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heliotrope-journey · 1 month
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Good evening, vampire hunters.
It was Gelliewich’s lucky day when he stumbled across two pots of gold during a stroll through the highlands surrounding Galicia. Thinking that he hit the jackpot, he stuffs his pockets with the riches he could carry. But when there are lone pots of gold, there’s a huge chance a group of leprechauns have set up camp inches away because no one just leaves a cluster of gold coins free for the taking. Just as soon as Gelliewich filled his pockets, Pwcca stands behind him with his wand handy, threatening to take the optimist hostage. His group has cornered July and an earth mage fifteen minutes prior and though they’re putting up a good fight, a lone leprechaun has them outmatched. The mage’s novice sorcery could not topple his opponent’s aggressive slashes and wolf-like thrusts. Gelliewich smiles, arms himself with a gilded sword he brought with him, and knocks Pwcca to the ground. If there’s anything he loves more than riches beyond his wildest imagination, it’s a good fight. The earth mage, noticing that the battle gained a participant fighting for him in July, gets the confidence to launch a boulder the size of his fist at the leprechaun, bringing him to his knees. Pwcca stands up and raises his wand toward Gelliewich just as the mage ran to his side. It won’t be a short St. Patty’s Day battle, but have you ever known Gelliewich to complain? ;) Photo by Dmitrii Shirnin on Unsplash.
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We’ve made some final changes to The Heliotrope Chronicles Book 1: Scars of the Past. The hub world has gotten an expansion to include interactions with Frederick’s compatriots and a new area to make room for a tribute to my late brother painted by my sister. These interactions may not spoil much of Episode 4, but it is recommended to play through the previous levels before exploring the new hub. Siegfried Croes has carved a handful of diamond-shaped gems for you to find in order to enrich your gaming experience. They’ve been previously added to Son of a Hustler Book 1 to challenge your platforming skills and we plan to add them in future updates to older installments. Photo by Jonathan Larson on Unsplash.
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Hang on! We’re not finished with The Heliotrope Chronicles Book 1!
That’s correct. Frederick and co. still have much to do in Baudelaire City before they flee the country. Unfortunately, the game’s executable has become too big to fit the upcoming levels and as a result, it takes a while longer for it to run. To ensure that it won’t overload your PC’s memory, we decided to split The Heliotrope Chronicles Book 1 and larger installments currently in development into four-episode volumes. Volume I may have concluded and it ended on a good note, but there'll be plenty of time in Volume II give the Veiled Nocturne a swift kick in the rear.
Thank you for supporting the Heliotrope Journey series as always and we hope you enjoy this new hub. :)
Sincerely,
WN
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tadpoles-yay · 1 year
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The end result plus some screenshots of the inhabitants, plus the inhabitants of the other habitat.
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valsnonsense · 1 month
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Prince Fern Faye
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"Alright everyone! And five, six, seven, eight-!"
Parents: Princess Viva Faye and Clay Heath
Siblings: Conifer (Younger Brother), Basil (Younger Sister)
Age: 23
Pronouns: He/Him
Sexuality: Gay
Genre: Synth-Pop/Funk/Electronic/Disco
Voice Claim: Adam Young (Owl City)
The eldest son of Princess Viva and Clay. Upbeat, easy-going, and a bit of a party animal, Fern is a sassy dancer often found hanging out at cafes people watching and gossiping.
Fern works as a dance instructor for young trolls, teaching them the joys of all forms of dance. Ever since he found and watched old tapes of his dad busting moves in Brozone, Fern has dreamed of dancing as well as his father. When he started dancing, Clay and Viva gave him a headband and some leg warmers for work-out purposes, and he turned it into a whole style.
When not teaching classes, Fern loves to hang out with his friends and cousins, gossiping over coffee or hitting local bars in the evening. Fern has always been a bit of a social butterfly, and feels the need to socialize often. Fern does suffer from a bit of existential dread, so he doesn't like being alone.
If he is alone, Fern loves reading. As a child, he would always carry a book of some kind around. He loves buying books from different kingdoms and seeing the difference in fiction. He even got a tattoo of his favorite book series logo after it utterly wrecked him emotionally.
Music wise, Fern is a sort of free spirit. He enjoys upbeat music that he can dance along to, or more abstract music that makes one think. He unironically loves Disco and will fight anyone who gives him shit for it.
Fern currently resides in Trollstopia, and lives in large apartment towards the center of the city.
Fun Facts!
- Fern has a FUCK TON of hair. Like it's almost unmanageable kind of amounts. If not pulled back, his hair will explode out in all directions. Not matter how much product he uses, nothing can tame it.
- Fern was the first of his cousins to move out of his family's home, as he grew up in the Mini Golf course. There were a lot of tears.
- Fern traveled around for a bit after he first moved out, learning different dance styles from different cultures, as he wanted to include all kinds of Trolls in his dance classes.
- Yes, Fern can golf. He was raised in a giant mini golf course, that shit was hotwired I to his DNA.
And that's the first of my Cliva kids, Fern!! I made him an 80s nut cuz I thought it was funny lol.
Fern went through some minor design changes but BIG persona changes. At first he was more of a snotty book worm, but I wasn't really feeling it. So I still made him a bookworm, now he's just a gossipy bookworm lol.
Also since Viva is a princess, Fern and his siblings are "technically" royalty in the Pop Kingdom, tho they don't really use the titles much.
Also I decided I will be giving Trolls surnames for this AU. Viva (And Poppy's) last name is Faye, and Clay along with Brozone's last name is Heath.
Cookie for u if u know the logo of that book series nxbxjxbndd
Voice Example: Shooting Star (Owl City)
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How to Identify Western Sword Ferns
Originally posted at my blog at https://rebeccalexa.com/how-to-identify-western-sword-ferns/. Click here to learn more about the How to Identify article series.
Name: Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum)
Range and typical habitat(s): West coast of North America from southern California to extreme southern Alaska, and inland to the western Rockies in Idaho; also introduced to a few places in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Widespread through conifer forests at low elevations; while it is most commonly part of the understory of these forests, it may sometimes be found in nearby open areas as an early succession pioneer after disturbance.
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Distinguishing physical characteristics (size, colors, overall shapes, detail shapes): This is a large fern, with individual fronds up to six feet long; the entire plant may be six or more feet across in very large specimens. The overall shape of younger plants may be a sort of “fountain” formation; with age and size some of the stems begin to droop downward, giving the overall plant more of a spherical or semi-spherical appearance. The leaves are a medium to medium-dark green; the spore-bearing sori on the underside are a rusty brown.
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Underside of leaves showing sori. By brewbooks, CCA-SA-2.0
Each frond consists of a single stem (rachis). This rachis is round, solid inside, and may have a deep furrow down the center. It is green with rust-brown flecks along its length. Individual leaves (pinnae) grow in an alternate pattern along the stem; alternate means that one grows on one side, and then the next on the other just a little further down the rachis, and then the next on the first side a little further down, etc.) Almost the entire rachis is covered in leaves, except for a few inches at the base. Several of these may grow out of the same root/rhizome system, clustered close together, with dead growth from previous years lying on the ground at the plant’s base.
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The sword fern is what’s known as single pinnate, meaning that there are leaves arranged in pairs along a single rachis, but those leaves are not further divided into smaller leaflets. Each leaf is lance-shaped with a pointed tip and finely serrated edges. The leaf has a main central vein, with smaller veins branching off of it in pairs, one on each side. On the underside of the leaf, the sori look like little brown fuzzy circles. They are arranged quite closely to each other in two rows, one row on either side of the central vein of the leaf. Each leaf varies from less than an inch to six inches long; the larger leaves are closer to the base of the stem, and get smaller toward the tip. The last few leaves near the tip may not be fully separated from each other. The leaves are attached to the rachis by very slender, short stems (petioles) at their base. The tips of some of the leaves may point away from the center/base of the plant, toward the end of the rachis.
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Other organisms it could be confused with and how to tell the difference: While western sword fern tends to be the most common Polystichum species in its range, there are a few other species of the genus that overlap. You’ll need to look at small details to tell the difference; for example, P. imbricans can be distinguished from P. munitum by examining the leaves in relation to the main stem. In P. imbricans, the leaves are actually rotated on their petioles so that they are perpendicular to the stem like rungs on a ladder, rather than growing “flat”:
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In addition to paying attention to small differences in things like leaf shape and arrangement, you also want to note where you saw the fern in question. Not every look-alike Polystichum species will be found in every part of western sword fern’s range; P. californicum, for example, only grows from southernmost British Columbia to central California. If you don’t have access to field guides, create a free account on iNaturalist. You can use the Explore function on the phone app or computer browser to see where people have logged observations of just about any species of living being you can think of; while it isn’t as exact as a formal range map, it’s a good substitute for casual use.
