The Named Series takes place in a prehistoric universe, during a strange, almost unfamiliar time. The earth was different, and so too were the creatures that inhabited its vast planes. Below is a comprehensive catalog for those who seek a better understanding of the primal beasts roaming within the novels intriguing pages. Perhaps the most important animals in the Named series are the felines (or pale-felids) themselves. It is through them that we are able to experience Clare bell’s universe. Therefore, they are listed first among the Story Critters. The rest appear in alphabetical order. ToC would like to thank Clare Bell for her patience and assistance. She was most helpful in answering any questions Trails of Conquest introduced. Her generous revelations and brilliant skills as a writer enhanced both the quality and clarity of the following data. Critters recorded are those that surface habitually throughout the books, fiends explicitly noted for their significant roles or unusual appearances. Unlisted are the customary denizens such as prehistoric bare-tails (possums), striped marsh shrews, mud-croakers (frogs), snakes, newts, dragonflies, grasshoppers, snails, four-eyed fish, sculpins, water crabs, sea eagles, small ground birds, etc… The Named The Named are a clan of comprehensive cats (or paleo-felids). They encompass the mental acumen of modern humans - capable of verbal speech, cognitive thought, emotional appreciation, and a sense of identity. This capacity for wisdom is openly witnessed in the acute clarity of their gazes - an alert focus known to all as ’the light in the eyes’. This ‘awareness’ is a treasured gift, highly valued among those of the Clan. One is not considered ‘Named’ without it. Click the above image (or HERE) to learn more. The Hunter Tribe The Hunter Tribe is a semi-nomadic band of felines (or paleo-felids) known for their predations on Mammoths. Each year they follow the migratory patterns of these thunderous mammals, relying on them for food and survival. In appearance they are similar to the Named. The only noticeable differences are their robust frames, broad shoulders, extended fangs, and variable pelt colors. While intelligent, their pattern of understanding differs from those of the Clan. Hunters retain the wisdom of speech and observation, but do not readily boast a sense of self. Their identity is communal, a stirring unity shared and heard exclusively by the Hunter Tribe through a telepathic link called ’The Song’ - an enchanting, mind-spoken rhythm - the many voices of past ancestors. Click the above image (or HERE) to learn more. The Un-Named The term ‘Un-Named’ is a general idiom used to denote felines (or paleo-felids) without clan and/or sentiment. Therefore, they thrive in a limitless array of shapes and sizes, able to originate from any corner of the continent, if not the globe, traveling alone or in groups. They do not harbor the intellect to entertain names (hence their label), status, or even a sense of self. They are void of speech, comprehension, and emotion. The Un-Named merely ‘are‘. Click the above image (or HERE) to learn more. Blubber Tusker Potential predecessors to the modern Walrus and quite similar in appearance, these hulking creatures maneuver their incredible mass along costal shores, shuffling through shell beds with stubby, long-whiskered snouts, and short protruding tusks. They can be quite territorial and irritable if surprised or kept in the company of an unwanted guest, and if pressured, Blubber Tuskers will not hesitate to launch an assault. Their most dangerous asset is their size, coupled by flesh gouging tusks. Most creatures can avoid a Walrus’s ungainly, sluggish approach when on dry ground. However, while these fiends are rather slow and bumbling on land, the water transforms them into buoyant, capable ocean dwellers, dangerous to any uninvited swimmer. These beasts travel in family units or herds separated by gender. They may acquire numbers well into the hundreds. Few are witnessed roaming in solitude. An Expert From Book 3, Ratha and Thistle-Chaser “…It looked immense, whiskered and blubbery. Creases formed in rolls of fat around its neck as it swung its head from side to side. Its muzzle was wide and pushed in. Short but massive tusks protruded from beneath a loose, slobbery upper lip. ..With a startled grunt, the blubber-tusker heaved itself upright and stared at her with eyes spaced so far apart they seemed about to fall off the sides of its pug-nosed face…” Bristlemane Terrifying and deadly, Bristlemanes are prehistoric Hyenas. Their dispositions and physical forms are comparable to the African Spotted Hyena, Croctua crocuta. Both talented hunters and proficient scavengers, these powerful-jawed predators have the strength, endurance, and nerve to assume any challenge. Bristle-manes are well equipped for destruction. Massive muzzles and large fangs crush even the thickest of bones. Sloped, robust spines support masculine shoulders and brawny necks. Large lungs and mobile paws grant endurance for the chase. While lone nomads do not often possess a threat to rivals that outsize them, as a clan, these spotted beasts are lethal, fearless marauders. Excerpt From Book 2, Clan Ground “…. ..He could hear their shrill excited yips…Ahead were the Bristlemaes, a full pack of them…the animals loped away, their tongues hanging and their short, ragged tails tucked between their legs. Instead of scattering, the bristlemanes circled back…Now he could see the black and yellow mottling on their pelts and the stiff, coarse manes along their necks. Their eyes shone cold and eager. The flesh of the Named could fill those bellies as well as herdbeast meat…Their nostrils widened and their large ears trembled, swiveling