The following information is a concise guide to the flora and fauna that call the area surrounding Fort Cheyenne home. To easily access the information that has been made available to the general population, clicking on the links below will help you navigate the catalog efficiently. Residents must take into consideration that this is not a complete list of all plant and animal life that currently exists, but it is somewhat comprehensive list of those most notable.
Normal creatures, such as (but not limited to) dogs and cats, still exist in limited quantities. Most have retained their classic appearance while others are slightly mutated but still easily recognizable.
⌦ OVERVIEW
Monstrosities and the like both in flora and fauna are the result of high levels of radiation and heavily mutated strains of Rabid X. Once innocent and harmless woodland creatures are a thing of the past and any that remain are lucky survivors like their human and furre counterparts; the only difference is that they like will not last long without either being consumed, hunted, or mutated themselves. Dependent on the type of mutation (whether heavily radiated, diseased, or simply a survival adaptation) seems to have a strong effect on their level of hostility--some are neutral, some are beneficial, and others will rip the nearest living thing from limb to limb or consume it whole without so much as a second thought. Those that are being successfully bred in greenhouses and the like are significantly weaker than their wild counterpart, and herbalists are trying to combat the issues they face.
⌦ FLORA
Most of the flora has been diminished around the main locales due to panic-stricken harvest. As a result, what presently thrives does so surrounding and within the outskirts and the wooded area, making the edible/medicinal ones hard to come by. Fauna has not been the only thing to become a monstrosity though, as even some plant life has taken on a new life all their own known as man-eaters. Those who have tried to brave the woods to retrieve some of the more important plants have either gotten very lucky, never returned, or came back severely wounded or poisoned only to die. Those who have been lucky may have managed to grow their own crops in greenhouses and the like, though the process would have been long and drawn out to return the soil to a proper growing state. As such, flora with medicinal qualities and those that are edible are highly valued as they are extremely difficult to come by.
Flora: "Safe" List
☢ SUNNYSUCKLE | A mutation of a sunflower and a honeysuckle flower, it is perhaps the most prevalent flower available to all districts. The head of the flower takes largely after a sunflower, and its seeds can be harvested for consumption. It differs from regular sunflowers in that the seeds have a slight taste of honey. While it has large, leafy yellow petals, it is also coupled with the long stamens of a honeysuckle and the multi-colored petals of one as well. These multi-colored petals are used medicinally as salves for itches and inflammations, though it can also be used to treat symptoms of the cold, flu, and pneumonia. They are rumored to be capable of growing up to several feet as seen in the woods; however, the strains in the local greenhouses are significantly smaller and have not yet grown past a foot in height.
☢ DULALYS | A mutated combination of the calendula and sweet alyssum flowers. The center, or eye, of the flower is roughly the size of a quarter, and its main, heavily layered petals are varying spotted shades of yellow, orange, and red which are inherited from the calendula. Almost every petal of the calendula is accompanied by smaller, white or pink flowers of the sweet alyssum. This plant is mostly for medicinal purposes and should not, under any circumstance, be consumed as it is lethal when ingested. The petals of the calendula are ground up into a cream that is used to treat burns, especially radiation burns. The sweet alyssum is exceptionally fragrant and is used in powders as pest prevention.
☢ UMBRELLA BLOSSOM | A combination of the ammi flower, which is best known for its cluster of flowers with stalks in the shape of an umbrella, and the nasturtium. The plant's strong stalk is its base and the most important aspect of its structure because the higher up the stalk the plant goes, the more it breaks off into smaller stems with bundles of white (ammi) and bright, four-leaf flowers (nasturtium). The ammi portion of the plant is used to ward off small pests, like snails and slugs, but should not be consumed because it increases photosensitivity, resulting in significant and severe sunburns in those who ingest it. The nasturtium petals and its immature seed capsules contain a rare sulfur compound (glucotropaeolin) that is known for its antibacterial properties.
