[Ragman]

Flora and Fauna

The Flora and Fauna of Secyclion is roughly similar to the rest of the Eunesian Isles, species of trees, shrubs and flowers in the same genus and variant as those found over the Nesocratic Federation of Eunesia. There are however certain species which are unique to Secyclion, which likely because of their diverse habitat and terrain is able to give host to an array of different plant and animal life. Plant species include coconuts and palm, while deeper inland in the Eastern regions, many other species of trees and shrubs could be found.

Many species of birds find homes on the island, with marine birds such as Gulls, Gannets, Cormorants and Terns, even Ospreys. Land animals are more confined to a certain degree, with the ancient volcanic eruption believed to have caused many native animals to be completely wiped out. Many of the land animals are foreign to Secyclion, being brought over by traders when the island nation became part of the Aelyrian Empire. Sea snakes are also a common sight, with many an unfortunate fisherman accidentally snaring them in his nets and bitten. Far away from land in the middle of the Eunesian seas, many of them usually die before reaching shore due to the potent toxins of these serpents.

Plenty of fish varieties can be found in the Eunesia Sea, which is the cradle of the best seafoods in the Empire. Crabs, lobsters, and cod are usually exported out of the island nation while the less expensive fishes are consumed by the locals. Shellfishs are a local favorite, as well as shrimps and octopus.

Golden Grapes

Sometimes called 'Ambrosian Grapes', the fruits are a local produce of Secyclion, and it's first uniqueness would be it's hue, which is of a dull golden color. The color of the skin is believed to be obtained by the high sulfur content of the volcanic soil. They used to be found everywhere around the island, but they are only seen in City-controlled vineyards to the Eastern lands these Brightenings.

Extremely expensive and rare, it is considered a punishable crime if a citizen is found to be growing the fruit privately since the ownership of cultivating and processing them are run by state-run companies.

The grapes are used in expensive cuisines as condiments such as grape jam, but most of them eventually end up in wines which are sold all over the Empire for a high price due to its rarity, and smooth yet buttery texture.

Singing Flowers

Perhaps due to the strange soil found on the island which is extremely fertile with mineral deposits that are unique on the Empire, the island also is home to one of the strangest kind of flowers -- the kind that sings. Bright yellow with golden anthers and silver stigmas, these flower are cylindrical shaped, with pores naturally formed on the petals, and when aligned in the correct angle of the wind, produces a sound that resembles wood wind instruments such as the flute.

An entire plant, due to the different arrangement of the flowers at various angles, is thus able to create a melody all by itself when the breeze blows past, and is truly a delight to witness when one visits the wilderness regions of the island. These plants grow to a grand height of about seven feet tall, high enough to stretch past most shrubs and catch most breezes.

Their fruits, a juicy, red colored berry is said to be able to nourish the throats, and are highly sought by performers who require their voice.

White Breasted Finch

A small bird that is slightly smaller than the palm of a Human, the White Breasted Finch is a bird native to Secyclion. Nestled amongst the estuaries of the Eastern shores, the Finch is a favorite local pet to the young children due to its gentle nature and is easily tamed to sing. These songbirds can be purchased in petshops on the island, and is one of the more popular breeds of birds as most of the others are seabirds that are fiercely hostile and territorial.

Secyclion Blue Crab

A truly rare animal, due to the fact that its entire coloration is of a blue-gray, with green eyes tinged in red, the Secyclion Blue Crabs came ashore in the middle of Spring just as the monsoon draws to a close every Era, and the island's beaches would usually be closed as millions upon millions of tiny crustaceans, each no bigger than half a palm come ashore to mate. Many are caught and harvested by the locals to be eaten, but most of the crabs manage to safely fulfill their purpose before returning to the sea for another Era.

Despite the rainy season, many travelers visit Secyclion just to witness the strange and enigmatic sight that can only be seen on Secyclion.

Red-tipped Gannet

While the common Gannet is white or creamed colored when they reach maturity, the red-tipped Gannet is black feathered, with red tips at the edge of the wings. Yellow eyes peer almost grimly from the head, and perhaps because of its coloration and large size (wingspan of 8 feet), many are intimidated by the sight of the Red-tipped Gannet. They are also furious creatures that attack Humans or snatch food away from the hands when they are unawares.

They keep themselves to their roosting grounds on the Southern Cliffs, but sometimes they enter the City where they turn into a menace. There have been instances where the Red-tipped Gannet snatches newborns from their mother's arms, though these are rare and few in between.

It is a local belief that if a Red-tipped Gannet circles someone, it indicates a bad omen that is able to transpire on that person.

Secyclion Black Ram

The Black Ram, as it's name suggest, has a black covering that covers its entire body. It's specialized hooves allows it to move over the dangerous slopes and cliffs of the island safely, and while it does not have the nicest taste, they are hunted for their fur, which are being made into expensive felt and cut into coats and jackets. They feed primarily on the shrubs that grow sparsely over the arid mountains, and are shy, docile creatures that shun Humans, which make spotting them extremely rare. Their mountainous habitat also makes it very precarious for hunters and poachers.

Gray Salamander

An elusive creature that is rarely seen, the Salamander is believed to be a man-eating creature that dwells within the hot and unbearable geysers and volcanic regions of Secyclion. A huge lizard with smooth, glossy scales, these Salamanders have been responsible for attacking the rare poultry and cows on the island, and are the bane of many farmers because it would take more than four men to bring the gigantic Salamander down. It is an aggressive creature that attacks with its huge claws and powerful tail.

While it's bite isn't deadly, it's long and serrated teeth is promise enough that whoever ends up being attacked was going to suffer many months of recovery time as shattered bones heal alongside deep and torn wounds that are exposed by its teeth.

Secyclion 'Farting' Pangolin

Like most of its Pangolin cousins, the typical Secyclion Pangolin are dark in color, with scales all over it's little body and sharp claws to turn over stones as it forages for food. It is one of the rare animals that can thrive amongst the oppressive volcanic terrain, seeming immune to its fumes. Instead, it seems to store and build up the fumes over the Brightenings and when threatened, releases the fumes which are said to have their effects amplified due to the high concentration of hallucinogenics.

When it flatulences, the rumbling sound is almost as loud as a distant volcanic rumble, which is one of the natural disasters that are most feared by the citizens of Secyclionians. Thus if the hallucinogenic fumes doesn't scare potential hunters, the sounds it make when it escapes the two glands located near the bottom of the Pangolin usually would do the trick.

Spitting Jay

One of the strangest animals that exists on the volcanic island is the Spitting Jay. These Jays are usually richly colored in red, green and yellow and roost in many of the Secyclion houses. When they are threatened, they would force out their saliva and spit on the people in an attempt to chase them away away from their territories. They are small, no more than a palm, and are graceful fliers that feeds on nuts and seeds.

It is a vile concoction of bile and mucus whose smell lingers on even after several candlemarks, but according to Secyclion culture, being spitted on by the bird signifies good luck or fortune; though visitors who had had a taste of the foul smelling fluid would often beg to differ.