Finally, there are other ferns outside of the genus Polystichum that can also be confused with western sword fern. A good example is deer fern (Struthiopteris spicant). While it also has a cluster of individual fronds, each composed of a central rachis with pairs of leaves on either side, deer fern is smaller than western sword fern. A closer look shows that the leaves of deer fern are attached to the rachis by their entire bottom edge (sessile), rather than by a petiole:
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Also, deer ferns have specially adapted “fertile” leaves that look different from the rest; western sword ferns lack these. These consist of a dark, tall rachis that has thinner, more widely spaced leaves; these lift the sori higher above the rest of the plant so that the wind can more easily blow away the spores. Their resemblance to deer antlers gives this fern its name:
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A good quick guide that may help with distinguishing western sword fern from others in its range is Pacific Fern Finder by Glenn Keator. While it isn’t absolutely complete, it covers the more common species and is a dichotomous key that helps you narrow down your options by looking at various physical characteristics of the fern you’re trying to identify.
Anything else worth mentioning? Western sword ferns are not among the few species whose fiddleheads (young, curled-up fronds) are safe to eat. Reportedly the rhizomes have historically been used as a last-resort food source by some indigenous people. However, concerns about carcinogens mean this plant should not be considered a regular edible.
10000 Things of the PNW has a more detailed write-up of this species here.
Further reading:
Native Plants PNW: Western Sword Fern
OSU Extension’s Tourism Blog: Western Sword Fern
CalScape: Sword Fern
10000 Things of the Northwest: Polystichum imbricans (as a comparison to P. munitum)
Did you enjoy this post? Consider taking one of my online foraging and natural history classes, checking out my other articles, or picking up a paperback or ebook I’ve written! You can even buy me a coffee here!
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I'm curious, how would the first meeting with Aspheera go? Like seeing an Anacondrai with fire powers? Would it go the same way or there will be some teensy winsy changes?
(oh wow this got long)
There's a lotta potential for changes. Specifically based on her own opinion of Anacondrai, which, we never see. So I'm gonna speculate;
Because Aspheera's a Hypnobrai and disrupted the rulership of a Hypnobrai kingdom and you don't see other Serpentine species in Mamba's kingdom or around it in these flashbacks, that the tribe unification hasn't happened yet; which makes sense, since Wu and Garmadon are kids at this point and the five tribes allying with each other and working together during the Serpentine War is notably later in their lives.
There's also the fact that Anacondrai live in more tropical areas (think Chen's island) instead of the Hypnobrai who we see living by upland conifer forests.
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I actually looked a bit deeper into conifer trees to find some kind of explanation for why this is the case (because I'm a weirdo who likes to find solid explanations for random lore in my fantasy/sci-fi media) why lead to me discovering Walchian Conifers. They're an extinct species of conifer trees that are believed to have "closely followed, rather than predated the abrupt climate change" in Pennsylvania. They basically showed up and spread when the wet seasons got shorter.
(Sorry for the history/worldbuilding ramble, I am. very excitable)
But, to answer my own question; Aspheera probably wouldn't have a lot of actual exposure to Anacondrai, especially since they've been historically characterized as militaristic and war hungry, which is the opposite of what King Mamba V was pushing for. She would however know of them and probably be able to recognize the Anacondrai in her tomb. But I can imagine that Aspheera would find the Anacondrai admirable because of them being characterized as greedy, war-mongering, and difficult to defeat. (Admittedly, the greedy thing is partly because as Anacondrai get bigger, they have to eat more, and sustaining an army is already difficult enough for humans) . They took what they felt they deserved, or at least that's how Aspheera would see them, and she probably in a way found them aspirational. She wanted to create her own massive empire, after all.
So when she comes out of her thousand-year entombment to see a gaggle of humans (which she almost definitely perceives as weak, stupid, and/or deceiving) with one lone Anacondrai, she most likely applies her own personal experiences onto what she sees as something where these humans are either using this Anacondrai to get into her tomb or that this Anacondrai is tricking them somehow, like she did to Wu and Garmadon. Aspheera is not a generous thinker.
When she sees that Kai is not only a Serpentine like herself but also one that's a fire elemental? That is incredibly intriguing. Serpentine being elemental masters is a novel concept in modern day Ninjago, it was likely a distant dream in Aspheera's time.
Most likely, instead of trying to take Kai's elemental power, she first offers for him (and the Anacondrai Tribe as a whole, not knowing Pythor's the only one left) to 'ditch these humans', help her find the Deceiver, and to join her in her rise to power afterwards.
Whether or not she takes Kai's fire (at least now) would wholly depend on whether Kai would think to play into her assumption (and pull a Chen Trick 2.0) or to continue trying to fight her like he does in the show.
Either way, it's a lot harder to drag an unconscious 20-something-feet snake man out of a booby-trapped tomb than a normal human man.
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lorenfinch · 9 months
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Find the Word Tag
A massive catch-up post! I was tagged in four posts by @writinglittlebeasts, @liv-is, and @serenanymph to find the words agape, borrow, one, rummage, hum, don't, star, strong, summer, smear, smash, row, follow, mouth, drag, and great! Let's see if I can find all of them!!
AGAPE
And yet, as we approached the castle, I felt not like a hero in the making but like a prisoner marching to his own execution. As burly looking guards bearing the same seal as Ainsley and the rest moved to open the gates, I spotted two marble statues placed grandly at each side of the entrance. I recognized the visages instantly: on the left stood the stern, withered Visdar, god of order and law. On the right stood Dontos, god of retribution, clad in ancient Erydean armor and mouth agape in a silent shout.
“You can enter,” said Ainsley, and while a weight was lifted off my chest with the invitation, my body still prickled with unease as I passed between the statues, as if any moment they’d jump to life and kill me right then and there.
ONE
Ainsley too adjusted his seating position, criss-crossing his legs and resting his elbow on one of his knees as he leaned forward towards me. “So. Like I said, I’d like to get to know ya. I gave ya my name, didn’t I? I’d say it’s about time for you to give me yours.”
“I’m Renwick.” It occurred to me that perhaps I should’ve given him a false name. Would he know? Would he be able to figure it out? And yet I didn’t regret a single syllable, for telling him my name, my real name, felt like a triumph.
RUMMAGE
“Oh, you found my whale log! I’ve been keeping that for centuries!” Dahlia chirped from behind me. I yelped and dropped the journal in surprise. Over my shoulder, I saw her standing there sheepishly while Amaryllis rummaged through one of the drawers and Vlastimir—whose entrance had also been quite silent—leaned against the doorframe. “Sorry,” Dahlia stammered. “Should’ve announced myself first.” I gave her back her journal, mumbling an apology of my own.
“Aha!” Amaryllis held up a small, corked bottle and offered it to me. “Homemade pain potion. Made from ginger, turmeric, and from vampire venom produced by yours truly. Thought it might be of use; the regeneration process is much slower for newer vampires and that wound looked painful.”
DON'T
The woman in black spoke up next. “We don’t even know if she’s still alive.” Her voice shook with worry as she grasped her skirt in her hands. “I tried using divination to determine her location, but I couldn’t find her. It was like she was shrouded from my view. Which means either she’s blocked by significant amounts of silver, or she’s…”
“Of course she’s still alive!” Belladonna snapped. Her scarlet eyes blazed as she took to pacing the room, rage coloring her every step. “They lock her away behind their threshold spell, probably torture her for information about us, and then send our own fucking kind after us!”
STAR
He led us not along the main road, but instead veered off into the woods, following a narrow trail presumably left by deer and other animals. The further away from the Cedran border we trekked, the thinner the forest grew, the twisted old growths of the Ferrywood fading into conifer forests that reminded me of my home kingdom. They were still dense, yes, but looking up past their needling curtains I gazed upon the vast canvas of stars. They glittered like fireflies, comforting, and for a brief moment it felt like they were calling out to me.
SUMMER
Wait. I did remember the presence of a summer elf in the Saga. The Saga neglected to mention where he came from, why he was there.
ROW
Either way, I certainly wasn’t sleeping. After what felt like hours, I rose from the bed, giving up for now and deciding to explore instead. First, I examined the rows of books. Their edges were yellow with age, and many were written in languages I didn’t speak, but judging by the illustrations on the covers I gathered that most of these books were either about alchemy or magic. Witchcraft, likely, given what Amaryllis has told me. Though, truthfully, witchcraft was just a foreboding-sounding name for any magic forbidden by law, such as necromancy, summoning rituals, and curses.
I spied one work of fiction, a copy of The Saga of Lief the Uniter lying discarded on the ground and covered in dust and cobwebs.
FOLLOW
I closed my eyes. I had been unable to transform before, or fly, but perhaps now would be different. Perhaps now that I stood in my future home, surrounded by fellow vampires, I would finally be able to grasp that power.
Nothing.
When I failed to follow, Styx dropped her transformation, as did the two Night Terrors. “What’s wrong?” asked Vlastimir.
Shamefully, I stared at the ground, arms hugging my torso. “I can’t transform,” I admitted. “Not to a bat, not to mist. I can’t fly, either. Or charm people.” I looked back up at the others, chest tightening as I considered a terrible thought. “I’m…I’m not a failure of a vampire, am I?”