☢ POP SHOTS | The mutated adaptation of the Echinacea flower and the day lily. They are varying shades of striped and spotted pinks and whites, with the large, protruding disk of the Echinacea as its focal point. The petals of the Echinacea grow on the outside of the lily petals and are harvested first before the flower blooms, because the lily bulb is used for cooking. The Echinacea petals can be steeped in 100-proof vodka (when and where available); when the vodka is turned into a tincture after a 3-week steeping period, and one drop on the tongue three times per week is proven as an immune booster for lesser illnesses such as colds. Lily bulbs are often caramelized to a brown color, and when eaten are similar to asparagus in tenderness and baby snap beans in flavor.
☢ There are numerous other plants, weeds and flowers alike, that are considered safe; however, due to the dangers associated with making the trek out to the woods, they remain lost to civilization for the time being. And, of course, some have not mutated at all but merely adapted to the world's changes, whereas others are extinct forever.
⌬ Looks like a sunflower predominantly.
⌬ Long stamens protrude from the "head" where the seeds are harvested.
⌬ Bright, leafy honeysuckle petals accompany the golden yellow
ones from the sunflower.
⌬ Seeds are edible, taste a bit like honey.
⌬ Reduces inflammation and eases the symptoms of colds, the flu, and pneumonia.
⌬ Can be made into oil for cooking and a variation of peanut butter, referred to as "sunbutter."
⌬ One downside is that the seeds are relatively small, therefore consumption usually requires multiple plants. One upside is that a well-maintained plant can be harvested multiple times, as the seeds will grow back.
⌬ Long stamens protrude from the "head" where the seeds are harvested.
⌬ Bright, leafy honeysuckle petals accompany the golden yellow
ones from the sunflower.
⌬ Seeds are edible, taste a bit like honey.
⌬ Reduces inflammation and eases the symptoms of colds, the flu, and pneumonia.
⌬ Can be made into oil for cooking and a variation of peanut butter, referred to as "sunbutter."
⌬ One downside is that the seeds are relatively small, therefore consumption usually requires multiple plants. One upside is that a well-maintained plant can be harvested multiple times, as the seeds will grow back.
☢ DULALYS | A mutated combination of the calendula and sweet alyssum flowers. The center, or eye, of the flower is roughly the size of a quarter, and its main, heavily layered petals are varying spotted shades of yellow, orange, and red which are inherited from the calendula. Almost every petal of the calendula is accompanied by smaller, white or pink flowers of the sweet alyssum. This plant is mostly for medicinal purposes and should not, under any circumstance, be consumed as it is lethal when ingested. The petals of the calendula are ground up into a cream that is used to treat burns, especially radiation burns. The sweet alyssum is exceptionally fragrant and is used in powders as pest prevention.
⌬ The petals of the calendula droop significantly because of the weight of the sweet alyssums that are attached to them. As a result, the petals must be watched quickly and harvested early, otherwise they will detach from the entire plant and die off. To counteract this, herbalists wrap the bottoms of the flowers in a netting material that is attached to the wall to hold it up.
☢ UMBRELLA BLOSSOM | A combination of the ammi flower, which is best known for its cluster of flowers with stalks in the shape of an umbrella, and the nasturtium. The plant's strong stalk is its base and the most important aspect of its structure because the higher up the stalk the plant goes, the more it breaks off into smaller stems with bundles of white (ammi) and bright, four-leaf flowers (nasturtium). The ammi portion of the plant is used to ward off small pests, like snails and slugs, but should not be consumed because it increases photosensitivity, resulting in significant and severe sunburns in those who ingest it. The nasturtium petals and its immature seed capsules contain a rare sulfur compound (glucotropaeolin) that is known for its antibacterial properties.
⌬ The stems that break off are significantly weakened and must often be accompanied by a brace, usually a stick, to keep them from separating from the plant too early.
☢ POP SHOTS | The mutated adaptation of the Echinacea flower and the day lily. They are varying shades of striped and spotted pinks and whites, with the large, protruding disk of the Echinacea as its focal point. The petals of the Echinacea grow on the outside of the lily petals and are harvested first before the flower blooms, because the lily bulb is used for cooking. The Echinacea petals can be steeped in 100-proof vodka (when and where available); when the vodka is turned into a tincture after a 3-week steeping period, and one drop on the tongue three times per week is proven as an immune booster for lesser illnesses such as colds. Lily bulbs are often caramelized to a brown color, and when eaten are similar to asparagus in tenderness and baby snap beans in flavor.
