-Mounts-
Avil: A massive reptile that thrives on a diet of sand and grubs, the rest of its energy comes from a warped form of solar absorption. All travel involving these creatures comes to a halt when the sun sets simply because they lose the strength needed to travel until the sun rises again.. Certainly, Avil-use is slow but most consider it worth it. Unfortunately Avils are the main food source for the Rikash so guards have to be on constant alert for attacks.
Binja: Roughly the size of a large war horse these agile creatures are proud, intelligent, and loyal. Without a doubt these are one of the fastest species found within the great desert and, likely due to their pack-like behaviors in the wild, once they bond with another creature that sense of affection is nearly unbreakable. They are pack-hunting Omnivores, typically preying upon Buvik and Troms if no plants are available. Their bodies are clearly built for speed but, when in great numbers, their sharp teeth and powerful jaws make short work of a Buvik's armor. In battle.. this swarming ability can pose great concern for the enemy. They typically carry 1-2 riders at a time and, unless specifically trained for public use, rarely tolerate strangers on their backs.
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-Predators-Rikash: Vicious reptiles that roam the dunes and devour whatever they come across. As if their sheer ferocity wasn't enough their scales are incredibly hard to cut, making them prized armor materials.. Their jagged 'horns' just as sought after by weapon smiths for their sharp and durable qualities. The Rikash are fast, clever, and prone to traveling in pairs.. One herds the prey, the other lays in wait to strike the killing blow.
Troms: Massive, aggressive, sandworms. They are rather unintelligent beasts, often laying in the same place with their mouth spread open wide until the sand covers their still forms.. and some unwary creature stumbles between their jaws. The only thing fast about them is their first bite, typical movement and even opening their mouths again seeming to take much more time and effort.. This is why they rely on surprise attacks and 'night hunting' to sneak up on sleeping/ unsuspecting prey. Great food source, assuming you can find them before they find you.
Alorian: Dragons born of the Desert sands these beasts are able to generate and discharge deadly bolts of lightning from the yellow streaks on their bodies. Intelligent, bellicose, and very fond of hunting those that wonder into their territories. One can usually tell they are close to a Alorian's nest when they find desert glass, the result of random electrical discharges from the dragons themselves. The glass they produce is beautiful, scavenged for the wealth of gold it can be sold for, but be wary.. for these creatures are just as fond of the shiny substance and will defend it if for nothing more than spite.
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-Scavengers-Scrag: They stand at roughly 2ft. Capable of flight and typically cautious in their vulture-like behaviors, these creatures offer little in the way of meat. It is their feathers and bones that offer the most value to the desert dwellers, both offering durable and lovely materials for beads and charms. These creatures are aggressive if cornered and, while their eggs make for very good meals, it is important for any traveler to remember that these beasts are deceptively clever. They can, and have been known to, be tamed as messenger pets.
Buvik: A healthy and massive source of meat, if one can get past its stone-like skin and lethally strong pincers. Easily the size of a cow these creatures have a third claw on the tip of their tail, the grip so powerful it can actually shatter bones and even certain types of metal. Only when threatened of course, typically these beasts are very passive and even curious.. Known to approach and follow travelers with their simple and harmless investigations. Though they do not feed often, their main food source is a deeply-buried type of grub.. and any leftover meat/bones they find. Desert natives often keep these creatures as livestock, both for their meat and because the serve as good protection against other desert-dwelling beasts. Oddly enough Rikash rarely target, and will openly avoid, these gentle giants.. Unlike other predators they lack the numbers or speed to take on more than one Buvik at a time so they will rarely try.
Tavigh: Massive animals that roam the desert sands, they are generally peaceful but may attack if provoked. Commonly accepted as the 'gentle giants' of the dunes the natives hunt them for meat, leather, bone, and even for the acid in their stomachs.
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