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The fauna of Exaequatio consists of a huge variety of animals; some 83% of mammals, 89% of reptiles, 24% of fish and insects and 93% of amphibians that inhabit the continent are endemic to country. This high level of endemism can be attributed to the continent's long geographic isolation, tectonic stability, and the effects of an unusual pattern of climate change on the soil and flora over geological time. A unique feature of Exaequatio's fauna is the relative scarcity of native mammals. Consequently, birds, occupy many of the ecological niches mammals occupy elsewhere in the world. Exaequatio is home to two of the five known extant species of monotremes and has numerous venomous species, which include the platypus, spiders, scorpions, octopus, jellyfish, molluscs, stonefish, and stingrays. Uniquely, Exaequatio has more venomous than non-venomous species of snakes.

Exaequatio is known for its abundance of dangerous wildlife; failed settlements of Exaequatio beginning approximately 50,000 years ago have been attributed to the extreme hostile wildlife of the nation. Numerous megafaunal species were known for destroying entire villages. However successful colonization by humans had its impact of the wildlife as well; hunting, the introduction of non-native species, and land-management practices involving the modification or destruction of habitats have led to numerous extinctions. To target threats to the survival of its fauna, Exaequatio has passed wide-ranging federal and state legislation and established numerous protected areas.

Both geologic and climatic events helped to make Exaequatio's fauna unique. It was once part of the southern supercontinent Gondwana, which also included South America, Africa, India and Antarctica. Gondwana began to break up 140 million years ago (MYA); 50 MYA Exaequatio separated from Antarctica and was relatively isolated until the collision of the Indo-Exaaequation Plate with Asia in the Miocene era 5.3 MYA. The establishment and evolution of the present-day fauna was apparently shaped by the unique climate and the geology of the continent. As Exaequatio drifted, it was, to some extent, isolated from the effects of global climate change. The unique fauna that originated in Gondwana, survived and adapted in Exaequatio.

Birds

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Terror Birds
Terror birds are the apex predators of Exaequatio since its separation from Gondwana. They range in height from 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft), depending on the species. There are currently 24 extant and 37 extinct described species of terror birds. Most terror birds are very fast runners. All members possess a large, sharp beak, a powerful neck and sharp talons. They have a large, laterally flattened skull with a sharp-edged beak and powerful neck musculature, which makes them specialized predators of large prey. Prey consists of large herbivorous birds (eg antelope birds) and large mammals (eg Exaequation wild horses). All terror birds are carnivorous. The strong downwards curve from the tip of their beak enables them to rip the flesh from the body of other animals.

The size, widespread presence, and ferocity of terror birds has made them deeply integrated within Exaequation culture. They are widely seen as a symbol of power and strength and featured on many coat of arms and symbols, including the Exaequation Department of Defense. One species of terror bird, Brontornis, has been domesticated and were used for cavalry instead of, unlike most countries, horses. Brontornis also means "friend" in Exaequation from the important role the species played throughout history. Smaller species of terror birds have also become pets and treated much like dogs, while other species are considered pests to livestock. It is illegal to kill or injure a terror bird, in which the offender faces imprisonment of up to five years.

The geographic range of terror birds occur across the entire continent. Some species have become introduced or invasive in other countries due to escaped zoo specimens or pets. Exaequatio has a no-harm policy which insists foreign countries humanely capture and return invasive individuals back to Exaequatio, in which they pay for the services.

Llallawavis
The Magnificent Terror Bird, Llallawavis scagliai, is a large, flightless predatory bird which is the apex predator of Exaequatio's deserts. They are the smallest of the terror birds, standing only about a meter (3.3 ft) tall and weighing around 18 kg (40 lbs). Their small size likely enable them to survive the harsh conditions of the deserts, feeding on small mammals and reptiles. They hunt in packs of three to five individuals, with an alpha male and alpha female and usually the others being offspring. When the young become sexually mature they will leave the pack to form one of their own. CT scans of their inner ear show that they can only hear frequencies between about 380 and 4230 hertz, this can be exemplified by their deep voices which can be heard echoing in the arid Exaequation deserts.

