Domestic animals

Across the settled regions of Helerin, domesticated animals are vital to the fabric of everyday life. Whether providing transportation, labor, food, or companionship, these creatures have been carefully bred and nurtured over generations to support the needs of the archipelago's people.
From the strong Gorrach used in war and transport to the humble chickens providing eggs and meat, these animals are more than just tools; they are integral to the economy, culture, and survival of Helerin’s communities.

Mounts and working animals

Domesticated working animals serve essential roles, providing transportation, guarding livestock, or assisting with labor-intensive tasks. Gorrachs, horses, and donkeys are the primary mounts, valued for their endurance and strength, while dogs and cats help protect farms and homes.

• Cat: Agile and independent, cats are kept in homes and farms for their skill in catching rodents and other small pests. Their presence is also seen as a sign of good fortune in some regions.
• Dog: Dogs serve a variety of roles, from guarding homes and livestock to assisting in hunts. They are loyal companions and protectors, commonly found in rural and urban areas.
• Donkey: Hardy pack animals, commonly used for transporting goods over long distances and rough terrain. Donkeys are valued for their endurance and ability to navigate difficult paths.
• Gorrach: Large, powerful lizards used as riding mounts and beasts of burden, especially prized by the nobility for their strength and endurance. Gorrach are often seen in battle, pulling chariots or carrying warriors into combat.
• Horse: Swift and strong, horses are used primarily for riding and pulling carts, particularly in regions with well-maintained roads. They are favored by traders, travelers, and soldiers alike.
• Ox: Strong and dependable, oxen are used primarily for heavy labor such as plowing fields and pulling carts. Valued for their endurance and strength, they are essential on farms where their hardiness allows them to perform tasks that horses or other animals cannot manage, making them a key resource in agricultural communities.
• Varkhound: Giant hunting dogs bred by the nobility for their strength and fierce loyalty, primarily used in hunting large game. They are formidable predators and status symbols among the wealthy.

Livestock

Livestock animals are central to the agrarian economies of Helerin, providing meat, milk, wool, and other resources. Farmers raise these creatures not only for sustenance but also for trade, making them a cornerstone of rural life.

• Cow: Raised for their milk, meat, and hide, cows are a vital part of agriculture in Helerin. They are commonly kept in pastures and provide essential dairy products for rural communities.
• Goat: Known for their resilience, goats are kept for their milk, meat, and hides. They thrive in arid and rocky regions where other livestock may struggle.
• Pig: Raised primarily for meat, pigs are common on farms across the archipelago. Their ability to forage for food makes them easy to maintain, and they are a valuable source of pork and fat.
• Sheep: Prized for their wool, sheep are a staple of farming communities, also providing meat and milk. They are commonly herded across the plains of Forbin and the highlands of Remon.

Birds

Domesticated birds play a vital role in the daily lives of many communities across Helerin, providing food, resources, and even protection. While some of these birds are kept for their eggs and meat, others are prized for their feathers or serve as hunting companions.

• Chicken: Kept for their eggs and meat, chickens are found on almost every farm in Helerin. They forage for grains and insects, making them highly valued for their productivity and adaptability.
• Goose: Valued for their meat, eggs, and feathers, geese also serve as natural guards on farms due to their protective behavior.
• Hawk: Occasionally kept for hunting, hawks use their keen eyesight and sharp talons to catch small game, aiding in pest control.
• Thabbuk: A large bird known for its nutritious eggs, the Thabbuk is commonly found on farms in Remon, Forbin, and Mar Miskun. Its docile nature and steady egg production make it a farming staple.

Prices

The table below gives typical prices for common domestic animals, although these may vary depending on availability and demand.