Paramont
The paramont is a species of large mammal native to the savannas of Renad. Its hulking mass and height make it daunting, but they tend to be less aggressive than native bison or elephants. Their temperaments, combined with their lack of tusks or horns, make them the optimal choice for heavy-duty mounts. However, these creatures are often reserved for the upper echelon of J'barri society, who use the strength and endurance of the beasts to carry communal carriages for the entire extended family. Their passage is truly a sight to behold, and its is no wonder that they are such revered and decorated creatures.
Symbols and Commodities
Reverie and Respect
The J'barri revere these creatures as sympathetic and calm beasts, who make just as good friends as mounts. Living a lofty lifespan of 70-80 years, the family paramont may outlive several of its owners! Throughout this time, they grow intense bonds with the families that are associated with them, usually being capable of remembering each distinct voice and smell between is various owners for years.
Always the curious lot, paramonts often fall victim to injury when they leave their designated quarters, as they may not be use to the impacts that the local J'barri population have on wild land. Perhaps worse, they may be killed or captured by poachers, who use them for labor or sell their leather to humans across the sea.
There are no standard cultural practices for when a family paramont passes, but the owners may mourn in various ways. Due to the immense size of the species, burial is often unfeasible (and the wealthy of Kala have certainly tried). Cremation is often avoided as well, due to the complicated cultural ties the people have with ancient fire magic. Common options are scrapping (using the remaining biomass for tools, clothing, and jewelry which may be kept or donated) and skeletal conservation (where the skeleton is returned to the family, often displayed in or near the family home).
Combat and Caravans
Paramonts are not merely symbols of power for their perceived wisdom and grace. Rather, they came to their position in society for their ability to benefit the society through labor. They not only bring pull large carriages, but long caravans of valuables from place to place. Their endurance also made the creatures valuable for powering large grain mills after the crop gained popularity as far back as the daggry era.
The j'barri realized the niche that paramonts held in warfare during conflicts between Kala and Roja. Given that Renadi megafauna was exclusively found in in the savanna, large beasts such as elephants and rhinos made fantastic weapons against the barren drylands of Roja. These beasts still paled in comparison to the already domesticated paramonts, as they were better capable of enduring the conditions of Roja. The stature of these creatures usually struck enough fear into the opponents to end war before it began, especially as the most common warbeast in the drylands were large flightless birds (which may have been fast and in high numbers, but they hardly induce fear at a distant glance).
Ground warfare is generally considered savagery of the past in Renad, and as such the paramonts aren't viewed as a warbeast, but the respect from their service days remains. Should another ground war begin, their numbers are now too low to sustain in combat.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Paramonts have an average shoulder height of 16 feet. It has similar hair and skin to elephants, but has an overall appearance similar to a rhino mixed with a horse. Its neck is longer than that of a horse and protrudes horizontally from the body. They are muscular and heavy, averaging a weight of 17 tonnes.
Mount of Choice
Paramonts are considered the mount of choice in kala, but they are not the most common. Their population is highly controlled by authorities with only the highest paying buyers managing to get their hands on a paramont of their own. This extensive control preserves the public perception of these beasts as status symbols to be respected. For most others from Kala, the bison is the most common mount.
Scientific Name
Paraceratherium
Conservation Status
The species is at its lowest population size ever recorded, but is highly controlled. Populations of domesticated individuals are owned and bred by the authorities and wealthy of Kala, ensuring that the species will almost certainly exist into the future. No action has been taken against wild paramont poaching, and their status within Brille is unknown.
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