Spanning nearly 4,000 square miles, Red Rock Rise is a vast wilderness created to allow wild animals to thrive without human interference. It is named for the spectacular red cliffs on the mountains to the north, able to be seen from most of the reserve. It is home to almost every animal and has nearly every geographical region in the U.S. It is the perfect sanctuary for the dogs that have been driven out of their former homes among the humans. But there’s one problem; A wolf pack lives in Red Rock Rise, and doesn’t take kindly to the news that they will have to share their territory.
at the top of the smallest mountain is a rock shaped vaguely like the head of a howling wolf. when the wind picks up, it seems to howl as it whips past the rock. a hundred feet or so below the rock formation there is a small opening in the cliff face. this is the mouth to a vast cave system that winds throughout the mountain. the vast abundance of blind creatures within the caves, as well as many flowing streams, means that up to ten canines could be supported.
this large waterfall stands nearly two hundred and fifty feet high. it is fed by a large river that runs down from the mountains, supplying ice-cold water. there is a narrow rocky shore around a large pool of water at the base of the falls. this is a main watering point for most animals in the mountains, and the plethora of large and small prey as well as the water could support nearly five canines.
a well-worn path leads into a large canyon, the walls rising up as sheer red cliffs on both sides. some consider this safe, but most consider it a death trap. the canyon dead-ends about a mile in. there is a small stream that leaks out of the rock, and multiple holes dug into the dirt where mice have made their home. the food source, though not great, is steady and could support two canines.
a large cave mouth is situated on a cliff face with the characteristic red rock of the reserve. the cave goes back and divides into two more chambers, but doesn't go farther than one hundred yards, making this a great place to get out of the weather. the abundance of small mammals such as rats that live here and a small pool of water inside the cave could support two canines.
the dead tree is as its name suggests: a dead tree. it stands alone amidst a vast expanse of waving grass. the grass is tall, but only reaches the shoulder of most canines. there is no water source nearby, but a small herd of elk has made their home here. though prey is plentiful, it would take a pack to bring an elk down. despite the lack of convenient water, this land could support four canines.
a large pond situated in the near middle of the plains. this is the only water source of the plains and, as such, draws animals from all over. they are wary, though, for they know that predators like to hide in ambush. if they were crafty enough, three canines could be supported here.
many years ago a mighty river flowed through the plains, providing fresh water for all. now all that is left is a cracked riverbed with the skeletons of plants on its banks. every two years or so the wet season brings enough rain to replenish the river, but it has never returned to its former glory. still, small animals hang about here in the hopes that it will reappear. every now and again one can spot a deer, and a herd of bison has taken up residence nearby. trying to tangle with them without a large pack with you could be the last thing you ever do. the lack of water and food means that only one canine could be supported here.
the crest is a rise in the land that prevents the animals on the plains from seeing into the swamps beyond. however, it does work the other way too. a warren of rabbits has taken up residence at the base of the old tree that stands atop the hill, providing good food if you're fast. there's a rumor that the rabbits journeyed here from distant lands, but that's probably just a myth. this is a major entry point into the plains, and whomever controls it could see an impending attack from the marsh. despite the scarcity of water, three canines could be supported here.
this is the most solid part of the swamp. the ground is muddy, littered with stagnant pools of water, and filled with spongy beds that act almost like quicksand. it is a dangerous place to be, but it is less likely that you will run into alligators or crocodiles here. the prey consists mostly of birds, such as the great blue heron, or pheasants. combined with the scarcity of drinkable water, the food supply could only support two canines.
this massive tree has been around since ancient times. the earth has eroded away from beneath the majority of the tree, exposing the roots and creating a sort of cave-like structure. inside the dirt is soft, easy to dig through. multiple flocks of birds, colonies of squirrels, and warrens of rabbits make their home around this tree. the constant supply of fresh water that trickles from beneath the tree and gathers in a pool in the "cave" ensures that up to ten canines could be supported here.
this massive forest of swamp trees is green year-round. the roots of the trees poke up through the swamp water, and sometimes can create small alcoves to take shelter in. be wary, though, for fire ants love to use these alcoves as nesting sites. the swamp water is potable in certain areas where the water flows, but these are often near more open areas of water, and crocodiles and alligators alike patrol the depths. if you are lucky, you can find a young croc or gator and eat it. but don't think that won't piss off momma. the availability of water but scarcity of constant food means that only two canines could be supported here.
much like Florida's Everglades, this part of the swamp is a massive field of cat-tails and other swamp plants, all rooted in two to three feet of water. here and there exist small mounds of muddy land where the dirt rises above the waterline, and these are usually home to bird nests. younger alligators and crocodiles patrol the waters here, but are no less of a threat if you happen across one. many different types of birds live here, some slow, some fast, and their nests have eggs year-round. though the water can be questionable in some areas, it is mostly safe to drink. four canines could be supported here.
though not specific to dogs, many canine skeletons litter the ground in this trench. the gulch earned its name when a pack of dogs attempted to cross the desert to get into the reserve, and became trapped here. their bones have been picked clean by scavengers many years ago, and now shine a brilliant white in the sun. there is not water here, but perhaps one could find a mouse or a snake hanging about. though not desirable for food or water, this is a main entry point into the desert, and could be used to one side's tactical advantage. the lack of resources means that only one canine could be supported here.
the sand dunes here move and shift with the wind. where one exists today could be completely flat the next. in the extreme heat of the day, the dunes seem to hum. this is nothing more than a natural phenomena where the sand releases energy as the moisture evaporates, but it has earned the dunes their name. though it seems impossible, life exists here. a few spiky plants cluster here and there, and lizards, scorpions, and the famed Sidewinder snakes live beneath them. water exists only on the off-chance that the wet season might bring a day or two of rain, but it is quickly sucked up by the sand. though water is scarce, the food source is steady and means that two canines could be supported here.
every desert must have an oasis, right? wrong. though this is called the oasis, it is nothing more than a cluster of trees around a bowl-shaped dip in the land. the dirt is parched, cracked by the sun. there are small, hot, muddy puddles here and there, but nothing cool enough to sate your thirst. it is said that water exists beneath the soil, and that's why the trees can survive, but no one has managed to survive long enough to dig and find out. nevertheless, birds still nest here and rodents, lizards, and snakes can be found, which means that three canines could be supported here.
no dog or wolf has ever made it past this point of the desert. the land is dry and cracked, no animals live here, and no water exists. small dead plants blow in the wind, and there is nothing but flat wasteland as far as the eye can see. it is named the edge of the world because it spells death for whomever tries to cross it. no canines can be supported here, regardless of their determination or skill.
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Total Topics: 128 - Total Posts: 217 Last Updated Topic: AFTERMATH by Momo (Apr 11, 2012, 9:15pm) View the 10 most recent posts of this forum.
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