Dharok

A Study by Elias Dods.

Introduction

These large rhinoceros-like creatures stand over 10 feet tall on all fours and are of thousands of pounds of muscle and sinew protected beneath a dense fur coat. The large, scoop-like horn that adorns the beasts head is as strong as steel and capable of gouging its way through solid stone like butter. Its powerfully built legs are capable of moving staggering weights far exceeding any similar beast of burden. The strength of this beast has led the Garkiths to domesticate small herds of them. They make for simple animals to keep and will devour anything that they can manage to chew through, whether it be food, trash, or treasure. Dharoks are even known to go weeks between meals and even then could survive on only rocks and trash. Wild Dharoks struggle to survive as they make for easy prey. They are especially at risk during their descent from the peaks during their yearly migration. This migration pattern of descending from the northern mountain pastures to the warmer southern valleys has certainly contributed to the nomadic nature of the Garkiths. The Stonekeeper Tribe even protects the Dharoks mating grounds for their generational stone carving ceremony to ensure the species survival.

Beasts of Burden & War

Most Dharoks are used simply as beasts of burden, but the Garkith have been known to breed them for war, filling their horns into deadly spade-like weapons. The thick hide of the Dharok is nearly impossible to pierce by mundane arrows and its hulking form equally hard to halt on the battlefield. These specimens seem few and far between as the Dharoks must be bred specifically for the task as most of their species are resistant to anything that stays from their docile nature. Domesticated Dharoks often have their horns filed and formed to incorporate riding tack. They are also known to have far more pronounced humps, preferred for their usefulness in properly securing saddles to the beast.

Dharok Herds

Dharoks live in small herds of 4-6, swelling to up to 10 during mating season. They travel together on their constant cycle of migration, carving the paths through the snow and ice that serve as the northern roadways through the mountains.

General Information

Scientific Name

Dharokithi

Lifespan

100 years

Conservation Status

Few of these beasts remain in the Throat since the fall of the Udrithi Empire. I had the utmost honor of being permitted to view a small herd cared for by a kind Garkith matron and her family. Sadly, these beautiful creatures struggle to protect themselves and will likely disappear in just a few generations.

Average Height

12 feet

Average Weight

7,200 lbs

Average Length

16 feet

Average Physique

A sturdy and densely muscled beast.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Most Dharok appears to be white though some dappled greys are born rarely.

Dok Tick

A symbiotic creature commonly found beneath Dhorok fur, the Dok Tick feeds off the large beast's blood. It will quickly defend its meal from other creatures with its painful bite.