Cado (ka·do)

Cado are a beast of burden primarily found in the Valley of the Maw and used by the villagers and farmers of the valley. The beasts are known for their general docile nature that makes domesticating, farming, and herding them quite easy for even unexperienced handlers. A bovinae creature, they are known for their thick and shaggy fur that grows continuously and requires yearly sheering. Male Cado are distinguished by their larger size, relative to females, and a trio of horns that emerges from the center of their frontal skull and from the sides of their skull above their eyes. The horns usually grow in a genetically established manner which can further differentiate sub-types of Cado. Male Cado also have a noticeable musk that grows stronger the longer their fur has gone unsheered.
Cado are primarily used as beasts of burden to pull farm equipment and assist with tilling and plowing farm fields. Secondary uses for Cado include grazing overgrown fields, collecting their wool for clothing and other items. Older Cado who have lived passed working age are often slaughtered for food, although younger Cado will be slaughtered if a village is facing a lean year. Although Cado meat is considered delicious, their use in farming and their fur is considered more valuable by most villagers and farmers.

Utility

Cado are used in a variety of ways due to their domestication and sturdy builds:

• Beast of Burden - Transportation
• Beast of Burden - Farming
• Beast of Burden - Mechanical movement (Mills and Lifts)
• Grazing
• Wool Sheering
• Meat Consumption

Although Cado do produce milk for their young, due to its taste, smell, and texture, it is not readily harvested and it is exceptionally rare for any kind of food or recipe to utilize Cado milk.

Sub-Types

Throughout the Valley of the Maw are multiple subtypes of Cado, often denoted by size, wool coloring, and horn growth. Most sub-types are specific to regions within the Valley and some villages and farms prize the exclusivity of the Cado they raise.

• Uriel Cado - Medium to large build. Black wool. Horns curled forward and tapered up. Located within the western expanses of the valley near the Village of Uriel.
• River Cado - Small build. Grey, black, and brown wool. Central horn curled straight up, side horns curled down. Most common Cado sub-type, located along the central river that runs through the valley.
• Trevalion Highland Cado - Medium build. Red and brown wool. Short horns that do not curl. Located in the northern western expanse of the valley near Trevalion village. Favored by neighboring dwarf traders.
• Betrayer Cado - Large build. Black and red wool. No central horn. Located along the southern expanse of the valley near the border with the Dominion of Deimos.
• Kysh-Kysh Cado - Small to medium Build. Black, green, and white wool. Each horn curves in a different direction. Located along the northern expanse of the valley near the border with the Ascendant Empire. Grazing lands include the Kysh-Nal Ral forest.
• Voss Lowland Cado - Medium build. Black and blue wool. Horns curve back along the head. Located along the eastern expanse of the valley near the Voss mountains. Local myths claim these Cado could once fly.

Scientific Name

Cabos

Geographic Distribution

• The Valley of the Maw