peak. But neither day or night in the canyons are safe. The rocky cliffs are jagged and steep, dangerous for climbing, and the land below is bedded with such rough terrain, it could cause for very deep gashes in paws. If one gets seriously injured here, they’re more likely to die than to survive the tread to the safety of pack lands. Those who make it and avoid any other predators capturing them are very lucky. Very little water is inhabited in these lands, only one known spot that has been spoken of. The water is little here and often too dirty to bother with. However, it can be a dangerous trek to reach it. Very little plantation grows in these lands, which are often either too hot or with no soil and water to provide the plants with sustenance.
THE WILDLIFE
The canyons are riddled with deadly creatures, vast and predatory, prepared to strike. Those that are less likely predators to the wolf are probably just as dangerous via their own defense mechanisms. Very few of the creatures here are actually able to be eaten by the wolves, let alone killed. To find a carcass would be the easiest way to get food, but even then, the battle for the meal against the condors here could prove dangerous.
Mountain Lions are regulars in the vast rocky lands of the canyons. These big cats can thrive in these lands and are more often seen at night than during the day. While these cats are solitary and tend to have very large territories, during mating season, these cats will cross one another’s territory and increase the likelihood of running into one of these massive felines.
California Condors are the largest known bird of prey in the canyons. These birds wingspans can reach up to 9 feet, while their weight ranges from 15-31 lbs. These large birds can live up to around 50 years, well outliving the wolf. Their diet solely consists of carrion - carcasses. They find these by searching for other scavengers. These birds are unafraid of a confrontation with a wolf and with their large wings, sharp talons and piercing beaks, they aren’t a bird to mess with.
Canyon Rattlesnakes/Snakes are found in vast numbers, all over the canyons and are to be ultimately avoided. These snakes have hemotoxic venom, destroying tissue, degenerating organs and causing disrupted blood clotting. While adult snakes can control the amount of venom they release into their victim, they often won’t release any in a defensive attack. Young cannot often control the amount of venom and will most likely inject a full, lethal dose.
Spiders and Tarantulas - Deadly spiders in the canyons can often carry lethal, if nor very harmful poison, which they use to attack with, though more often, as a defensive mechanism. These creatures are to be left alone and given their due space.
Scorpions - The most common are the Giant Hairy Scorpion, which can deliver a sting no more painful than that of a bee. However, the one to deliver severe pain and sometimes even death is the Bark Scorpion.
Jackrabbit - Very few actually call these canyons home and most that do live here are very hard to catch. There are maybe an estimated count of thirty rabbits a year in these canyons. They often find homes in the pack lands to be much better suited to them and they're a feast for the puma when the puma aren't stalking pack lands for a larger, bulkier meal.
Elk/Deer - On very rare occasion, a few elk or deer, or even one that got separated from its herd, will stroll through the canyons. Their hooves are better suited for the hot ground than a wolfs and they're very good at climbing the canyon walls. You're very lucky if you see one in a year though.
Birds and Bats - The canyons are loaded with birds and bats and outside of the jackrabbit, the easiest to capture without defense mechanisms would be some ravens. Their sharp bills will pierce the flesh, but they're less likely to do serious damage. Good luck catching one though! Many ravens and plenty of small birds such as sparrows litter the canyon walls, making nests in the caves and along the rocky caverns. Often, bats are found inside the canyons, flying through the night to capture their meals.
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Recommendations from wolves that have survived the canyons.
"Be aware of your surroundings. The lands are dangerous. Travel only at dawn, dusk or night to avoid the hot rock terrain. If you travel there purposefully, take a healer with you or a guide that knows the lands. Never approach any animals that you don't know of, for they can be most harmless or most dangerous. Get in and get out in as little time as possible." - Courajess