Flora and Fauna of Forodwaith
The variety of plants and animals in Forodwaith is limited to those that have adapted to the frigid climate. Fruit and Nut trees are all but unknown in the North, but the hardy Spruce and Fir grow where water and sheltered ground can be found. In the lake lands and the tundra Deer and Elk wander at will during the summer months, some migrating south in winter. The great moose can be found in forest and wooded bogs. Musk Oxen dwell in open tundra all year round feeding on dried grass and lichen. Mice and Rabbits feed well in the summer and beneath the snow at need the rest of the year. Predators sturdy enough to hunt their prey in such a bitter land are valued by southerners for their luxuriant furs. Most other creatures, especially reptiles, find the region too cold year round and do not enter Forodwaith. Most of its plants and animals have come to the north through natural migration during the Second Age, with only a few species being introduced by Men or Elves.
The Landless Lands and the Icy Northern Wastes
The vast expanse of frozen ice that forms across the Bay of Forochel, and the open lands further north, are virtually devoid of all life. Seals and Walrus are usually found out on the ice with their pups during the breeding season and this inevitably leads to predators making the arduous journey north to take advantage of this explosion in the local population. Wolves have been known to make the journey away from their usual hunting grounds when food is scare but more often it is the large white bears that are seen crossing the thick ice. Large predatory Killer whales also take advantage of the newly born pups as they leave the safety of their icy nurseries.
Forochel
The varied and sheltered topography of Forochels Cape makes for a greater diversity of life than is found further north. Sheltered coastal valleys support Spruce, Larch and a few stream-side Birches and Willows.
More open country supports Sedge, Grass and Lichen. It is in this open tundra regions that the greatest transformation occurs. In winter the land is a featureless plain of snow and ice but come the thaw the land is transformed into a carpet of vivid green as the retreating snows reveal the plants below. It is this brief period when the grazing animals such as Deer, Oxen and Elk either return from the southern lands or emerge from the shelter of the thick forests and start to feast upon the abundant green shoots. With such a short period of time with which to grow many of the plants are far shorter than those found in warmer climes. Most grasses tend to form dense mats of ground hugging foliage and flower early to make the most of the brief sunlight. Innumerable small burrowing mammals such as Rabbits, Mice and Lemmings make full use of the brief respite from the winter and eat their fill before the snows reclaim the lands. Even when winter returns these small mammals can still be found beneath the snow, using a network of tunnels to gather their food. Inevitably these small mammals and their large grazing companions attract predators too. Spring is a prosperous time for the Wolves, Bears and Leopards, as well as the smaller Lynx, Weasel and Fox as they all take advantage of the brief abundance of food.
Hot springs do on occasion create small microclimate and it is in these that the blue flowered Sininentahti flourish. This warmer climate around these springs also allows Pine and Fir to grow to heights and girths found nowhere else in Forodwaith.
The highlands and mountains differ greatly in animal life. The many sheltered valleys support populations of Elk, Sheep, Snow Leopards and mountain Eagles, as well as ever hungry wolves and a few roaming bears
Marine animal life, fed by southern currents, is abundant in and around the Bay of Forochel. Seal, Walrus populations soar here, as do those of Seagulls and Terns. The waters also belong to large populations of the Great Whales that only the most daring of the Ystavat Talven hunt.
The only domesticated animals within the Forodwaith are the herds of Reindeer kept by the Ystavat Talven and their dogs that they use for pulling sledges and hunting.
The Reindeer and sled-dogs lives and the lives of the Ystavat Talven are so closely entwined that they will be discussed in greater detail in “The Peoples of Forochel “
Beasts of the Far North
Bears (Lo: Karhuja)
The most dangerous predators of the North are the great Snow Bears, Valkokarhut, as the Ystavat Talven calls them. These huge creatures are virtually fearless, wandering the length and breadth of Forodwaith and the Landless Land at will. Their most common tactic against Men is to scare away hunters or fishermen and steal their catch. When food is scarce, the bears may men as much as any other game. Unlike most bears the Valkokarhut do not hibernate in winter, but wander the ice and snow all year-round in search of food. Only the females build dens, and even they do not truly hibernate, ceasing their wanderings only to give birth and nurse the young. Approaching a den is foolhardy even for a male Valkokarhut.