MOUTH
The corners of Styx’s mouth twitched, but she didn’t reply to my apology. Instead, she asked, “When did you feed last?”
“The other day,” I replied. Slight pangs of hunger resounded through my body, as if a beast stirring from its slumber. “Ainsley let me feed from him.”
“Explains the bandages,” Styx mused, spaded tail flicking side to side like a cat’s. “Remain watchful of your hunger. The less blood a vampire takes, the more they must feed. Have you killed yet?”
DRAG
I approached one creature from behind and drove the stake through its head, unsure if it would do the trick, but thankfully it fell. I did the same with another, saving the last remaining hunter from its snapping maws—Thomas, I remembered.
Thomas stared at me with wide, terrified eyes and sweat running down his brow. For a brief second I thought he would try to spear me too. But instead, he swallowed, nodded, and muttered a thanks.
I didn’t even have time to react before he too was dragged off.
GREAT
My hands shook and my breaths grew rapid. There had been so much blood. I had been drugged, beaten, chased into the forest and captured by swordsmen bearing my family’s banner. Men who had been hired to take me back home, a fate worse than death. Then, in the night, a great black shape flew from the woods and tore through one of the mercenaries. A fight broke out. In my addled state I tried to stumble away, only to fall to my knees. Then, blood. A river of it, flowing from my own body. Then, I was in someone’s arms, blood steadily dripping into my slackened jaw, before darkness claimed my vision.
BORROW, HUM, STRONG, SMEAR, SMASH: n/a
TAGGING (gently): @macabremoons @outpost51 @sam-glade @writernopal and anyone else who wants to for the words home, history, point, and local!
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kobalttheelemental · 4 months
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Finally get to post more of my art here and more will come! anyways here’s a world map called Elementia! a world home to Elementals, this is where my oc character name Kobalt lives!
Planet Name: Elementia
Size: Super Earth
Number of Moons: Two
Core: Elementia’s core is unstable and causes volcanic eruptions all over the world, luckily the Fire Crystal and lava elementals keep Elementias core stable
🌀Elemental Lands🌀
🎆 Arcania: one of the most magical land of Elementia, the land here is breathtaking with giant crystals, friendly fauna species, and strange exotic flora. the towns and Kingdom have everything like potions, spell books, wands, pets, magical silk clothing and many more! the land is home to warriors called the Shade Hunters who's job is to hunt and kill shades and protect Elementia from danger.
🌋 Volcania: a scorching hot land of active volcanoes, lava lakes, ash fall, and fiery faunas! it is also home to gigantic fire breathing dragons roaming the volcanic land! what's strange is that the plants not only need water but needs lava to grow!
🏜️ Gusano Desert: a dry desert land with searing hot temperatures it may look empty and dull but it has beautiful rock formations like deep canyons, tall mesas, and shifting sand dunes. if you want to visit the desert towns or cities make sure your well prepared and bring plenty of water. Warning! this land is home to giant sandworms that will eat you alive! so be careful and stay safe!
🌊 Thalassa Ocean: a mysterious underwater world timing with aquatic life, colorful reefs, amazing underwater cities, and hidden treasures scattered around the sea floor. it may look peaceful yet the ocean of Elementia is dangerous and home to large leviathans that swim around the deep oceans and can capsized ships and devour sailors! also watch out for pirates! 
🌪️ Windshear Mountains: a land of tall mountains, strong winds, and scattered skylands. many come here to mountain climb or visit towns on top of mountains or skylands. just like Arcania the land here is home to the fiercest warriors called the Wind Warriors who's job is to create life on uninhabitable planets and fight of shade attacks.
⚡️Thunderia: a land battered in everlasting thunderstorms and is to dangerous to live, yet Thunderquills(Lightning Elementals) find this place home where they build futuristic cities and technology. the land here also creates energy crystals that have enough energy to power an entire city or used in vehicles and technology. 
❄️ North Polaris: a winter wonderland of fresh powdered snow, snow-covered conifers, and aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. many elementals come here to have fun and play winter games or take a relaxing vacation and drink some of the finest hot coco of Elementia. not to mention the Iceclaws(Ice Elementals) make the best frozen treats like ice cream, popsicles, slushies, and more!
❄️ South Polaris: the opposite of North Polaris, the land here is harsh and freezing cold, living in this frigid land will be very hard unless you have the right equipment and plenty of food to survive.
🍃 Viridian Wilds: a lush green land of forests, jungles, taigas, gardens, exotic faunas and more! plus it is one of the most highly diverse ecosystems of Elementia, Warning! cutting down trees will cause Tree Crawlers(Nature Elementals) to get angry and hunt you down! always ask permission before cutting down trees.
⚙️ Metallurgy Badlands: a metallic barren land where small volcanoes spew molten hot metals, a perfect place for miners to mine up rare metals and craft them into weapons, armor, jewelry, and more!
☢️ Toxic Bayou: probably one of the most toxic land of Elementia! the land here is very dangerous with acidic waters, poisonous plants, toxic fumaroles and venomous faunas that can kill you in seconds. but before you enter this toxic land always bring protection and plenty of antidotes. 
☀️ Solaris: a warm sunny land and calm weather Solaris is a tranquil land where ancient and a perfect place for farmers to grow their crops or have a nice picnic. there are also ancient marble buildings from millions of years ago scattered everywhere.
🌌 Nycto Caverns: in the center of the island is a gigantic sinkhole that is an entrance to Nycto Caverns, a dark scary cave where blind creatures and giant bugs roam around some friendly and some not. not to mention different kinds of fungus grow inside the caverns. Warning! the deeper you go the more dark and dangerous the cavern gets, always bring weapons and protection!
💀 Dragon Graveyard: one of the most terrifying and scary land of Elementia where ancient dragon bones are scattered everywhere, dangerous fauna species and spirits haunt the land. there are many legends of why the land looks like that, some say this used to be normal land of lush flora and crystal clear waters until the land has been cursed, while some say this is a resting place where old dragons go in peace yet no one really knows.
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aelfhild-astraedottir · 4 months
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Dependable Green
Ælfhild Astrædottir
This poem was first published, today, in Salish Magazine, a free online magazine that publishes articles and artwork exploring Salish Sea ecosystems. This is my contribution. I encourage interested parties to follow the link and peruse the rest of the magazine. You can listen to me read my poem on the magazine site. It's my first time being published in a magazine: cheers!
Green is the call sign of summer
When chlorophyll works overtime
Gathering in wavelengths of reds and blues
Spinning those threads of sunshine,
Faithfully fueling the Plant Kingdom
(And dowager queen cyanobacteria besides)
From darling Mnium spinulosum moss
To gracefully sweeping hemlocks where they abide,
In summer the forests are painted with a thousand shades
Of vivacious, variegated, verdure
From sun touched madrone leaves
To shadowed webs of twinflower,
Then comes autumn the season of change
The deciduous leaves layoff their chlorophyll
Indulging in bright yellows and bold reds
Before they too are cast off and still,
Oh, but those stalwart evergreens
They hold tight to their chlorophyll yet
They weather autumn storms with their leaves intact
Sheltering their animal neighbors from the wet,
Then comes winter and the forests fill with skeletons
Tangled thickets of bare shrubs and barer trees
Ah, but the evergreens fill in their spaces
Vibrant life of red cedar and pacific rhodys,
When the deer are scrounging for tidbits
When the songbirds need a break from the cold
When the underground is limping by on reserves
Evergreen offerings are more precious than gold,
All winter the conifers tall and proud
Stand guard on our bluffs, our hills and our vales
A mosaic of malachite holding together our forests
Buffering all from the fiercest winter gales,
Then comes spring and the sweet sap rises
Buds unfurl tender leaves and pollen fills the air
And amidst all this new life and color
The valiant evergreens are still green and still there.
© Ælfhild Astrædottir 2023
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outofangband · 2 years
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Do you have ideas about thargelion? I saw on your master list that it was a WIP. I personally love Caranthir and think his character is really interesting, so I’d love to hear your thoughts on him and his kingdom! General head cannons are welcome, but if you’d like I’ve always thought that the inner workings of specific kingdoms are interesting.
Yes! As you mentioned I’m still working on an s ecology piece but here’s some environmental thoughts and world building
I hope this is ok, anon! I love world building like this so as always please feel free to ask more!
Thargelion is a region in Northeastern Beleriand, North Ossiriand. It is bordered by the river Gelion on its Western and Northern sides and the Blue Mountains on the East.
For a time prior to Dagor Bragollach it was under the rule of Caranthir who established a prosperous trading system with the dwarves of the Blue Mountains
Thargelion world building:
Note: any discussion of handling of land or resource claims and ownership is not necessarily a moral condoning by me.
Like Ossiriand, the climate is mild with easier winters than Maglor’s Gap and the March. The climate is cooler than Ossiriand however. Snowfall is highest in the mountains and around their base including around Lake Helevorn.
The landscape and topography is fairly flat West of the Mountains with hills and valleys in the lowland zones.
