Loretober 18: Biome
The biome of the Three-Season Forests on the Eastern and Western Caps of the world have some subtle but important differences from the Temperate Forest biome of the Old World landmass. The most obvious difference is the "Leaf Storm" dividing the end of Autumn from the beginning of Spring.
The broadleaf trees of the Three-Season Forests are mostly maples and oaks, but also include ashes, beeches, and others. They are all closely related to but different from the species found in Old World Temperate Forests. Instead of quietly moldering after being shed in late fall, the leaves of Three-Season trees form swarms, charged with the negative energies of the Undead, but with their physical substance composed of dead plant matter, rather than the animal remains of "typical" or "ordinary" Undead.
During the last week or so of each year, these undead swarms of dead leaves howl through the Three-Season forest, carried by high winds punctuated with an occasional thunderstorm. Undeterred by the overcast daylight of late fall, they prey primarily on cold-blooded creatures, particularly insects. However, birds, rodents, and the occasional larger mammal have also fallen victim to the Leaf Storms.
The dawn of the new year puts these plant-kingdom undead to rest, as the first signs of Spring begin to show.