Common Cave Bears (or black bears, as they are known to the Ystavat Talven call them) dwell in the Blue Mountains and throughout the surrounding lands. On average they are slightly larger and more powerful than the fearsome Valkokarhut but are actually less deadly to Men due to their shy nature and prefer to avoid men wherever possible.
A third species said to dwell in only the most inhospitable locations is the Rumakarhut. These cunning creatures were said to have been hunted to extinction by the Elves of the North but rumours do exist of these huge beasts, said to stand at 12 feet and weigh over 2000lbs, wreaking havoc upon the herds of the Tundra. Made in mockery of the Snow and Black Bears by Morgoth during the Dark Years these fell beasts dwell deep within the earth.
Big Horn Sheep (Lo: Paksusarvilammas)
Big Horn Sheep leap about the craggy rocks of the mountains. They live in small herds of up to twenty females and a single dominant Ram. They are completely harmless but during the breeding season over-protective rams have been known to charge at travellers trying to traverse the narrow mountain paths.
Blue Otters (Lo: Sininen saukko)
Found in most rivers as well as close to the shores of the Bay of Forochel these playful and gregarious creatures are prised for their warm waterproof fur by Southerners and the Ystavat Talven alike. They feed almost entirely on fish and shell fish but it is not unheard of for some curious otters to steal fish hanging in villages or rummage around in an unattended back pack.
Eagles (Lo: Kotkia)
The Great Eagles of the Blue Mountains are really sighted in the North, but their smaller cousin can be seen soaring above the tundra. The great birds are considered sacred by the Ystavat Talven who believes them to be the departed spirits of departed ancestors and are seen as good omens. Anyone harming an eagle or its nest will face swift justice by any of the Ystavat Talven.
Elk (Lo: Hirvi)
These nomadic herds may range from one to twenty thousand in number. In summer their numbers are swelled by others from northern Eriador to feed upon the grasslands. Both males and females possess impressive braces of antlers. The Ystavat Talven eagerly await the returning herds as they supply them with skins, meat and antlers to produce tools, nothing goes to waste.
Mammoth (Lo: Talvi Keila – Winter Tusk)
These huge creatures are related to the Oliphaunts of Far-Harad. They have adapted to having long thick fur and a peaceful grazing creature. The Lossoth hunt these creatures for their ivory tusks and their long fur is also used in most Lossoth homes as either insulation on the floors or as luxuriant blankets on the bed. The tusks are usually used to decorate homes and can be intricately carved or painted. Small juvenile Mammoths have been taken and successfully domesticated to provide large beasts of burden. A fully grown mammoth used in such a way is rare and of great pride to a tribe.
Reindeer (Lo: Poro)
Reindeer usually migrate into the tundra in large numbers during spring. They are a timid creature but if provoked they have sharp hooves which they use for breaking through ice and snow to reach the green shoots and Lichen below. The Ystavat Talven hunt these creatures for both meat and skins. They also trap and domesticate females for milk and beasts of burden. Most Sledge Reindeer are bred in captivity and are very docile and, once domesticated, they are also used to pull heavier loads that are beyond the capability of the dog sledges.
Seals (Lo: Hylkeet)
Seals migrate into Forochel’s bays and inlets in spring. Seals are another animal keenly hunted by the Ystavat Talven for their meet and skins. Every part of the animal has its uses and nothing goes to waste. Seals are curious and playful and the Elves of the North have a particular interest in the animals and love to watch them play in the waters close to shore.
Sled-Dogs (Lo: Kelkka-koirat)
Sled-Dogs have a very thick coat and are perfectly adapted to the cold. They also have immense levels of power and stamina and are more than a match for the Wolves that roam the lands. Their fur ranges from grey to white. They have a very close relationship with their owners who rely on them for hunting and protection.
