Untebrock

The Untebrock or 'Pit Badger' is the most important working animal in most dwarven mines and settlements underground. Approximately the size of a pony when they are fully grown, they are solid, muscular quadruped creatures. Their broad, clawed paws are perfectly adapted to digging, allowing them to burrow quickly and easily through earth. However, it is also worth noting that the same muscular density and power can also make them a dangerous opponent if provoked. At birth, the new born Untebrock are covered in soft dark hair, with colouring and patterns emerging across the face over the next few weeks. The hair across the body becomes coarser as they grow, and by adolescence this forms into tough horn-like scales, which provide a smoother surface for burrowing, as well as armour against physical attacks. On an adult creature, usually only the face remains covered with hair, which serves to keep dirt away from the eyes, nose & mouth when digging. Where dwarves have settled above ground, the Untebrock can still be found kept as mounts or as pets. These will usually still be housed in stable-dens underground, though they can become more accustomed to spending their time above ground over time. In fact, it is considered possible, and even desirable, that these breeds will develop into a separate sub-species. The above ground breeds can be more active and athletic, especially in the daytime. The dwarven military and guard organizations in particular are investing in some being bred and trained to make powerful war-mounts for their dwarven warriors. Meanwhile, those Untebrock who are born & bred underground are more likely to develop other traits, such as scenting out dangerous gasses, valuable ores, or unstable ground, in addition to sensing tremor through the earth, which is fairly common. These traits are highly prized, and breeding to develop such traits is considered an investment for all dwarven society.