Goblin Sheep

Goblin Sheep are a well-established breed that is selected for strength, long curly wool, and a willingness to charge into battle. Also known as War Sheep, they are the traditional steeds of field goblins, though mountain goblins have come to rely on them as well. The ewes are good defenders of their homes (and good eating), but a good Battling Ram is valuable, and never to be underestimated in combat.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Goblin Sheep are big, dumb, strong, and stubborn. Until trained (which is a feat), it can take half a dozen goblins to control a single ram. Their wool is rough, but thick and strong enough to serve as a kind of armor--either on the sheep itself, or spun and knit. Their horns are heavy, strong, and well suited to bashing in anything foolish enough to stand in front of them.

Biological Traits

On the rare occasion that they are relatively clean, Goblin Sheep are creamy white, dull black, or a patchwork of the two. They most often have a contrasting patch on their face, and particularly in the northern part of Valor, where they have been bred to be black with white faces.

One soldier unfortunate enough to earn the ire of such a sheep described it, from his hospital bed, as "a skull coming straight at him on a dark cloud."

Ewes do not have horns, but do have strong protective instincts and the breed's usual thick skull. It is not unusual for them to seemingly adopt goblins, attempting to herd them with her own young, while the goblins attempt to herd her themselves.

Genetics and Reproduction

Goblin Sheep grow and reproduce at about the same rates as more typical varieties of sheep, though their lambs are neither as adorable nor as tasty as other lambs. Instead, they are scrawny, mean-looking, and somewhat gamey.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Like other sheep, Goblin Sheep are a source of wool, meat, and even a (somewhat smelly, foul) milk best used for cheese or savory butter. Their primary use, however, is in defense of a homestead or as the steeds for a goblin cavalry.

Average Intelligence

Very low. Additionally, unlike most sheep, they are not even terribly inclined to follow a bellwether--this ensures that they won't wander off after a friend while they're supposed to carry their rider to the front, but makes it difficult to tend to them as flock.

Known To

Common Knowledge
Expert Level: Goblins

Average Physique

Very muscular and, if fed adequately, very fat. This is to their benefit in battle and as a roast.