{WASC 2022} Nansok

Basic Information

Anatomie

Nansok are sextupedal mammals whose height can reach up to 2.5 meters at the front shoulders. Their feet have three toes, between which lays a heavy layer of fat, which helps distribute their weight across shifting sands. Each toe has a large nail, which can be mistaken for claws. They have a short tail, at the end of which is a thick bush of fur. They are known to have a rather friendly face, with large dark eyes and long lashes. Their mouth is surprisingly large, to allow for eating desert melons, which are a welcome source of nutrition and hydration for them. They also have long, straight horns protuding from the top of their skulls, which are often filed down until they are no longer at risk of skewering whoever mounts them.

Traits Biologiques

There is not a lot of sexual dimorphism among Nansok, save for a few traits that the average person would probably not catch. Females tend to have shorter horns than males, which is often not visible on domesticated Nansok since their horns are filed down. The fur patterns are also slightly different, but since they also change between individual, a non-expert would have trouble identifying which traits are sex markers and which are not.

Additional Information

Structure Sociale

In the wild, Nansok live as small familial groups, generally composed of a male, a few females and their elders and offspring. There isn't really a dominance structure based on sex, as wisdom is favored over strength. Elders lead the group, and teach the young where to find food, water, and shelter from predators.

Domestication

Domestication happened rather early for Nansok, as their mild temper and adaptation to their environment has made them a choice species for desert-dwelling trader caravans. Generally, domesticated Nansok are larger than their feral counterparts, but the differences end there.

Utilisations, Produits et Exploitation

Nansok are used mostly as transport animals. Their meat is also consummmed whenever an older individual is put to death, and most of their bodies are used, nothing being left to waste : meat is consummed, organs are used to make pet food (most caravans being accompanied by dogs, for instance), the horns are traded as crafting material, the leather is tanned and the fur can be made into wool, often made into night capes for desert people. That wool can also be sheared, but Nansok fur has a slower growing rate than most wool-producing animals.

Origine Géographique et Répartition

Nansok are found in the wild in hot steppes and savannas around the Milhaggar Desert (U.C. Holviers). Domesticated, they are used as transportation across the desert, for which they are very well suited.

Intelligence Moyenne

Nansok are rather intelligent animals, and known to form emotional bonds with their owners.

Origine/Ancêtres

Northwestern Holviers

Longévité

52 years

État de Conservation

Mostly domesticated, least concern. Feral strains of Nansok more rare.

Taille Moyenne

1.9 to 2.5 meters at the front shoulders.

Poids Moyen

500 - 900 kilos (adult)

Longueur Moyenne

3.5 - 4.5 meters from head to tail

Teinte, Coloration et Taches de Corps

Nansok fur ranges from a light, sandy color to darker shades of amber. The fur is also marked by stripes and spots of a slightly darker or lighter color than their main color. The underbelly is also generally lighter, and the tips of the ears and tail darker. The horns are a dark, grey-ish brown color.

Distribution Géographique

• {WASC 2022} Milhaggar Desert