Uroks

After the Silence left broken lands and irradiated landscapes, those species separated on the Calfornia Islands experienced an adaptive radiation, fulfilling the new niches available in a less-than-hospitable environment. Chief among these were the powerful uroks, bovine creatures that would become the primary source of nourishment and beasts of burden by the Espirillano. The creatures are revered by the Draugrland native clans, and typically experience a long, happy, and healthy life among their human domesticators.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The uroks, while adapted to their niches in the Draugrlands, all share a few general traits: an average heights of 6.5 ft at the shoulder, a high-arched set of vertebrae near the scapula, an equine neck suitable for reaching lower-hanging vegetation, and a pair of horns protruding from their skull.
The "basic" breed of uroks, known as the Birgen, have shaggy, white coats with swaths of brown around their faces, legs, belly and thick manes. Their snouts are broad and flat to allow them to search the scrublands they thrive in for more nutritious greens. Their horns are shorter, flatter, and arc back from their skulls to curve along their shoulder humps.
Their more powerful and aggressive cousin, the Tretrekker, conversely have shorter, shinier coats of browns, whites, and blacks more like a horse, and immensely long horns that descend downward and behind their flanks.

Genetics and Reproduction

Uroks reproduce sexually, typically carrying their young to term within about 9.5 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

While uroks are born at a hefty 70 lbs., they still have a lot of growing to do. Adulthood is reached after about 5 years, by which point the uroks will have grown to full height and weight, usually a respective 6.5 ft. and 2000 lbs.

Ecology and Habitats

The vast majority of the Draugrlands consists of varying strands of desert wastes and scrublands, which the uroks graze for sustenance. The California islands feature many more climates however, and uroks can be found in nearly all of them - tundra, desert, marshes, temperate forests, and coastal ridges.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Uroks are dedicated herbivores, and most typically search for low-lying grasses and scrub that retain more moisture hidden under the dried and dead overbrush in the scrublands they inhabit, taking in a significant portion of their daily hydration needs at the same time. In colder and wetter climates, uroks use their horns or broad snouts to root around under mud, snow, or loose stone to find vegetation and root vegetables. Uroks also have a specialized gland that filters water with an active microbiome - these glands are often harvested by Espirillano to create their coveted "Wetskins" used to keep hydrated during droughts and long journeys.

Biological Cycle

While uroks don't hibernate, they do tend to sleep more often during the winter months, their active hours waning with the daily sunlight. They likewise experience a shedding season as warmer months set in, and have an annual mating season in the autumn, just before the first leaves begin to fall.

Additional Information

Domestication

Used by the Espirillano clans as a revered beast of burden, uroks are often adorned with clan colors, motifs, and charms to protect them during travels. Besides carrying supplies and trade goods, uroks are used for farming activities, and even as steeds for both play and war. To equate to present day sensibilities, uroks effectively cover the uses provided by both cattle and horses.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Like most bovine herbivores, uroks have two side-facing eyes, articulated ears, and a keen sense of smell.

Scientific Name

Bos taurus californicus

Origin/Ancestry

Bison

Conservation Status

Plentiful, though jealously guarded by the Espirillano who depend on them for milk, meat, and as labor animals. Despite this, more prolific subspecies such as the Birgen were taken in by Duvoch and several floors of Arcadia were dedicated to raising them as livestock.

Average Height

6.5 ft at the shoulder

Average Weight

1000-2000 lbs.