North American Magical Creatures compiled by Zephyrus Prolixity
A Survey of
North American Magic Creatures
or
A New World Appendix to
Newton Scamander's
Fantastic Beasts and Where to
Find them
Compiled by
Zephyrus Prolixity
With the
Invabluable Help of
These Contributing Researchers:
Ara Kane, Doctor Felina Myotis,
Madam Jedi Boadicea, Professor
Juliet Valcouer,
Professor Medeni Ci-Jones, Lady
Narcissa Malfoy,
Professor Nick O'Donohoe, Professor
Blanche Malfoy, Doctor Solaris Cotidie |
Foreword and Introduction:
With all due
deference to Newt Scamander, I believe his limited exposure to our portion
of the globe has seriously restricted the scope of his fine work. 'Fantastic
Beasts' remains sadly mute on several points where the known magic
creatures of Canada, Mexico and the United States should be found. I believe
fervently that our Beasts are just as Fantastical as those found in any
other area of the world.
While acknowledging
these faults in what has come to be a trusted reference text may seem to
be the work of an ignorant and destructive hack, let me assure the reader
that I bear no animosity toward Newton A.F. Scamander. I hold him to be
a great wizard and the acknowledged authority on most of the worlds Magizoology.
In addition, I have found his work scholarly and Error-free in the information
that it provides. It is in this regard that I find a small deficiency.
Mr. Scamander could not be expected to know everything. No one should feel
that any individual wizard knows all that is to be known about any subject.
That is not good thinking. My effort in providing this work is not to replace
a single word of Mr. Scamander's wonderful work. I am only attempting to
point out some inadvertent oversights therein hence the subtitle: A
New World Appendix to Newton Scamander's Fantastic Beasts & Where to
Find Them. This work is an 'addition' to, not a 'replacement' for,
Fantastic
Beasts.
Standard of Classification:
For classification purposes, this
survey uses the system devised by The Magical Creatures Regulatory Commission
of the United States Department of Magic, Domestic Affairs Division.
|
United States Department
of Magic (USDOM) Classification
|
|
XXXXX
|
.......... |
Lethal.
Responsible for deaths to Wizards or Muggles. Untrainable. Illegal for
all ownership or trafficking. Handling forbidden to all but USDOM Officials.
Avoid all contact. If
seen notify USDOM immediately. |
|
XXXX
|
.......... |
Dangerous. Requires
specialized training to handle. Ownership
and Trafficking permitted with
USDOM License.
Contact inadvisable. |
|
XXX
|
.......... |
Bothersome/Hazardous.
Mostly a nuisance. Any competent Witch or Wizard may handle if necessary.
Ownership and Trafficking permitted without USDOM License.
Handle at your own risk;
it's your skin. |
|
XX
|
.......... |
Harmless. Suitable
for domestication. |
These five levels of classification
should be viewed as guidelines in dealing with magical creatures. These
are not meant to be and should not be taken as absolute measures for the
threat potential offered by any individual creature.
Alphabetical listing of North
American Magical Creatures
Armadillo
USDOM Classification: XX
I was astounded, that the Armadillo
was overlooked in Mr. Scamander's great reference work, as bile among other
parts and fluids from these creatures is a staple in many useful potions.
While seen as a nuisance by Muggles, the wizarding community has long known
of the hidden powers and benefits of the Armadillo.
Originally created in Mexico by
experimental charms on the Opossum, the Armadillo was eventually allowed
to roam and breed unchecked in the wilds of the Muggle world, as they are
completely harmless.
Bonacon
USDOM Classification: XXX
Previously known in Greece and around
the rest of Europe and Western Asia, the Bonacon is a bovine with horns
that curl inwards, a short mane and a horse's tail. Its horns being useless,
it defends itself by shooting burning excrement at its enemies. The only
observed fire-shooters have been male; how the females defend themselves
has been unobserved, due to the observing parties becoming overwhelmed
with the produced stench.
Theoretically, the Bonacon could
be domesticated like most bovine species, but the bother of constantly
replacing barns and fences has been deemed to not be worth it. They are
generally placid, although easily startled, and have been the cause of
multiple wildfires.
The breed seems to have died out
in the Old World, and only exists in tiny herds in remote areas of North
America, mostly in the western Plains and eastern Rockies, from the treeline
in Canada down halfway through the United States.
Their sterilized and unignited dung
is used as the volatile material in dungbombs, a common practical joke
item. They only rate a XXX warning due to the destructive nature of their
defenses. This research contributed by Professor Medeni Ci-Jones
Bovis or Bovis Uranicus
USDOM Classification: XXXX
The “Bull of Heaven”, as it is also
known, has long been believed a beast of legend and little else. In the
time of Gilgamesh, the only Bovis believed to exist belonged to a very
powerful wizarding family. This creature, however, was slain by Gilgamesh
himself. However, recent discoveries and otherwise unexplainable evidence
points to the possibility that there is still at least one Bovis in existence.
The Bovis can be described as something
between a bison and a bull. In mythology, it was depicted as a large beast
with breath so powerful it split the earth. It is believed among the professors
and scientists of the West Coast Academy’s college of Magical Zoology that
the Bovis’ breath is an unstable chemical, much like that of the Erumpent.
It is believed that the Erumpent is, in fact, a descendent of the “mythical”
beast.
California is famous for its many
earthquakes. Muggle scientists have studied faults such as the San Andreas
and the several smaller faults along the bay area. They have concluded
that these faults are a product of plate tectonics. However, recent discoveries
made by the U. S. Department of Magic have suggested that some form of
large animal was located at the epicenter during each quake. A highly revered
potions specialist was then called to take samples and discovered residue
of a volatile chemical, believed to be in a vaporous state when released.
The U. S. Department of Magic is now investigating the possibility of a
Bovis in California. This research contributed by Doctor Solaris
Cotidie
Cerberian Mastiff
USDOM Classification: XXXX
The Cerberian (ker-BEHR-ee-an) Mastiff
was created by Greek wizards as an effective guardian of places and property.