⌬ The Echinacea petals must be harvested prior to the flower's full bloom to get the full effect of flavor from the lily bulb, although it is not a requirement. The petals have a significantly diminished flavor when it has bloomed, but is still quite tasty.
☢ There are numerous other plants, weeds and flowers alike, that are considered safe; however, due to the dangers associated with making the trek out to the woods, they remain lost to civilization for the time being. And, of course, some have not mutated at all but merely adapted to the world's changes, whereas others are extinct forever.
Flora: "Danger" List
☢ ROSE TRAP | A large, heavily mutated combination of a thorny rose and a Venus fly trap. It is an alluring plant with its large rose petals, mostly red though they can come in any color; the rose trap disguises itself as a brightly colored bush. In the wild, it is capable of growing over six feet... at least, that is the tallest anyone has ever seen. It waits until its prey is close enough, and in the blink of an eye the petals are opened and its large trap head engulfs it entirely; then, it entwines its prey in thick vines riddled with large, razor-sharp thorns designed so that they cannot escape. Death is an incredibly slow, extremely torturous process. This plant is especially abundant because it has evolved to a point where it requires very little water for survival, and can utilize the nutrients in its prey for an indeterminable amount of time.
☢ VIOLET HEMLOCK | A combination between a common wild violet and the deadly water hemlock, they grow together as bushes. The main problem here is that these plants look completely innocent, and grow small, red berries and give off a strong, sweet fragrance that makes one's mouth water. People consider these plants to be safe to eat from because of the common, catchy phrase: "Red and sweet are good to eat, but I swear by this sonnet, green will make you vomit." In this case, the sweet, red berries are lethal because they are full of cicutoxin which wreaks havoc on the central nervous system, causing grand mal seizures. These seizures, in turn, include loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions--and eventually death, if ingested. The end results in paralyses of the respiratory system.
☢ WORRY WORT | A common bladderwort that has merged itself with the numerous varying wildflowers and weeds throughout North America. As a result, these plants are masters of disguise and easily camouflage themselves as a "harmless" weed or flower, and they have derived their name from the worry they cause the population. Unsuspecting passersby with accidentally brush up against one of these plants, signaling an external bristle-trigger which causes the plant to react, clamping its bladder around whichever body part is nearest. Once bitten, smaller animals (crustaceans, rabbits, mice/rats, etc.) will decay and die, providing the plant with its needed nutrients; however, humans, furres, and larger animals are not so lucky to endure a quick death. The poison seeps into the skin, turning it black after a day or two. Then necrosis sets in. The skin begins to decay into a jelly-like state and spreads at a rapid state. Amputation is the only cure if one has been stung on their appendages, but anywhere else (face, chest, abdomen) is considered a death sentence. They are no longer just aquatic-based plants and instead grow like weeds even beyond the woods. People in every district report a Worry Wort problem, and urge their residents to use shovels or fires to burn these plants to ash; however, for every one destroyed, two seem to pop up in its place.
☢ ANGEL'S TRUMPET | Similar in appearance to a weeping willow, the only real mutation in this plant is its size. It appears much more similar to a small tree, with long, curved branches and thick leaves that curl with the weight of elongated white trumpets. It is a rare plant that is only rumored to exist somewhere in the deeper confines of the woods near a small, but deep, pond. People that have ventured out this far have taken to referring to this pond as the Devil's Playground because it seems to be the only place where Angel's Trumpet grows, encircling it like a halo. Its rumored beauty supposedly draws one in along with the illusion of glimmering clear water that is toxic and filled with brightly colored flesh-eating fish and other aquatic mutations. The trumpet like flower is not deadly; however, scopolamine can be extracted from it, which is a potent drug that leaves victims unaware of what they are doing but entirely conscious. Scopolamine can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, allowing someone to simply blow the powder in a person's face.
