Gouniac

Hairy cattle is best cattle

"Fluffy!!!"
a kid Demon seeing a Gouniac for the first time.

A long-wooled bovine that inhabits the Verdant Steppes. Its long and thick wool protects it from attacks both physical and elemental while its sensitivity to mana helps it escape strong predators pre-emptively. Easily domesticated, it is valued for its wool, milk and meat.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Gouniacs are very large bovines standing at about 2 meters from hoof to roof of the head. Their corpulent size is hidden behind a staggering amount of wool that hides every part of their body, save parts of their faces and muzzle. They look like giant sheep from a distance, but the straight brown fur is unmistakable.
Observing a a fully sheared specimen reveals a sort of large hump on the back, which is actually the anterior vertebrae being far more developped than the posterior ones. This aspect is fully hidden by the fur, giving a perfectly rectangular shape to the beast and hiding the flesh from predators. Gouniacs have a distinctively grave grunt that reminds of a tree slowly splitting in two.

Ecology and Habitats

Gouniacs live in large herds in open fields, away from the forests. They prefer tall grasslands in which they can eat in relative peace, the smaller predators not being a big threat save for the young and the sick. They migrate periodically between waterpoints and rivers and following them is a good way to travel lands without encountering too many monsters.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Fully herbivores, they are grass-eaters that do not shy away from the occasional juicy berry.

Behaviour

Generally Gouniacs are peaceful and curious. They developped a sense of danger specific to monster-related mana emissions, as a result they lack urgency towards other forms of agression. They can still handle themselves through their sheer muscle mass and a trampling charge.
The behaviour of Gouniacs can evolve in response to domestication efforts, with subtle changes in their handling, feeding and herd management procedures. Those raised indoors under colder climates tend to be less active or nervous than specimens allowed to migrate between pre-planned routes.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Gouniacs live in herds ranging from 20 to 300 individuals. Females and the children are always placed at the center to feed themselves first and to be cared for. Males are spread out in a hundred meter radius around the group with the faster and healthier specimens scouting for dangers in all directions. They take turns to rest and feed. The older male scouts are the ones who determine the safest routes through observation, experience and their innate perception of mana aggregation.

Domestication

Gouniacs do not feel trapped so long as they estimate sufficient room for escape. They become used to outsiders with time so long as no harm is done to any member of the herd. They are sensible to treats like berries and any sugary substance, including wine. This makes their being shepherded into large enclosures or even great barns easy, however they require the presence of many

Scientific Name

Bison gouniasus

Lifespan

~45 years

Conservation Status

Domesticated

Average Height

Males: 2 - 2.4 meters Females: 1.6 - 2 meters

Average Weight

Males : 1.1 tons Females : 0.7 tons

Average Length

Males: 2.8 - 3 meters Females: 2.4 - 2.6 meters

Geographic Distribution

• Crescent Basin
• Verdant Steppes