Boran

Borans are a race of huge beasts native to Shadra, a nation in the far north of Orlend. The creatures are mammalian, with thick, shaggy fur, and thick, sweeping horns.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Borans have large, wide hoofed feet, giving them a good grip in the loose, shifting snows of northern Shadra.

Genetics and Reproduction

As mammals, Borans reproduce sexually and bear live young.

Cultural importance

In Shadraki culture, Borans are a symbol for both mental and physical endurance, as well and perseverance, resilience, and patience.
The Tesi Family Crest bears a depiction of a Boran, as well as of a Dragon.

Growth Rate & Stages

Borans take a long time to reach sexual maturity, usually around 17 years. They generally live to around 43, but they have been known to live up to 50.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Borans are herbivores, migrating between grasslands to graze. If grass is hard to come by, they will eat fruit and tubers when they can find them. They are not picky eaters, and if no other food is available will scavange meat or eat small animals such as birds or rodents, although they are not adapted for hunting.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Borans live in large herds, sometimes exceeding 200 members. The herds do not appear to have any sophisticated structure, and interaction is not particularly complex.

Domestication

Borans are often used as mounts or pack animals. Within the Shadraki military, they are often chosen as mounts due to their intimidating appearance, despite being relatively docile. Within the military, they are generally kept as a herd, as it tends to make Borans calmer and better at responding to stress, something difficult to avoid in a war. They are far more often used as mounts for dragoons (soldiers who, while mounted when travelling, dismount for combat), as their slow speed and unaggressive attitude makes them unsuitable for cavalry charges.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Borans are occasionally used for meat, although they are quite bland. Boran milk is commonly drunk, and is claimed by Shadraki farmers to "taste four or five times better than your milk". An objective study into this claim is yet to be conducted.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Shadra, above and around the Impassable Mountains.

Lifespan

43

Average Height

1.5m

Average Length

2.8m

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Boran fur is a creamy white, providing excellent camouflage against snow. It has been known for entire herds to travel unnoticed by hunters.

Geographic Distribution

• Orlend