Raakos

"An animal of profound strength and endurance. Without them and the tamers, I believe the kingdom would grind to a halt. An enraged Raakos is nothing to be trifled with. I know I won't forget the first time I saw one or the scene when it was finally put down."

Gavril Runejaw

Ebony Bear Master Sage

 

History

In the days of the Zevalon Dynasty dynasty the southern parts of Tern and Phev that were under consistent snow and ice were being explored for resources. They found these lands to be rich in minerals and resources but the terrain and the cold weather made it difficult to mount any serious expeditions, and any successful expeditions were difficult to maintain. The inhabitants and tribes in those areas made the Dynasty aware of the creatures known as the Raakos. These wild animals thrived in the climate and made their dwellings in the mountainous areas they borrowed themselves.  The dynasty hired local rangers and woodsmen to capture some of the creatures for study. In a short time, they determined the species was a viable pack animal and began to train and domesticate the creatures. When the dynasty went to war it became even more imperative that these creatures open the way to the resources in the south. 
When the dynasty fell the Raakos tamers maintained their craft in the south as those tribes and villages had become reliant on these creatures. Within a few short years after the fall the Frost Wood was discovered. It was spreading all across Tern. As this continued and the dwarves of Clan Ebony Bear began to search for a solution it was discovered that the Raakos was uniquely resilient to the Frost Wood. They didn't seem affected by the cold it caused making them incredibly useful in moving goods during the early days of the spread. As the dwarves began to bury their settlements they turned to the Raakos to help dig the tunnels that connected the cities. Then to move goods from city to city. The Kingdom of Tern quickly began to rely on the Raakos and their handlers.
As the Kingdom adapted to being entirely underground the dwarves adapted the tactics they used in mining to the Kingdom and installed rails to connect their major towns. They turned once more to the Raakos to pull their rail cars through the tunnels. 

Taming

To say the Raakos is domesticated might be going a bit to far. They are not simple-minded creatures like a donkey or a sheep, they have an intelligence not dissimilar to canines often more so. They are fiercely loyal creatures and bond with their handlers. This bonding process is earned by the handler and is difficult to master. More than a few young handlers have been maimed or killed in an attempt to bond with a Raakos. This bonding is unique and is more than a simple relationship. Few handlers can bond with more than three Raakos. An exceptionally skilled handler is able to borrow the animal from another handler. These are the handlers specifically employed by the Clan Father, their skill and ability put them well above the average handler moving cargo or people from place to place. It is not uncommon, if a handler is injured or killed in a tunnel incident whether that is a bandit attack, Frost Hulks or something else, for a Raakos to become enraged. In this state, it is difficult to calm the creature and it will act in any way it feels would defend its handler from the danger.  A Raakos that loses its handler is often difficult or impossible for any other handler to bond to.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Smaller hind legs with two large, powerful arms ending in clawed paws. Large powerful torso.

Growth Rate & Stages

A Raakos is considered an infant until it around 3 years old, and an adult at 7. It is able begin work as early as 5 and bond with a handler.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivore

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Used primarily for beasts of burden. Some however are bred for combat or as a mount.

Average Intelligence

5

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Darkvision

Lifespan

30 years

Conservation Status

Common

Average Height

8 feet

Average Weight

300lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Blacks, brown and whit Fur

Geographic Distribution

• Dane

Discovered by

Tobyn Delamere