Lakeview Ox / Lek Vokar

A large domesticated bovine creature from the central plains southeast of Lakeview.
These mammoth size creatures are all but extinct in the Kaldorei wilds. Large populations of them still exist east of the ranges in Goryania but with no symbiotic relationship with any of the races there, they are wild and free.
Predominately utilised by the Wandering Horde.

Etymology and early observations

The first known domestication of the Lakeview Ox was recorded by Kalian Bane in the mid 750's(time correct?) while traveling from Phrequinsea to Lakeview. He came upon a temporary winter settlement of the Wandering Horde where five of these large bovines were being milked by the children of the tribe. His ability to get in closer for a better view was hampered by the fact that the Wandering Horde are opportunist cannibals.
Later documentation from first nations sources and recorded by the Horath Assembly tell us of the myths and legends surrounding this gargantuan creature. Lakeview Ox are called Lek Vokar (Leik Voc-car) which translates to Lake Walker in the tongue of the Wandering Horde. The story is told that the Lek Vokar carried the firstborn into existence in a cradle suspended between their four horns that represent the four points of the world.

Appearance

Lakeview Ox are large quadrupedal mammals not unlike their smaller brethren, the domesticated cow. Bearing two horns and two lower tusk-like appendages they are well armed for defense and offense. Covered in a short bristled coat and skin that produces good quality armor grade leather they have a variety of uses for the tribes of the Midlands. They have no natural singular predators but calves have been seen to be corralled away from the herd by plains wolves and taken down. Smaller members of this species are often kept for milk and transport while larger variants are used for skins and meat production.

Behavior

The society of this species revolves around a dominant matriarchal structure. Females of the species, though smaller of stature are observed to be the alpha influence across the herd. From extensive studies, it is believed that even outside of gestation the females exude a scent/pheromone that controls the males. Lakeview Ox displays a very passive nature throughout the seasons except when the cows are calving. Males of the species are guardians during the gestation period over the whole of the herd with non-reproductive males still becoming hyper-aggressive. This is believed to be due to the females outputting a pheromone that causes an increase in adrenaline and a reduction in the need for rest. (Side note: Lakeview Ox / Lek Vokar pheromone is used in the production of Shrill an addictive narcotic pedaled mainly on western seaboard to sailors and soldiers due to its reduction in need for rest and increase in overall aggressive behaviors.

Conservation Status

All current stocks in Kaldorei are domesticated with no known wild heards remaining. Large populations of wild herd Lek Vokar in Goryania

Discovered by

Kalian Bane