The breed takes its name from Cerberus, the giant canine of Greek legend
due to its three-headed physiology. Standing four to five feet tall at
the shoulder and weighing from four hundred and fifty (450) to five hundred
and fifty (550) pounds, these dogs -- though a domesticated line -- do
not do well being kept merely as companion animals. They also don't manage
well in the wild (feralism) due to their dietary requirements.
Cerberians are bred from select
lines of mastiffs, the original pairs of which were put to extensive growth
charms, fed on dragons' blood mixed with Auroch meat (harvested from commercial
herds), and dosed with special potions. These procedures were followed
until the breeding pairs attained the desired size, appearance and temperament.
When the lines were well founded, breeding was allowed to progress without
further magical intervention.
Once weaned, Cerberian pups should
be kept on a diet of Auroch meat to insure proper growth and health. Young
Cerbies require careful but regular exercise; they grow at a tremendous
rate and should not be subjected to over exertion to ensure safe and healthy
bone and joint development.
Full grown at about two years, Cerbies
make excellent guardians for places where you don't want others trespassing.
They are very territorial and aggressive -- some who are uninformed would
say vicious. It is highly recommended that anyone interested in having
a Cerbie acquire a newly-weaned pup and raise it from that point. It is
extremely difficult to make the acquaintance of even an adolescent Cerbie
and out-right impossible to do so with one that is fully grown.
There is only one known breeder
of Cerberian Mastiffs in all North America. Inquiries should be made by
owl to Cerberian Security Training Service, General Post, Dog Pound, Alberta,
Canada.
Chupacabra
USDOM Classification: XXXX
The Chupacapbra is a creature still
under active investigation, as it first appeared in the late 1960s. Alleged
Chupacabra attacks picked up markedly in the mid-'90s, and as a result
have been extremely visible to the Muggles. A groups of Puerto Rican wizard-experimenters
has been suspected; how deeply this may be involved in the Darks Arts is
part of the investigation. It is impossible to tell at this time if the
Chupacabra is a 'thrill killer' or it is actually killing for survival.
Witness reports described the animal
as having a 'reptilian body, oval head, bulging red eyes, fanged teeth
and long, darting tongue...that may fly or leap with powerful, monkey-like
hind legs....' There have been no successful documentary sightings (despite
many charms and traps laid in attack areas) and obviously no captures to
date.
The Chupacabra is a predator wantonly
killing livestock (usually goats or chickens), then vanishing. No meat
is taken, but the blood is drained and only a small bite to the neck shows
on the victim. It has also attacked humans, but non-fatally, leaving cuts
and scratches from, presumably, its fangs and claws. Perhaps the human
is too large a prey for it. This research contributed by Professor
Medeni Ci-Jones.
Cockatrice
USDOM Classification: XXXXX
A dangerous beast resulting from
a combination of a Rooster, a Dragon or in some cases a Large Snake, some
have included a dog and some a horse as well. In appearance the creature
displays attributes of the different animals from which it was created.
Most commonly a Cockatrice has the head, chest and legs of a Rooster and
the wings scales and tail of a dragon. No one is certain how the first
Cockatrices were produced. Naturally occuring Cockatrices are hatched from
a dragon's egg under a chicken roosting in a place where death due to violence
or plague has occured.
A mutant Cockatrice was produced
by a potions accident in New Jersey in 1735. A rooster that had hopped
into a cauldron of Polyjuice potion and in its struggles to get out, knocked
an unattended wand and a container of dragon's blood into the cauldron.
Instead of drowning in the potion, the rooster was transformed. Considered
a mutation because of the circumstances of it's creation, it has been called
"The Jersey Devil" and is rejected as a Cockatrice specimen by some. It
seems from the decriptions available of this most fearsome beast, that
there were probably dog's and horse's hairs on its feet or feathers when
the transformation took place.
The beast was described as standing
about three feet and half high, with a head like a collie dog and a face
like a horse. It had a long neck, scaley wings about two feet long, and
its back legs were in shape like those of a crane, and it had horse's hooves
for feet. It walked on its back legs and held up two short front legs with
claws on them. This beast and it's apparent offspring have terrorized the
Pine Barrens area of Southern New Jersey repeatedly over the course of
History.
Naturally occuring Cockatrices are
reputed to kill victims in a manner much like a Basilisk. "The Jersey Devil"
strain however have been shown to kill various small animals and
fowls by actually tearing them to pieces. The only known counter to a natural
Cockatrice is a Weasel. Weasels are immune to the power of the Cockatrice
and able to drive it off.
Coastal Schmizzle or Castro Lizard
USDOM Classification XXX
The Coastal Schmizzle can be found
in lush, humid gardens in Northern California and along the Oregon Coast.
It lives inside small nests resembling pomegranates in size and color.
Like its European relative, the Castro Lizard (as it is popularly known)
only leaves its nest for a short period of time, that being the rising
and setting of the sun. Its diet consists of any number of sweet and brightly
colored fruits and foliage.
The common Castro is five inches
in length and, from nose to tail, bears the complete visible color spectrum
with black stocking'd feet and black eyes. It is covered with sticky mucus,
which labels this gentle creature in the XXX category. This mucus is the
Castro's only defense against enemies and is, truthfully, the only defense
it needs. The substance is an on-contact tranquilizer powerful enough to
knock out a grown man for up to seven days. Children who have happened
upon a Castro and had the
misfortune of touching one have
been under for as long as three weeks. Thirty percent of all coma patients
in Northern California are victims to the Castro's mucus.
Because of its strong sedative properties,
the mucus the Castro produces is in high demand by dragon tamers and Wizarding
hospitals. Castro farmers can lead a very comfortable lifestyle, if they
follow the proper precautions and maintain their license, which must be
renewed every six months. However, these farmers must be extremely patient
as the mucus from ten Castros only measured one teaspoon. Ambitious farmers
will dilute or concentrate the mucus in home labs, which are also strictly
regulated. Dragon tamers will pay top dollar for pre-concentrated solutions,
while the hospitals will pay just as nicely for pre-diluted solutions.
