Imperial Fauna Encyclopedia

The Imperial Fauna Encyclopedia, known simply as the I.F.E., is a monumental work housed within the Academy of Nature, specifically in the Faculty of Zoology. This massive tome, bound in dark, reinforced leather with metal hinges and clasps, is more than a simple book, it is a living archive of the natural world. Its binderlike structure allows for pages to be removed, updated, or replaced as new discoveries are made, ensuring the encyclopedia remains as accurate and current as possible.

Description

Contents. The I.F.E. is an exhaustive collection dedicated to cataloging the Empire’s vast array of fauna and seen as the Empire’s most comprehensive resource for understanding animals and their place in the world. Each entry includes a detailed description of the creature’s appearance, habitat, and behaviors, along with sketches and diagrams to aid in identification. While the encyclopedia focuses primarily on non-magical creatures, it does not shy away from noting any peculiar traits or behaviors of creatures. Whether it is the graceful flight of a coastal bird or the intricate burrowing patterns of jungle dwelling insects, the I.F.E. captures every detail with precision.   Use. The Imperial Fauna Encyclopedia is meticulously organized, with entries grouped first by habitat and then arranged alphabetically within each section for ease of navigation. This structure allows readers to focus on creatures specific to a particular region or environment. Multiple indexes accompany the tome, catering to different needs: one sorted by size, from the tiniest insects to the largest beasts, another by genealogical relationships, mapping species and their evolutionary connections and a third by behavioral traits, allowing quick access based on known habits. Peripheral books, referred to as 'I.F.E. Manuals', aid users in navigating the vast collection. These slimmer companion volumes include cross-referenced summaries and thematic glossaries, providing an accessible starting point for those unfamiliar with the encyclopedia’s complexity.   Maintenance. Access to the encyclopedia is strictly controlled. Only members of the Academy are permitted to consult it, and its use requires careful supervision. Entries are submitted or improved on by researchers, naturalists, and explorers but each page has to be made or edited by a select group of scribes which then has to be approved for submission into the I.F.E. by at least one savant and two lectors within the faculty of Zoology to ensure consistency and clarity.