Snow-mantle Cow (Lo: lumi-vaippa lehmän)
A large horned oxen or Aurochs found in large numbers on the tundra. They provide the Lossoth with meat, and milk when domesticated. Furs are used for clothing and the horns are often used to make drinking cups. Females are placid creatures unless nursing a calf when they become fiercely protective. Lone Bulls can be aggressive if provoked.
Snow Beasts (Lo: Peikko)
These monstruous beasts are a distant relative of the Trolls found elsewhere in Middle Earth. Even these creatures have adapted to having long white fur, but rather than the usual soft warm fur, much sought after by hunters, it is an oily course unpleasant hide. It is a well-known insult among the Lossoth merchants to call poorly prepared or inferior furs Trolls Skins (Lo: Peikkonahat) The poor light and darker days of winter make ideal conditions for these creatures to emerge from their cave lairs to hunt. Snow Beasts are furiously territorial and will quite happily attack other Peikko on site as well as Lossoth hunters.
Snow Leopards (Lo: Lumi Leopardeja)
These cunning cats haunt the tundra and woodlands and often go unseen due to their amazing skills at hiding and creeping up on their prey from behind. They possess very keen hearing, smell and sight making them one of Forochel’s top predators. They will often take down animals many times their size with a powerful bite to the throat.
Tundra Mosquitoes (Lo: Jätteet Hyttyset)
For most of the year the cold makes it impossible for insects to live within the Bay of Forochel. But as soon as the temperatures start to rise in spring and the snow melts to leave behind boggy pools these annoying creatures emerge in their millions to feed and breed before the cold returns and kills them. Such is their number they have been known to cause vast herds of Elk to stampede and drive any unfortunate traveller insane with the constant buzzing and bites.
Walrus (Lo: Mursu)
While typically a member of the Seal family; the walrus is differentiated by the large ivory tusks. Like the Seal however it is favoured by the Ystavat Talven for its meat, fur and the blubber, which they use for lamp oil and tallow. The ivory tusks are also much sought after and are often crafted into fine carved knives.
Wargs (Lo: Kuolema Koirat)
The most common of Morgoths creations in the North is the Warg. These evil creatures act as mounts for Orcs and travel in packs. They are especially intelligent, cunning and aggressive and reach very grow much larger than even the Forochel Wolf.
Whales (Lo: Valaita)
There is a wide variety of Whales of the coast of Forochel. The Whales are divide into two types: toothed and toothless. The toothed whales are predators and include the killer Whale, Pilot Whale and the Narwhal. The toothless Whales of Forochel are among the largest creatures found anywhere in Middle Earth and include: the Humpbacked Whale, Finback and Great Blue Whale. All whales are unaggressive to humans; even the predatory ones will only take a Man thorough instinct if he falls into the waters. The Ystavat Talven hunts all Whales apart from the Killer Whale, who they believe is the reincarnated spirits of those who die at sea.
Winter-Worms (Lo: Talvi Mato)
Whilst it is true that reptiles are never found within the Forodwaith there exists a large breed of Worm, the smaller cousins of the ancient Dragons. It too has developed a coat of thick fur to help it cope with the climate. These large predatory beasts lurk close to hot springs to make the most of their warmth before venturing out to feed.
Wolverine (Lo: Ahma)
A small member of the Weasel family. They feed of many small mammals such as Rabbits or Mice but have also be known to eat Fish as well as roots and seeds. They are very aggressive hunters and have been known to take unattended Wolf cubs as prey. If cornered they show no fear and are quite capable of seeing off larger animals such as Wolves or Bears. Whilst attacks on men are rare they could be quite dangerous to small children. Due to its fractious nature and aggressive temperament it is a popular totemic creature for many of the Lossoth Tribes.
