sea of clouds : life

the sea of clouds are home to a wide assortment of fauna and flora, both carbon, chlorine and thaumic based. the dense fogs over the area mixed with the steep inclined mountains often leaves this area flooded or frozen over in sheets of ice. the water from the clouds has erroded the landscape with deep gouges, that look like razors cutting into the mountains, channeling rainfall into the ever flowing underground rivers of the sea of clouds.

decomposers

here

ecological role: decomposer

here

producers

ice cane

ecological role: secondary producer, water source, root stabilizer

large stalk-like plants that grow upwards in clusters of shoots near water. the sttalks capilary tension brings water upwaards for nutrient dispersion. older stalks become ridged and encased in ice over time in this fridgid envirnment, often creating piklars of ice that help sustain cave and underforest ecosystems.

bed-flower

ecological role: provides cover and food for small creatures, pollinated by insects

large succulent like plant that has roots that bore deep into snow, ice and permafrost. the plant’s large, fleshy leaves provide shelter for small creatures and are a food source for various insects when the leaves drop.

white lichen

ecological role: primary producer, pioneer species, topsoil stabilizer

a low lying lichen that grows in semi dense clusters about 2 - 4 inches high. prefers low light environments but can grow without light within nutrient dence soils. when grown in the sunlight, white lichen has a slightly blue tint to it, but when grown in darkness it is a pure white color and is often semi translucent.

ice root

ecological role: secondary producer, pioneer species, soil stabilizer

a tubor that has adapted to the permafrost, snow, and ice of the sea of clouds. it grows with deep penetrating roots that make their way through frozen waters, creating room for growth while supplying nutrients to the plant. the ice root bares clusters of small brown pods along its roots that act as nutrient storage and are a food source for various boring-capable creatures.

consumer 1

frost tunneler beetle

preys on: lychen, permafrost growth, ice root pods

a fist-sized beetle that tunnels within the permafrost layers, forming networks. they aid local fauna with accidental passageways and create many hiding places for plants, and small creatures, contributing to the ecosystem by aerating the soil and facilitating nutrient distribution.

consumer 2

wolf ants

preys on: smaler insects, fish, or anything they can overpower in number.

these large ant like creatures hunt in packs and bore tunnels within the permafrost and ice of the sea of clouds. they are aggressive and territorial, often attacking anything that enters the vicinity of their hive. babies are born as larve that are incapable of movement, and are about the size of a large potato. they are cared for by worker ants until they mature into adults. the worker ants can grow up to the size of a medium dog, the warrior ants can grow up to the size of a mastif.

their nests are often full of treasures and trinkets collected from their prey, they have been documented to take offerings from villagers within their territory, and have been observed to leave offerings in return. there are rumors of past clans that have ridden on the backs of these creatures.

consumer 3

snout stalker

preys on: ice root, bed-flower, white lichen, ice cane

a rodent like creature with a long snout, sharp claws, and a lush and dense fur coat. these creatures are nocturnal and can be found in burrows within the permafrost lined in sticks, leaves, and other natural debris. they are herbavores and pose little threat to those who leave them alone, though their large size, sharp claws and pack like behavior can make them dangerous if provoked.

consumer 4

ice drake

preys on: anything in its territory.

ice drakes are omnivores and are the largest predators in the sea of clouds. ice drakes have 12 legs, a long body spanning upwards of 30 feet, and are covered in plates of dense chitin. drake nests emerge often in abandoned caves and quiet areas, and are often marked by the presence of large bones, remains of prey, and molten chitin.

they best time to kill a drake is after it molts in the early spring, when its new chitin is still soft and vulnerable. chitin from drakes often fetches a high price in the markets, as it is a valuable material for crafting armors, weapons, and tools.