Kiarrcats of Ryll

Morou

Map of Morou

Sometimes known as Hrimroul's twin, Morou is the second largest continent on Ryll. It is joined to Rouen by a narrow land bridge to the south, as well as several well travelled routes across the sea.

Although perhaps only a third of Hrimroul's size, Morou is just as rich in habitats. The major mountain range (the Hyuts) and its adjoining hills are known as a cultural centre almost as diverse as Hrimroul's Shurush Mountains. Morou is also an important jumping off point for sea crossings to Hashun, seat of the Archetypes.


Rahul Strip

This is the land bridge that links Hrimroul and Morou, a long, narrow strip of land that winds its way close to Ryll's south pole. It's a longer and much colder journey than the sea crossing from the Gold Shore, but popular amongst those species that prefer the cold, or those individuals who don't like travelling over the water. Much of its length is taiga forest, fading to tundra on the southern coast. Every summer, there's a sort of tourist rush, as kiarrcats try to cross the isthmus before winter sets in. Not everyone makes it, though. This far south, summer is a brief affair.

Thankfully, the locals are ready to lend their help to lost or stranded travellers. Rahul's permanent population is fairy low - a few scattered Forests, Polars in the tundra, and the odd Mountain - but spread out evenly across the land. Many of them run small waystations, offering food and shelter to anyone caught up in the snows. Anyone stopping off during the winter might need to find some way of making themselves useful, though, as they might not be able to head onward until spring.


Dawn Woods

This is the forest that blankets Morou's east, from the foothills of the Hyut Mountains to the coast. Its proximity to the Rahul Strip and Mrip Sea mean that it is another well travelled area. Kiarrs are often seen passing through the woods on their way to Hrimroul or further into Morou's inland. It is a temperate forest with mild seasons - the southern reaches may see snow in the winter, whilst to the north the climate grows steadily more subtropical until merging with the jungles of Morou's north shore.

Overall this is a peaceful area, but in recent years things have changed. Some travellers have reported the presence of ghostly white kiarrcats, watching in silence from between the trees and slipping away when approached, or prey animals similarly devoid of colour. Tales have also arisen of a kiarrcat roaming the woods who is said to be a hybrid of all ten species, with the power to match. This is, of course, impossible, as hybrids are sterile without exception. The Archetype Spirits were once questioned about the possibility of such a kiarr existing, and responded in a rare moment of clarity that they have never had a paw in such a creation. For these reasons the rumours are dismissed by most as a case of trickery or mistaken identity, but nevertheless they refuse to die away.