Brontornis
Brontornis is a terror bird native to the tropical rainforests of the north. They are the apex predator of the rainforest, ambushing many large birds and mammals. They are the second largest terror bird in Exaequatio, with a height of around 2.8 m (9.2 ft) and the heaviest species with an estimated weight of 350–400 kg (770–880 lb), making it the third-heaviest bird ever known to exist, as well as the most massive land predator of its time and place. Due to its bulkiness, the species is an ambush predator and one that actively chases prey, pouncing on the latter from a hideout and bringing it down by sheer force of attack after a short chase.

They are probably the most famous of terror birds, due to their domestication. Domesticated horses did not exist in Exaequatio and instead Brontornis became the chief beast of transport and war. Domestication occurred several hundreds years after successful colonization of Exaequatio by the Corvinians. Being protected by armor, and ridden by a competent cavalryman, they were greatly feared by opponents as they were known for charging and shredding enemies in battle. The bond between a Brontornis and soldier was strong, so much so that the word "brontornis" can also be used to describe a friend in the Exaequation language. During the days of the Corvinian Empire, an egg of these birds would be raised by a young soldier and together the two would grow up together, forming an incredible and unbreakable bond. This bond would give them an even greater edge in battle against their enemies.

In the wild, Brontornis hunts in pairs and mates for life. Once every year they will mate and lay a single egg. Together they will raise the offspring for five years. Sexual maturity is about 20 years and they have a lifespan of 80 years. The way they select their mate is through singing a ritualistic song taught to them at birth by their parents. A potential partner that displays interest will provide some sort "gift" such as food. If the other is also interested, a complicated dance and mimicry of movements will ensue.

Brontornis is an incredibly intelligent species, rivaling that of bottlenose dolphins and chimpanzees.

Kelenken
Kelenken guillermoi lives in the Exaequation savannas located in the tropical dry forests. They are members of the terror bird family, and with a skull of 71.6 cm (28.2 inches) long, it has the largest head of any known bird. It is the largest species of terror bird, growing between ‬2.28‭ ‬and‭ ‬3‭ ‬meters (9-10 ft) tall.

They are apex predators of their habitat, feeding on a multitude of prey which largely consist of Exaequation horses. As a large flightless carnivore, Kelenken hunts its prey by chasing down and killing prey with several bone-shattering blows from their massive beak. These smashes paralyze their prey which allows them to feast unhindered. They are an incredibly fast and agile species, being capable of running at speeds of up to 80 kph (50 mph).

They are responsible for causing great destruction to livestock as they will kill cows, cattle, sheep, domestic horses, and goats. Regardless, they are protected and farmers are not permitted to shoot them. Relocation of the terror bird occasionally occurs, but electric fences are more often used to protect farm animals.

They hunt by themselves and have a lifespan between 70 to 80 years, reaching adulthood at the age of 40 years. Every three years, known as "the Great Mating," Kelenken will gather all throughout the savannas to mate. During this breeding season, pairs will mate and produce a single egg. The fathers will not eat for six weeks as they incubate the egg. The father will then spend two years caring for the chick until it can fend for itself.

Phorusrhacos
Phorusrhacos (/ˌfɔːrəsˈrɑːkɒs/ FOR-əs-RAH-koss) is a speciees of terror bird that lives in tropical savannas. They can achieve a height of 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) tall and weigh approximately 130 kilograms (290 lb). Compared to other members of the terror bird family, they are much slender and built for speed. They are capable of running at speeds of 104 k/hr (65 mph). They fast and agile prey, such as various species of antelope birds.

Titanis
This species attains a height of 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) tall and weighs approximately 150 kilograms (330 lb). Like other terror birds, they have a large, axe-like beak, used for bashing prey and tearing flesh. They inhabit the highlands and temperate forest habitats, preferring drier climates. They are active pursuit hunters of medium and large sized animals.

Birds of Prey
Birds of prey or predatory birds, also known as raptors, are hypercarnivorous bird species that actively hunt and feed on other vertebrates (mainly mammals, reptiles and other smaller birds). While terror birds are birds of prey, for the sake of organization, below are birds of prey that are not terror birds. All birds of prey (except terror birds) are flighted in Exaequatio. Defining features are speed and strength, keen eyesight, strong feet with sharp talons for grasping or killing prey, and powerful, curved beaks for tearing off flesh.

