Velan Hart

The Velan Hart is a majestic deer-like creature that can be found all over Mirateia and some of the surrounding islands. The Velan Hart is known for its defining feature, the spiralling antlers which grow in intricate patterns resembling branches. During spring, the antlers are covered in a light sheen of moss and its believed that these antlers carry magical properties by locals.
During the cold months, the coat of the Velan Hart shifts from a warm tawny hue to a silvery grey coat which has also given them the name "Maras Hart" among the Crienia people.

Cultural Significance

The Velan Hart are by a lot of people all over Mirateia considered to be associated with serenity, purity and especially among the Crienia, the divine, the animal features prominently in religious iconography and wall paintings, some villages have the Velan Hart depicted on their banners. Among the Crienic people, encountering the animal is said to bring good fortune and luck to the person or can be seen as if the divine is looking out for one.

Folklore

Legends tell of two Velan Hart, a Golden Hart and a Silver Hart, said to have glowing eyes and their antlers twice the normal size, some believe that they represent some of the ancient deities from before humans, elves and other races appeared on the continent.

Basic Information

Dietary Needs and Habits

While the Velan Hart is primarily herbivorous, they are observed to have omnivorous tendencies, feeding mostly on grass, berries and bark, they have been observed eating small fish in nutrient-poor areas.

Behaviour

The Velan Hart can be considered both graceful and elusive, they favour the dense woodlands and forests lakes, and despite their size they are known for having a remarkable agility, being capable of escaping across rocky terrain or swimming across the lakes to escape predators.

Additional Information

Domestication

There have been attemps to domesticate teh Velan Hart but they have all been more or less unsuccessful, its become known that while its possible to get a herd to accept humans and the like among them, they are still wild animals.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The antlers are used in crafting ceremonial staffs, lewelry and hilts for weapons for high paying customers. Likewise, their hide are durable and supple, its used for cloaks, saddles and covers on beds.
The meat from the animal is considered a delicacy and while it's allowed to hunt the Velan Hart most of the year, the meat is typically reserved for special feasts and religious ceremonies among the Crienia.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

While the Velan Hart can be found over the majority of Mirateia, they are rarely if never seen during the southern deserts.

Average Height

1.5 meters

Average Weight

200-250 kg

Average Length

2.5 meters

Related Ethnicities

• Crienia