This
research to be contributed by Doctor Solaris Cotidie
Dragon Species of North America
USDOM Classification: XXXXX
Klondike Pikenose
So named because the first recorded
encounter with this Dragon type took place in 1840, in the Yukon area of
the Alaskan-Canadian border near the mining town of Klondike, when an Eskimo
Shaman named Uk and a unidentified wizard were forced to defend themselves
and the fishing party they were traveling with.
The Pikenose also takes its name
from the exceptionally sharp and nearly unbreakable beak-like horn that
extends forward from the top lip. Used to break ice in search of it's main
dietary prey the, Great Tuna, which is often found swimming beneath the
frozen glaciers near the Arctic circle. This 'beak' gives the Pikenose
an almost birdlike look to its head. Some specimens have been estimated
at close to eight feet in length from the top lip to needle like tip.
Scales from a single Pikenose range
in color from charcoal gray to almost snow white. This coloration proves
quite effective in concealing the Pikenose from observation. Several specimens
have been overlooked and dismissed as merely small hills of snow-covered
rocks.
Rocky Mountain Razorclaw
Very similar to the Swedish Shortsnout
in appearance and coloration, this beastie relies more on its tremendous
speed and its diamond-hard, razor-sharp fore claws than upon its flaming
breath which is not nearly as warm as the Shortsnout's.
Habitat: the highest and most inaccessible
peaks in the Canadian and US Rockies.
A Razorclaw was behind the massacre
of several wagon-trains in the 1840s and 50s for which Muggles blamed the
Apache, the Sioux, and various other native tribes.
Firelover
USDOM Classification: XX
The firelover is a harmless bird,
looking rather like a bedraggled and dun-coloured large pheasant until
it finds a campfire or similar open fire source.
It will land in the middle of the
fire, but not be scorched. Instead, it aborbs the heat from the fire, brightening
in colour from dark red up to glowing golden white, at which point it will
begin to sing beautifully for the joy of the flames and the heat.
Firelovers are frequently mistaken
for phoenixes by those not familiar with magical birds. However, other
than their heat-absorption capabilities, they have no particular magical
nature. They have, though, been seen to accidentally spread fires from
accidental contact with flammable materials (trees, grass, roofs, etc.)
The bird apparently originated somewhere
in Europe, but became widely spread throughout temperate-zone environments.
It nests in rocky heights, where its borrowed radiance helps nurture its
eggs. This research contributed by Professor Nick O'Donohoe
Fluffernutter
USDOM Classification: XXXX
Although wild Fluffernutters (Felis
mapplethorpensis) can still be found in the mountainous and semi-arid areas
of North America, the rarity and high infant mortality of this creature
have made it such that it is now almost entirely bred in captivity.
The whimsical name "Fluffernutter"
came courtesy of one Osbert Mapplethorpe, a magizoologist who chanced upon
a Fluffernutter kitten in 1844. The kitten did not live long in Mapplethorpe's
care, causing him to think that Fluffernutters were nothing more than delicate
puffs of white fur with extremely short life spans. This misconception
remained unchanged until 1910, when Ephemera Parks of the USDOM encountered
a mother Fluffernutter and her young during a routine survey of Washington
nature preserves.
Through the pioneering efforts of
Ms. Parks and her hastily assembled team of magizoologists, it was found
that Fluffernutter kittens that survive to adulthood mature into pure white
cats with relatively large heads and feet. Like the Muggle mountain lion,
adult Fluffernutters can grow up to 3.5-5.5 m long and can weigh as much
as 100 kg. They have tough hides, which are resistant to all but diamond-dusted
blades as well as a number of common hexes, jinxes and curses; and sharp
saber teeth, which are longer in males than in females.
Fluffernutters are solitary and
strongly territorial creatures. They are good climbers and jumpers, able
to leap distances of up to 8 m. They are carnivorous, feeding primarily
on birds, small mammals like rabbits and raccoons, and larger game like
deer, cattle and even wolves. They hunt mainly at night, stalking their
prey and rushing at them or pouncing on them from overhead. Fluffernutters
are not known to eat humans, but they will attack or even kill if threatened.
It is possible that indigenous legends of spectral cats roaming through
and terrorizing the countryside stem from ancient encounters with these
creatures.
Further studies have also shown
that Fluffernutters are highly intelligent and loyal creatures. Those bred
in captivity recognize their handlers, act friendly toward them, and will
obey their commands. Like the more common Kneazles, Fluffernutters also
exhibit protective behavior toward their handlers, but lack the ability
to recognize individuals with harmful intent. This research contributed
by Ara Kane
Golden Griffin
USDOM Classification: XXXX
Appearing to be an enormous tawny
lion, the Golden Griffin (or rather, 'griffin d'or' translating as 'griffin
of gold') has been alleged by some sources to be Godric Gryffindor's Animagus
form, and hence, where the Hogwarts House got its mascot.
Although a normal griffin has an
eagle's head, wings and feet, and the hind quarters of a lion, the Golden
Griffin is a griffin that was produced by a union between a griffin and
another lion, making it three-quarters lion. Its only eagle attributes
are its wings, a average sixteen-foot span for the adult male, which seem
to appear from nowhere, so perfectly do they blend in with the griffin's
golden flanks. They appear both gold and transparent at the same time.
Golden Griffins and serpents of
all kinds are natural enemies, basilisks especially. They can sense snakes
from a distance and when hidden, even very small and innocuous snakes.
However, even though they are carnivores, they are friendly towards humans
and will greet them affectionately if allowed.
Golden Griffins are from the Middle
East and Northern Africa originally, and greatly prefer warmer weather.
If kept in temperate zones (New England, NW Pacific coast, Britain, etc.)
warming spells must be used in the Golden Griffin's designated living space
to keep it from becoming hyperthermic.
There are several small prides of
Golden Griffins known to exist in the tropical rain forest of Central America.
