Gírks
Gírks1 are the largest mammals on the great plains of northern Dragonía, and one of the world's largest herbivores. They are related to Hyrnings.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Gírks resemble their smaller relatives, the hyrnings, though much larger, with longer legs and larger hump on their back, and lack tusks, though they sport a nasal horn. The horn is mostly used for display and to remove snow off the ground when grazing during winter.
Ecology and Habitats
Gírks are mostly found to the cooler parts of the great plains of Dragonía, as their large size would be a hindrance both in Kanix Forest to the north and the warmer regions to the south.
Dietary Needs and Habits
They are almost exclusively grazers, though gírks on the edge of Kanix Forest occasionally eat leaves as well.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Attempts at domesticating gírks have so far proven unsuccessful, due to them being far more temperamental than hyrnings, which along with their size, strength and and relative rarity on the Plain of Kings mean that Mörkels rarely hunt gírks except for certain ceremonies, which require the hides and meat of the animals. The bones are sometimes for scepters, amulets and religious objects.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Gírks are found in northeastern Plain of Spirits and northern Plain of Kings, from East-Óltrat to Áhalía.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Gírks have rather poor eyesight, and mostly rely on their hearing and sense of smell instead. Because of this, they are easily startled by sudden movements and noises.
1Original icelandic: gírkar, singular: gírkur.
by Lappalingur
Origin/Ancestry
Eastern Dragonía.
Average Height
Around 2 metres
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Gírks are covered in short fur, mostly cream-coloured, with lighter underside and distinctive rusty-red markings on the back. The Mörkels of the Plain of Kings believe that gírks got these markings when the rain goddess Nexþei pricked her finger and a few drops of blood landed on them.
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