Halla

A Large Quadrupedal Herbivore Native to the Mid-Northern Reaches of Darci.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Adult Halla range from 100 to 250 Stone (1,400 - 3,500 lb, 635 - 1585 Kg) in weight and average around 22 hands tall, the Males being on average larger than the females. Their body shapes closely resemble those of the Bovin or Bison, but it is in fact a relative of Deer and Elk, as shown by the fact that the males have temporary antlers rather than permanent horns.
Both Bulls and Cows grow large patches of Longer Darker Fur on their back. On the Males, these Patches are called "Mains", stop rather suddenly behind the shoulder blades, and are made up of thicker hair to act as protection during battles for dominance and when protecting the Herd. On females, they are called "Pelts", reach nearly down to the hips, and are made of thinner follicles. In the White Halla, these Pelts are fairly long, forming a curtain of air to keep foals warm as they nurse in the winter.
Each subspecies of Antlers are marginally different. Most species form a disk a shape from which spines protrude, though the White Halla in the Northern Mountains has antlers closer to that of an Elk, presumably in hopes of keeping snow from piling on during the winter. Most notably, most Halla subspecies are named after the color of these antlers (White, Gold, Red, Black...)

Biological Traits

Males (Bulls): Possessing antlers. A "Main" of Darker Hair reaching from the forehead, down the neck and ending just behind the shoulder. Heavier and taller in the front around the shoulders
Females (Cow): Lacking antler (accept in mutation), Pelt form from middle of neck and goes back to near the hips, More evenly weighted.
There are a number of subspecies that are named after the color of the Males antlers or the Pelts and Mains, the smallest being the mountanus White Halla and the largest being the Red Halla in the Plains.

Genetics and Reproduction

The gestation period of a Halla is around 9.4 months or 40 weeks

Growth Rate & Stages

A newborn Halla (called a "foal") often weighs close to 2 stone (24 lb. 10 KG). They are often born in late summer early - Early Autumn. They will remain close to their mother for no less than 4 months and sometimes up to 7, those born later in the year staying longer.
At a year and a half, they generally reach sexual maturity. Most Bulls grow a set of "Sudo Antlers" their first mating season, these lacking the points used in combat replaced with chisel-shaped nubs. Most fully mature males will play fight with a youngster with a set of Sudo antlers, but the combat lacks the same gravitas of true competition. Cows will have grown a full pelt by 20 months and are ready to mate.

Ecology and Habitats

Halla range from Northern Lugola into the areas of near tundra in Nomlia. They do not range far enough south to lands where it never snows. Many land owners find them a nuance due to how their tendency to tear up the land, knock over trees and act defensively. In particular, orchard owners do just about anything to keep them away in the winter, given how they bark up trees.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Halla. being browsers, sustain themselves on broadleaf grasses, Brush, and Tree saplings. Those living near rivers are known to nibble on irises, Cattails, and reeds. During lean winters, Males are known to use their antlers to scrape bark off trees to eat the inner Cambrian layer or to feed it to a starving herd mate. This is normally done on only one side of the tree, normally the south-facing side.
Halla, being as large as they are, do not fear most predators. However, a sighting of a Scout Wolf, A Dragon, or a large number of humans may put them on alert. When on alert, the herd withdraws closer together, the youngest in the center followed by the fertile cows than the old cows (if any). An outer wall of mature males will face outward to watch and protect the center. Along the outside, the led male(s) will trot around, grunting and making noise to assert his strength and willingness to fight for the herd.
Most herds will have one or two guards acting this way, but especially large heard can have up to 5. If a threat approaches the herd, the Males will face the threat and let out a guttural warning moan. If the threat continues to approach, the Male will charge. In this Active defensive mood, the male is suicidal in its drive to remove the threat, plowing through trees and even off cliffs. The three main movements during this assault are a headlong charge, a swipe with the antlers during winter, and a rearing buck. Meanwhile, the other males are unlikely to get involved, instead, keeping an eye out for another possible attack. Should a defender die, however, another male is likely to take his place

Biological Cycle

Like many Fur bearing animals, their hair grows thicker in the winter, with the Mains and Pelt taking particularly dark colors and growing denser. Starting in Mid Autumn, Bulls start growing antlers and, in subspecies where they do, Females Pelts grow long and into curtains.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Males fight for dominance in the Herd, the leader often chosen for bravery and agility as much for raw strength. Battles can take the form of head butting competitions or a race. In some cases, a Incumbent Dominant Male may face three or more contenders at the same time, His willingness to finish the fights often being the deciding factor. During these competitions, the breeding females will often stand to the side and once the competition is over, walk to there choice for mate. A heard with a particularly strong Male will often follow his lead.

Domestication

Many attempts to pen and breed Halla have been made, to limited successes. Those who do often are more keeping competition from other humans out than restricting herd movement and breeding programs are far closer to wildlife management

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Halla are hunted for meat, Skins, and Bone. The Antlers dropped in late spring, are used for various traditional crafts and tools. In some of the Plain cultures, a Mantle or cloak made from the Main or pelt of a Halla is a status symbol.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Colder Temperat Climates

Average Intelligence

Fairly high for an animal

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Halla do not possess great eyesight but seem to have good hearing and smell.

Origin/Ancestry

Deer

Lifespan

Bull: 8 years, Cow: 10

Conservation Status

Common. Hunting controlled by local lords.

Average Height

22 hands

Average Weight

Bull 200 stone, Cow:150 stone

Average Length

3 span

Average Physique

Big and broad

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Halla range from light to dark brown on their main coats and Blond to red on the Mains or Pelts