Creatures of Kaelide

They remember faces very well. If someone once chases away or injures a raven, the flock may remember that person for a very long time. However, if someone regularly leaves prey or poses no threat, the ravens may stop perceiving them as a target.
They hunt patiently. Instead of attacking immediately, they often observe their prey from afar, waiting for the right moment. Thanks to their enormous size, they can move not only through the air but also on the ground, making long, fast leaps.
The rot has made them nearly immune to Kaelid's diseases. They feed without hesitation on infected flesh that most creatures would not even touch.
Although they are considered mindless monsters, this is not entirely true. Crows are capable of discerning the intentions of creatures on a primal level. They understand fear, aggression, caution, and determination. Sometimes they stop pursuing for no apparent reason, and sometimes, on the contrary, they begin pursuing someone who hasn't even approached them.
For most Kaelid residents, an encounter with a flock of ravens means one thing: immediate departure. They serve no one, obey no armies, and take no part in politics. Kaelid is their hunting ground, and they view any outsider as potential prey or an intruder into their territory.
Occasionally, a lone female can be seen perched on the ruins, motionless, watching the horizon for hours. No one knows what exactly she's looking for. Some believe the crows remember Kaelid as it was before the Scarlet Rot, and so they sometimes simply gaze silently at the land they once called home.

Codex - Mutant Crows of Kaelid
Mutant ravens are among the most ancient and dangerous predators of Kaelid. After the spread of the Scarlet Rot, their bodies were transformed beyond recognition. They grew to monstrous sizes, their beaks became longer and stronger than steel, and their wings could lift a creature the weight of a man into the air. Despite their hideous appearance, they remain incredibly intelligent hunters.
The vast majority of ravens are female. Males exist, but they are so rare that many residents of Kaelid have never seen one in their entire lives. This is why the vast flocks are almost entirely female.
Females are distinguished by their larger bodies, dense plumage around the neck and chest, long, decorative tail feathers, and more expressive eyes. They look majestic even amid the devastation of Kaelid. Their appearance simultaneously inspires fear and a sense of ancient dignity.
Crows don't build civilizations or speak human language. Their communication consists of calls, head movements, wing positions, and a host of subtle gestures that only they understand. Each flock functions as a single organism.

They communicate with each other through growls, body posture, tail movements, and scent. When hunting, they make virtually no sound, acting almost simultaneously, as if they understand each other's intentions in advance.
In the world of Kaelid, they are considered the embodiment of merciless nature. They serve no one, obey no armies, and recognize no masters. Even Radan's soldiers preferred to avoid certain areas where large packs had lived for many years.
To attack such a predator is to accept a fight with a creature that knows no pity, feels no fear of pain, and stops pursuing only when the prey disappears from its domain or stops moving.
There is a simple rule for the inhabitants of Kaelid:
If it's too quiet in the red wasteland, it means one of the hunters is already on your trail.

Mutant Dogs of Kaelid
Kaelid's mutant dogs are among the most dangerous predators of the Scarlet Rot. They are not ordinary animals. Their bodies have been so profoundly altered by the Rot that many scientists still debate whether they can be considered their original species.
Their enormous jaws are capable of biting through even metal plates, and their muscles allow them to make incredibly long leaps. Despite their size, they move surprisingly quickly and almost silently.
Most mutant dogs are female. Males are extremely rare and almost never leave their dens. It is the females who hunt, defend their territory, and raise their young. Therefore, almost every mutant dog encountered by a traveler is female.
They live in small packs that lack a leader in the traditional sense. The most experienced female leads the others only as long as she can protect the pack. If she weakens, another takes her place without a lengthy struggle.
Despite their bestial ferocity, they possess a well-developed instinct for assessing danger. They rarely attack without reason. If prey appears too powerful, the pack may observe for a long time, surround it, test its reaction, and only then attack.
They perceive the Scarlet Rot not as a disease, but as a natural part of their lives. They calmly pass through infected swamps and rotting fields where most other creatures quickly perish.