Traditional species of birds of prey (eg falcons, hawks, or kites) are largely absent in Exaequatio. Their niche is primarily occupied by a group of predatory, carnivorous parrots known as raptorial parrots. Owls are also widespread.

Raptorial Parrots
Exaequatio lacks many species of traditional birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, and falcons. A family of parrots have evolved to fulfill this niche in Exaequatio and its islands. Known collectively as “raptorial parrots”, this family includes 37 known species and found throughout all ecosystems within Exaequatio. They can be loosely placed into three subgroups based on prey and feeding methods. “Strikers” hunt other birds and have a similar hunting strategy to falcons where they intercept birds mid-flight. Species that belong to the striker group tend to be built for agility and range from small to medium in size; 23-20 cm (9-12 in) to 51-65 cm (20-25 in). “Impalers” hunt small reptiles and insects and impale their prey (similar to shrikes). Three of the five species of impalers inhabit the deserts of Exaequatio while the other two species inhabit the rainforests. “Ambushers” feed on mammals, reptiles, and ground dwelling birds. They typically have stocky builds, powerful talons, and large heads. The largest species of raptorial parrot is the harpy parrot, with a wingspan of 2 m (6.5 ft).

Raptorial parrots play an important role in Exaequation culture. Parrots are highly intelligent, and raptorial parrots are no exception. This makes them a popular bird in falconry as the conditioning methods used tend to be less effective on parrots and instead a closer bond forms between the falconer and parrot. Raptorial parrots were used extensively to aid in hunting in ancient times.

A notable difference from other birds of prey is that raptorial parrots are highly social animals. They typically roost at night in groups of five to ten individuals and will hunt in pairs (usually with their mate). Like most parrots, they are cavity nesters.

Night Whisper Owls
Night whisper owls, also known as night whispers and whisper owls, are a species of owl that lives in all parts of Exaequatio and its islands, except its deserts. They are the largest flighted bird of prey on the continent, reaching a typical weight of around 16.5 kg (36 lbs). It has a relatively short wingspan for its size, likely an adaptation for life in forested environments. Wingspans typically are 3 m (10 ft). Like other owls, they are nocturnal and solitary hunters. Their large size and powerful talons enable them to hunt large prey where they feed on various mammals and ground-dwelling birds such as ground parrots and antelope birds. They have also been known to attack and kill human children and even sick adults.

Night whispers get their name from the noises they make, which sound like hushed human chatter. Many myths and legends center around them by ancient Exaequations and Mokupunians. Their nocturnal nature and human like noises are thought to be reasons for various ghost legends.

Dagget's Eagle
"Daggett's eagle" or the "walking eagle" is a species of long-legged hawk with a total length of 64–90 centimetres (25–35 in), including 26–32.2 cm (10.2–12.7 in) of tail; its wingspan is 169–196 cm (67–77 in). Body weight is estimated at 3 kilograms (6.6 lb). They inhabit the open grasslands, marshlands, and savannas from sea level to 2,250 metres (7,380 ft). Because of its large size and long legs, the eagle occupies a similar niche as secretarybirds of Africa. Its diet is composed mostly of snakes and other small reptiles, which it kicks to death with its long legs. These legs also keep the bird at a safe distance from its struggling prey. Dagget's eagle are attracted to grass fires in which they chase out small animals, which then make easy prey for the raptors. While large, they are frightened of humans and keep distance.

Antelope Birds
Antelope birds (order Dinornithiformes) are a group of flightless birds related to the extinct moa. There are 22 species (in nine genera). The two largest species reach about 3.6 m (12 ft) in height with neck outstretched, and weigh about 230 kg (510 lb) while the smallest is around the size of a turkey.

Antelope birds resemble moa and lack even the vestigial wings that all other ratites have. They are the largest terrestrial animals and dominant herbivores in Exaequatio’s forests, shrublands, and alpine ecosystems.