There have been some sightings made in Southern Mexico, as well as infrequently
on the islands of Jamaica and Hispañola. This research contributed
by Professor Medeni Ci-Jones.
USDOM Classification:
The Hausi fly is a small, long-legged
insect of the order Sanguinaria. There are many different species
of this pest found all over the world, although they tend to be most highly
concentrated in Equitorial coastal regions.
The females of most species of Hausi
fly have probosces used for piercing and sucking to feed off the blood
of magical creatures. However, the Hausi fly actually doesn't use blood
for anything more than to survive. Since they have none of their own, they
gain all their magical power from sucking the powers of Magical creatures
and people.
The males may have beaks, or probosces,
but cannot pierce the skin of most animals and instead gain their magical
power from their diet of magical plants and berries.
The female produces this pest's
characteristic whining sound by vibrating thin horny membranes on the thorax.
This sound has narcotic properties, and is used by the Hausi fly to attract
and befuddle its prey.
The male of the species, emits a
kind of glow with much the same effect. This light is also the extent of
the male Hausi fly's contact with Muggles, as it is has become part of
many Muggle legends about lights which lure travellers to their doom.
These creatures, in addition to
being a nuisance, are also famous for spreading disease through their
contact with blood. As well as Muggle infections such as Malaria, they
can carry such magical ailments as Psocida, in which the blood vessels
develop a kind of webbing around them which prevents them from fulfilling
their normal functions. Psocida can kill the victim in less than twelve
hours in severe cases.
However, perhaps the most fearsome
threat of the female Hausi fly, is that they drain magic. It is believed
if one were bitten by enough of them, or enough times by a single fly,
all the victim's magic would be taken away. The extent to which multiple
bites effect the magic of the victim has never been thoroughly studied,
due to unwillingness of volunteers to be subjected to prolonged or repeated
exposure to the bite of female Hausi flies.
Since the Hausi fly lays its eggs
in water, a simple cleansing spell on infested water often gets rid of
the larvae, although it may have to be repeated several times a year since
they can breed very rapidly.
Travellers are advised to consult
a Healer on the best precautions to take against specific breeds of
Hausi fly on arrival at their destination;
British Healers, sadly, have rarely the experience or knowledge to be able
to help. This research to be contributed by Doctor Felina Myotis
Jackalope (Stagbunny)
USDOM Classification: XX
The Jackalope (Lepus temperamentalus)
is one of the rarest animals in the world. A cross between a now extinct
pygmy-deer and a species of killer-rabbit, they are extremely shy unless
approached. None have ever been captured alive.
Known by the ancients as 'deerbunnies'
or 'stagbunnies', it wasn't until the early 1960s that the modern more
fearsome name of 'jackalope' was adopted. The species appears to have died
out in Europe -- there is German documentary evidence of its existence
through the 1500s -- but has thrived in the wide open spaces of the North
American Great Plains.
Under specialised circumstances,
the Jackalope doe's milk can be extracted as she sleeps belly up at night.
The milk is medicinal and can be used to treat a variety of afflictions.
Their annually shed antlers have been found to be useful for experimental
broom cores and in various potion applications.
These creatures are aggressive and
unpredictable if startled, and should not be provoked for any reason. Despite
this, they have been given a XX designation because of their scarcity and
natural tendencies to flee speedily from human contact.This research
contributed by Professor Medeni Ci-Jones.
KWONGDZU
USDOM Classification: XXXXX
"The Kwongdzu has enormous claws/its
character is full of flaws." Edward Gorey, "The Utter Zoo"
The Kwongdzu is an avian creature
most closely resembling an American Crow with huge feet who also is missing
its longer tail feathers. It is thought, but yet to be proven, that the
Kwongdzu is a relative of the Norther European Augery (see Scamander, p.
2), as, while their profiles are different, they share the same greenish-black
coloration and their feathers are equally useless as quills. In the case
of the Kwongdzu, this is because the feathers are much too short for use
by normal wizards. The most distinctive feature is the enormous claws,
with which the Kwondzu grips the thick branches of old-growth deciduous
trees it prefers as nesting sites. It can also use them as extremely nasty
weapons defending its territory, mate, and young. The wounds left by the
claws and beak tend to develop greenish-yellow festering sores which require
immediate treatment by qualified mediwizards, otherwise they fail to heal.
(Damage to the eyes can result in long-term blindness, as one DoM-Interior
ranger found out when attempting to survey one pair's nest site.)
Like the Augery, the Kwongdzu has
a distinctive call, though it uses it to scare intruders out of its territory.
The grating, high-pitched shriek, which has been described as a combination
of a rusty hinge, fingernails on a chalkboard, and howler monkeys. If a
person is too close, they can suffer ringing in the ears, and temporary
or permanent loss of hearing. There may be some magical use for the bird's
feathers or claws, but getting close enough to find out is dangerous enough
that it isn't considered worth the effort to find out.
Only experienced wizards from the
DoM should attempt to approach a Kwongdzu under any circumstances–if a
wizard or witch encounters a Kwongdzu, they are advised to give it a wide
berth, and approach at their own risk. This
research to be contributed by Professor Juliet Valcouer:
Mauvais Ti-Mordre
USDOM Classification: XXX
A North American relative of the
Mackled Malaclaw, the Mauvais Ti-Mordre closely resembles a Louisiana crawfish.
It has, though, instead of the crawfish's muted colouring or the Malaclaw's
grey shell with green spots, almost tropically-bright ribbon-like stripes
lengthwise along its translucent carapace in purple, green and deep yellow.
It too is inedible and somewhat
toxic. Contact with it has other adverse effects, although instead its
bite causing a week of bad luck, it causes a state which is frequently
mistaken for drunkeness by Muggles - the victim becomes disoriented, hilarious
and uninhibited. The effect of the Ti-Mordre's bite is of unpredictable
duration, but rarely lasts longer than three days. This research
contributed by Professor Medeni Ci-Jones.
