Ecosystem

An ecosystem is one of the five distinct areas on a world where creatures can be found. Each species of creature is bound to a single ecosystem.

Every world has ecosystems, no matter which biome or terrain combination is present on the world, but some world's ecosystems will not produce creatures. For example, Dead worlds will never have creatures, and underground ecosystems only have a chance to have creatures.

The Five Ecosystems

The five ecosystems are as follows.

• Ground which includes all terrestrial creatures. It is comprised of the world's biome and will cover most of the unsubmerged surface.
• Flying which includes all aerial creatures.
• Underground which includes all subterranean creatures. Caves have the potential to be found on all worlds.
• Underwater which includes all aquatic creatures. Oceans, seas, and lakes have the potential to be found on most worlds.
• Mountain which is mostly comprised of the higher points on each world, made distinctive by the darker ground coloration and lack of significant vegetation.

Underground Ecosystem

Underground areas can be found below the surface of all worlds and can provide areas of safety on otherwise inhospitable worlds. See the Underground ecosystem for more information and a list of underground subtypes.

Underwater Ecosystem

The oceans of Hiti-Harr.

Not all worlds have Underwater ecosystems. Those that do are known as Water Worlds. See the Underwater ecosystem for more information and a list of underwater subtypes.

Mountain Ecosystem

Easily located by the darker ground coloration and lack of flora species present, mountain ecosystems are present on every world. See the Mountain ecosystem for more information and a list of mountain subtypes.

Archetypes and Ecosystem Tables

Each ecosystem of each world is assigned one of several different ecosystem Archetypes. These archetypes determine how many species will exist on that world and of what classes they might be. Archetypes do this through the use of calling creatures from one or more Ecosystem Tables. See Archetypes and Ecosystem Tables for more information.