Hjörtinn
Hjörtinn were a species of deer-like Faefolk beast that lived in the northern Elvish territories of Midgard. They were larger than their Midgardian deer counterparts, usually standing five to six feet tall with impressively long antler tines that are difficult to count due to the quantity and glowing trails of light running through them. The beasts had a temperament that was generally relaxed and well mannered but could be very dangerous if threatened or excited.
The elves domesticated the Hjörtinn and used them for short-range transportation or expeditions into the untamed wilderness. With the advent of portable teleportation stones and a wide network of permanent infrastructure, the daily use of Hjörtinn for travel dwindled. Teams of the large stags could pull a tremendous amount of weight, which was used primarily for transporting portable military camps, allowing fast troop movements.
There have even been conflicting reports about an Elf-like creature that tamed a full team of Hjörtinn and enchanted them to fly. None of the reports can confirm how this effect was achieved, and no one’s quite sure exactly of the purpose; But they do know this creature waits until the winter equinox to use the team of Hjörtinn to travel throughout the world.
The Hjörtinn were particularly useful in the freezing northern climate and forests. They were able to maneuver through the forests with grace and ease, though their antlers grew quite large. The elves harvested their pelts for many uses, but most notably, to make their military cloaks. These pelts take to House colors cleanly and naturally muffle sounds of movement through the trees.
The magical nature of the skins could shift hue while being worn. This effect allowed the cloaks to match the surrounding light levels, providing easy camouflage in the shadows, or letting one stand out with vibrant, eye-catching colors. The Elves also used the antlers in many tools and weapons. They are incredibly robust and durable, though difficult to work. The final product can be a devastating weapon, or an incredibly fine tool that holds its form well.
Daggers, short blades, and spear tips were the most common weapons created from the Hjörtinn antlers. Elvish smiths would often filigree them with silver and gemstones to match their house color. On rare occasions, a tine or section of antler would be large enough for a full sword; Highly sought after, these rare specimens were mostly reserved for royal military commanders.
The elves domesticated the Hjörtinn and used them for short-range transportation or expeditions into the untamed wilderness. With the advent of portable teleportation stones and a wide network of permanent infrastructure, the daily use of Hjörtinn for travel dwindled. Teams of the large stags could pull a tremendous amount of weight, which was used primarily for transporting portable military camps, allowing fast troop movements.
There have even been conflicting reports about an Elf-like creature that tamed a full team of Hjörtinn and enchanted them to fly. None of the reports can confirm how this effect was achieved, and no one’s quite sure exactly of the purpose; But they do know this creature waits until the winter equinox to use the team of Hjörtinn to travel throughout the world.
The Hjörtinn were particularly useful in the freezing northern climate and forests. They were able to maneuver through the forests with grace and ease, though their antlers grew quite large. The elves harvested their pelts for many uses, but most notably, to make their military cloaks. These pelts take to House colors cleanly and naturally muffle sounds of movement through the trees.
The magical nature of the skins could shift hue while being worn. This effect allowed the cloaks to match the surrounding light levels, providing easy camouflage in the shadows, or letting one stand out with vibrant, eye-catching colors. The Elves also used the antlers in many tools and weapons. They are incredibly robust and durable, though difficult to work. The final product can be a devastating weapon, or an incredibly fine tool that holds its form well.
Daggers, short blades, and spear tips were the most common weapons created from the Hjörtinn antlers. Elvish smiths would often filigree them with silver and gemstones to match their house color. On rare occasions, a tine or section of antler would be large enough for a full sword; Highly sought after, these rare specimens were mostly reserved for royal military commanders.
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