Onetti

Onetti are widely domesticated creatures that originally hailed from another realm of existence. They were the creations of a forgotten winter goddess to act as guardians of the forests. She knew her divinity was fading and the onetti were her final gift to the world. The onetti carried out their role for many centuries until mortals began pushing further into the woods. Given their social nature, the bond between these early mortals and the onetti was inevitable. The onetti are mainly bred now to serve as mounts in tundra and boreal environments. As beings with ancestral ties to a winter goddess, they're perfectly suited for travel in harsher weather.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Onetti are large quadrupeds with the head of a wolfhound and the body of a caribou. Their fur is scruffy, except for the plush fur that runs along their throats. The fur on their necks and chests is a lighter color than the rest of their body, which ranges from a soft cream color to slate gray. Their tails are akin to that of a wolfhound's. Instead of paws, they walk on hooves that are furry on the underside. This grants the onetti a better sense of stability and traction in snowy environments. Their hooves are crescent-shaped and large, and the use them to shovel through snow while foraging for food.
Both sexes are capable of growing antlers, though the antlers on a female are smaller. Male onetti shed their antlers in the early winter and regrow them in mid-spring. Due to their antlers growing back much larger each time, owners of domesticated onetti get their antlers shaved down for the animal's comfort.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Onetti are mostly herbivorous and have a four-chambered stomach like goats and other species of deer. The bulk of their diet is made up of grasses and herbs, especially barley and sage. They like ferns as well, but their absolute favorite thing to eat is mushrooms. Various vegetables are a welcome part of their diet, as well as berries, and the shrubs that produce them. Onetti have changing dietary needs depending on the season.
Summer diets for domesticated onetti include browse from trees (birch and willow), grains, carrots, beet pulp, hay, and various herbs. Lichen is a staple of an onetti's winter diet, which also includes leafy greens, berries, and mushrooms. This isn't their complete diet, but onetti may have different needs depending on their environment and what they're bred for. When food is scarce, wild onetti have been known to snack on small animals, such as field mice and lemmings.

Behaviour

Onetti are social creatures and in the wild, they live in herds of up to several hundred onetti. These herds don't accumulate into a super herd due to onetti being non-migratory. Their kind stays in one place unless forcefully removed or when food sources are depleted. Domesticated onetti are known for being gentle giants and a favored companion for families. They become attached to their owners rather than their territory, making them excellent guardian animals. They make poor guard animals though due to their cal temperment. Onetti are laid-back, friendly, and crave attention.
Wild onetti are calm as well, though they can become quite aggressive if anything threatens the herd. Despite living alongside predators that include mountain lions, wolves, and bears; onetti have an impressive survival streak. Their antlers are a natural deterrent, but they will not hesitate to use them during a conflict. Most of the time, they use their powerful legs to kick a threat. If they manage to knock the threat down and it's still alive, the onetti will stomp on the threat until it stops breathing.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Onetti are mainly bred as a means of transportation in rough, winter climates. Their bodies are suited to extreme conditions, unlike traditional steeds. Difficult terrain is of no issue to them; they can easily travel through snow-packed forests or swampy tundras. Their ultra-violet vision makes them useful for traveling during whiteouts, though for the animal and the rider's safety, travel in those conditions is discouraged. The second most common use of onetti is as beasts of burden. Some are kept as livestock, especially in isolated communities where other food sources are scarce or unavailable. A single onetti provides enough meat to feed a family of three for many months. Shed antlers are often turned into trinkets or used in the crafting of weapons such as longbows.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Despite not being a full-blooded canine, onetti are considered sighthounds. Their incredible eyesight allows them to see in the ultra-violet range, which helps them see things against the snow that would otherwise blend in. They have an innate sense of direction and can generally navigate in harsh weather conditions. While they have a keen sense of smell, onetti seldom rely on it unless trained to do so. They're often trained for rescue operations in winter climates, making them a valuable asset to rural communities.

Lifespan

15-20 years (in captivity)
6-15 years (in the wild)

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Weight

185-270 lbs (cows)
340-400 lbs (bulls)