Spirit Taming

"If we had fallen in at this point, then we would have gotten beaten up before we even made it to those brutal crocodiles." This blunt statement from Jerold was mostly out of sheer awe. He had never seen a river this violent before.

"This entire jungle gets so much rain every day that it is enough to make all of those plants grow. Of course there would be a river like this." It was a little bit of a sharp answer from Isa, but when Jerold looked back to respond, he had noticed something in the water.

"And what beasts are those?" He had no idea what they were, but from his opinion, they were dangerous looking enough to ask right then and there.

"Clark, can you tell from here? The most I can see are thin black spines, but most aquatic beasts that have those are not definable just by them. If I could see them more, then I could make a better evaluation." This was what caught Ella’s interest. She was sure that Clark would tell her about a beast she didn’t know that well. She had to learn more wherever she could.

’Hive trout- rare

The hive trout is a beast that most would not expect to find within many bodies of water. This is due to the fact that they need highly aerated water to be able to survive. The rapids of rivers is normally the best possible place for them unless there are underground water falls or larger water falls with consistent water flow for them to live.

They got the name hive since they have multiple stingers on their spines. They also act like bees in the way that they will swarm when certain hormones are released from their bodies. This causes them to swarm around stinging and biting chunks off of their prey whenever they have the chase.

These beasts are well known for being farmed due to their quick breeding and large populations within these specifically small areas of growth. Their spines can be used for multiple alchemical reasons along with unique temporary weapon crafting.

They have a very strong water affinity with a weak poison affinity. Therefore, they can easily survive in polluted waters as long as there’s enough air within the water.

The only one of their species that is able to grow any stronger or larger are the females who will grow to hold over a thousand eggs at one time. Then they will create a nest under the largest rock they can find in the rapids...’

Clark shared the analysis with the group. He didn’t keep much out since he knew that everything about them was limiting this beast to the water. He also wanted to share the fact about alchemical benefits and temporary crafting.

When he read temporary crafting, he knew that it meant the group could fashion some weapons out of these stingers. The spines that had stingers would most likely poison whatever was attacked with spear or rough made arrows. But a small shield covered in the stingers would also be very useful in defending themselves. Both very good options in the wilderness they were in.

"I wonder if their bones are tough enough ti ame needles from. I know fish bone needles are usually made by people who live by rivers, lakes, and the oceans." Ralph had taken it another direction. He had made needles from metal, but wondered if he could do the same things with other materials.

This took Clark to another thought, he wondered if Ralph would expand his forging interests in to general crafting the longer that they were in the wilderness. Especially since they had already started to do a few things with making their own tools. Even now, the majority of tools they used when setting up camp or making food were hand made so that they would keep their real equipment in the best condition possible.

"Everyone duck down and pretend to be a bush." Jerold stopped the group. Grace was also moving on her own to flatten herself on the back of the dragon welp.

The reason that they had to stop was movement. It wasn’t within the rapids where they had all been focused, but in the trees nearby. Some branches had moved which made everyone believe that they were about to see a beast that could climb lower itself to fight them. Yet, they did not expect to see that they as a group, were just bystanders seeing nature taking its course.

’Talon fisher- rare

The talon fisher is a unique species of avian beast. It is primarily a wind type beast, but rarely uses any skills related to the wind other than flight. This is because using the wind would make the branches it hides its green feathers to move too much. It camouflages near bodies of water to catch its prey.

When it spots prey it deems its own, it will fly down at its fastest speed. It uses razor sharp talons to pierce through the bodies of its prey then take them back to large nests that it camouflages in to trees with its own feathers. Any tamers will be attacked by it when they accidentally near its nest.

They are considered very valuable due to their feathers. They have a great way of blending in to the trees and greenery of whatever area that the talon fisher grew up in. Therefore, many tamers will make cloaks out of them so that they can hide in plain sight better. This led to an overhunting in certain wilderness areas...’

"A talon fisher. That beast species was hunted to extinction in three documented forests. But in this jungle, they can’t even be found." Ella’s amazement matched isa’s naturally, as a merchant, Isa had heard of these beasts and knew of the value that came with their feathers.

"Jerold, hide yourself and go look for feathers. Even a few will sell for at least a whole gold coin or handful of silvers. I want to see what we can get." Isa sent Jerold off while the group returned to their movements. They knew that as long as they did not approach a nest they would be fine. They trusted that Clark could spot it.

Naturally, Clark was looking for the nest already. His system’s analysis would easily spot it even when it was blending in with the trees. Therefore, he could keep them away from the danger. Razor sharp talons would certainly cause them all damage regardless of whatever they were using to protect themselves. The jungle was hot and they all lacked thick layers for protection.

While Jerold hunted for feathers, they all witnessed the talon fisher capture seven of the hive trout. It even caused the hive trout to bunch up and go berserk with their hormones in the water. They were trying to sting something that has already attacked and escaped multiple times before they could try anything. This was an interesting way that the beasts lived within the jungle.

"We should avoid that tree, there is a large sleeping beast there." Jerold came back with a whopping five feathers from the talon fisher. But his warning sparked Clark and Ella’s interest. Brad took their position guarding while they stepped a few feet over to look closer.

’Giant moss sloth- ultra rare

The giant moss sloth is peaceful to a limit. They will rarely leave trees and are often related to many other sloth species. However, when they move, they are extremely powerful and quick. This is due to the light energy that they use to gather within their bodies. It is also how they feed the mosses that grow on their fur.

They use the light energy to move faster, even causing damage to their surroundings. This is normally to escape annoyances that wake them up or to move for fruit that they enjoy eating. The reason that they can live within the violent jungle is simple, their strength is enough to even kill some of the largest predators around.

Most of the time, even the youngest beasts know not to bother them. However, when one does bother them, it is normal for large sections of the jungle to be reduced to broken bits along with any beast nearby.

Jungle explorers used to reference these giant moss sloths as the best defenses and the most dangerous opponents. They would camp nearby while maintaining the most peace that they could. If the giant moss sloth woke up, they would freeze in place and hope that it did not harm them. However, this often led to the giant moss sloth stealing all their fruits since it has a natural sweet tooth for fresh fruits...’

A powerful beast that was literally a double edged sword. The king of, leave me alone, and we are friends. Bother me, and we will fight. That Was what could be said to describe this beast. Especially since Clark could already see that it’s coarse fur was easily able to defend the black lightning spear. A naturally tough beast. A naturally powerful beast.