Thargelion is likely a steppe with montane and subalpine forests of both coniferous and deciduous trees though with a higher percentage of conifers. There are smaller forested areas of primarily deciduous trees by the river, especially along the Northern and Western borders.
The population is mostly Noldor who followed Fëanor with a small group of Sindar later joining them though never officially swearing allegiance to Caranthir. Thargelion is one of the only Fëanorian realms with little to no members of the Nolofinwëan host. It also has a fairly low percentage of non Noldor.
There is however a population of dwarves originally from the Ered Luin who make permanent homes in Thargelion prior to Dagor Bragollach. A larger population live there during parts of the year.
Much of the politics is related to economics and trade, at least during the watchful peace. Diplomacy and translation naturally fall into this too. Caranthir offered a stipend to a few in his host to devote themselves for a time to learning the language of the Ered Luin dwarves
Sarn Athrod was a stony ford in the river Gelion that was part of one of the larger dwarven trade routes. Those who passed it paid toll to Caranthir which also allowed them more access to resources in the region. There was some conflict about toll prices but as the custom itself was not infrequently practiced by the dwarves there wasn’t much offense taken in principle once borders were sorted out
The dwarves give Caranthir (in exchange for other items) a pack of four mountain goats trained in carrying packs along the often steep paths. From these a herd is started, living at the base of the Ered Luin just East of the small forested area near the river Ascar.
Caranthir dislikes the idea of a large royal court but he does have a small group of advisers who handle claims to resources (minerals, ores, and fishing primarily) with the aid of the Dwarves of the Ered Luin who are more knowledgeable about the region. Caranthir has no interest in preventing them from accessing the resources in the mountains or land that falls under his domain
Likewise he has several generals who report directly to him. Unlike Maedhros he allows the generals to oversee the scouts and soldiers living and serving in Thargelion and during the Watchful Peace rarely takes part in offensive military strategy. He hears reports perhaps biweekly unless something immediate needs his attention.
He has two elves handling correspondence with the rest of the Finwëans. They report to him the essentials and news of the brothers he wants to hear about at the moment.
Caranthir frequently holds inventory of resources throughout the land to review and examine trade benefits and costs.
A ferry system is implemented at several spots on the river Gelion. Due to conflict with the Green Elves, the same system was never formally established on the Southern border on the river Ascar.
As always please feel free to ask more!!
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chocolatesawfish · 1 year
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Monster Hunter fanmade designs part 1/3! I had the idea of sketching a monster for each European Union member state. Given that lands & monsters of The Kingdom, and Elgado Outpost, in Sunbreak are based on European folklore, I can picture them fitting in there. I tried to avoid any designs overly similar to the Three Lords, though there's probably some shared motifs.
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Small monsters. Hibboppos is based on the Cypriot dwarf hippopotamus (Hippopotamus minor, formerly Phanourios minor), Asclepier is based on the medical symbol known as an asklepius, Rozabii is... a rose & a bee.
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🇵🇹 Doge, Duke and Duce, used as noble or military titles in medieval to modern Europe, derive from the Latin Dux (General). Doge Langoutaur is an early-game monster comparable to a mix of Daimyo Hermitaur and Seltas. Considered a delicacy in many villages.
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🇵🇱 An impoverished family who could not afford to decorate their Christmas tree woke on the 25th of December to find that a spider had covered the conifer with webbing while they slept, which now shone silver with morning dew. Thus came the legend of the yule spider and the invention of tinsel. Only in this case, she's using her silk to inflict iceblight. Bring some Nulberries.
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🇸🇪 It's said that a Kalmogoth can kill with its breath alone. This is surely an exaggeration, although it smells so stomach-turningly foul it's easy to see how people reached that conclusion. It's hard to stomach a potion when you feel like retching, so watch out for the reach of his long, slimy tail.
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🇩🇰 Fenrogaron is a toned down version of Odogaron and Lunagaron, with a fairly basic attack pattern and no element, but he has one trick up his sleeve. Like Gypceros, he'll play dead and wait for unwary foes to approach, before leaping up to clamp his jaws on them.
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🇫🇮 Rounding out the Nordics is Saunoth, a remarkably chill amphibian that really just wants to be left alone. Inhabiting remote marshes and fens, it superheats its body with a specialised organ, seemingly with no ill effects. This causes the scummy water it wallows in to boil and bubble like a cauldron, sometimes overflowing its banks in a sulphur-smelling wave. Capable of inflicting fireblight, waterblight and bubbleblight, it is not to be underestimated, despite its sleepy temperament.
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🇮🇪 Ah, my fair green country. The legend of Cú Chulainn is well known, but I also wanted to work a different hound into this design; the semiaquatic, pair-bonding Dobhar-chú. Though rather hapless on land, it is remarkably swift in water, and once blood is spilled it will lose all notions of self-preservation in favour of feeding.
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🇧🇬 The sweet-smelling sovereign of the hive, the Rozabii Queen is a venomous and thorny, capable even of taking on small wyverns. Despite the danger, hunters seek out hives of this monarch to plunder her most precious treasure - a delicious, chewy, rose-scented plant gum called lokum that is a prized trade commodity.
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🇭🇺 Unusually for a fanged wyvern, the Szábray is herbivorous, but never make the mistake of assuming her harmless. Fast, powerful and bad-tempered, she won't hesitate to run down any threat she can smell. Her hooves, horn, claws and tail make swift work of most enemies. Throughout history, domestication has been attempted to create the most imposing of steeds, but wyverns don't breed well in captivity and pose a danger most of all to their rider.
Unless you're in Monster Hunter Stories.
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🇭🇷 A mischievous, inquisitive and quite frankly annoying wyvern that scales pine trees in the blink of an eye and rains down incendiary quills, igniting brief but intense blazes that stop pursuers in their tracks. Anyone who braves this assault and fells the pest is rewarded with a pelt so soft and fine that, once carefully stripped of its barbs, it is considered attire fit for a king.
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Homebrew Spelljammer setting
Taken from my GM notes: What conflicts or catastrophes have shaped this wildspace system?
The Deimos Invasion, a war of conquest waged by the Duergar Empire of Deimos nearly brought the system to it's knees despite a broad coalition of sentients, however this war came to an abrupt end after the world the Duergar were using as a beachhead into the system was shattered by a meteor carrying strange and deadly beings, as well as valuable materials never before seen. The debris field left in it's wake has become a hot spot of Duergar resistance, pirate havens, smuggling operations, and mining concerns.
The war ended abruptly merely ten years ago, where were you when the tide changed and the coalition beat back the Duergar?
Since the end of the war, the Astral Elves have become the ruling power of the Coalition, and many worlds have begun to chafe under their rule. However, with the threat of another invasion, the strange beings inhabiting the shattered world, the elves own powerful armada, and their magically altered elite soldiers, no world has yet risen against them.
What is the name of the primary star of this wildspace system? Is it singular, binary, or trinary?
The Primary star of this system is Naledi, an ancient red giant orbited by it's two sister stars: A yellow dwarf Timir, and a smaller orange dwarf Kaveh. This makes the proper name of the wildspace system where this game takes place: Naledi-space.
What is the primary world of this system? What is its climate like? What is it known for?
The primary world of this system was once Phaeton, home of the Ssuran, the Dracon, Dragonborn, and True Dragons. However the world was first conquered by a apocalyptic invasion from Deimos-Space, and later shattered by a strange meteor carrying deadly beings, and valuable resources.
Since the destruction of Phaeton, Persephone, home of the elves and goblinoids, has become the primary world of Naledi-space. It is a world of extremes with arid wastes, teeming jungles, and a vast underworld where the true rulers of elven society dwell.
What is the greatest city of this system? What makes it great?
While the elves would claim their capital, Orpheus, as the greatest city of Naledi-space, in truth it is Aegishjalmur that was and remains the greatest city of Naledi-space. Home of the last dragons, preserved from the cataclysm that shattered their lost planet, Phaeton, with mighty magics, Aegishjalmur remains the mightiest city of Naledi wildspace system. The city state toils to reclaim shards of their shattered world and serves as a free and independent port to the myriad peoples of the system.
The Worlds of Naledi-Space
Domovoy - The furthest world from Naledi, Domovoy is a frigid world of taiga, tundra, vast conifer forests, and cold, deep seas. It is the home of the Gnomes, Giants, and Dwarves who have lived in uneasy alliance since the Deimos Invasion put an end to their endless infighting. The three races are proud and powerful in their own right, and view the coalition with disfavor, only grudgingly submitting to the rule of the Elves. The world leads the system in the adoption of steam power and firearms; rail networks now cross the unforgiving expanses, and grand cities have begun to sprawl. Gnomish engineering, dwarven industry, and giant economics have signaled the beginning of a new era in Naledi-Space. Danann - A grey and mist wreathed world of highlands, moors, dark forests, and storm-wracked isles. Here abide the Tabaxi, Minotaur, Kenku, Centaur, and other demi-human races in scattered clans and kingdoms. The Feywild is close here: Fairies, Changelings, and Eladrin dwell in hidden enclaves throughout the world, and magic both noble and sinister threads the land, sea, and air. The Grand Coven rules unseen here, all clans owing fealty to those ancient witches and their daughters. The living dead also hold their mouldering courts in the darkest corners of this world, bound by ancient treaties imposed by the Grand Coven, both vampires and liches hold their council within necropolis kingdoms. Abiding the ancient peace, and taking their due from the living in exchange for vassal-hood to the Coven.
