Katoblepon
Covered in long, shaggy hair and hard keratinous scales, the catoblepas is a large bovine native to the northern and western deserts of Lukhora. While legends are told of great and vicious beasts of the desert, with a gaze that kills and breath of fire the catoblepas is actually a fairly mundane and docile creature, though when angered they can be quite formidable. They are well known for being domesticated by the local Cyclopes, who raise them for milk, meat, and their horns.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The catoblepas is a large, muscular quadruped with a large hump in the back around their front legs. Their wide head usually rests close to the ground, often believed to be caused by the weight from their two large horns. Their body is covered in a thin fur, with a long and shaggy mane around their neck and across their back. Their body is covered in patches of "scales" made from the same material as their horn, which usually follows irregular but symmetrical spacing.
Growth Rate & Stages
The catoblepas begins life as a calf, until about seven years of age. At between seven and nine years of age, the catoblepas reaches sexual maturity.
Ecology and Habitats
The catoblepas primarily lives in dry regions, such as the Lukhoran Desert. They are adapted to traversing both loose sand and rough stone, and their mane helps protect their faces from flying sand.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Raised by Cyclopes, the Catoblepas is often used as pack animals as well as draft animals in farming communities. Females produce milk which is often used to make butter, cheese, and yogurt. They will also be slaughtered, either for the consumption of their meat or used in sacrifices related to the Iliokatos religion. Their horns and scales are also harvested, usually after being slaughtered, which are often used in traditional crafting and artwork.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The catoblepas lives in the north-west of Lukhora, primarily in the highlands south of the Aniketos Mountain Range, as well as the coastal regions near the Khorophlogos and Kyanos seas.
Lifespan
50 Years
Conservation Status
Domesticated
Average Height
7'4" at the shoulder
Average Weight
6,800 lbs
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