Koratah

Koratah are the common mount in Aque chosen not only for their land/water based adaptive physique, but their playful personalities. These pesky creatures like to sneak fish from sailors unloading their hauls, and flee back into close by waters, where their speed essentially doubles. They are most commonly known for their coral "crowns" which not only cleans and filters the waters the Koratah swim in, but they also break apart into small coral fragments which serve to grow new clusters of coral in the right settings.

Basic Information

Dietary Needs and Habits

Fish, plankton, algae, krill.

Biological Cycle

They are born on land and spend their early years in ecosystems that include both lands and lakes, some even preferring the southernmost coast of Birtham to bare their offspring. Through the early season of Sprig they participate in water-based mating rituals which involve the Koratah headbutting one another in an attempt to break apart their crowns. A female Koratah will only mate with the male that is capable of reducing her crown, and after mating they remain together to teach their young first to walk, then to swim. Most Koratah kits avoid the deeper waters until their coral "crown" has formed, however, they take to the depths with ease once its been matured. This usually takes until mid-Summra, but some can take longer. The Koratah then separate from their young, heading their own ways to continue to diversify their genes. During Autum the Koratah begin slowly migrating further south in order to wait out the continents harsh Winturs, which linger in the midlands.

Additional Information

Domestication

The Koratah are newly domesticated, and as such there aren't too many clear differences between one that is wild and one that is owned. One clear trait is the fact that the mischievous nature of the Koratah will become less aggressive toward their owner in time, whereas the wild Koratah will intentionally inconvenience those who cross their path.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

As a newly domesticated species, many hunters track and capture them in order to either sell them to Aque.
Physically, the Koratah have four desirable features that hunters will target them for. The eyes and eyelids are used in spells involving underwater vision, their pelts are desired for underwater wear, The pouches on their backs are where they carry clean water, and their tails can benefit hydromancers.
All hunting of the Koratah is strongly discouraged by the A.P.A (animal protection agency) and may even be prosecutable in a court of law if proof of hunting this species is found while the subject is located anywhere within the kingdom of Aque.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

A fully matured Koratah is capable of adept hydromancy. They use their tails to manipulate the waters around, and within them. In youth, they are able to see clearly while underwater, or in foggy environments. They store water in the pouches they carry on their backs, which are protected by a layer of hide thick enough to be slash resistant. The Koratah use their stored water for one of two reasons, and those are either to perform hydromancy, or in order to keep themselves hydrated.

by TailorOfFates

Lifespan

29 years

Average Weight

They are considered a medium size class, weighing on average 440-500 lb.

Geographic Distribution