Their diet consists of a range of plant species and plant parts, including fibrous twigs and leaves taken from low trees and shrubs. Their beaks are analogous to a pair of secateurs and can clip the fibrous leaves of Exaequation flax (Phormium tenax) and twigs up to at least 8 mm in diameter.

Antelope birds fill the ecological niche occupied in other continents by large browsing mammals such as antelope and llamas (hence the name “antelope” birds). A number of plant species have evolved to avoid antelope bird browsing. Divaricating plants such as the penny plant, which have small leaves and a dense mesh of branches, and lancewood, which has tough juvenile leaves, are possible examples of plants that evolved in such a way.

Antelope birds are K-selected, as are many other large endemic Exaequation birds. They are characterized by having a low fecundity and a long maturation period, taking about 10 years to reach adult size. Males and females build a mound where they lay up to five eggs and care for the chicks for three years.

Ground Parrots
Night parrots are a family of parrots that are large, flightless, and ground-dwelling native to the rainforests of Exaequatio and its islands. They include 8 different species. The smallest member, the fruit ground parrot, reaches 64 cm (25 in) in length, and the largest species, the Hercules ground parrot, reaches around 1 m (3 ft 3 in). All ground parrots are herbivores and eat the fruits that have fallen from trees. Most members typically have finely blotched yellow-green plumage and a distinct facial disc, a large grey beak, long legs, large blue feet, and relatively short wings and tail.

Unlike all other parrots except the kakapo, ground parrots have a polygynous lek breeding system where the male is uninvolved in rearing young. The young are born precocial, where they can stand and move within 30 minutes after being born. Most species have 10 – 15 eggs per clutch and will stay with their mother until adulthood.

Ground parrots are surprisingly fast. The Hercules ground parrot can run up to 48 kph (30 mph) through the rainforest. Their powerful legs also help them jump high, up to 2.1 m (7 ft) in the air. They have a slow metabolism, which might explain why they are possibly one of the world's longest-living birds, with a reported lifespan of up to 100 years.

Predators vary by species of ground parrot. For example, fruit ground parrots are most often preyed upon by harpy parrots and night whispers. Hercules parrots are too large for flighted birds of prey and are more typically hunted by Brontornis terror birds. They have also been traditionally hunted by humans, with their eggs being particularly prized.

Songbirds
The Passeriformes are the most numerous group of bird orders, in which it contains 5000 or so species found all over the world, in which the vocal organ typically is developed in such a way as to produce a diverse and elaborate bird song. Songbirds form one of the two major lineages of extant perching birds (~4000 species), the other being the Tyranni (~1000 species), which are most diverse in the Neotropics and absent from many parts of the world (including Exaequatio). There is a third perching bird lineage, the Acanthisitti from Exaequatio, of which 102 species remain alive today.

Arora sparrow
Arora sparrows are small, blue, bioluminescent songbirds of the genus, Passer. They are the only known species of bird that is bioluminescent, where they have a symbiotic relationship with bioluminescent bacteria which lives in their skin and feathers. Arora sparrows can choose when to glow, in which they primarily glow during the breeding season. They exhibit similar behaviors to that of other sparrows and typically have a lifespan of 3-5 years. Historically, during the First Republic and early Corvinian Empire, they were captured and used as sources of light. During the later years of the empire they were used as a status symbol. Culturally, they have been associated with beauty and wealth. They inhabit the temperate mixed forests of Exaequatio during the summer and migrate to the tropical dry forests in winter.

Reptiles

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Pterosaurs
Pterosaurs are a clade of flying reptiles in the order, Pterosauria. While most species went extinct at the end of the Mesozoic, several species survived in what is now modern day Exaequatio. Pterosaurs sport coats of hair-like filaments known as pycnofibers, which cover their bodies and parts of their wings. Pycnofibers grow in several forms, from simple filaments to branching down feathers. These are homologous to the down feathers found in birds. They are warm-blooded (endothermic) and active animals. Pterosaurs had a variety of lifestyles. Traditionally seen as fish-eaters, the surviving groups are comprised primarily of insectivores and frugivores. They reproduce by eggs and exhibit parental care.

