Mammoths

Despite gradually warming temperatures over the millennia and the retreating of glaciers, mammoths still roam the tundras and expansive steppes of northern Hebronia and Pansole in large numbers. The fact that they have endured so long is owed in large part to the nepholintyr (noble giants) who first domesticated them. Like their elephant cousins, they have great social intelligence, empathy and remarkable memory

Anatomy

Behaviour

Mammoths live in familiy units comprising several adult cows, their daughters and subadult sons. When a male reaches sexual maturity, they leave the unit voluntarily to go in search of mates. These units are lead by a mature cow known as the matriarch. Group cohesion is strong thanks to the many predators that roam these frozen wilds and the adults will challenge anyone who gets too close to the vulnerable calves. The responsibility for rearing the calves is shared by all adult females, who will protect them fiercely regardless if they are hers or not. During migration, it is common for these family units to herd together with other families and then split up again.
The adult males, once seperated from the family unit, will seek out other bulls to form 'bachelor groups' for mutual protection. Bulls will only return to their old units to breed or to socialize with the younger males. Groups of adult males will accompany migrating herds, staying on the flanks or rear to provide extra protection and like the females, will go to extraordiniary lengths to protect any calves.

Domesticaiton and Uses

Owing to their great size, strength and ferocity, mammoth hunting is a an extraordinaly dangerous practice and is nearly as likely to get you killed as your would-be quarry. With the added protection of their giant herders who often seek retribution on those desperate enough to prey on their animals, it becomes a nearly-suicidal venture.

Ivory

Though the practice was far more widespread in Jordfold's prehistory, some isolated cultures continue to hunt mammoths for their ivory as they have done for tens of thousands of years. It is only thanks to the conservation efforts of the noble giants, that their populations have not diminished below sustainable levels. Domesticated mammoths will usually have their tusks removed to discourage poaching.

Bones and tusks

Some human and skarn cultures living on the fringes of civilization still use the bones and tusks of mammoths for dwellings, art and jewellry. Powdered mammoth tusk is believed by the nomadic Jemmar-Bor to greatly increase female fertility and most tribes pay generously to acquire it. This practice however has brought them into conflict with the giant tribes who herd them for their own use.

Lifespan

75-85 years

Average Height

Bulls: 4.3 meters at shoulder (14 feet, 1 inch)
Cows: 3.5 meters at shoulder (11 feet, 9 inches)

Average Weight

Males: 9,323 kilograms (9.3 metric tons)
Females: 6,645 kilograms (6.6 metric tons)