forward…their black jaws lowered, their heavy jaws slavering…” Dappleback Dapplebacks are prehistoric horses. They roam the forests and meadows of their natural habitats, and thrive as herd beasts on Clan Ground. During the Miocene epoch, there were numerous variations of arcane equine, many of which were quite stunted. In the novels, they sport short bristled manes, sharp canine teeth, and sustain 3-4 toes on each ‘hoof’ (common traits shared among ancient horses). Their diminutive height makes them easy to manage in flocks - save during the breeding season, or times of stress. It is during these apprehensive occasions that the little ‘ponies’ become anxious and irritable. An ill disposition is often displayed with bared teeth and laid back ears, gestures frequently accompanied by stinging kicks. Dapplebacks are favored prey among the Un-named. Because of their small size, these horses are easy to kill and drag into the security of shadows. Excerpt From Book 1, Ratha’s Creature “…Framed in the opening, with a background of clear sky and hanging fronds, was a four-toed foot. A dappleback foot… The hoofed toes shifted…the dappled back stallion and his mares huddled together, the mist swirling around their legs, their stiff manes and coats flecked with sweat and dew. The stallion reared and whinnied, showing his short, pointed canine teeth…” Excerpt From Book 3, Ratha and Thistle-Chaser “…On the riverbank where she stood, three-horn deer and small dapplebacked horses milled in groups, guarded by her people…The dapplebacks stood with their three-toed forefeet in the sluggish flow…” Face-Tail Even when viewed at a distance, one can easily distinguish these seemingly solemn shapes for what they are. Colossal, shaggy mammals, Face-Tails are prehistoric Mammoths, titled for their well established, ever swaying trunks - bizarre structures used as tools of communication and potent weapons. These behemoths strive to roam together in vast herds, with the occasional solitary drifter shadowing migratory patterns. Their trampling size and formidable tusks ensure that Mammoths live to fear very little - save a group of substantial predators capable of removing the young, ailing, or injured. Large hunting parties of Felines and Bristle-Manes tend to present the most frequent threats. Mammoths will respond to these hazards with a great commotion, and a head-rearing charge. Those incapable of removing themselves from the distraught Face-Tail’s path will most likely find an ill fate waiting for them, either at the end of an ivory lance, or beneath the earth-worn soles of monstrous wrath. Excerpt From Book 3, Ratha and Thistle-Chaser “…Young Khushi came back with a wild tale about huge, shaggy creatures who bear tusks and wear their tails on their faces…” Excerpt From Book 4, Ratha’s Challenge “…The ground vibrated…as the mammoth stamped its massive front feet and bellowed…The quarry tossed its head, flailing its trunk and spearing the air with its tusks…The beast’s red-rimmed eyes glared from behind a thicket of orange hair. Its trunk swung down and coiled like a snake in the loose gravel…Despite their bulk the face-tails could move fast…” Giant Bird Terrors of the swamps, horrors of the forests, All animals strive to avoid these thunderous, feathered monstrosities - and for good reason. Too cumbersome to harrow cloud swept skies, these would-be raptors have claimed earthen planes as their horizon-kingdoms. While wings are present, these diminutive ’arms’ are little more than rudimentary appendages - entirely useless in terms of flight. Although ground-bound, these cursorial birds are quite petrifying. Their fleet pillar-some legs, elongated necks, heavy beaks, and taloned toes make short work of most any unwary creature foolish enough to cross paths. While their young are susceptible to predation, adult Giant Birds are among the top killers of their time. They will scavenge, and have little trouble persuading other carnivores to abandon hard earned meals - least they themselves become dinner. Excerpt From Book 1, Ratha’s Creature “…the great bird cawed and raised its crest, staring at her with unblinking lizard eyes. Its weight sunk its talons deep into the ooze. Massive legs with scaled horny skin supported a body that was all bulk and neck, the tiny wings buried in hairy feathers. This one had not dropped from the skies. Atop its serpentine neck, the great head swayed and the beak gaped once again. A talon lifted. This inside of the beak was yellow; the narrow tongue a glistening pink…” Sea Lion Sinuous and deadly, these fanged sea-raiders travel alone or in packs, haunting both coastlines and ocean waves alike in a dogged search for unfortunate quarry. In groups, they are skilled marauders, able to challenge some of the brawniest of beasts - including fellow water-dwellers, such as the daunting Seamares. These barking harbingers are swift and calculative, unlike the seemingly clumsy blubber-tuskers. These flippered brutes harbor a clever slyness, and a staunch resolution to take and defend what they believe is theirs - be it territory or prey. Excerpt From Book 3, Ratha and Thistle-Chaser “…These animals had clawed flippers and much shorter tails. Their ears were small and lay close to their heads, and their eyes bulged. Their muzzles were tapered, with powerful jaws and teeth… Their bark was hoarse and throaty, unlike the cry of any creature she knew. Both forelimbs were short, the forefeet joined at the shoulder to form front flippers. The two rear feet lay so far back on the body that they suggested a fishlike tail, but the creatures could bound along at surprising speed by arching their backs…” Seamare Keepers of the tides and guardians of the shore, Seamares are proficient