While the Undead and the Gwyllt are both grave threats to the safety of the Realms, one should not worry solely about the unnatural. There are many perfectly natural things that can kill the unwary traveller in the Five Realms. Tirneach has an abundance of bipedal beasts that one can expect to be menaced by on even a moonlit winter’s night.
Treasna an’Fánach, A Survey of the Five Realms
Animals are common across the Realms. Farmers keep some as livestock, but many more roam wild across the land. These often contribute to the danger of travelling in Tirneach, particularly in the realm of Bruid. While the gwyllt and undead may be more insidious and malicious, many beasts are vicious, and will be equally dangerous to the unprepared.
There are all sorts of creatures, including ones familiar from the real world. However, Tirneach also has a large number of large, bipedal beasts. This page focuses on these, as, unsurprisingly, you’re most likely to face them in the field.
- Cabhrúcailleach are bipedal felines known for stealing magical items. They are resistant to magic, and rumoured to have been created by the vartach in ages past. They are commonly found wandering the mountains of Draíod.
- Craiciarann are lumbering beasts with thick metal hide. It is said that no sword can pierce their skin. They are most common in Draíod. Beneath the ground, they are often found near veins of ore, so some canny miners have learned to track them.
- Cúfiach are a common species of hound. Often a problem for farmers and lone travellers. They work in packs, but may descend into infighting if prey is scarce. Bandits have been known to train them to retrieve valuables.
- Cúnfadh are sad creatures. Bred to be war hounds, they are weak, sickly beasts trained to go into a rabid frenzy when they are wounded. Many have scorn for those who breed them, but they persist regardless.
- Cúsinsear are wild hounds that are said to be the oldest beast in written records. Some consider them the ancestors of all the hounds of Tirneach, but the fact that few hounds have inherited their magical abilities casts doubt on this. They are often found in the mountains or the plains, particularly in Draíod.
- Dhó Sionnach are foxlike creatures infused with fiery magic. They are often hunted for sport. They are notoriously difficult to kill without being grievously injured oneself, so appeal to those who like a challenging hunt.
- Feargabhar are bipedal herbivores related to goats. Known to eat almost anything, farmers will keep them in areas of poor grazing due to their hardiness. They have a particularly belligerent, territorial nature.
- The Greater Uasan Water Rats are said to be blessed by the ancient river spirits, with the river magic flowing through their veins. While that may be a myth, their hides are known to repel magic. They have become rarer in recent years, hunted by the Greater Uasan Water Cats.
- Mordfrancach are bipedal rodents that scavenge food stores. While generally regarded as a pest, they are known to be aggressive in swarms. They have a love for shiny things, which they often bring back to their ensts.
- Ollocras are bearlike creatures feared across Tirneach. Extremely powerful, they will go to great lengths to protect their territories, or their young. While they mostly hunt in the wild, they are known to attack outlying farms and camps, looking for food. Most common in Baol.
- Ríspeir are a species of bipedal reptiles, said to be very distant, diluted descendents of the dragons. They are prized by the Drakeblooded Houses as status symbols. Most common in Baol.
- Schreckliche Gans were brought over from Schlachtfeld. They are incredibly aggressive, goose-like creatures known for breaking everything that they can lay a beak on.
- Trotzdolch are a species of large wasps, sometimes known as “knife bastards”, brought to Tirneach by krieger settlers. While they are prized for their honey, which makes a fine mead, their lethal stings make people wary of keeping them. Most common in Bruid.