The POSBY
USDOM Classification: XXXX
"The Posby goes into a trance/in
which it does a little dance." Edward Gorey, "The Utter Zoo"
The Posby is a small mammal, native
to northern coniferous forests. Found particularly in the upper Midwest,
it resembles nothing so much as a small child's cuddly toy. Covered in
soft brown fur, it stands approximately a foot tall on its back legs, which
it uses for its principle locomotion, making it unfortunately very obvious
when compared to non-magic animals living in the same region. The features
which distinguish it from more mundane forest creatures are its exceptionally
long ears (approximately twice as long as its head) and its long, tapering
tail. It seems to subsist primarily on a diet of forest detritus that most
animals ignore, particularly bark and needle-litter from coniferous wand
trees. When seen by non-magic persons, the Posby is frequently mistaken
for small dogs, various members of the weasel family, or "an abnormally
small bear with funny ears." (See DoM report #437.92, "Posby Sighting by
Muggle School Trip, Hiawatha National Forrest") The Posby does not demonstrate
many unusual characteristics, but it is classed as a magical creature for
two reasons. The first is that it can, when startled, swell itself to three
times its natural size, changing its fur color to a bright red, and emitting
a high-pitched squeal that, while irritating, is ultimately not much of
a deterrent to magic predators. The color change is, however, quite alarming
to non-magic persons. The other unusual characteristic is the Posby's attraction
to, even obsession with, music. While Posbys are normally shy creatures,
they have been known to not only to come out of hiding but to leave the
shelter of forests, going so far as to cross Muggle roadways when following
music. Once they reach the source of the music, the Posbys fall into what
research wizards have determined is a trance-like state, in which they
begin to perform a hopping, twirling dance, which continues until the music
stimuli is removed. Experiments have indicated their style preferences
varied by individuals (in fact, one test Posby developed an addiction to
DoM-Magical Agriculture's Muggle computer screen saver music), but the
dance does not seem to vary. Unfortunately, despite similarities to Seeing
trances, the dance trance seems to serve only to entertain the Posby and
any small children watching. At the present time, though some have reportedly
been domesticated as pets, no magical use has been found for any parts
of the Posby. During the nineteenth century "Posby-stunning" arose as a
small cottage industry, in which a witch or wizard frightened the Posby
into its color-altered state, then trapped the animal to use the colored
fur as robe trim. This practice has since been banned and trade in previously-taken
Posby pelts is strictly regulated by the Undersecretariat for Magical Agriculture.
This
research to be contributed by Professor Juliet Valcouer:
Prismapillars
USDOM
Classification: XX
These Wizard
enhanced insects originated in are found in the Temperate Rain Forests
of South America. Prismapillars are not migratory. They were brought to
North America by wizards at some point in the 1800s, and have been raised
in North America ever since. They can survive both arid and temperate climates,
provided they've got some decent tree growth around.
Immature Prismapillars
may most easily be described as huge fuzzy worms with ant-like legs. If
fed and housed correctly these creatures produce around twenty full grown
Prismapillar Bats*
from each worm. This is the end result of a metamorphosis that takes place
when the Prismapillar Worm molts.
Prismapillar
worms like to sleep in dark, damp places, but feed on grass, leaves, cabage
and such during the day. These large, fuzzy worms go through different
stages before they molt and become Prismapillar Bats. The color of their
fuzz begins with a grayish-brown but changes to a deep orange before becoming
dull orange then finally turning to brilliant, deep purple. They
eat twice as much as usual for a couple of days before they molt. Their
molting day is entirely predictable if one is familiar with their physiology
and can chart their development. They reach a length of twenty-four and
thirty inches by the time they reach molting stage; as well as increasing
in girth by several measures. Their segmented bodies move slowly on hundreds
of legs as they become very active; getting restless just before molting.
During "Molt",
the worms first squeeze in upon themselves, then their opposite ends walk
in separate directions so that the Prismapillar stretches itself out to
its full length, which is surprisingly long. As it stretches out, clumps
of fuzz fall off in the areas between the Prismapillars' body segments.
The skin beneath the fuzz appears white an almost glassy. Sunlight glints
off these patches causing flashes of light. The Prismapillars continue
to stretch until they start to literally come apart at the segments. As
they do so, all of the remaining purple fuzz will sift off, almost like
sand. Dozens of round segments, white and glassy... will remain where every
Prismapillar was. Seconds later, the air will fill with the sound of hundreds
of faint pops as the segments all split open releasing the Prismapillar
Bat. Seeing a Prismapillar molt has been likened to watching a dragon
hatch from its egg. At first, they look like tiny, bluish worms, crawling
up out of their casings. But almost as soon as they are completely emerged,
they seem to unfurl, opening wings. Their wings are dazzling.
With their
wings completely unfurled, each Prismapillar Bat is about the size of a
Quaffle. It is easily understood, why the creatures have been named Prismapillars.
They resemble prisms of course. The wings of Prismapillar Bats cast as
many rainbows of light as any known prism is able to do. Their wings look
almost transparent, they are so thin, but they shimmer in the sunlight,
catching and refracting the light so that the air fills with dancing, shimmering
colors.
Full Grown
Prismapillar Bats dwell in the branches of trees and are almost entirely
hidden in the shadows.
Prismapillars
Bats are extremely valuable and sought after because their bodies capture
magical energy and refract it. Their wings reflect magic. They glow brightly
whenever there are spells being cast within a certain radius of them, so
that they are often kept as pets on larger magical estates where they act
as a living alert system against those who would try to cast spells secretly.
Generally the Bats are very sedintary creatures, only becoming particularly
active when it rains, at which point they will fly around for a time letting
the rain cleanse their wings of the accumulated magical residue left behind
when spells are detected.
There are
very few creatures that would want to eat a Prismapillar.
*Prismapillar
Bats are called such only because of their size and appearance, they are
in fact insects similar to a Moth or Butterfly. This research contributed
by Madame Jedi Boadicea.
