Mountain Ox

Basic Information

Anatomy

Large, four legged, bovine creatures, mountain oxen have wide hooves that tapper to a narrow point. They also have thick, gnarled coats of fur covering their entire body. Protruding from their foreheads are a pair of horns that curl under and in front of their jaws.

Biological Traits

Although they are well known for their horns, very few people know much about the horns of mountain oxen. Males have large horns that curl behind their skull before coming beneath their jaw. Females, however, have more slender horns that curl around the side of their skull, often being covered by their fur, and then curling under their jaw. Female horn's also protrude less in front of their jaw.

Genetics and Reproduction

Sexually. Typical gestation period is 11 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Mountain oxen reach maturity at around 7 years old. A typical mountain ox will live for up to 22 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Mountain oxen live almost exclusively in the mountains of Kameria. They prefer colder climates and, although they prefer rocky terrain, they have been known to inhabit regions near the poles. However, mountain oxen do need at least some rocks because they are known to rub against rocks to untangle their fur and sharpen their horns and hooves.

Despite their large size and weight, mountain oxen are exceptionally skilled at maneuvering through mountains. Their wide hooves provide them with good stability and the narrow points allow them to fit their hooves into narrow gaps. Their powerful legs work with their hooves to give them better stability and an almost supernatural ability to scale steep mountains. Finally, mountain oxen are known to use their horns to move obstacles they encounter and carve steps into softer surfaces. Some mountain oxen are even smart enough to be trained to carry large rocks with their horns.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Mountain oxen are herbivores who live mostly off of mosses and lichens. Mountain oxen typically spend most of their day roaming miles searching for whatever food they can find in the cold mountains. When domesticated, mountain oxen are typically fed various grains, although they prefer leafy greens such as lettuce.

Biological Cycle

Starting at around 5 years old, mountain oxen will regularly shed their fur during the summer, growing it back at the beginning of the fall. In particularly cold regions, however, mountain oxen have been known to keep their fur.

Additional Information

Domestication

The domestication of mountain oxen is a fairly simple process since they are rather docile in the wild. On average, it takes about 1 week of feeding and caring for a mountain ox for it to be friendly. When training a mountain ox to pull carts, it is usually as simple as attaching them to the cart and either prodding them or holding food in front of them until they move. Reigns are often used in early stages of training to help the ox learn how to follow paths. Most oxen can learn how to follow clearly marked paths without any prompting after about 2-3 months.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The most common use for mountain oxen is as a beast of burden. Some oxen are used to pull carts or plows while other are laden with goods and, occasionally, a rider. Mountain oxen are favored among mountain-folk as mounts and beasts of burden because they are excellent at traversing the uneven terrain. Despite their prolific use as mounts and beasts of burden, mountain oxen are often killed for their meat, fur, horns, and hooves. Their furs are especially popular due to their thickness and warmth.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Mountain oxen are found in The Epec Mountains, the Demon Spires, and in some regions of Sekal.

Average Intelligence

Mountain oxen are not very intelligent creatures, but they are capable of learning a few simple commands. Most mountain oxen are smart enough to learn slightly fewer and simpler commands than pet dogs.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Mountain oxen have fairly average senses, but they are very good at pinpointing the source of sounds and smells.

Scientific Name

Bison Mons

Lifespan

22 years

Average Height

5'-6'

Average Weight

1573 lbs.

Average Length

8'-8'6"

Average Physique

Mountain oxen are exceptionally muscular, especially in their shoulders and thighs. Domesticated mountain oxen, however, are prone to over-eating and becoming to heavy to move.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Mountain oxen usually come in shades of browns and dark greys. Some oxen have white spots and markings on their coats, but these markings are uncommon.