Gorrach

Gorrach are large lizards used as riding mounts and beasts of burden.

Origins and Importance

These large lizards, often referred to as Gorrach or War Lizards, are highly valued in the archipelago, especially in the regions of Teros, Mar Mabon, and Mar Miskun. They are seen as symbols of power and prestige, with noble families and powerful individuals often competing to breed the finest specimens.
The breeding of these lizards is a highly specialized craft passed down through generations, often within noble houses or specialized breeders who are granted favour by the ruling class.

Breeding Practices:

Breeding Grounds

Gorrach are bred in secluded, warm, and arid environments that mimic their natural habitats. In Teros, breeders utilize the foothills of the Redpeaks, while in Mar Mabon, the breeding grounds are often located near the Burning Peaks or in the Badrazar Hills. In Mar Miskun, the Penstrarn Hills are a favoured breeding site.

Selective Breeding

Noble houses often practice selective breeding, choosing lizards based on size, strength, agility, and temperament. Specific lines are known for different traits—some for their ferocity in battle, others for their endurance, and some for their remarkable speed.

Egg Incubation

The eggs of Gorrach are large, leathery, and require constant warmth to hatch. Breeders use large sand pits heated by the sun or thermal springs to incubate the eggs. Some eggs are even placed in special chambers heated by volcanic activity, which is believed to produce particularly powerful offspring.

Hatchling Care

Hatchlings are carefully monitored from birth. They are fed a diet of small game and fish, and as they grow, they are introduced to larger prey to develop their hunting instincts. Training begins early, with young lizards taught to respond to commands and become accustomed to the presence of humans.

Housing and Maintenance

Lizard Stables

These creatures are housed in specialized stables, often built from stone to provide a cool, shaded environment. The stables are designed with large pens, allowing the lizards room to move and stretch. In hotter regions like Mar Mabon, the stables might be partially underground to protect the lizards from extreme heat.

Exercise Areas

Large, enclosed fields are used to exercise the lizards. Nobles might have private fields where they train their lizards in both riding and combat maneuvers. These areas are also used for public displays and competitions.

Diet and Feeding

Gorrach are carnivorous, and their diet consists of fresh meat, often from livestock specifically reared for this purpose. Wealthy owners may have entire herds dedicated to feeding their lizards. To ensure their health, the lizards are also fed nutrient-rich supplements, sometimes mixed with herbs believed to enhance their strength or aggression.

Grooming and Care

Scale Maintenance

The lizards' scales require regular care. They are bathed in special oils to keep their scales supple and prevent cracking. In regions like Teros, volcanic ash is sometimes used in grooming rituals, believed to imbue the lizards with the strength of the earth.

Health Care

Lizard breeders employ skilled healers who specialize in treating these creatures. This includes tending to injuries, monitoring their diet, and even using magic or alchemy to enhance their abilities. Specialized armorers also exist, crafting protective gear for these mounts when they are used in battle or ceremonial events.

Uses in the Helerin Archipelago

Mounted Combat

In battle, nobles and powerful warriors often ride these Gorrach into combat. The lizards’ size, strength, and ferocity make them formidable opponents, capable of breaking through enemy lines or charging into fortifications. They are often outfitted with armor, including plated helmets and spiked collars, to enhance their combat effectiveness.

Chariots

In Mar Mabon and Teros, Gorrach are also used to pull chariots, a favored method of transportation for nobles in parades or during warfare. These chariots are often light and agile, allowing the lizards to maneuver quickly in battle. Some chariots are outfitted with blades on their wheels, adding to their lethality.

Ceremonial and Status Symbols

Status and Prestige

Beyond their military use, Gorrach are symbols of status. Owning a well-bred lizard is a sign of wealth and power. Nobles may hold competitions or festivals where they display their lizards’ abilities, with prizes awarded for the most impressive specimens.

Ceremonial Use

In Mar Miskun, Gorrach are often paraded during religious or state ceremonies. Their presence is believed to bring strength and protection to the event. Some temples keep sacred lizards, believed to be blessed by the gods, which are only used by the highest-ranking officials.

Transportation

Swift Mounts

For the elite, these lizards serve as swift and reliable mounts, capable of traversing difficult terrain where horses might struggle. They are particularly valued in the mountainous regions of Mar Mabon and the rugged terrain of Teros.

Specialized Couriers

In some regions, specially trained Gorrach are used as couriers, capable of carrying important messages or small, valuable cargo across long distances quickly. These lizards are highly prized and are often used by ruling houses to maintain swift communication across their domains.

Cultural Impact

Legends and Myths

The Gorrach are deeply embedded in the folklore of the Helerin Archipelago. Stories abound of legendary Gorrach who were ridden by ancient heroes, or of fierce battles won by the sheer power of these creatures. Some even believe that the Gorrach possess a form of ancient wisdom, passed down through the ages.

Art and Sculpture

Depictions of these lizards appear in the art, sculpture, and architecture of the regions where they are most prevalent. They are often shown as symbols of strength, power, and nobility. In Teros, for example, statues of Gorrach often flank the entrances to noble estates or important public buildings.

Superstitions

There are also superstitions surrounding the Gorrach. Some believe that a lizard’s behavior can predict the future, such as the arrival of a storm or the outcome of a battle. Others believe that a Gorrach choosing a particular rider is a sign of destiny, marking that individual for greatness.