☢ VIOLET HEMLOCK | A combination between a common wild violet and the deadly water hemlock, they grow together as bushes. The main problem here is that these plants look completely innocent, and grow small, red berries and give off a strong, sweet fragrance that makes one's mouth water. People consider these plants to be safe to eat from because of the common, catchy phrase: "Red and sweet are good to eat, but I swear by this sonnet, green will make you vomit." In this case, the sweet, red berries are lethal because they are full of cicutoxin which wreaks havoc on the central nervous system, causing grand mal seizures. These seizures, in turn, include loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions--and eventually death, if ingested. The end results in paralyses of the respiratory system.
☢ WORRY WORT | A common bladderwort that has merged itself with the numerous varying wildflowers and weeds throughout North America. As a result, these plants are masters of disguise and easily camouflage themselves as a "harmless" weed or flower, and they have derived their name from the worry they cause the population. Unsuspecting passersby with accidentally brush up against one of these plants, signaling an external bristle-trigger which causes the plant to react, clamping its bladder around whichever body part is nearest. Once bitten, smaller animals (crustaceans, rabbits, mice/rats, etc.) will decay and die, providing the plant with its needed nutrients; however, humans, furres, and larger animals are not so lucky to endure a quick death. The poison seeps into the skin, turning it black after a day or two. Then necrosis sets in. The skin begins to decay into a jelly-like state and spreads at a rapid state. Amputation is the only cure if one has been stung on their appendages, but anywhere else (face, chest, abdomen) is considered a death sentence. They are no longer just aquatic-based plants and instead grow like weeds even beyond the woods. People in every district report a Worry Wort problem, and urge their residents to use shovels or fires to burn these plants to ash; however, for every one destroyed, two seem to pop up in its place.
☢ ANGEL'S TRUMPET | Similar in appearance to a weeping willow, the only real mutation in this plant is its size. It appears much more similar to a small tree, with long, curved branches and thick leaves that curl with the weight of elongated white trumpets. It is a rare plant that is only rumored to exist somewhere in the deeper confines of the woods near a small, but deep, pond. People that have ventured out this far have taken to referring to this pond as the Devil's Playground because it seems to be the only place where Angel's Trumpet grows, encircling it like a halo. Its rumored beauty supposedly draws one in along with the illusion of glimmering clear water that is toxic and filled with brightly colored flesh-eating fish and other aquatic mutations. The trumpet like flower is not deadly; however, scopolamine can be extracted from it, which is a potent drug that leaves victims unaware of what they are doing but entirely conscious. Scopolamine can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, allowing someone to simply blow the powder in a person's face.
⌦ FAUNA
In order to receive their greatest chance for survival, the local wildlife surrounding the area have mutated severely beyond any shred of recognition to their original forms, or they have simply become extinct. Animals not typically native to the western United States have migrated as well. While some animals may have retained their original, non-mutated state, there is no preset timeline as to when this will change for them, or if they will simply live out the rest of their days uninterrupted. The majority, however, are some terrible bastardization of two, sometimes three, creatures in one. Like the flora, some of these creatures are beneficial, neutral, or lethal; regardless of which category they are filed under, residents are urged to not approach, but if it is unavoidable they must do so with extreme caution. Unlike the flora, there is not a "safe" versus "danger" because all of the wildlife is dangerous to an extent.
Fauna: "Moderate Danger" List
☢ SCORER | An eerie mutation of an adder snake and a scorpion, the Scorer is about as harmless as it gets in spite of its looks. It tops out at about three feet long and one foot tall, with the elongated body of a snake. On its back end are eight legs and a sharp, rattle-like tail that is used to deter would be predators; however, it is a constrictor. It has larger, scorpion-like pincers that protrude from its jaw. It is not as much of a threat to residents so much as it is to nearby wildlife, earning it a somewhat decent "guard dog" status among locals; however, that does not mean it will not attack residents when it feels threatened. Its sing is significantly painful for the first 24-48 hours, then the effects taper off.
