FLORA & FAUNA OF CHICORA

Flora: The plant life in Chicora is identical to the lowcountry of South Carolina before colonization; many ancient oak, elm, and cypress dominate the landscape, and large ferns and palmetto trees are found in abundance near the coast. Additionally, moss is draped over many of the trees, adding to the landscape that bard Shanty the Wanderer once described as 'melancholy'.

The human natives and wild elves have been known to have gardens of corn, pumpkins, kidney beans, squash, melons, gourds, and tobacco. Additionally, indigo is native here, which has been cultivated by Praxis farmers to produce a rich blue dye that is in demand across the sea in the Homelands. Colonist have introduced other agriculture from both the Homeland and other parts of the Wild Lands, including (but not limited to) rice, wheat, cotton, peanuts, and potatoes.

Fauna: The wild life in Chicora (apart from the like of Ogres, Lizardkin, and their ilk) is also similar to that of pre-colonized South Carolina; bison are in abundance, as well as brightly colored Chicoran parrots and parakeets, modeled after the extinct birds that used to fly in abundance in the Carolina coasts. Deer, raccoons, opossum, wolves, boars, and bears are very common as well. Added to this collection of creatures are the occasional saber tooth tiger and a variety of spider monkey in the Shadwoods.

Chicoran Sloth Lizards are a strange mix of iguana and miniature dachshunds (wiener dogs for you laypersons). These furry creatures are very narcoleptic, sleeping most of the day; it's a wonder they have enough energy to breed. They are a very popular pet among both natives and colonists. The natives call the creatures 'Dream Guardians', and believe that these sleepy creatures have the power to enter their owners dreams, chasing away bad dreams, and even in rare instances connecting different owners of related Sloth Lizards in their sleep. Sages from the Homelands doubt this belief, but many of the simpler colonists believe this fervently, and the adepts that take care of the common farmer have recommended use of a sloth lizard as a cure for insomnia.

Sealife in Chicora is interesting as well; the glow of the ghost shrimp and moonfish makes for the occasional flash of light in the night's water, and oysters and crabs are abundant

Additionally, in Chicora there is a breed of frog that is about as large as a house cat. Many of the natives believe these harmless amphibians are spies of the reptilian Glith Empire, and the Chicoran frog population has suffered due to this false rumor. To compound this problem, many commoners among the colonists have fallen prey to his misinformation as well.

A last superstition benefits black cats, which the locals believe are likely to be the familiar of Ganron the Town Mage, or another of the wizards. This is very popular, despite the fact Ganron has no familiar of any sort (although his assistant Thea Nightstalker does). The black cat population of Praxis City is therefore pretty large; and well cared for.