Yurfal

Yurfal are large herbivores, not unlike Terran bison in many ways. They are found in the wild in family groups of 6–10 adults plus some juveniles, with several family groups forming a herd. Herds generally stay together, in a loose sort of way, as they wander from one area of good grazing to another. Where there is abundant food the yurfal congregate in larger numbers, sometimes with several herds coming together. Families will change herds on these occasions as well as some individuals moving from one to another. The yurfal provides most of the needs of the human population. Meat and hide are extensively used and dung is gathered to fertilise planted areas. Many small items are crafted from bone and sinew using TL5 techniques and tools, creating a hybrid technological culture which makes far more use of natural materials than metals. Some beasts are trained to be ridden or serve as pack animals and used by herders who keep track of the families associated with a land yacht or river barge. Sometimes herds are nudged from one grazing area to another but just as often land yachts follow herds wherever they choose to wander. There are few large predators on Braudel and the yurfal has little need to fear any of them. A family group can drive off most threats if it stays together, so barring unusual circumstances the yurfal reacts by grouping. They do not fear humans but are unlikely to have encountered Droyne so would be wary and skittish. Even so, a little careful training would eliminate this reaction.