☢ MOUVER | Much like its more docile half, the beaver, this mutation is a builder. Crossed with a mountain lion, it has two large teeth that protrude from its upper lip down well past the bottom of its jaw, with asymmetrical, jagged edges, and one single tooth that shoots up from the bottom between them. It stands 5 feet tall at its highest, 6 feet long (8 with tail), and is very solidly built. It is quite capable of dragging tree trunks around as if they were twigs, and slamming them firmly into place with a swing of its tail. While this may be the most docile of any known mutation, its strength should never, under any circumstance, be underestimated. They do not at all distinguish between prey and will not hesitate to harm (and eat) a resident or fellow wildlife.
☢ MOUVER | Much like its more docile half, the beaver, this mutation is a builder. Crossed with a mountain lion, it has two large teeth that protrude from its upper lip down well past the bottom of its jaw, with asymmetrical, jagged edges, and one single tooth that shoots up from the bottom between them. It stands 5 feet tall at its highest, 6 feet long (8 with tail), and is very solidly built. It is quite capable of dragging tree trunks around as if they were twigs, and slamming them firmly into place with a swing of its tail. While this may be the most docile of any known mutation, its strength should never, under any circumstance, be underestimated. They do not at all distinguish between prey and will not hesitate to harm (and eat) a resident or fellow wildlife.
Fauna: "High Danger" List
Residents are heavily urged to shoot these creatures on sight if they run into them, or to seek immediate cover as they are considered especially dangerous.
Residents are heavily urged to shoot these creatures on sight if they run into them, or to seek immediate cover as they are considered especially dangerous.
☢ BARKMOUSE | Although the name sounds innocent enough, one would be highly mistaken if they were to cross paths with this creature and consider it harmless. A mutation of the once docile dormouse and the extremely venomous bark scorpion, it measures in at 3 feet tall and 2 feet long of the largest recorded sighting. Its body is primarily that of the dormouse, with large eyes and rounded ears. It has large pincers that protrude from its jaw, eight legs, and a long, disjointed tail for flexibility with its stinger at the end. Venom from the barkmouse causes severe pain, along with: numbness, tingling, and vomiting for the first 72 hours. Depending on how much venom the victim has received, death is highly possible shortly after, usually preceded by frothing at the mouth and seizures.
☢ DECOY | Another creature that's once docile half, the deer, was replaced with that of an extreme bastardization of its more aggressive half, the coyote, the decoy is exceptionally morbid. Its body is structured with long, powerful legs, but its fore and hind legs are closer together with its short body. Its neck elongates from its shoulders about one and a half feet before it tapers off into a wolf's head with long, sharp teeth. Large racked antlers then protrude from its skull, and the larger the antlers the higher up they are in their packs. The decoy charges its target and ramps them with its head, using their antlers to scoop up the prey and drop them onto their bony antler-like protrusions that line its spine all the way to the tip of its tail, effectively impaling them. The decoy intentionally sharpens its antlers specifically for this purpose.
☢ HAWKPINE | An exceptionally dangerous mutation, crossed between a sparrow hawk and a porcupine. This creature is not only capable of flight, but it is also capable of shooting its quills out at its targets from a great distance. The quills are heavily plated from the crown of the creature's head, down its back and over its tail, though they also take residence beneath the safety of its wings. It stands at 3 feet tall, approximately 2 feet long, with a wingspan ranging between 3-to-5 feet depending on its size. The bottom halves of its feet are hairless with large talons curling from its toes. All in all, it is an extremely vicious bird that swoops its prey from the air, stuns them with a shot of quills, and then either carries them off or rips them to shreds where they stand.
☢ DECOY | Another creature that's once docile half, the deer, was replaced with that of an extreme bastardization of its more aggressive half, the coyote, the decoy is exceptionally morbid. Its body is structured with long, powerful legs, but its fore and hind legs are closer together with its short body. Its neck elongates from its shoulders about one and a half feet before it tapers off into a wolf's head with long, sharp teeth. Large racked antlers then protrude from its skull, and the larger the antlers the higher up they are in their packs. The decoy charges its target and ramps them with its head, using their antlers to scoop up the prey and drop them onto their bony antler-like protrusions that line its spine all the way to the tip of its tail, effectively impaling them. The decoy intentionally sharpens its antlers specifically for this purpose.
