Andromache's Biosphere

Iguana.jpgce Life
Reptiles are the dominant form of life on the surface of Andromache. The largest, known as Prisca, have long been domesticated on Andromache. They are herded and used for their meat and eggs. They are closely related to Lania, a slightly smaller predatory lizard that stalks the lowlands. Another related species, Varanid, are bred for speed and strength and used to draw the carriages and chariots of Andromache's elite. Blue Varanid are bred exclusively for Royal vehicles. Countless smaller lizards reside throughout Andromache, many occupying the niches which on Earth are filled by vermin such as rats, eating what minor agricultural products they can obtain. A species of lizard closely resembling iguanas are frequently kept as pets. There are many species of flying lizards, the largest of which are Terans, huge predatory creatures which have been hunted near extinction. In spite of this, many mountain passes are threatened by their presence.

In addition to the reptiles of Andromache, the asteroid is home to dozens of species of birds, many of them flightless. Herds of ostrich like creatures called Strulus are raised by the nomadic tribes that once dominated the frozen steppes of Andromache.

Mammals are less common than reptiles and birds on Andromache and many have been hunted to extinction. Some of the wealthier farmers raise Bosius, a large, hooved mammal prized for its milk and meat, both of which are served at the tables of the elite. Cats aren't unheard of but are fairly rare, having been introduced from outside Andromache in the relatively recent past. They are seen as something of a novelty and shown off at parties and menageries. There are few trees on Andromache, most of the plant life is in the form of grasses and shrubs. Fruit bearing and decorative trees are highly prized amongst those who can grow or afford them and fruit of any kind fetches a high price.

Belowground Life Beneath the surface of Andromache lies a massively extensive system of caverns, most often accessed accidentally through the building of mine shafts. These caverns are the home to many creatures, particularly insects and arachnids which are virtually unheard of on the surface. It is not uncommon for a hapless miner to stumble into an insect colony, ending their own life and possibly those of the comrades on the other side of the opening. These insects and spiders are more often than not poisonous and many carry diseases unfamiliar to surface species. Many outbreaks of plague have been blamed by the emergence of insects from carelessly built mine shafts. Most belowground species are pale with limited vision, relying heavily upon sound and sensation. It is much warmer below the ground than above and many exotic species of plant grow in the warmth of the caverns, providing an excellent monetary opportunity for those willing to brave the depths for the rare fruit which grows there. It is rumored that basilisks reside in some of the deeper caves, but it this is largely regarded as legend.

Aquatic Life Andromache is home to many large lakes which contain a myriad of life forms. As on land, there are many reptiles living beneath the water's surface. Most of them are small and feed upon the various aquatic plants. There are some lakes that are home to larger reptiles which feed primarily upon the fish.