The Brittle Lands
The Brittle Lands bridge the expanse between the foot of the Skytar Mountains and the dunes of the Cratic Desert. Historically, this land was inhabited only by outlaws or nomadic bands but in more recent years outposts have sprung up on new paths being forged between Cerapion City and neighboring provinces. As travelers pass through, there has been an increase of interest in the Brittle Lands in general and curious souls have come out to the outposts, not for travel to Cerapion, but to research the local flora and fauna.
Ralchie
Ralchies are wild dogs that are most often found in Branoli but have also been spotted in the Brittle Lands and the Skytar Mountains. Their distinctive howls can be heard for long distances and cause Greenie-Boys great distress. Ralshies live in small packs spread over large territories, which makes their noisy howls a critical way for them to find each other. Occasionally a Ralshie pup is caught and tamed, but they are predominately wild creatures.
Cordican Sheepdog
Cordican sheepdogs are a large gentle breed. Their roles as working members of the family are taken very seriously, and their training and care is considered an artform. In the wintertime, villages hold meetups to gather the dogs, socialize the pups, and carry out competitive games and demonstrations. Though the atmosphere is festive, there is an undercurrent of tension as it is also the opportunity to gain prestige as a breeder or trainer.
Cratic Lizard
The Cratic Lizard is a common sight in the vicinity of Cerapion City. The lizards are unusually friendly and seem to enjoy watching people work, sometimes even following them around. In turn, the Cerapion City community has adopted them as their unofficial mascot and, for the most part, treat them with respect. The lizards are mostly no more than a foot long, but some get quite large and though still docile, often get in the way.
Rock Hare and Pricklebear
Although most think of the Brittle Lands as a barren wasteland, many creatures make their homes there. Rock hares and pricklebears both shelter among the octocacti (so named because, when sliced open, each shoot contains eight membranes). Rock hares make tunnels underneath the prickly boughs and the pricklebears live comfortably in the brambles. The two species work together to warn each other of predators and direct each other to sources of their mutual favorite flower treats.
Tellerd & Pollinx
Tellerds and pollinx live in the wilds of Iranca, keeping away from any settlements. The gentle flying pollinx is considered good luck to Irancans who would like to keep them in captivity to display as status symbols. But these attempts always fail, as the pollinx don't survive. On the other hand, the plodding tellerd is often used as a synonym for slow-witted, though the creature does not deserve this. Although it may be slow moving, it is not lacking in intelligence.
Sun Tortoises
The sun tortoise of the Ixari Desert, named for the pattern on its shell, was discovered by an acolyte to the sun deity and was promptly elevated to sacred status. The tortoise is quite rare and sightings are few. To make it easier for sun worshippers to visit the tortoises, a sanctuary has been set up for them on the western edge of the Ixari Desert. The sanctuary also hosts cultural events and retreats that draw visitors from nearby Polvedo.
Miriole
Miriole are rodent-like but can grow to over a foot tall. They live in complex social structures, mostly underground, and seem to have developed a system of writing that has yet to be deciphered by humans. They give humans a wide berth, though juveniles have been known to steal objects or carry out what appear to be “pranks” on any humans in their vicinity. It is clear that they are highly intelligent, but very little is known about them.
Ma Diggly
Diggly and Hen is a supply caravan run by Ma Diggly (who's real name is Mara Rales—but she's been Ma Diggly for so long that her old name is mostly forgotten). Ma Diggly travels a long route across the desert, from Komoko City in Iranca to Cerapion City, then along the Vendigo river and through the Brittle Lands to Gensipolis in the Skytar Mountains—then back again. When asked about who “Hen” refers to, she just laughs and spins a different wild tale each time.
Shennie Tollip
Life has been hard for Shennie. Orphaned young, she was raised by her whole village, a small settlement in the southern Ixari Desert. Over the years the village dwindled as few were born there and each year a few more left, until, at last, all were gone and it was Shennie's time to go. Alone and with few belongings, she follows the coast west towards Polvedo, but is not sure where she's going or what she'll do when she gets there. All she knows is that she can't stay here.
Amoni Islandi
Amoni was raised by followers of the God of All Beasts but found her own calling in the temple of the Goddess of Small Creatures. After years of wandering, Amoni settled into Onreggie Town in Swelkar Valley. Though no longer a member of any temple, her connection to small creatures remains strong. Her skill with caring for and communicating with small creatures is well known and townsfolk bring her all manner of creatures to tend to, from fish to chickens, to rodents, and on one notable occasion, a beetle.