Tapejara
Tapejara is only one of two genus of order Pterosaur still extant. Tapejara are very colorful animals; they have crests which consist of a semicircular crest over the snout, and a bony prong which extends back behind the head. This is believed to be part of their sexual display towards their mate, as males tend to be more colorful than females.

All species of Tapejara are approximately 1.5 m (5 ft.) tall and a wingspan of about 3.7 m (12 ft.) Similar to birds, the Tapejara's bones are lightweight to help maintain flight. They weigh approximately 36 kg (80 lbs.) There are five species of Tapejara that live in Exaequatio. Two species are piscivorous and are commonly found along the coastline of northern Exaequatio feeding on fish, snails, and squid. They migrate annually to the Exaequation Highlands in summer to breed on the cliff-sides. The remaining three species are frugivores and live in Exaequatio's tropical rain and dry forests year round and in the temperate and coniferous forests during the summer.

Due to their large size, they have no predators in adulthood, though during birth and egg periods they are vulnerable to many species of native and non-native animals, especially snakes and monitor lizards. They are only one of two extant flying, endothermic reptiles.

Sinomacrops
Sinomacrops, also called sinos, are the second species of extant pterosaur. They loosely resemble bats, however are behaviorally very different. They are small, with a wingspan of about 33 cm (13 inches), and a body length of roughly 15 cm (6 inches). Sinos have short, rounded skulls with huge eyes. They are widespread across the rainforests and dry forests of Exaequatio, Maui, Mokupuni, and other surrounding islands, as well as coniferous forests and highlands of Exaequatio. Sinos primarily prey upon small animals such as rodents, lizards, insects, and bird nestlings, but will also eat fruits and nuts. There are seven species of sinos.

Sinos will remain socially monogamous during breeding season, where the male and female will build a nest and take turns nesting their three to five eggs. Sinos will fledge at 30 days and become independent at 60 days. Their lifespan is 15-20 years in the wild, but 30-40 years in captivity. Adults are preyed upon by various birds of prey, while their eggs and nestlings are preyed upon by various birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Sinos have become popular pets are they are regarded as cute and are quite tame in captivity. Established breeding programs ensure that harvesting from the wild does not occur. Sinos are a major export from Exaequatio, however this species has become established in a number of other countries due to escaped pets.

Other Reptiles
There are 511 known native reptile species in Exaequatio, many of which are endemic. Several notable species are listed below:

Compsognathus
Compsognathus is a small, bipedal, carnivorous theropod dinosaur, growing to about the size of a turkey. Several species of theropods survived the KT extinction event, mostly in remote locations including Exaequatio and Aquapelago. Compies inhabit the coastlines and forests of tropical northern Exaequatio and consume eggs, insects, amphibians, small reptiles, and mammals. They are very agile and fast mesopredators. They hunt in packs of up to ten members, allowing them to tackle larger prey, however they are just as often found living singly. When in large groups, it is advised to remain distant from them as injury or death is possible. Occasionally, when compsognathus are found in high numbers on the beaches, they are shut down for civilian safety concerns. Compies are preyed upon by birds of prey, large mammals, and terror birds.

Exaequation Giant Crocodile
The Exaequation Giant Crocodile (Crocodylus exaquatio) is the largest corcoadile species in the world. They weigh up to 8 tonnes and 11–12 m (36–39 ft). They are extremely aggressive, hunting as ambush predators in the Exaequation rivers and tributaries of the tropical north. They are also endangered, being nearly hunted to extinction throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. They were pronounced extinct in 1808 until its discovery of a single specimen in 1845. Other members were discovered throughout the later half of the 1800s and breeding programs ensued in the early 1900s. Today, their population in approximately two thousand in the wild. They are considered critically endangered by the IUCN and are thus a protected species. Another five hundred individuals are found in zoos and breeding programs throughout the world.

The species is responsible for surprisingly few deaths as they are rarely found in human developments. However, they kill on average between five to ten individuals a year. This is usually tourists, because of not reading warning signs. They have been also known to tip over small boats, with the most recent incident in 2015.

