Prongkiang
The prongkiang or unicorn is an alpine species, found in Sharos in elevated grasslands. They are large and shockingly fast, which has made them a valued target for domestication. So far, however, little luck has been achieved in that. Prongkiang, as it turns out, are exceedingly stubborn.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Large quadrupedal herbivores, prongkiang are built first and foremost for speed. If cornered, or unable to outrun their enemy, they may chose to fight back by kicking, but their first instinct is always to run. They are capable of a wide variety of gaits, and their stamina depends highly on the speed with which they run. The faster they go, the shorter the distance they can maintain it for.
Their two hooves, lacking dewclaws, have cushioned toes to help lessen impact while running. They are straight-backed with a short upright mane, as well as a tufted tail. Prongkiangs have large tapering heads, with large eyes set high up in the head, giving a wide range of sight. Additionally, they have long ears. Their most characteristic feature, however, is their single horn, set above and between the eyes. It is a slender thing, laterally flattened to have less resistance in the air. In males it curves back, with a forward prong, but in females it is much smaller, straight, and rarely pronged. The horn is the easiest way to tell males and females apart, as the only other difference is the slight increase in size in male prongkiang.
Prongkiangs have two distinct coats, with longer woolly fur during winter. In that season they are also darker in color. They have a dark brown dorsal stripe, running from mane to the equally dark end of the tail, as well as dark patch by the nose, which may extend all the way up to the eyes. They also have distinct white fur on their legs, undersides, face, inside of ears, and across their throats. Aside from their marked fur, prongkiangs are typically chestnut brown in color.
Ecology and Habitats
Found exclusively in high elevation grasslands, where the weather is naturally cold, prongkiangs are a valuable source of food for large predatory species in the mountains. They prefer flat open terrains, such as grasslands and steppes, where they have clear lines of sight to approaching predators.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Prongkiang are herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of plants. Though they prefer grasses, they also eat shrubs, herbs, and even cacti. They are tough animals, capable of consuming plants other herbivores (especially livestock) may find unpalatable or even outright toxic.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Prongkiangs have a wide field of vision (320°) which lends itself well to seeing approaching dangers, especially on the open grasslands they prefer as habitat. Their long ears also offer them a keen hearing, capable of individually twisting towards noises.
Geographic Distribution
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