Kronos - A vast gas giant surrounded by myriad moons, it is home to Beholders, herds of Kindori, the Aarocokra, Gith, Plasmoids, and enclaves of minor races from beyond Naledi-space. The Rock of Bral, a notorious free port and pirate haven also orbits this vast world.
The Phaeton Belt - Once the jewel of Naledi-space, Phaeton was shattered in the cataclysm that ended the Deimos Invasion. Now the world exists as motes and shards of earth, as floating continent sized asteroids, broken ruins, and fragile settlements of the world's refugee races. The scattered shards of Phaeton are home to the last dragons, the Dracon, Dragonborn, and Ssuran. The remnants of the Duergar invasion force have hidden redoubts here, and the dark beings that rode the meteor which shattered Phaeton reside here too, hidden beneath the surface, waiting.
Vasundhara - The throne world, the land of a thousand kings. It is a green world of deep forests, high mountains, and vast steppes. Humans, Halflings, and Orcs call this world home, and their wars have not ceased even in this time of peace. Fractious even amongst their own races, the myriad kingdoms of Vasundhara scarcely held their peace long enough to oppose the Deimos Invasion with the rest of the Coalition, and the moment the threat passed they returned eagerly to their politicking and feuding. More than any other world, Vasundhara is known for it's gods. Each kingdom worshiping their own pantheons of entities, who's powers wax and wane with the city-state's fortunes. Planetouched, such as Aasimar, Tieflings, and Genasi are common sights on the world, children of the many gods in mortal guise who walk among their people. Shrines and temples to new gods are built over those of the dead and forgotten, and the title of archpriest and monarch are often interchangeable. Persephone - Home of the Elves and Goblinoids, heart of the coalition, and prime power in Naledi-space since the shattering of Phaeton. It is a planet of extremes: Of teeming jungles and arid wastes, tempestuous seas and searing deserts, and beneath the surface a hidden world abides, the deep realm of Asphodel where the true rulers of elven society dwell in darkness. It is a world that has long known war: The Elven Empire and Goblin Free States balanced on a razors edge between Elven magecraft and Goblin warcraft. There is a fragile peace in the current era, but little doubt that the Elves have become the prime power of the world in the wake of the Deimos Invasion and their acquisition of the life-shaping arts. Ulupoka - A vast oceanic world, whose landmasses are small and scattered. It teems with life and civilization beneath the waves, as well as terrible dangers. Here the Triton, Merfolk, Merrow, and other aquatic sentients dwell, tending to their own affairs, and rarely traversing Naledi-Space in their Aquarium vessels. The Aboleth maintain great power in the darkest reaches of the world, a continual hidden threat that the worlds beyond can scarce conceive.
Buru-Enmeli - The closest world to the triple suns, Buru-Enmeli is home to the Tohr-Kreen, Thri-Kreen, and Xix-Chil, as well as Shifters, Leonin, and Loxodons, it is a hostile world of vast savannas, deep deserts, verdant oasis, and tropical seas. The Xix-Chil, the strange masters of that world, did not join the coalition during the Deimos Invasion, instead destroying any vessel which approached during the conflict. They have since permitted trade once more, and remain independent in the current era by virtue of their ages old mastery of life-shaping.
What is the embodiment of evil in Naledi-Space?
The Devourer, Grand Tyrant of Death and Overlord of the Beholders of Kronos. The Devourer Lurks deep within the gas giant, where it's hordes of beholders and beholder-kin dream of ruin amidst titanic storms. Their meteor ships sailing flying forth on campaigns of extermination against all non-beholder life. All worlds bear scars from their omnicidal scourging, and they were the single threat that could unify the disparate worlds of Naledi-Space prior to the Deimos Invasion. All worlds pay a tithe to the Grand Giff Armada to hold a strict interdiction of Kronos and hold back the Beholders. A strategy which has limited, but not halted, beholder aggression in the system.
Other species and nations from beyond Naledi-Space have been gifted moons of the gas giant Kronos to colonize, with the understanding that they too will aid the defense of the system against the depredations of The Devourer and it's children.
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heliotrope-journey · 6 months
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The Return of an Old Friend
Good evening, vampire hunters.
The development of Chapter 4 for The Heliotrope Chronicles Book 1 and planning out Son of a Hustler's Chapter 2 has kept our hands full, but we have time to share sneak peeks of what perils await Frederick and Sidiyq Qadim as the sun finally sets. Hiking into dangerous territory is heart-thumping, but exciting. How can one overcome fear if they don't confront what scares them more? ^_^
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, I am relieved to reintroduce and redesign a couple of Halloween-themed characters from a long-term project I had to scrap, Amanda and Jackie. Amanda was concepted as a punk Dorothy Gale living in an alternate dimension that can only be visited by outsiders in October, a time of year that bridges the human and spirit worlds. She's a loner that occupies her time with reading and experimenting with recipes to concoct candy to provide visitors that visit her family's manor house. Jackie is her wise-cracking sentient jack o' lantern that keeps her company. Although his attitude gets on Amanda's nerve, they ultimately look out for another and she considers him the only family she has.
To keep her lore consistent with the Heliotrope Journey series, Amanda is now a condemned witch that was transformed into a demon in the afterlife when her punishers noticed that the torture they put her through had no effect on her other than strengthening her magic. She is able to return to her old self for one month a year. It was a luxury she enjoyed in the first year she was allowed back in the land of the living, but over time, she did not recognize the world she used to live in, leaving her feeling lonely. To deal with that empty feeling, she infused a pumpkin with a damned soul to create Jackie. It was not enough for her because she wanted more people to talk to and creatures to befriend. She crafted a village* and forged bodies from The Inferno's flora to give the damned a chance to be absolved of their sins.
Amanda then enchanted the village to materialize with her in the land of the living for the same length of time she is allowed there. Amanda took up a new hobby; she would travel to a nearby town to pick up ingredients to make candy using a recipe book that was in her family for twelve generations. One day, an oblivious group of six children came to Amanda's doorstep and yelled, "Trick-or-treat!!!" Delighted to have humans to talk to for the first time in centuries, Amanda smiled and handed them one piece of cherry-flavored hard candy each. She asked them, "Would you like to see a trick anyway? I'll give you more treats." The children excitedly nodded and Amanda hover her hand above the ground. She waved it slightly and small trees bearing creamy-colored apples materialized beneath her hand. The kids grabbed an apple and took a huge bite. They tasted like caramel mixed with honey.
Wanting the kids to hold onto the same kind of happiness she felt upon seeing their faces, she told them to take as many as they like for she could always conjure up more trees for the next group that visits her. Amanda was fortunate that the children lived in a Conifers Kingdom village and even more so her village grew to be a popular attraction for adventurers waiting to taste her sweets and pick up powerful nature-based weapons to aid them against Dracula's forces. A vampire hunter wielding a sword forged from The Inferno is bound to put even a threatening Veiled Nocturne occultist in their place. Though Amanda will always be sad to return to her true demonic form every November 2nd, the friendships she made and the inhabitants she created helped her achieve happiness. With her life having purpose again, Amanda now feels she is never alone. Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.
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Time-permitting, a continuation of Treyton's All Saints' Day misadventure could be out either this weekend or the next.
Happy Halloween!
Sincerely,
WN
*don't ask where the lumber she used to build the cabins came from.
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strelles-universe · 1 year
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...quietly sends every type of tree that I can remember: Apple, Aspen, Beech, Birch, Cedar, Chestnut, Cinnamon, Cypress, Hickory, Juniper, Pear, Plum, Myrtle, Bay/Laurel, Elm, Sycamore, Poplar, Maple, Cherry, Hawthorn, Oak, Fir, Spruce, Sequoia, Cinnamon, Camphor, Pecan, Walnut, Nutmeg, Redwood, Locust (but srsy thnx for the tree translations <3)
Alright this took a while XD Some of these plants ended up having very interesting names given that their English entomology is vague, muddled or doesn't apply to this world. I put most of these under the cut because there are a lot of trees.
