Filled with fantastical creatures who roam, hunt, breed, and more

Along with Elyria's unique biomes, you'll find equally unique creatures inhabiting each area. These creatures have developed traits in order to combat and thrive in their respective environments. Likewise, the plants serve a unique role themselves in maintaining the equilibrium of the biomes. The creatures of Elyria have diverged in their evolution from the commonplace creatures we find on Earth, uniquely reflecting the biomes and varying conditions that each have developed under throughout time. Existing as part of a closed and finite ecosystem, the lives and deaths all carry weight and consequences for the world around them, and the players that inhabit it. Food sources, workhorses (literally), mounts, and many other animals coexist with Mannkind and can play a valuable role in the everyday lives of Elyria's inhabitants.

Every living thing in Elyria has a genetic system which determines things such as height, width, and color. Those genetics are passed on through reproduction, breeding, or cross pollination. Animals will regularly breed in the wild based on their own schedules and are influenced by things like the availability of food and water. Within captivity players can choose to breed for specific traits, whether this means raising a unique breed of horses or type of vegetable.

Since each animal and plant will reproduce instead of magically spawning into the world, it is entirely possible for whole species to become extinct, or for invasive species to disrupt a biome’s ecosystem. Over-hunting, a lack of food or water, or even deforestation will have real effects on the ecosystem and even individual animals or plants. Conservation groups are already forming within the community. After taming and breeding wild animals, players may re-release them into the wild where they will naturally find others of their species with which to procreate.

Many animals that are familiar will be present, with recognizable birds, fish, and other mammals such as livestock, deer, bears, bees, and more. However not all animals in Elyria are ones you might see on Earth.

The Pteroguin is a fierce predator native to the icy north, commonly making its home in the largest of ice cliffs in the Tundra. Neither the Boreal Forest nor the Tundra is outside the reach of this dominant aerial foe, and Brudvir hunters often fashion defensive gear out of Dryas Elk antlers with the same purpose in mind; to keep the Pteroguins off their backs.

The Flower Cup Porcupine can be found in many biomes. Similar in size to rodents, they use their flower-like appendages to disguise themselves, and will often huddle together in order to create the illusion of a field of flowers. The shape and color of these "flowers" differ depending on the biome.

The Dryas Elk is found in the Alpine Forests, situated within the North. Hunted and tended to by the Brudvir, they have developed a defense against the Pteroguins that prey on them by way of their large antlers.

The Domino Fox developed its unique mask over eons of preying on creatures such as the Flower-Cup Porcupine. Found commonly in the Tundra, they are capable of being trained, although it is rare.

The Otterbear can be found anywhere a river is, and is one of the most ubiquitous creatures in Elyria. Otterbears are relatively docile unless provoked. It is wise to remember that they are carnivorous and have massive claws!

The Canis Rabbit is easily one of the most aggressive and deadly creatures to be found on Elyria. An individual may not present much of a threat, but they rarely are found in anything but packs. Unable to be tamed, their speed and ferocity will lay many an adventurer low.

To maintain realism in the world, you won't see flying mounts or fast travel in Elyria. While fast travel can cut the tedium in single-player games, the goal of Chronicles of Elyria is to create a unique world filled with social interaction. Travelling is an essential piece of that puzzle, creating dramatic moments when you join a caravan while you travel, dine with fellow travellers at an inn, or face the danger of the open road. As they say, it's more about the journey than the destination.

Elyria is filled with animals, both wild and the more domestic. Almost every animal is able to be tamed if the player has sufficient skill, but many are resistant. While some think that having a bunny as a pet would be nice, the Canis Rabbit likely won't take kindly to the idea. Other animals are more approachable and would make good pets in Elyria. The Leffit is a reptile that reacts to moods, and changes color to reflect those intentions. It is commonly used by diplomats, as well as favored by the Dras, for its ability to cut to the truth. The Conifer Rat is a stealthy rodent, disguising itself as a pinecone when threatened. As its master, this ability can be used to infiltrate an area or do subterfuge.

Players will use skills and even music to tame those animals that have been bred to be docile. Once tamed, animals must be cared for as they require the same survival needs as players: food, water, rest. So before taking that trip make sure to stock up on feed for your mount and figure out how to carry enough water for not only yourself, but also your travelling companions.

Mounts found in Elyria will include the more traditional horse, but also animals unique to Elyria. The Trison is a multi-purpose animal, used in farming, war, and as a mount. While slower than a horse, its strength allows it to carry an impressive load long distances. The Ursiphant is a lumbering mammoth of a creature that makes for one of the more impressive mountable creatures. Slow, large, and docile, it is solely a pack animal and its hauling capacity makes it popular with merchant caravans and war hosts alike.