Momzuma

Momzuma is a species of stocky mammal with large heads, short necks, and short, stout legs. Their name in Ogdimish derives from “Momzum” (hair/fur) plus the adjective suffix “a” meaning literally Hairy. If described in earthly terms, they would be told of resembling a poney version of a very hairy ox. Both males and females stand about 100 cm at the shoulder and weigh about 180 kg. They both also present horns around 30 cm long which have a broad base and proceed sideways from the midline of the skull, dip downward at the sides of the head and curve upward at the ends. Their coat is of long, dark grey hair that reaches nearly to the feet, it mixes with their short tail and hides the small ears. Underneath the thick hairy grey exterior, it also has a fluffy layer, called Serimom (literally a contraction for “soft fur”), which is shed in summer and is for fine fabrics very well priced. The Momzuma herds, in nature, encompass around 50–60 individuals. They are not aggressive, but when attacked the adults encircle the young and present a horn wall that is effective against their natural predators. They are bred for their wool, not only its finest but also the thick one is used to make tents, working clothing and ropes. They can carry a little more than half of their weight on cargo through narrow paths climbing mountains. Their uses are many, they can pull sledges in snow due to their wide hooves, also can pull carts on roads, and more than once the behaviour of making a defensive line around their younglings has been used for archers and slingers as shields against melee attacks as they pick their targets in raiders, bandits and sometimes even soldiers. They eat grasses, sedges, and willows. In summer they store fat, that is used to supplement the meagre winter forage. They are highly adapted for conserving energy in cold weather but must be moved up and down the mountains in a yearly cycle to have their wool harvested.