Daayadubel | Aspen, Poplar
(n.) A rapid growing, deciduous tree with soft, light wood; a commonly used tree for claw-carving; a poplar, aspen (lit. cotton bark)
Tayaho | Bay, Laurel
(n.) A little evergreen tree with small yellow flowers, fruits that are ovoid blackish berries most commonly found on the Coastal Stretches and around the Moon's Sea (lit. coast-tree)
Rurfraaya | Beech
(n.) Any of the deciduous trees with smooth, gray bark, oval leaves and 3 sided nuts cased in burrs; a beech (lit. feeding tree)
Tanaŕa | Birch
(n.) A tall deciduous tree known for it;’s flaky white bark (lit. white wood)
Keder | Cedar
(n.) Any of the massive, slow-growing hard wooded conifer trees; a cedar
Keŕuvos | Cherry
(n.) Any of the various trees and shrubs of the rose family, a fragrant smelling tree; cherry (coll n.) The fruit of the cherry tree, usually red or black in color
Senseŕokyu | Cypress
(n.) Any of the various evergreen trees and shrubs that have opposite, scalelike leaves and globose woody cones (lit. strong scented bark)
Virmra | Elm
(n.) a tall graceful tree with beautifully spreading branches
Novifi | Fir, Pine
(n.) Any of the tall trees that have flattish leaves, circular leaf scars, and erect female cones and are valued for their wood (coll n.) A catch-all term for firs, pines and spruce trees altogether
Hievra | Hawthorne, Mayhaw
(n.) Any of the spiny shrubs or small trees with glossy and often lobed leaves, white or pink fragrant flowers, and small red fruits (lit. border plant)
Senatuŕu | Locust, Acacia
(n.) A large northern tree with extremely durable wood that produces large, nice spelling flowers that are wrapped with defensive thorns. Also known as the Acacia. (lit. spiny-bark)
Veŕaper | Myrtle, Periwinkle
(n.) A small evergreen plant with fragrant white flowers (lit. curved branch)
Kiishonkyu | Nutmeg
(n.) An evergreen plant found exclusively in the creeping foreset with pale yellow flowers growing only in tropical areas, it possesses a fragrant fruit often traded through the kingdoms for it's seasoning. (lit. sharp smell)
... | Sycamore
(n.) tall brown barked tree; when you peel off the brown bark you get a lighter inner bark, spiny balled seeds
Datayiŕa | Redwood
(n.) Among the tallest trees in the world, seeming to only grow in the Creeping Forest and around the eastern mountains with vibrant red wood behind the bark, a redwood
Dinesalokya, Senlokya | Walnut, Hickory
(n.) A slightly smaller deciduous tree that produces a fleshy fruit with a hardened nut in the center
---
Fun Facts:
-> Because English "birch" probably comes from the latin words for "bright/white/to shine," I'm choosing to make a variety of birch that actually glows. Tanaŕa Hassku (shining white-bark/shining birch)
-> Creating the word for beech resulted in me creating the word for "to feed." It's named for its nuts that are so popular as prey-lures and livestock treats
-> Not sure I want laurels to have the same meanings of victory but it could be interesting; give the trees more meanings you me to mess around with for loners too
->Redwoods were straightforward
-> So. A lot of these very hella complicated hella fast. In Summary:
Apple - used to refer to all fruits, only became specific recently Spruce - apparently named for being from Prussia Sequoia - appears to be a made up word?? Like the tree is real but no entomology?? Camphors and Cinnamon plants are both not native to Europe or the Americas Oak - old english word just became the word for "tree" Cherry and plum are both Anatolian in original apparently
-> There are two variants of locust, the spiny version (Senatuŕu) and the harmless version (Senatuŕu Dakra). The spiny version is vastly more common than the bald/spineless version.
-> Apparently myrtles are a kind of periwinkle? Who knew
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cagliostrohq · 11 months
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+ 14 NEW TOWNS & LOCATIONS ADDED (OUTER SELPHIA)
full information under the cut!
Trampoli Town: A quaint college town that is a hotbed of innovative magic techniques, as well as elite alchemical research institutes. Here, the community bustles with the follies of young life and the sense that one is always on the brink of new discoveries. Many graduates from here continue onto the capital to further pursue arcane academics. Boundary’s Curse: Whenever the clocktower chimes, random citizens are stricken with varying degrees of amnesia.
Univir Village: A rustic, wetland village with a history of being a safe-haven for mortals and immortals whose families have tried keeping them apart. Here, the riverbeds smell of enriched earth and half-shade siblings play together in the cattail reeds. Many star-crossed lovers raise their families in the marshes, hoping their children will be spared from the hostility between dreamshades, spirit warriors, and humans common throughout the kingdom. Boundary’s Curse: Parents must lock every door, for at night only the village children hear an enchanted song that calls them to the river where they will drown
Kardia Village: A rural farming village with little financial opportunity, but a long-standing tradition of agricultural magic. Here, the folk marry young and lay hand-in-hand on rolling fields draped by the curtain of infinite stars that make the night sky. Many who are extraordinarily gifted with nature magic are born here, but it’s rare for villagers to leave their families and way of life for elsewhere. Boundary’s Curse: The once fertile lands in which crops and livestock flourished now face famine, with the land becoming more and more difficult to cultivate.  
Everlull Grove: A sleepy town only accessible through deep, lush conifer forests in which spirits dwell. Here, the crisp air smells of cypress and juniper, and phantom whispers send chills down your spine. Many prominent psychics travel here to receive prophecies or settle among others who understand their odd talents. Boundary’s Curse: This town dwells in perpetual twilight, incapable of ever seeing true sunlight.
Arland Valley: An alpine community with many cottages situated among a viridian valley, its emerald-like grass more vivid than a dragon’s scale. Here, the shepherds herd baby dragons amongst their flocks of sheep. Out of everywhere in the kingdom, this location has the most worshippers of the goddess Ventuswill. It’s said their belief welcomes a healing wind, so many sickly and cursed individuals stay here on doctor’s orders. Boundary’s Curse: NONE
Norad Town: A historic town that attracts archaeologists due to its magical ruins, many of which are still being explored. Here, dilapidated structures are inscribed with ancient runes and harbor untold secrets about the kingdom’s magic. Out of everywhere in the kingdom, this location has the most worshippers of The Boundary. Many adventurers pass through here if they’re not afraid of the occultic locals, who refuse to share their knowledge of the ruins with outsiders. Boundary’s Curse: NONE
Holograd Desert: An arid frontier surrounded by red desserts that are scorching during the day and freezing at night. Here, high-spirited festivals are where young ones learn to weave magic through the arts and local bards sing tales of valiant spirit warriors. Unlike the majority of the kingdom, many who are born here have high respect for the members of House Vanitas. Residents will recite folksongs of how their desert’s rust-like sand was dyed from Ruyan Vanitas’s blood and keeps his magic alive. Boundary’s Curse: Time is severely dilated here, never seeming to pass as the curse enchants people with so much delight that they lose all desire to leave.
Orre Town: A rocky, mountainous town in which rare materials are mined for crafters and blacksmiths. Here, clothing is streaked by dust and the symphonic clanging of axepicks and smithing hammers fill the long workdays. Many blacksmiths vie for apprenticeships here, as the locals take pride in magical crafts wrought by their own hands and know smelting techniques that create the finest weaponry a spirit warrior could ever have. Boundary’s Curse: Those who work full days are at risk of turning into statues made of various ores like gold, iron, copper, and more.
Somber Town: A snowy town with a subarctic climate, in which residents are notoriously superstitious and magical studies are discouraged. Here, families stoke the hearths for crackling fires and the unforgiving blizzard winds chap one’s nose into a permanently rosy glow. Many are raised to shun the practice of magic itself, but are quite skilled and knowledgeable when it comes to the caring of magical creatures. Boundary’s Curse: Deadly blizzards devastate this town, as the nature sprites that once protected the non-magic using townspeople are slowly vanishing. The few, struggling sprites who’ve yet to disappear may show themselves to only those of pure heart.
Kirchen Cove: A peaceful cove that due to its strategic location, is frequented by mortal captains of both airships and seaships. Here, one will spot the aquatic dreamshades effortlessly slipping from the warm beaches and into the crystal waters they’ve built communities in. This location is a hidden gem, generally unheard of among the general populace unless you’re a pirate looking for a vacation spot to lay low in. Boundary’s Curse: For every cycle of twenty-four hours, twelve of those hours must be spent as the monster or animal the Boundary cursed them into or they’ll be unable to change back.
Port Alvarna: A maritime city with bustling trade routes and a renowned fishing district. Here, the upbeat, seafaring people are known for their friendly hospitality and adept skills in practical magic for everyday living. Many who seek information, particularly curse-breakers, choose to live here as trade attracts people who gossip about news happening in even the furthest reaches of the kingdom. Boundary’s Curse: Whoever smiles or laughs will be transformed into seafoam.
Fenith Island: A tropical island that’s a popular vacation destination within the kingdom. Here, the caves glow with magical bioluminescence and protected rainforests are populated by species of monsters that are still being discovered. Many magizoologists conduct research here in order to better understand how to live alongside magical creatures. Boundary’s Curse: With each thunderstorm, more residents will find their consciousnesses sealed into inanimate objects (ie. mirrors, jewelry, suits of armor, etc.).
Roytale Heights: A wealthy municipality in which those of noble families live in elegant splendor. Here, posh residents of generational wealth live in gated communities to protect themselves from monsters and freely bathe in the mystical lakes. Many are trained competitively across several magical disciplines at a young age, but those who can excel in magical combat are favored most of all. Boundary’s Curse: When one spills blood, there’s a chance they will be cursed to have either jewels or toads fall from their mouth whenever they speak.