It is an apex predator of the Exaequation waterways. They hunt almost anything smaller than themseelvs, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Breeding is year round, in which females will lay a clutch of approximately 50-100 eggs and care for her offspring between two to three years. Despite parenting behavior, only between 1-2% of offspring will survive to adulthood. Females only mate every two years.

Mammals

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Exaequation Woolly Rhino
The appearance of woolly rhinos is that of other rhinos in combination with hair all throughout their body. Hair allows them to maintain their body temperature in the plains in which they inhabit, the Exaequation Highlands. An adult woolly rhinoceros can grow to around 3 to 3.8 metres (9.8 to 12.5 ft) in length, with an estimated weight of around 1,800–2,700 kg (4,000–6,000 lb). The woolly rhinoceros can grow to be 2 m (6.6 ft) tall; which is a similar size to the white rhinoceros. Two horns on the skull are made of keratin, the anterior horn being 61 cm (24 in) in length, with a smaller horn between its eyes. It has thick, long fur, small ears, short, thick legs, and a stocky body.

The woolly rhinoceros uses their horns for defensive purposes and to attract mates. Females give birth to one or two calves. The Exaequation Highlands can be harsh for animals as it can become very cold in the winter and moderate in the summer. As such, diet is an important aspect for the rhino, in which they feed on grasses, lichens, and sedges.

They are generally friendly towards humans, however one should not provoke them. They are very common throughout the highlands and are considered "least concern" by the IUCN. They have no natural predators.

Exaequation Horse
The Exaequation horse (Equus ferus exaequatius) is a subspecies of the wild horse (Equus ferus). Evidence supports E. ferus as migrated to Exaequatio around 800,000 - 900,000 years ago via the Exaequation Land Bridge during the Ice Age. By the mid-late Pleistocene, it had an extremely large range across Exaequatio, ranging among all but Exaequatio’s rainforests. They are one of the few native mammals found in Exaequatio.

In general, Exaequation horses are grazers that prefer to inhabit open areas, such as highlands and grasslands. They have seasonal food preferences and will migrate with changing seasons. Exaequation horses are the main prey source for the Kelenken terror bird but are also hunted by several other species of terror birds. Their young are sometimes preyed upon by night whisper owls.

Fish

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Fanged Tarpon
Known commonly as the fanged tarpon this species hunts in small shoals and obtain lengths of 4.5 to 6 meters (15 to 20 ft). They are veracious predators, consuming almost anything that they can into their mouth. They hunt on the fringes of the Exaequation Barrier Reefs, and live in depths of up to 200 m.

They are responsible for a large number of deaths each year (on average 50 people per year). This is largely from sport fisherman who try to catch these fish. The animal's power and strength can pull the fisherman into the water, where the shoal consumes the fishermen. This species is also infamous for attacking small fishing boats. They were prominent in early Exaequation folklore, often referring to them as oceanic demons. The Mokupunian culture believed that they were the guards to the gates of Ko'o (or "Hell").

Invertebrates

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Freshwater Glow Squid
The freshwater glow squid (Sepioteuthis lumin), commonly called the glow squid, is a species of small, torpedo-shaped squid with undulating fins that extend nearly the entire length of the body, approximately 20 cm (8 in) in length. They are the only known cephalopod that has adapted to freshwater environments. They inhabit may local waterways and prominent ecological members in most tropical rivers and tributaries. The pet trade has introduced them to other parts of the world, where they have become invasive, in some cases.

This species, like most squid, is a voracious eater and typically consumes 30–60% of its body weight daily. Prey is caught using the club-like end of the long tentacles which are then pulled towards the mouth supported by the shorter arms. Like other cephalopods, it has a strong beak which it uses to cut the prey into parts so that the raspy tongue, or radula, can be used to further process the food. It consumes small fish, other molluscs, and crustaceans.

Glow squid have been shown to communicate using a variety of color, shape, and texture changes. They use their rapid changes in skin color and pattern through nervous control of chromatophores. In addition to camouflage and appearing larger in the face of a threat, squids use color, patterns, and flashing to communicate with one another in various courtship rituals.