Quetzalcoatl
USDOM Classification: XXXXX
Named after the reverently-regarded
god of peace of ancient MesoAmerica, this highly magical serpentine creature
flies without wings in its native rain forests. It is feathered everywhere
except its face, which is framed, much like a lion's mane, in a ruff of
larger feathers. The feathers themselves are as brightly coloured as those
of parrots and macaws, and usually proceed through the rainbow, starting
with red behind the irridescent white ruff feathers, and ending with deep
purple at the tail.
The feathers are highly sought after
for wand cores, and may also be used in charms and potions to help the
wizard or witch seek a higher mental plane (see: dreamwalking, Koori magic,
shamanism). The feathers only have value when either found loose (shed),
or given freely by the queztalcoatl. If they are taken by force or by killing
the creature, they will have, at best, no magical effect.
The queztalcoatl is regarded as
the New World 'version' of the unicorn, being native to that side of the
planet but with many of the same magical attributes as the unicorn. It
is highly intelligent and generally peaceful. It reproduces slowly, rarely
laying more than one leathery-shelled egg at a time, and that only a few
times in its lifetime.This research contributed by Professor Medeni
Ci-Jones.
Roc
USDOM Classification: XXXX
Legends and stories form all over
the world have contained stories of a fabulous huge bird, capable of carrying
groups of children, even burdens of up to three elephants. Our knowledge
of the roc (sometimes spelled Rukh) comes from Arabian and Chinese wizards.
The bird is described as "A bird of enormous size, bulky body and wide
wings, flying in the air; and it was this that concealed the body of the
sun and veiled it from the sun." In the account of the Muggle explorer
Marko Polo (who proved distressingly resistant to Obliviate charms) the
wingspan of the roc was sixteen yards and the feathers eight yards. The
bird is usually described as being white, although it seems to have colour
variations depending on its environment.
Rocs have extremely large ranges,
due to their huge appetites. There have never been many rocs in existence
at any given time, and they reproduce slowly. The egg of the roc is said
to be over fifty yards in circumference. There are stories of rocs destroying
ships by dropping boulders on them in retaliation for killing a roc chick
-- demonstrating the bird's intelligence, probably due to its larger-than-normal
braincase, as well as an unusual level of care for offspring.
Rocs seem to have died out in the
areas which originally reported them -- the near and far East -- but seem
to have survived in the New World in the Canadian Rockies, where they thrive
on Cave Moose; and in the Andes, where they compete with the dragons. The
New World Roc seems to trend toward darker plumage.
This research contributed
by Professor Medeni Ci-Jones.
Rock Gnome
USDOM Classification: XX
Unlike the garden gnomes of Great
Britain, the larger rock gnomes of northeastern North America are rarely
seen. They seem to prefer few if any interactions with humans, magical
or Muggle.
The rock gnome stands between three
and four feet high, has peach skin, a large watermelon-shaped head, and
round eyes that glow either orange or green depending on what light hits
them. Their bodies are short and squat with long skinny arms; they are
able to leap astounding distances (up to 30 feet) in a single bound. They
frequent the areas around stone walls and cairns.
In 1977 a series of rock gnome sightings
by teenage Muggles along a wooded roadside in Dover, Massachusetts, caused
quite a stir. The repeated sightings led local residents to nickname the
gnome or gnomes in question The Dover Demon. Members of the Magical
community encouraged the stories, and they are still told in hushed voices
to this day.
Rock gnomes live in colonies beneath
and behind stone structures. They rarely cause trouble other than to humans
who mistakenly attempt to disassemble their homes; then they can be quite
pesky, attacking in formation and driving the human away. From time to
time they will dig a series of holes in their woods, then cover them with
leaves to trap unsuspecting squirrels, which they put to work hauling rocks.
They are often mistaken for monkeys—and as every educated witch and wizard
knows, there are no monkeys in the northeast woods of North America. This
research contributed by Lady Narcissa.
Troll Species of North America
USDOM Classification: XXXX
Some Forest, River and Mountain
Trolls are found in Canada and the US. These Trolls differ little from
their counterparts in other areas of the world. There are two species of
Troll that are unique to North America.
Death Valley Desert Troll
The vicious Desert Trolls of Death
Valley are fierce. Wiry and fast, they are from 8 to 10 feet in height
and weigh only around 400 lbs. as opposed to their 12 feet tall 2,000 lb.
cousins the Mountain Variety.
Desert Trolls throw rocks instead
of swinging a club. Their precision and velocity are such as to gain attention
of scouts from several Major League Baseball* Teams including the Los Angeles
Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks and even the Atlanta Braves. However, the
need for disillusionment charms on all Baseball fans and the impossibility
of training Desert Trolls to throw to the Catcher's mitt instead
of at the man with the club in his hands, effectively discouraged
further attempts to sign them to contracts.
Swamp Troll
Another American Troll, overlooked
by my esteemed colleague, is the Swamp Troll. Originally the result of
crossbreeding between American Yeti, and River Trolls, these have sufficient
numbers now to deserve their own separate division in the Troll species.
Because of their mixed ancestry, this species of Troll actually has a sort
fur. Swamp Trolls are found in wetlands such as the Louisiana Bayous, the
Okefenokee Swamp of South Georgia and North Florida and The Florida Everglades.
Being, furred and standing between
7 and 9 feet, weighing around 400 lbs., these are often confused by Muggles
with the slightly larger, American Yeti (aka Sasquatch / Bigfoot).
The most prominent of swamp Trolls
makes it's home in Northern Louisiana and Southern Arkansas. Known to Muggles
as "The Fouke Monster" or "The Boggy Creek Swamp Monster", this ferocious
Specimen has been the inspiration for one Muggle movie and many Muggle
newspaper stories since the 1930s. For more on this particular Swamp
Troll go here:
*Baseball is a Muggle sport involving
teams of nine players, one ball, one club called a "bat" and many strange
rules some of which are called "Ground Rules" and only apply to a specific
game field and not anyplace else.