Wolves (Lo: Susia)
The roaming wolf packs of the frozen north are often more dangerous than those found elsewhere due to the scarcity of food. Forochel Wolves have thicker fur and are often more muscular than the Common Wolf and while most common Wolves tend to shy away from Men but this is not true of the Forochel Wolves. The Ystavat Talven respects the Wolves for their power and abilities but this does not stop them hunting them for their fur. Wolf fur is highly prized for making into gloves and hats.
Plants and Trees of the Forodwaith
Trees
Firs (Lo: Jalokuusi)
Firs are found through much of Forodwaith, occurring in mountains and valleys over most of the land.
They are large trees, reaching heights of 10–80 m (33–262 ft) tall and trunk diameters of 0.5–4 m (1 ft 8 in–13 ft 1 in) when mature. Firs can be distinguished from other members of the pine family by the unique attachment of their needle-like leaves and by their different cones.
Identification of the different species is based on the size and arrangement of the leaves, the size and shape of the cones, and whether the bract scales of the cones are long and exserted, or short and hidden inside the cone.
Larch (Lo: Lehtikuusi)
Larches are conifers growing from 20 to 45 m tall, they are native to much of the cooler temperate northern hemisphere, on lowlands in the north and high on mountains further south. Larches are among the dominant plants in the immense boreal forests of Forodwaith
Although a conifer, the larch is a deciduous tree and loses its leaves in the autumn. The shoots are dimorphic, with growth divided into long shoots typically 10–50 centimetres long and bearing several buds, and short shoots only 1–2 mm long with only a single bud. The leaves are needle-like, 2–5 centimetres long, slender (under 1 cm wide). They are borne singly, spirally arranged on the long shoots, and in dense clusters of 20–50 needles on the short shoots. The needles turn yellow and fall in the late autumn, leaving the trees leafless through the winter.
Spruce (Lo: Kuusi) A spruce is a tree of about 35 species of coniferous evergreen trees found in the northern temperate and boreal regions of the Forodwaith. Spruces are large trees, from about 20-60 metres (about 60-200 feet) tall when mature, and can be distinguished by their whorled branches and conical form. The needles, or leaves, of spruce trees are attached singly to the branches in a spiral fashion, each needle on a small peg-like structure called a pulvinus. The needles are shed when 4–10 years old, leaving the branches rough with the retained pulvinus (an easy means of distinguishing them from other similar genera, where the branches are fairly smooth).
Plants and Herbs
River Moss (Lo: Jokisammal )
This drak green moss grows along rivers in the south of Forochel. The moss is tasteless and is usually mixed with fish or meat paste and eaten.
Spear leaf (Lo: keihaslehtia )
This silver-green leafed bush is found in the Tundra and sheltered valleys. It is a medicinal herb as its leaves are applied to bumps and bruises and to easy swelling.
Yellow Flower (Lo: keltainen kukka )
These bright yellow flowers grow among the grassy tundra. They can be used as a healing poultice when mixed with Spear Leaf and moss.
Medicine Smoke (Lo: laaketiedesavu )
This moss grows in small quantities along most freshwater sources in Forodwaith. The moss is dried and burned, and the smoke inhaled. Its effects are quite alike that of a strong Shire Pipweed.
Hunters Blossom (Lo: metsastajat kukkiva )
This small innocuous blue plant grows in the high valleys and when ground it forms a paste that can be applied to the edge of a weapon or the tip of an arrow. The effects of the paste on a wounded animal are a strong anaesthetic which quickly leads to deep sleep. It is most often used for hunting Seals and Walrus to prevent the Lossoth from losing a wounded animal as it tries to reach the sea.
Blue Star (Lo: sininentahti)
This small blue flower grows close to hot springs and may be eaten raw or boiled to form a tea.
Dream Flower (Lo: Unelmakukka)
Like the Blue Star this flower may be chewed raw or boiled to form a tea. Its effects, however, are quite different. It is used to bring on a trance like state and induce hallucinations. It is most often used in large quantities by a tribes Wiseman or woman in their rituals.