Rigbarth City: A modern metropolis, the residents of its sprawling cityscape having grown detached with magical traditions. Here, the city never sleeps and the lights of skyscrapers twinkle with the promise that anything is possible. Many believe that with the knights of the royal guard being stationed there, in the second largest city after Selphia, that they will be safe should the Boundary strike a new curse. Boundary’s Curse: NONE
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evangelynepoet · 2 months
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Log Ride, Hansaland Germany
We enter this watery kingdom, the yippee ki-aye of the West with its replica log house, smokestack, a log flume that sprays into sudden bursts. Laughter runs amok as we glide along narrow canals, sense the air change as the bow opens curved waves, symmetrical wings. With each thump and twist, our children shriek at possible horizons, strike sparks of water that take us to cloud, conifer…
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apex-pest-control · 3 months
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Managing squirrel populations
Are squirrels a problem at your house or place of business?
When you hire our professional specialists to remove pesky grey squirrels, they will do it in a way that is safe for the environment and doesn't harm the animals.
When you hire Apex Pest Control, you won't have to stress over squirrel damage anymore. If you need a reliable and effective squirrel pest control service, don't hesitate to contact us.
When it comes to squirrel control, what are the benefits of hiring an expert?
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Squirrels are believed by many to be loveable, charming creatures that bring joy to their lives.
However, when they break into your house or business, it becomes quite evident how terrible they are.
Squirrel pest treatment is a good investment if you value your home and would like to rid it of these bothersome animals.
This post will discuss the benefits of hiring a professional squirrel control service.
In case you are unsure whether it is necessary to use a professional exterminator, continue reading to find out more.
How could squirrels cause harm to your house?
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The continual destruction of yards by squirrels as they forage for food and build their nests is a huge annoyance.
Mice and rats will chew their way into whatever crack or opening they can find, finding food and building materials for their nests along the way.
So, to get rid of the possible damage these squirrels might cause, it's important to hire a professional squirrel control agency.
In addition to knowing how to deal with the situation, experts know how to stop it from getting worse.
In order to catch problems before they become dangerous or expensive to fix, professional technicians check all possible entrance points and ways to prevent unauthorised access, such as exclusion devices.
Professional exterminators will not only remove the squirrels from your property in a safe and humane manner, but they will also take steps to prevent their return.
The long-term cost of upkeep will be lower, and trees and other plants will be protected.
Grey squirrels cost the British economy between £6 million and £10 million every year in forest destruction. The European Society for Nature Conservation is worried that mature beech, sweet chestnut, and oak trees will be cut down and lost to the next generation unless something is done about it.
Squirrels come in many different species in the UK.
The UK is home to a wide variety of squirrel species, including both red and grey. Common grey squirrels are most often seen in England and Wales in the United Kingdom.
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The Red Squirrels disappearance coincided with the Grey Squirrels arrival, although this is not always the case (e.g., The Forest in Norfolk). Red Squirrel disappearances typically follow the Grey Squirrel introduction, although the loss of hazels and mature conifer trees, or disease, sometimes eliminates the red squirrel’s population.
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The Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was introduced from the U.S.A. to around thirty locations in England and Wales between 1876 and 1929. It is mainly seen throughout England and Wales, parts of South Cumbria, and locally in Scotland.
Multiple scientific studies have linked the red squirrel's dwindling population to the introduction of the grey squirrel. The squirrelpox virus spreads from grey squirrels to red squirrels, and the two species compete with one another for resources like food and shelter.
As a result of dehydration, squirrelpox typically kills animals within two weeks. The grey squirrel suffers no harm from having the disease.
Can squirrels hurt people in any way?
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Hiring a professional pest control service is your best bet for ridding your property of squirrels and the damage they do. There is a risk to human health from having these animals in your home, but they can lessen that risk.
Fleas and ticks, which are in turn capable of carrying squirrels, can spread illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to people and animals.
Additionally, they can carry bugs like mites, tapeworms, pinworms, roundworms, and lice, all of which can seriously harm the digestive system if consumed.
In addition, pathogens can be carried through their waste or urine, which can make you sick if you breathe it in.
A professional exterminator may look for squirrel access points in places like the attic, door frames, and exterior wall cracks if you're having difficulties with squirrels. Squirrels can be kept out of areas where dangerous diseases can spread by installing exclusion measures before they come in.
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What signs can indicate that you have a squirrel problem?
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Squirrels require the attention of a pest control specialist. It is easy for the specialist to spot signs of animal entry by looking for holes in the walls or ceilings or other visible structural defects.
Setting traps close to these entry points could help bring proof that the offender is a squirrel to light. Your home's attic and other rooms are clearly suffering from its effects.
Once a pest management specialist has identified squirrels as the problem, they will use humane techniques to remove them, including catching, repelling, and excluding them.
It is safer for you and your family to employ pest control experts to get rid of the pests in a safe and effective way.
Is there a certain way to keep squirrels away?
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Take action to remove squirrels from your property or home as soon as you become aware of their presence. Hiring a professional squirrel pest control service is a safe and effective way to get rid of squirrels. There are plenty of pest control companies to choose from.
After identifying potential access ways, removing squirrels, applying repellents, setting traps, and eventually capturing them, pest control experts will know exactly what to do to eradicate squirrels.
The term "exclusion" describes the steps taken to shut off any possible entry points into a building using materials such as mesh wire or metal flashing. Installing a live trap or manually capturing squirrels are two viable options for squirrel extermination.
Nonlethal repellents include devices that react to animal movement via emitted ultrasonic sound or water pumps. In addition, put mouse traps near any points of entry into your house.
The inherent dangers of interacting with wild animals make it imperative that only skilled professionals build traps for them. Professionals in the field of wildlife control have the training and expertise to deal with these animals in a compassionate manner.
The Most Efficient Method for Squirrel Extermination
At Apex Pest Control, our primary method of controlling squirrels is trapping. We use two types of traps:
Mk 6 Fenn Trap
Live Catch Cage Traps
Anything a squirrel does, or the path it takes, we take note of. We take precautions to ensure that no animals outside of our target population are captured, and we will take further efforts to ensure this if necessary. Peanuts are used as bait in traps when they are first set and checked every twelve to twenty-four hours afterward.
In the absence of squirrel control, the traps will keep going off.
Those interested in joining a trapping system are required to pay a membership fee. Agricultural and forestry forests can be priced and surveyed at no cost to you, regardless of the area in question.
If you are in dire need of a pest control provider that can eradicate your squirrel infestation, be sure to contact Apex Pest Control without delay.
In terms of pest control, what are some do-it-yourself approaches?
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By ensnaring the target species in traps, a prevalent do-it-yourself approach to pest control is achieved.
It is possible to keep pests out of your home by using repellents. But it's possible they're only good at one thing.
When it comes to getting rid of little critters, a lot of individuals prefer to do it themselves using pesticides. But exterminators may not be able to match the results that specialists achieve because they have access to more products.
Pest control professionals have the training and equipment to detect squirrel infestations and eliminate them effectively. It is our recommendation that you use this service.
On top of that, exterminators may have access to more up-to-date and effective traps, repellents, and sprays than what can be found at home.
After all this, it's worth it to pay a pest control company to get rid of rats and other pests for good.
Squirrel Repellents
Whether you hire a pest control service or choose to take matters into your own hands, animal repellents are an invaluable tool.
You can buy animal repellents made from natural ingredients like peppermint extract or garlic oil. Squirrels and other unwanted pests can be scared away without hurting them in the process.
An extra precaution against pests like rats and other insects is to spray the outside of a building with an insect repellent.
These options can end up costing more than just capturing and transporting the animals.
Preventing squirrel problems before they ever start saves money, as opposed to having to pay for expensive animal removal after the fact.
Traps
When it comes to getting rid of squirrels in homes and businesses, a lot of people use squirrel traps.
You can safely get rid of them by using cage traps, live traps, or even food. When set up properly, these traps may manage squirrels, just like hiring a pest control service.
You may save a lot of money by setting up your own trap instead of hiring a professional exterminator.
When making the trap, think about how the material can hinder the squirrel's ability to get out. A loose mesh could allow the animal to swim right out of it.
On the other hand, if it's too tight, they could hurt themselves trying to get out. Additionally, remember that animals aren't able to digest high-fat and sugary foods, such as peanut butter or chocolate, so don't use such as cage bait.
There are certain benefits to doing pest control tasks like squirrel trapping yourself rather than engaging a professional. Be cautious; your safety is of the utmost importance if dealing with wild creatures.
Everyone must know how to properly handle ensnared animals so that no one gets hurt.
Sprays
Bug sprays work against many different types of pests, making them a good choice for anyone who would rather do it themselves.
Natural aerosol sprays made with ingredients like peppermint extract or garlic oil are excellent at discouraging rodents like mice and squirrels.