Water Baby
USDOM Classification: XXX
Many Native Americans believe that
hot springs are portals to a subterranean world. The creatures that inhabit
this region are known as Water Babies. They are two to three feet
in height with long black hair, longer than their bodies. Their hair does
not touch the ground but floats behind the Water Baby. Their skin is grey
in colour, soft and clammy to the touch. These creatures, called spirits
by some because of their tendency to waver in and out of sight (much like
heat reflected by a fire), are said to possess enormous healing powers.
Water Babies are benign and even
helpful creatures, and it is considered beneficial to interact with them.
However, trying to capture them is extremely dangerous. One wizard, an
Ezekiel Sunspot, made the attempt in Oregon in 1873; he was melted into
a puddle on the spot, according to eyewitnesses, and his family was cursed
for three generations. Since that time, most wizards who have encountered
Water Babies – usually in the wee hours of the morning and when alone –
have decided to avoid them, reporting a great feeling of misgiving about
approaching one too closely. This research contributed by Lady Narcissa.
Winged Horses (Pegasus) Species
Of North America
USMOM Classification: XX - XXX
Although quite thorough for most
magical beasts, Fantastic Beasts does not pretend to be exhaustive
on the details of each and every creature mentioned. As a result, Master
Scamander left out two important breeds of Winged Horse, those native to
the Americas.
Since Spanish wizards brought horses
both winged and not back to the 'New World' after they had died out as
native breeds, they have adapted to their local environments, and to the
wizarding folk domesticating them.
Kelidan
On the grassy plains of North America,
the Kelidan, which has pinto markings in various colours, runs free. It
is the second fasted breed to the Granian, and is characterised by its
shorter height to most other breeds and shorter barrel (back length). It
has unmatched maneuverability, even by the Granian. The tribal shamans
and the Wizard Shamans alike have used the Kelidan as a domesticated animal
for centuries now, and the occasional European cow-wizard.
Bounoi
In the areas around the Andes,
the Bounoi mountain ponies of the high steppes adapted to the thinner air
and steeper slopes by becoming even shorter, and with heavy, shaggy coats
-- usually dark brown, to capture heat better. Their wings have also adapted,
becoming wider than most breeds for more efficient gliding. Their feathers
are glossy black, and regarded as good luck tokens by the local peoples.
This breed has been brought north gradually as well, and can be found in
a few areas in California, but mostly throughout the Rockies as far north
as the Yukon. This research contributed by Professor Medeni Ci-Jones.
The YAWFLE
USDOM Classification: XXX
"The Yawfle stares, and stares,
and stares,/and stares, and stares, and stares, and stares." Edward Gorey,
"The Utter Zoo"
The creature known as The Yawfle,
currently in the custody of DoM-Agriculture Division, is presumed to have
been created in violation of the regulations against experimental breeding,
because it seems to be an entirely unique animal. The individual specimen
is the only one known to exist, and everyone who has had the misfortune
to work with it feels that's quite a good thing.
The Yawfle appears to be nothing
so much as a mound of short, silky hair, roughly the size of a low coffee
table, with a pair of eyes staring out of its fur-covered face. When placed
in a holding room, it slinks into a corner, where it proceeds to stare
at any person nearby. And continues to stare, and stare, and stare. The
person who is the object of this stare feels an increasing degree of discomfort
and distraction, bringing to mind all real and imagined guilt, until it
is impossible for them to sit still or concentrate on anything but getting
out of the range of those staring eyes and confessing their transgressions
to the nearest semblance of authority. This leads DoM investigators (those
who have been able to last in the room with it) to conclude it was probably
created as a sort of watch-beast, inducing guilt and a desire to confess
within any intruders.
Though it is assumed that there
is only one, if anyone encounters another Yawfle or a similar beast, they
are strongly advised to contact the office of the undersecretary for Agriculture
at the DoM. This research to be contributed
by Professor Juliet Valcouer:
Yeti of North America
USDOM Classification: XXXX
The only readily apparent distinction
between the American and Tibetan varieties of Yeti is that the American
breed has dark fur, where the Tibetan has white. Tibetan Yeti are said
to be quite carnivorous, but every indication that we have sujests that
the American Yeti are herbivores. This difference could possibly be explained
by the lack of plants, seeds, nuts and berries in the Tibetan Yeti's habitat.
Any conclusions are hard to draw; as no one has been able to get close
enough to study them or in the case of the Tibetan Yeti lived long enough
to report them.
American Yeti are known by some
regionally specific names:
-
American Yeti are called Sasquatch
aka Big Foot, in the Wester United States ranging up into Canada.
-
In the Central portion of Canada ranging
down into the Norther parts of the Central U.S, the American Yeti is known
as The windigo as (Native americans worshipped the WINDIGO as a spirit)
-
In the Gulf Coast Region of the United
States the American Yeti is known as the Skunk Ape.
Biographies of Research Contributors:
Ara Kane:
Prize-winning Journalwitch and
Author
Ara Kane (1975-present) is a Tidbitzer-Prize-winning
journalwitch and author of three successful fiction and humor books. She
is married to Lofton MacRae, lead vocalist of the popular wizarding rock
group Speech of Jarveys. Ms. Kane lives with her husband and three children
in California, in a sunny, rose-covered house that boasts a view of the
Joshua Tree. She is currently at work on her next book and plans to take
up pottery.
Doctor Felina Myotis:
Renowned Expert in Thaumaturgic
Entomology
Dr. Felina
Myotis is an expert on Thaumaturgic Entomology who has dedicated her life
to the study of rare magical insects. She is currently a teacher at the
Reasearch Institute of Edmonton, and has published many papers, including
the famous 'Insects: Just There To Bug Us?' In her spare time, she enjoys
reading, travelling and bowling. {Felina Myotis aka SoupyTwist}
Jedi
Boadicea:
Enigmatic
and Mysterious Wizarding Personality
Jedi Boadicea
a noted author and reportedly the only living witch or wizard to have ever
had conversation with a Yeti. Rumor has it Jedi Boadicea enjoys Swordplay,
Martial Arts, Political Activism and Quidditch.
