Carrotbou
Antler Root Florabeast
Hailing from the far north, Carrotbou have successfully adapted to a wide range of climates, due in large part to their ability to store water in an unusual way. Both male and female Carrotbou have antlers, and they use these to sequester water when they can find it. When the weather is cold, their antlers become especially grandiose, branching off in numerous and elegant ways. Ponds and streams freeze over, and they then slowly absorb the water back into their internal tissues to sustain them until the warmer months. If settled in a more temperate location, their antlers will be a more respectable size, since water is plentiful.
An aspiring planter must not assume that these head-coverings are as durable as their animal counterparts, though. Ordering one to charge at a foe is a recipe for disaster, as the vegetable matter making up their antlers is no stronger than a thick carrot. They will break easily if too much force is applied, but this can be beneficial in other ways.
If the bond between the planter and the Florabeast is strong enough, and the need great enough, they have been known to offer sections of their antlers to their planter for their own replenishment. These carrot-like comestibles are very high in moisture and other nutrients, so it's not uncommon for those planning a journey through a desert or arid region to store up water in their Carrotbou instead of their canteen. Besides this feature, these Florabeasts are prized for their strength at pulling loads and as a steed specially suited for navigating rough terrain.
Carrotbou reproduce by the females flowering every other year, and after mating, producing several seeds. Females will produce between five to seven flowers per season, but only one or two will fulfill their purpose.
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