They are extremely resilient. Even severe wounds rarely force a lioness to retreat. Even if she loses a limb, she can continue the fight using her body weight and chained blades.
The mane is considered the main sign of maturity. The longer and thicker it is, the older and more experienced the lioness. Older individuals often almost completely conceal their faces beneath a white or gray mane, revealing only their glowing eyes.
They rarely fight to the death among themselves. Most conflicts end with a show of force, the loud slamming of blades on the ground, and lingering glances. The loser simply leaves the winner's territory.
They live in small prides, but without a strict hierarchy. The strongest lioness leads the others only as long as she can protect them. If she weakens, another naturally takes her place.
Even Radan's knights treat them with caution. Lionesses serve no one and obey no orders. They simply exist alongside the war, as if they were part of Kaelid themselves.
People say that if a lioness calmly looked at a traveler and turned away, it means that on this day the earth itself allowed him to live a little longer.

Codex: War Lionesses of Kaelid
War lionesses are among the most dangerous creatures on Kaelid. Despite their resemblance to ordinary lions, they are a distinct species, long adapted to the Crimson Rot. Their powerful bodies are covered with a thick mane, their broad paws are capable of crushing stone, and their enormous blades are permanently chained to their forelimbs with heavy chains. For the lioness, these blades are no longer weapons, but rather a part of her own body.
Most lionesses are born to females. Males are extremely rare and usually solitary. Lionesses form the bulk of the population, defending their territory, raising their young, and hunting.
They are not intelligent in the human sense, but they are not simple animals either. Fighting lionesses have excellent memories, quickly recognize regular neighbors, and are capable of remembering those who have once invaded their territory. Some can remember the scent of the same person for years.
Despite their ferocity, they rarely kill without provocation. If a creature poses no threat, a lioness will often prefer to observe from afar. But approach her territory, prey, or cubs—and an attack will follow instantly and without warning.
During combat, they rarely roar. Instead, they use short, deep sounds and mane movements, as if signaling other lionesses. Several individuals can act so harmoniously, it's as if they know each other's movements in advance.

Attitude towards Scarlet Rot
The Scarlet Rot remains one of the most dangerous forces in the Betweenlands.
It is being studied by the best scientists and priestesses, trying to understand the nature of the disease and learn how to contain its spread.
Any signs of infection are taken extremely seriously.
Some areas are under constant surveillance by special forces.
Traditions
Kaelid is famous for its festivals of military valor.
During the competition, tournaments, shooting competitions, equestrian duels and tests of strength are held.
Victory brings not only glory, but also the respect of the entire community.
Laws
The laws of Kaelid are simple.
Loyalty.
Honor.
Responsibility.
Punishments for treason are extremely severe.
Even a simple peasant can be rewarded for his courage.
Attitude to knowledge
Military art is valued no less than science.
Blacksmiths, engineers, healers and mages are highly respected, as they are the ones who help the army become stronger.
Knowledge must bring practical benefits.

Atmosphere
Red earth.
Tall dry grass.
The wind carries the smell of iron.
Ancient fortresses on the horizon.
Military camps.
Campfires.
Forges working until late at night.
Watchtowers.
Patrols that never stop working day or night.
The people of Kaelid have long been accustomed to living amid constant danger, so they continue to build homes, raise children, celebrate victories, and look to the future without fear.

Codex Caelidas
General information
Kaelid is a harsh land of red soil, endless plains, and ancient fortresses. Its inhabitants are accustomed from birth to a hard life, constant danger, and military discipline. Here, strength is not a privilege, but a duty for everyone capable of bearing arms.
Despite its harsh environment, Kaelid remains a fully-fledged state with cities, fortresses, villages, and its own traditions. Its inhabitants are able to survive where many others would have perished long ago.
State structure
Kaelid is governed through a military system.
Most of the nobility are also military leaders, and fortresses serve not only as defensive structures, but also as administrative centers.
Military service is considered an honorable duty. Many families serve the state for generations.
Residents
The inhabitants of Kaelid are distinguished by their robust health, endurance and straightforward nature.
Most people don't like long conversations and prefer to prove their words with actions.
Weakness isn't condemned here if a person strives to become stronger. Only cowardice, betrayal, and a refusal to take responsibility for one's own decisions are met with contempt.
Everyday life
The majority of the population is engaged in crafts, animal breeding, blacksmithing, hunting and road protection.
Even civilians know how to handle weapons.
In every settlement there are training grounds where young people learn self-defense from an early age.
Military culture
The army is the pride of Kaelid.
It consists of:
knights;
heavy infantry;
cavalry;
archers;
female scouts;
battle mages;
fortress commanders.
Military discipline is considered one of the most important virtues.