Coruscate Deer
Coruscate deer1 are medium to large cervids native to the region of Ójom in eastern Jælondis, known for their unique ability to produce bright flashes from their antlers, used by the smaller species to alert the herds of possible threats and by the larger ones to scare off or slow down predators.
The largest extant species, stonehorns, are primarily found in the dense woodlands around the borders of Kikra, Ninnirt Zö and Terúk, while historically there were even larger ones in the K'aflúll Hills known as hill deer, until they became extinct some seven-hundred years ago. The latter inspired the legend of the Deer King, whose antlers can variously cleanse all poisons from one's body, grant immortality or turn anything to gold by mere touch.
The largest extant species, stonehorns, are primarily found in the dense woodlands around the borders of Kikra, Ninnirt Zö and Terúk, while historically there were even larger ones in the K'aflúll Hills known as hill deer, until they became extinct some seven-hundred years ago. The latter inspired the legend of the Deer King, whose antlers can variously cleanse all poisons from one's body, grant immortality or turn anything to gold by mere touch.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Coruscate deer have unusually broad and short heads and heavier antlers than most cervids, particularly on larger species, which usually last for 2-3 years before being shed and usually shatter like glass as they hit the ground. The reason for this is a layer of crystalline material that coats the antlers, which amplifies the effect of them flashing when the animal is threatened, with smaller species having comparatively thinner layer than the large ones.
A nictiating membrane prevents the animals from being affected by the flashes from their own antlers.
A nictiating membrane prevents the animals from being affected by the flashes from their own antlers.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Stonehorns and other large species of coruscate deer are considered sacred in all goblin cultures and some ójomic dwarven ones, and traditionally only monarchs of the latter were allowed to hunt them or give others permissions to do so, given that they had fasted and meditated beforehand and performed ritual cleansing afterwards.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Most species of coruscate deer were found throughout eastern Jælondis until relatively recently, but poaching and habitat loss have significantly reduced their numbers and even extirpated a few species.
1Original icelandic: blossahirtir, singular: blossahjörtur.
Origin/Ancestry
Eastern Jælondis
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
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