Ashlend Bison

Introduction

The Ashlend Bison is a rugged bovine capable of surviving extreme temperatures due to its insulated coat and adaptable metabolism. This same coat would be the downfall of the species as it was hunted to near extinction during the start of the SunFade. Today, the Ashlend Bison population is steadily growing as they have been more successful at surviving the new climate than their Sophontic hunters.

Diet

Ashlend Bison are primal ruminants that gather up vegetation and Primal Ash into a specialized stomach that causes fermentation. This complex fermentation process requires them to regurgitate and rechew the vegetation several times over, with each stage requiring more Primal Ash. While time-consuming, this process allows for the Ashlend Bison to survive off only a couple of pounds of vegetation each day with a bulk of its consumption being Primal Ash.

Behaviour

Highly territorial but when unthreatened, Ashlend Bison can appear apathetic to their surroundings prefering to huddle in small herds and chew their ashy cud. Ashlend Bison have no true predators outside tool or magic-wielding Sophonts.

Cultural significance

Driven to near extinction by heat-starved Sophonts only to steadily gain in population over the last several decades, the Ashlend Bison is a symbol of survival and endurance in a dying world. Surviving towns across the Dry Flats often build places that provide shelter to the Ashlend Bison out of respect.

I will write about their specialized coat when it isn't 5:30 in the morning.

General Information

Scientific Name

Bison Cinuis

Lifespan

Up to 20 years.

Average Height

5 and half feet tall at the shoulder.

Average Weight

2,000 pounds, with populations outside Lifespring weighing several hundred more pounds.

Average Length

8 to 9 feet, with males being longer.

Geographic Distribution

• Paradise Expanse

Bisonfolk

The Graun believe to share an extinct ancestor with the Ashlend Bison, often refering to them as a sister species.