Hippocamps
Þrínic: Ætert /aiːthɛːrth/
Öþranic: Ærórt /aiɹouːɹth/
Hippocamps are large marine mammals found in kelp forests and on islets off the coast of Ójom and Ytvía in eastern and southern Jælondis, respectively.
They are highly social and form herds in a similar manner to wild horses, with each herd being made up of smaller bands consisting of several females, their young and a dominant male, which are led by a dominant female. These herds can become quite large when there's plenty of food, and it's not unusual for hippocamps to join other bands during those times. They communicate via mixture of calls -including clicks, neighs and whistling sounds- and relatively complex body language.
Males often challenge each other for dominance by raising their mane-like crests or, failing that, by briefly hitting each other with their hooves.
When threatened, hippocamps flee deeper into the kelp forests or climb up on land to escape. Natural enemies include sharks, sea serpents and certain whale species.
Öþranic: Ærórt /aiɹouːɹth/
Hippocamps are large marine mammals found in kelp forests and on islets off the coast of Ójom and Ytvía in eastern and southern Jælondis, respectively.
They are highly social and form herds in a similar manner to wild horses, with each herd being made up of smaller bands consisting of several females, their young and a dominant male, which are led by a dominant female. These herds can become quite large when there's plenty of food, and it's not unusual for hippocamps to join other bands during those times. They communicate via mixture of calls -including clicks, neighs and whistling sounds- and relatively complex body language.
Males often challenge each other for dominance by raising their mane-like crests or, failing that, by briefly hitting each other with their hooves.
When threatened, hippocamps flee deeper into the kelp forests or climb up on land to escape. Natural enemies include sharks, sea serpents and certain whale species.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Hippocamps have horse-like heads -complete with a crest similar to a mane- and front legs, while the lower half of the body is much like that of a dolphin, as does the skin. The feet aid the creatures in crawling up on land to rest or escape predators and are folded close to the body when underwater.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Hippocamps feed primarily on kelp, along with various seaweeds and sea grasses.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Hippocamp hunting has long been practiced by the people of Ytvía and particularly coastal Goblins in Ójom, although the latter have more recently switched to farming the animals in man-made lagoons for food. Traditionally salted and dried, hippocamp meat is a staple dish at goblin restaurants throughout Borgalor, often fried and served with boiled mandrakes.
Before they were introduced to the Southlands, goblin settlers in Kröþa used to eat native Sea Goats as a substitute for hippocamps, leading to both species being part of the local cuisine.
Before they were introduced to the Southlands, goblin settlers in Kröþa used to eat native Sea Goats as a substitute for hippocamps, leading to both species being part of the local cuisine.
Fried hippocampus with boiled mandrakes by Lappalingur
Hippocampus by Lappalingur
Origin/Ancestry
Jælondis
Lifespan
~20 years
Average Length
2 meters
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Hippocamps are dull grey with slightly darker tail, legs and head, sometimes with a slight violet hue, while the hooves and crest are generally lighter than the rest
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