They are also bioluminescent, caused from symbiotic relationship with bioluminecent bacteria. They use this glowing to attract mates and communicate with one another. They will hunt in shoals between five and ten individuals.

Fairy Moth
The Fairy moth is a species of moth in the lepidopteran infraorder Heteroneura. This species is diurnal, sometimes swarming around the tips of branches with an undulating flight. Fairy moths are the largest moths in Exaequatio, with a wingspan of 46 cm (1.5 ft.)

They are widespread in the tropical regions of Exaequatio and its islands. The body is disproportionately small compared to the wings. The upperside of the wings are reddish pink and powder blue with a pattern of black, white, yellow, and purple lines and triangular, scale-less windows bordered in black. The undersides of the wings are paler. Both forewings have a prominent extension at the tip, with markings that resemble the head of a snake, a resemblance which is exaggerated by movements of the wings when the moth is confronted by potential predators.

The fairy moth has a very long proboscis used to obtain nectar from a wide range of flowers. They have a long lifespan for an insect, typically 7 to 10 years. They are responsible for fairy legends in Exaequatio.

Plants & Fungi

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Vampire Tree
The vampire tree (Ficus vampirus) is a member of the Moraceae family (fig and mulberry family). It resembles banyan figs; however, vampire trees lack leaves. Unlike most plants, it does not produce chlorophyll nor can photosynthesize. Instead, it sends out sharp branches that pierce the bark of other trees and steals the available nutrients. Hosts are rarely killed, however they are typically severely weakened and more vulnerable to predation and disease.

Vampire trees were not named for their parasitic lifestyle. Instead, it was named after the alternative way in which the species acquires nutrients. The vampire tree is considered a kind of carnivorous plant which consumes large prey, typically ground dwelling insects, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Sharp roots and thorns line the base of the tree along with fibrous roots which secrete nepenthesin (a digestive enzyme in some carnivorous plants) and toxic fumes which knock out or kill prey. Depending on prey size, it can take up to three weeks to fully digest prey. Carcasses attract predators and scavengers and consequently there tends to be a higher volume of kills of those types relative to herbivores.

Vampire trees are found within the Exaequation rainforests in areas that do not regularly flood. They were considered extremely dangerous and many stories and myths surround the tree. The First Exaequation Republic decreed all vampire trees be killed on sight, and in the Corvinian Empire it would be used as an execution method for murderers and rapists. People believed that its fruit had healing powers and was subsequently used in folk medicine. It was often associated with dark spirits and witchcraft and the mere sight of one was considered an omen of death. Today, vampire trees have been extirpated from all inhabited areas and are only found in the most remote areas of rainforest.

Moon Mushroom
The moon mushroom (Amanita aurita) is a fungus which belongs to the Amanitaceae family. Native throughout the temperate and boreal regions of Exaequatio, Amanita aurita has been unintentionally introduced to many countries worldwide, generally as a symbiont with pine and birch plantations, and is now a true cosmopolitan species. It associates with various deciduous and coniferous trees.

It gets its name from its soft blue glow. This is not visible during the day, however under moonlight at night, it gives the appearance that the mushrooms glow. Moon mushrooms are not bioluminescent and instead glow by microstructural arrangement of the fungal tissue. Moon mushrooms bud during the summer months.

Despite its easily distinguishable features, Amanita aurita is a fungus with several known variations, or subspecies. These subspecies are slightly different, some having yellow or white caps, but they are all usually called moon mushrooms, and they are most of the time recognizable by their notable glow at night under moonlight.

Although poisonous, death due to poisoning from moon mushroom ingestion is quite rare. Parboiling twice with water draining weakens its toxicity and breaks down the mushroom's psychoactive substances; it is eaten in many parts of the world. All Amanita aurita varieties, but in particular A. aurita var. aurita, are noted for their hallucinogenic properties, with the main psychoactive constituents being the neurotoxins ibotenic acid and muscimol. A local variety of the mushroom was used as an intoxicant and entheogen by ancient Exaequations and has a religious significance in these cultures. There has been much speculation on possible traditional use of this mushroom as an intoxicant in other places such throughout the world.