Angorix (ann-gore-icks)

Cornhircus firmus

The Angorix (Cornhircus firmus) is a large, quadrupedal mammal originally native to the Kiliomengi Plains, the Anapteros Forest (particularly the Diodenas range), and to a lesser extent, the southern river deltas of New Lakonia. It was one of the first animals catalogued by settlers on Arcadia due to its abundant numbers, and has been domesticated by various factions over the years to serve as pack animals and mounts in locations where travel by vehicle is difficult or impossible. The Cornhircus firmus is the domesticated breed of Angorix, bred for strength and sure-footedness in treacherous terrain. It is a subspecies of the Cornhircus hirturix, or the Plains Angorix, which is the parent species most commonly found on the Kiliomengi Plains. Many other subspecies exist, including but not limited to Cornhircus monsuperstes (from the Diodenas range), Cornhircus silvanarii (from the Anapteros), and Cornhircus capillvus (from the southern river deltas). The domesticated Angorix is noted for its steady, hard-working attitude compared to the stubborn and defensive demeanour of its wild kin. They are ruminants capable of surviving on nutritionally-poor, fibrous plant matter and little water, and their shaggy, waterproof fur has a dense undercoat believed to protect them from the cold winds and rainstorms common in central New Lakonia. Anatomically, they appear cumbersome and dull-witted, but Angorix are actually fairly nimble (as seen in their ability to climb steep rock formations in a goat-like fashion) and are intelligent, family-oriented animals that prefer to remain with family members of up to three or four generations. Like their wild ancestors, they are a prey species that survive in herds (or 'rovings', as is commonly used for the Cornhircus genus), that use their large horns as a defensive weapon against predators.

Basic Information

Dietary Needs and Habits

Angorix are grazing ruminants with a four-chambered stomach, meaning they must constantly have access to food. On average, they spend around 14-18 hours a day eating, whether it be freshly-grazed organic material or the cud they have regurgitated to further break-down. Their diet typically consists of the nutritionally-poor, fibrous grasses that are abundant across the Kiliomengi Plains, as well as supplementary material like coarse shrubbery and their lignin-rich branches.  

Additional Information

Domestication

Angorix were domesticated over many generations through the capture and taming of Plains Angorix (Cornhircus hirturix), their wild ancestors native to the Kiliomengi Plains. Despite the inherently stubborn nature of the animals, they took to domestication well, being easily trained to carry cargo or a rider if given the right motivation (usually food or proximity to family members). They were selectively bred for strength, sure-footedness, and a calm, hard-working demeanour, which resulted in the modern breed still used and prized by most of the factions of Arcadia today. However, Angorix retain their territorial and mating instincts; owners have to be careful when introducing new blood to a family group, as rejection by the sovereign bull can result in injuries or even death, and males must be separated during the breeding season to prevent unwanted fighting if sufficiently-sized pastureland is not available. Due to their complex herd structure, Angorix require a lot of space to graze. It is well-known that certain herd members, especially young males or females with young, need time and space away from the others to avoid fights breaking out. Owners must also be cautious during the mating season, as bulls become tetchy at best and outright aggressive at worst. There have been attempts made to quell the male aggression in the breed by castrating bulls that are overly aggressive during the mating season, but this has proved fruitless as even the offspring of calmer bulls can turn out to be aggressive, especially without proper handling and training from a young age. The careful cultivation of a family group by owners is considered an art form, and those specimens with impressive stoicity and strength are highly prized. 

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The modern breed of Angorix were purely bred for their use as pack animals and mounts - a role they excel in and are highly-prized for in the present day. Nevertheless, the Angorix also has a secondary use as a provider of wool. The undercoat shed every summer throughout the season is collected and utilised in creating a soft and highly sought-after wool, which is spun into clothing (or the lining of clothing) and is renowned for its ability to shield the wearer from the worst of the winter wind. It is considered unnecessarily brutal and a waste to slaughter an Angorix for meat, leather, and their horns, as the animal being alive and healthy is considered to be more valuable than the former. Only someone truly desperate would consider killing an Angorix to survive.

by Locklear

Scientific Name

Eukarya Animalia Chordata Mammalia Cornhircus firmus

Origin/Ancestry

Cornhircus hirturix, or Plains Angorix (descends from)

Lifespan

25-30 years

Conservation Status

Domesticated

Average Height

1.5-1.7 metres at the shoulder; females typically shorter

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