navigators of both land and water. Oddly parallel in form to a small hippo, Seamares saunter on thick prevailing limbs, combing docile shallows for shellfish., which they crack and rend with their substantial tusk-like teeth. Although a pack of carnivores may possess a threat to adults, the weight of a mature Seamare usually manages to thwart the efforts of most solitary predators. Their young however, are extremely vulnerable to prowlers. Adolescents are best kept in the shadows of their mothers, or within the security of their resident group. The majority of these beasts travel in herds, but it is not uncommon for members of the flock to stray or forage on their own for short periods of time. Excerpt From Book 3, Ratha and Thistle-Chaser “…At first she thought these animals resembled the blubber-tusker, but their broad bodies were less blubbery and more compact, slate colored on top and cream bellow. Chunky fore- and hindlimbs folded back against sleek sides as the creatures lay on their bellies…They also had leaf-shaped ears that swiveled and twitched…Instead of a round nose and chin, the creature had a tapered snout with a pronounced overbite. It yawned, revealing downward pointing incisors in the upper jaw and a cluster of tusks thrusting from the lower…” Excerpt From Book 4, Ratha’s Challenge “…The seamares, chunky water creatures with horselike heads and webbed feet - and tusks they used to dig up and tear apart heavy-shelled clams on the shore…” Shamble-Claw Happy to mind their own business, shuffling noisily though prairie foliage and woodland undergrowth, are the enormous, semi-peaceful Giant Ground Sloths. They travel alone or in family units and are frequently identified by observers as ‘Shamble-Claws’, recognized for their estranged gait and massive talons. Despite such a seemingly fatal array of weaponry, Shamble-claws are relatively passive. They are diplomatic herbivores, satisfied by a diet of leaves, flowers, and roots. They will take no nonsense from predators, and if exposed to danger, Shamble-claws will not hesitate to utilize their impressive weight to ward off intruders. Excerpt From Book 1, Ratha’s Creature “…There they saw a huge beast with the body, neck, and head of an oversized dapplback. The creature’s forelegs were longer than the rear legs, its back sloping down from shoulders to withers. Shaggy orange fur covered back and belly. Instead of hoofed toes, the feet bore sickle claws that forced the creature to walk with an awkward shuffle…” Threehorn Threehorns are similar in bearing to modern deer. Rather than boasting antlers, they sustain two curved projections atop their brows, and an elongated, forked horn on the prow of the snout. Like Dapplebacks, these herbivores thrive alone or in groups, loitering woodlands and prairies. They are difficult quarry to attain, due to their large frames and lethal weaponry. Even Named shepherds, despite their many skills, have difficulty culling these swift running, alarmingly stubborn creatures. Threehorns are deadly rivals, and will stand their ground when threatened. Males are typically larger and more aggressive than females, unless the doe is in the company of fawns, which she will guard with violent force. Excerpt From Book 1, Ratha’s Creature “…A two-pronged horn on the stag;s nose joined the crown of points on the head and it lowered the entire array, charging…The beast danced uneasily on its slender leg, sweating and snorting…Most meat-eaters the three-horn encountered would tuck their tails between their legs when that fierce spiked crown turned their way…The stag bellowed…the beast was on top of her, striking out with sharp hooves and goring the dirt with its horns… Excerpt From Book 2, Clan Ground “…A Three horn doe marched out of the rolling haze, her nose-horn lowered and ready…” Treeling Amid the sheltering leaves and sprawling branches of forest canopies and meadow groves safely dwell small, primitive primates, content to groom and chitter amongst one another. To most carnivores, these animals are prey, but to those of the Clan, they are pet-companions referred to as Treelings. In appearance, they harbor many qualities kin to the modern Sifaka and Ring-Tailed Lemur. Their tails are prehensile, long, and banded. Their fur ranges in color from gray, to ginger, and anywhere in between. Residing above their pointed snouts, shrouding luminous wide eyes, is a mask of black, lending Treelings a look that compliments their bright, often spontaneous dispositions. Their diet consists of insects and wild fruit. Treelings possess tactful thumbs with which to grasp their food. These deft fingers are novel instruments that enable them to perform a multitude of tasks. The Named have learned to utilize these hands to accomplish simple labors that paws cannot perform. It is not uncommon to witness a Treeling perched quite comfortably between the shoulders of a Clan cat cohort. While they cannot speak or form words, these bough-hoppers are able to register commands, and comprehend the tone of another’s voice. They also seem proficient in recognizing sentiments and emotions. Excerpt From Book 2, Clan Ground “…It had a short, banded muzzle, paws that bore nails instead of claws and a ringed furry tail…” Excerpt From Book 3, Ratha and Thistle-Chaser “…Many of the named carried a small companion called a treeling on their backs: a lemurlike creature with large eyes, a pointed muzzle, a ringed tail, and hands instead of paws. The treelings were the descendants of a single female who had been adopted by one of the Named as a pet…” Excerpt From Book 4, Ratha’s Challenge “….Treelings were much better than the Named at untangling or clearing away things. Their clever fingers could do what paws and teeth could not…”