☢ HAWKPINE | An exceptionally dangerous mutation, crossed between a sparrow hawk and a porcupine. This creature is not only capable of flight, but it is also capable of shooting its quills out at its targets from a great distance. The quills are heavily plated from the crown of the creature's head, down its back and over its tail, though they also take residence beneath the safety of its wings. It stands at 3 feet tall, approximately 2 feet long, with a wingspan ranging between 3-to-5 feet depending on its size. The bottom halves of its feet are hairless with large talons curling from its toes. All in all, it is an extremely vicious bird that swoops its prey from the air, stuns them with a shot of quills, and then either carries them off or rips them to shreds where they stand.
Fauna: "Extreme Danger" List
☢ WARBLERS | A large wasp-like creature known for its vicious tendencies. Not only are they hostile but very clever as well, using corpses and acorns to nest in. When they lay their eggs, they make a seam in anything rich in nutrients--vegetation, acorns, and berries to name a few--because as their larvae grow, they eat the host object while using it to incubate. Residents are highly encouraged to check all vegetation for these seams prior to ingesting lest they end up with a belly full of warbler young.
Fauna: "Safe" Domesticated Livestock
The term "safe" is used very loosely here. Livestock has not been spared from the disease and radiation; however, it seems as if the strain appears to have been somewhat weakened on them. Dairy cows, bulls, chickens, and horses are limited in number, and because live birth rates are almost non-existent, they are an especially valuable commodity. Breeding these animals is a very risky gamble because no one knows which newborns will have the disease and which will not. If an infant is born with any strain of Rabid X aside from Carrier (dormant) status, they will either be still born, die shortly after birth, or have to be put down. In the last several years, the number of still births in these animals has far exceeded the number of live births.
Some of these animals, once they have reached their adult states, may have any number of afflictions. These afflictions will vary from one animal to the next, depending on how their origins, and whether or not they were more exposed to the disease itself or high levels of radiation. Animals that are unable to physically copulate--whether due to size, deformities, or other problems--are often artificially inseminated in the hopes that they will produce a healthy newborn to add to the inventory.
The term "safe" is used very loosely here. Livestock has not been spared from the disease and radiation; however, it seems as if the strain appears to have been somewhat weakened on them. Dairy cows, bulls, chickens, and horses are limited in number, and because live birth rates are almost non-existent, they are an especially valuable commodity. Breeding these animals is a very risky gamble because no one knows which newborns will have the disease and which will not. If an infant is born with any strain of Rabid X aside from Carrier (dormant) status, they will either be still born, die shortly after birth, or have to be put down. In the last several years, the number of still births in these animals has far exceeded the number of live births.
Some of these animals, once they have reached their adult states, may have any number of afflictions. These afflictions will vary from one animal to the next, depending on how their origins, and whether or not they were more exposed to the disease itself or high levels of radiation. Animals that are unable to physically copulate--whether due to size, deformities, or other problems--are often artificially inseminated in the hopes that they will produce a healthy newborn to add to the inventory.
☢ CHIMUS | Named for the fact that they look like chickens crossed with emus, the chimu are hearty animals that are capable of withstanding a wide array of illnesses. They are also one of the few domesticated animals that have less difficulty when it comes to breeding; however, they tend to be a little on the wild end of things so truly domesticating them can become quite a task. For this reason a select few people across what remains of the country have been able to raise and breed them somewhat consistently.
☢ BOVAINES | Two-headed cattle that are fairly large width wise. Females have smaller horns than males, the latter ranging wildly from modest to insanely long horns like that of the once abundant longhorn. Pelts range from spotted, to striped, to solid and anything in between. They are, as their kind before them, used for meat and milk purposes. Calves are almost always born two at a time, though getting them to reproduce can be a bit of a challenge given their size.
☢ BOVAINES | Two-headed cattle that are fairly large width wise. Females have smaller horns than males, the latter ranging wildly from modest to insanely long horns like that of the once abundant longhorn. Pelts range from spotted, to striped, to solid and anything in between. They are, as their kind before them, used for meat and milk purposes. Calves are almost always born two at a time, though getting them to reproduce can be a bit of a challenge given their size.
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