Prem’s Wildlife

“Sailors fear nothing so much as sharks, though perhaps unfairly. These amazing creatures can detect the smallest amount of blood from miles away, almost as if by magic. Their mighty jaws and many rows of sharp teeth are a match for almost any opponent they may face in the water. Small sharks can kill seals, while larger specimens can sever a man’s arm or leg. All breeds of sharks have dorsal fins that herald their presence, making them easy to spot in shallow waters. While uninterested in preying on humans, sharks can be ferocious enemies when provoked. It is no wonder that the shark lancers, who actively hunt these beasts, are so highly respected in warrior cultures.”

Prem’s Wildlife is a comprehensive study of the fauna that live along the western and northern coasts of Aventuria, including such regions as Albernia, the Horasian Empire, and the Cyclopes Islands. The first edition was published around 923 FB, though the text had long been in progress. The original authors are presumed to be Thorwalers, as are the volume’s prolific artists. All the nearly 200 known copies include commentaries that did not exist in the original, which is maintained in Prem. Strangely, even though extant copies with commentary are lengthier, individual entries are often less accurate than in previous editions.