Sealing off the attic with wildlife-proof material is crucial if there is only one entrance, such as a single door, to keep robbers out.
Spraying the perimeter of the building is another strategy to ward off pests like mice.
What are the benefits of hiring a pest control service?
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Home security, problem elimination, and pest problem prevention can all be enhanced with the help of professional pest control services.
Expert exterminators employ specialist tools and harmful chemicals to rid buildings of pests in a way that is safe for both the environment and the people who live or work there. Furthermore, these professionals are well-versed in identifying the source of the illness and eradicating it entirely.
Invest in a professional pest control service for maximum protection. They will fix the issue and make sure it doesn't come back.
Professionally trained technicians can eradicate pest infestations using cutting-edge tools and methods that are safe for all living creatures.
Even better, they are well-versed in how to prevent similar epidemics in the future. For instance, you can eliminate possible pest food sources or construct real barriers and deterrents.
Read on to find out what squirrel exclusion is and how it differs from do-it-yourself methods.
Prevention Of Infestations
Before you try to rid your property of squirrels, be sure you're properly protected. Setting traps to stop them from accessing a given area is one way to lower their population.
You should set up a squirrel trap in a spot where you've spotted squirrels before because squirrels adore nuts, seeds, and sunflower seeds.
Bait shouldn't be produced entirely of natural materials; to attract a larger range of animals, it should also include some man-made components, like peanut butter or birdseed.
Taking rat traps won't prevent future outbreaks on their own; additional steps are required to maintain a manageable population.
Elimination of Current Infestations
Squirrel problems are best handled by a professional pest control company. Involve the experts at your neighbourhood pest control service to get rid of squirrels in regions like attics where they won't cause much harm to walls. They are familiar with the rodents' favourite hangout spots.
Obtaining quotes for these services will also give you an idea of how much it will cost to fix their issues.
One important part of professional pest management is getting rid of squirrels without hurting trees or other animals. Methods such as rodenticides and insecticides are used to accomplish this.
Professionals with extensive training in the safe and effective use of various pest control treatments should be entrusted with planned pest management. Homeowners may rest easy knowing their home is pest-free and that they have taken the necessary steps to prevent new infestations.
What are the benefits of hiring a professional agency to handle squirrel issues?
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In addition to destroying homes and companies, squirrels can pilfer food and even money. Hiring a pest control service is usually the best option when dealing with an infestation.
Professional pest control services can provide a number of benefits, such as:
Eliminating the harm that chewing on wires, insulation, and other materials causes
Preventing health risks such as salmonella and identifying
Removing hazardous nests.
In addition, you can get advice on how to stay pest-free from these professionals in the future.
Considering these benefits, it's clear that when you have an infestation, it's best to hire a professional squirrel control service.
How can I find out what methods exterminators use to get rid of pests?
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Professional exterminators know precisely how to get squirrels out of your home.
One frequent method is baiting, which involves luring tree squirrels from their nests and capturing them in traps using the sight of food.
Experts can use nuts like peanut butter, sunflower seeds, and others that are commonly found in bird nests as bait. Professional pest control services can safely remove squirrels from your house if they become stuck inside.
A one-way door can be installed by a professional pest control firm if you have discovered that squirrels are entering or leaving your property through any gaps in the roof or attic. This will prevent subsequent infestations.
Even though the animals are allowed to leave, they can't come back. Until they find a new home, they will stay outside with this gadget.
Some experts suggest cutting branches around your property to make it even more difficult for squirrels to come into your home.
Using a squirrel repellent is an extra perk that will keep those pesky wild squirrels out of your patios and gardens.
When it comes to using these chemicals to get rid of pests, only someone with the proper training should do it. This way, you can be sure they won't hurt any native animals.
Strategy for Skilled Preventive Measures
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Professional pest control services have thought about the possibility of rat elimination from a variety of buildings, such as homes, barns, garages, and sheds.
Among the precautions to take when working with insecticides are to familiarise oneself with their range, set up motion detectors and gutter guards, inspect rain gutters, seal up crawl spaces, and apply pesticides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Lawn care practises that discourage their settlement in fields and forests must be put in place.
Natural deterrents and community participation in removing food and shelter sources that draw them to an area can be promoted.
Instead of concentrating on solving squirrel problems when they emerge, it is your obligation as a homeowner to continually take precautions to avoid them.
A thorough understanding of these animals' solitary and social behaviour is necessary for the development of effective exclusion measures. Also, exterminators will give you timely advice on how to change your environment to lessen the chances of future infestations.
An effective plan with several levels of management can keep a region free of these unwelcome animals. Preventative measures, including exclusion devices, and education about the hazards squirrel populations represent are all part of this approach.
Long-Term Answers to the Squirrel Issue
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Having a competent squirrel pest control service remove these tiny animals from your property has several long-term advantages.
Because we are extermination specialists, we can tailor our services to meet your unique needs and offer a thorough plan to keep pests at bay.
In order to choose the best course of action to eliminate or control pests, a professional exterminator will first evaluate the extent of the problem.
Stop unwanted pests from getting into your home by securing any cracks or holes in your crawl space, attic, or garden. Setting up traps near areas where rodent infestations have been detected is another method for catching those that do get inside.
When it comes to safety, you can also employ traps and repellents as long as you follow the EPA's requirements.
The initial examination for residential homes costs around £60, and any subsequent visit after that will also cost around £60. The specific amount will be contingent upon variables such as the animal's kind and the extent of the affected area.
Before beginning any commercial or tree-cutting project, a survey and quote (POA) must be obtained.
The best course of action is to seek the advice of qualified professionals before implementing any of these procedures; they will be more equipped to deal with pests like rats and eliminate any unpleasant smells that may be lingering in the air.
What does it cost to employ a pest control service?
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The extent of the infestation, the area that needs to be treated, and the type of bugs involved are some of the main variables that determine how much it will cost to hire a professional pest control service.
The price may range from £60 for a single call to several hundred for a full-service plan. More work, supplies, and visits are needed for wider territories, which drives up the entire cost.
Not included in the original service price are potential extras like tool rental, material purchases, and follow-up visits. The number of follow-up appointments needed will change based on the kind of bug, the extent of the infestation, and how well the treatment worked.
Take bed bugs as an example; it's possible that a few months of treatment won't be enough to get rid of the pests for good.
Depending on the problem's severity and the amount of work required, expert squirrel removal might cost anywhere from £150 to £800.
The area's size, the pests' types, and the infestation's severity are all factors to consider. Find a pest control company that has been in business for a while and has a good reputation if you want the best outcomes.
The best way to get rid of squirrels is to use a professional service.
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To effectively and reliably reduce squirrel numbers, it is recommended to hire a pest control service. With a lifespan of eight years or longer, squirrels will quickly become a nuisance in any backyard or wooded area unless you take action to eliminate them.
The solutions that the experts offer are secure and won't harm any other species. They use safe methods like catching and removing them from inappropriate places to get rid of them.
Professional squirrel pest control provides numerous benefits over DIY options, including:
Safety for both people and animals
Eco-friendly practises
Cost savings due to fewer repeat visits
Having the assurance that you have taken all necessary steps to prevent these defiant animals from causing harm again is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kinds of Food Attract Squirrels?
Squirrels are often attracted to certain types of food. These can include nuts, fruits, grains, and seeds. They may also be drawn to birdseed or pet food in the open.
Squirrels may even scavenge for human food scraps if they can access them. It is important to keep these potential food sources away from areas where squirrels could easily find them, as this will help reduce the likelihood of a squirrel infestation.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Squirrel?
The average lifespan of a squirrel is typically between 4 and 10 years, depending on the species. In urban settings, where they are provided with plenty of food sources such as bird feeders, garbage cans, and other human-provided resources, some have been known to live for up to 12 years.
However, this extended life expectancy often comes at a cost: increased competition with other animals and humans over these limited resources can lead to more aggressive behaviour, which may require professional pest control services.
Are there any natural predators of squirrels?
Squirrels have several natural predators, including foxes and hawks. Other animals, such as domestic cats, weasels, snakes, ferrets, and rats, may also prey on squirrels in certain areas or habitats.
These predators typically kill adult squirrels, while their young are vulnerable to predation from other species, such as hawks, owls, and crows.
Squirrel populations can be managed by reducing food sources through trapping programmes or by encouraging more of these natural predators within an area.
What Types of Wildlife Services Do Professional Pest Control Companies Provide?
Professional pest control companies provide various wildlife services to help protect homes and businesses from damage or destruction caused by animals.
These services typically involve squirrel traps, exclusion, habitat modification, damage repair, and the removal of dead bodies when necessary.
Does professional pest control use chemicals or other harmful substances?
Professional pest control companies use various methods to eliminate pests, including chemicals and other substances.
Depending on the type of infestation, a professional may employ one or more techniques in an integrated approach to pest management. Generally, chemical use is reserved for situations where the infestation has become too large or persistent to be managed with mechanical means such as trapping or exclusion devices.
In these cases, safe and effective products are used according to label instructions by certified applicators trained in proper application techniques.
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