Professor Juliet Valcouer
D.V.M. (Doctor of Veterinary Magic):
Thaumaturgic Veterinarian Extrodinare
Juliet Valcouer was born and raised
in a small wizarding community in Michigan's Upper Penninsula.
From an early age, she enjoyed
tramping through the woods and along the lakeshore, and frequently drove
her parents to distraction bringing
home new "pets" in need of care.
Given this tendency, it surprised
no one when, once her primary and secondary magical education was complete,
she pursued an advanced degree in veterinary medicine for magical creatures.
After receving her degree, she set up a practice, but was quickly drawn
back into academia. She currently teaches at the magical university
in the state capital, running classes on the veterinary management of wild
magic creatures. She also does occasional consulting for both the
state and federal Departments of Magic.
Professor Valcouer lives in Lansing
with three Kneazles, a Neapse, a Granian, a tank of mundane
goldfish, and other creatures subject
to change without notice. What free time she has between
teaching, writing papers, and consulting,
is occupied with camping trips to her native U.P., watching Muggle
television (mostly PBS and Animal
Planet), and practicing the esoteric art of finger-weaving.
(Without real fingers, of course.)
Professor Medeni Ci-Jones:
Former Holyhead Harpy and Magizoologist
at large
Professor Medeni Ci-Jones (Hogwarts,
1980) is a native Welshwoman and animaga who has visited all seven continents
in the course of her studies in magizoology. She apprenticed at the London
Magizoo
immediately after leaving school.
After playing Keeper for the Holyhead Harpies for the 1981-1982 season
and leaving due to injury, she returned to her first love, animals.
Her dog animagus form allowed her
to do an extensive study of how Crups have integrated with wizarding culture
from two viewpoints. This study was published in the popular and revered
educational magazine, International Thaumographic, bringing her a small
amount of celebrity outside of academia.
Inside academia, her papers on the
spread of Runespoors to Australia and southwestern North America, the pride
habits of the Nundu, and documenting the existence of the Dread Sargassum
in the Caribbean have been published in various professional journals and
received excellent reception from the magizoological community.
After teaching for three years in
various institutions in North America, Professor Ci-Jones moved back to
Britain to take up the Care of Magical Creatures teaching position at Hogwarts
Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry. {Medeni Ci-Jones aka Corgi.}
Lady Narcissa Malfoy:
Wealthy
and Eccentric Social-witch and Generous Contributor to Many Worthy Causes
Lady Narcissa
(1957- ) is an extremely beautiful, extremely articulate witch of great
grace and skill. She has studied North American Magical Creatures as an
extension of her interest in herpetology, as any Slytherin would appreciate.
She's well known for her expert knowledge with some of the stranger creatures
from American mythology--odd befitting a born-and-bred Englishwoman. She
is married to the handsomest wizard in the Ministry (Lucius Malfoy) and
has one very lovely if underappreciated son, Draco. She is currently at
home in the UK, interviewing house-elves to serve at Malfoy Manor. Lady
Narcissa Malfoy aka BackOffHesMine}
Professor Nick O'Donohoe:
Famous Explorer, Author and
Lecturer
Nick O'Donohoe lives in the state
of Rhode Island in the United States with his Muggle wife, veterinary Dr
Lynn Anne Evans and their two children. He has travelled extensively throughout
the New World and frequently to the magical interstitial land known as
'Crossroads', which requires specialised magical knowledge for traversal.
He has cleverly documented some incidents in Crossroads as novels sold
to the Muggle fantasy market, supplementing his lecturing income at the
Salem Witches Institute. He has also been a collaborator with the famed
thaumatozoologist, Dr Lao.
Professor O'Donohoe enjoys Greek
food (especially lentil soup), tropical cruises, answering fan mail and
playing with cats.
Doctor Solaris Cotidie:
Renowned Doctor of Geology,
Speleology and Thaumaturgic Biology:
Doctor Solaris Cotidie was born
in Timbuktu, California on July 29th, 1970. She attended the West Coast
Academy of Magic just outside of Redwood City, California and later continued
in the Academy's College of Magical Beasts. With a strong interest in California
Geology and Topography, she furthered her education at Humbolt State University.
Receiving both Muggle and magical degrees in Geology, Speleology, and Thaumaturgic
Biology, Cotidie is an expert in the magic and Earth Sciences of California.
She is known for such works as "Calcite
or Galimites? What Muggle Speleologists Miss," "1001 Hours of Sleep. What
You Need to Know About Castro Lizards," and "Plate Tectonics or a Dangerous
Beast? Research at the San Andreas."
Cotidie now lives in a small cabin
in the Sierra Nevadas where she spends her quiet hours with her husband
Cody DeMartini. She enjoys climbing trees, listening to John Williams scores,
and growing Catmint for her 17 cats. {Solaris Cotidie aka Sunny Daylee}
Professor Zephyrus Prolixity:
Wizard of Mysterious Background,
Modest Abilities and Uncertain Future.
The half Welsh-half Irish Prolixity
is a former instructor at the American Academy of Magic. At different times
in a twenty year career he taught: Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defense
Against the Dark Arts, History of Magic, and Transfiguration. The Handling
of Magical Beasts and Defense Against Dark Arts remain passions of this
large Celt.
Born 13 December 1765 at Blarney
near Cork, the wizard known as Zephyrus Prolixity (an obvious but apt pseudonym)
was the seventh son of a powerful Welsh wizard who was himself a seventh
son and a direct line descendant of Cei. His Mother was a direct line descendant
of a the last Druid High-priestess in Ireland. Prolixity credits his tremendous
longevity to being nursed back to health by Nicolas Flamel after a tragic
1784 encounter with Werewolves in Transylvania resulted in near fatal injuries.
Presently Prolixity resides in Great
Britain with his Crup Cavall, a very fast owl named Boreas, his extensive
library, a large collection of Muggle "Big Band/Swing and Jazz" records
and his memories.