Tuarok

"An ugly horse, you say? Ha! You’ve clearly never faced a sandstorm with one of them beneath you. It is not just a beast. It’s a partner in the quest for survival. The tuarok doesn't need your admiration- it commands your respect."

— Sur'mylan, of the Karvan'ta tribe for his tuarok, Invesa

In the harsh deserts of Pariant Wastelands, where the sun scorches the earth and the sands never rest, the Tuarok stands as one of the most resilient creatures to roam the unforgiving land. The Tuarok is no mere mount- as the Tir'naru tribes say, it is a partner in survival. These creatures are not just animals; they are trusted companions, vital to navigating the burren landscape and ensuring the survival of those they respect and trust.

Reproduction

Tuaroks give birth to one or two live offspring after a pregnancy period of approximately 10 months. Newborns- called tu'a- are capable of standing and walking within hours of birth. Their scales are softer and darker at birth, gradually hardening and brightening with age.

Tuaroks reach maturity at around 4 years and can live up to 35–40 years. Juvenile Tuaroks remain close to their mothers, learning to forage, hunt, and avoid predators. Adolescence is marked by the growth of their distinctive crests. Adulthood and sexual maturity is marked by the full development of their tremorsense capabilities.

Sur'mylan and Invesa

Anatomy

The Tuarok’s physiology combines mammalian and reptilian traits, making them uniquely suited to Pariant's hursh environment. Their powerful, elongated bodies are supported by sturdy legs with clawed toes, allowing them to traverse rocky and loose terrain effortlessly. Despite their reptilian appearance, Tuaroks are mammals, giving live birth and nursing their young.

A thick, leathery hide covers their frame, offering protection against the searing heat of the sun and the vengeful winds of Pariant's sandstorms. Their colors varry from light beige to deep rusty brown hues helping them blend with their surroundings. Their ridged tails and elongated necks helps them maintain balance and also convey signals. Their faces are distinctly horse-like, with long, expressive muzzles and large, intelligent eyes- usually yellow or emerald in color- with slit pupils. Their heads are adorned with bony crests that play a role in thermoregulation and attracting mates.

"If anyone knows the secrets of the Wastelands, it is the Tuarok."

— Sol'kali tribe saying

Sensory Capabalities

The Tuarok’s survival hinges on its exceptional sensory adaptations. Their slit-pupil eyes are highly sensitive to light, allowing them to see clearly in the intense daylight and dim twilight of Pariant. A secondary nictitating membrane shields their eyes from sand and debris.

Most notably, the Tuarok possesses tremorsense, a remarkable ability to perceive vibrations in the ground. Specialized nerve endings in their limbs and tails detect the faintest quakes, alerting them to the movements of burrowing predators or shifting sands, a common hazard in their environment. This extrasensory perception gives them an edge in avoiding danger and navigating unstable terrain.

by Imagica via MJ

Lifespan

35-40 years

Average Height

2-2.4 m (at the shoulder)

Average Weight

800-1,200 kg

Average Length

3.6-4.5 meters (nose to tail)

Biological Traits

Thermoregulation

Their crests help dissipate heat, and their scaled hides retain moisture.

Tremorsense

Specialized nerve clusters allow them to detect ground vibrations, a critical trait in predator detection and navigation.

Resistance

Tuaroks are highly resistant to dehydration and heat exhaustion, capable of traveling for days without water.

Defensive Capabilities

Their tails can deliver powerful strikes, and their claws provide a means of self-defense.

Dietary Needs

Unlike their strictly herbivorous horse cousins, Tuaroks are omnivores. Their diet consists of hardy desert plants, tough grasses, and occasional small prey such as lizards, rodents, or insects. In times of scarcity, Tuaroks have been observed scavenging carcasses or consuming bark and roots to survive. Their strong, serrated teeth and versatile digestive systems allow them to process a wide variety of food sources. Domesticated Tuaroks are often fed a mix of dried grasses, grains, and salted meats, mimicking their natural diet.

Behavior

Tuaroks are fiercely independent and stubborn, both traits that make them challenging and rewarding to handle. Their intelligence often leads to the perception that they choose their handlers rather than being chosen, bonding only with those they deem worthy. Mistreatment or lack of respect can result in defiance or outright hostility, even in domesticated individuals.

Wild Tuarok herds are hierarchical- led by an alpha pair- and their communities are marked by frequent and violent dominance struggles among males. These contests can range from physical clashes to displays of strength, such as tail whips and crest-flaring postures. The alpha pair commands authority within the herd, ensuring the group’s safety while maintaining order through aggression and intimidation.

Despite their strong-willed nature, Tuaroks exhibit loyalty to those who earn their trust, often forming lifelong bonds with their handlers. They communicate through a mix of body language- such as tail flicks and crest displays- and vocalizations like rumbles and sharp hisses.