Ilehrum

Summary

The Ilehrum is a species of deer native to the Northeastern forests of Bevrasten that has been tamed by the native Kiari hill clans for use as a mount. They come in many breeds with a variety of shapes sizes and colors, fulfilling the lions share of roles a horse would perform in the far west. Much like their equine counterparts in the lands of the Seltien and Mankind the Ilehrum have an extreme unspoken cultural significance in the Stranded Easts, where they are relied on for numerous elements of day-to-day life.

Description

Like other common domestic beasts of burden and mounted animals the Ilehrum takes a variety of shapes colors and sizes, however they all share a variety of traits. They are generally slender quadrupeds that stand quite tall for their length, with long legs that make them capable jumpers and sprinters. Their eyes sit between the sides and fronts of their heads, allowing them a great range of vision while limiting the blind spot at the front of their snout. Their snouts are long and similar in shape to that of other deer.
Details of their appearance may change from variety to variety, however Ilehrum species with similar purposes often share features. These features may be mixed and matched to make an animal suited to a more niche purpose, and will typically become dulled when the animal is bred with another trait taking priority, so the more pronounced a specific feature is the more reliable it is in determining the animals role.

Wild Form

The Wild Variety of Ilehrum is similar in height and build to the average Ilehrum (138-154cm), however their build was noticeably more slender than that of the average modern riding Ilehrum. Their coloration was a red-brown, and the males grew antlers during the summer that could rise as high as 48cm.

Battle Mounts

From time to time even the Hill clans have had to wage minor wars against each other or small invading forces, and as such battle mounts exist. However most of these varieties were created more out of caution than actual need as such conflicts were rare and short lived. Due to the many roles required of a war mount a variety of war standards exist.
Vanguard
Designed for frontline conflicts on open ground the varieties of Ilehrum bred to serve as Vanguards for the Hill Clans armies are much stockier than most of their relatives and are far more muscular. They are capable of decent bursts of speed when needed, such as charging into battle, however they are bred more for durability and endurance than speed. Their Hides are tougher than other Ilehrum, and their energy stockpiles often keep them active during even the most drawn out battles.
They are physically larger than other Ilehrum, standing as tall as 166-181cm at the shoulder. This height is further increased by antlers that crown the heads of both males and females. These antlers are both high and broad, adding an extra 50+ centimeters to their height. These antlers have many branching ends that tend to bend forward in pointed tips that can be used to lock other Ilehrum in place and rend their opponents flesh.
Scout
Scouts are by far considered to be the most important units in the Kiari army, and as such their scouting mounts are held to the strictest of standards. Ilehrum bred as scouts are more slender than their other battle counterparts. They still retain a large store of energy that allows them to travel great distances without stopping. However they are much faster than not only the other battle mounts, but typically faster than most riding mounts. Both Males and Females have antlers that help move thick brushes out of the way, however they are not as large as those on most war-mounts.

Farming Mounts

Farming Mounts are short and stocky with smaller antlers that typically only appear on males during the summer, and almost never on females. They are strong enough to hall ploughs and carts.

Riding Mounts

Riding Mounts are slender with long legs, allowing them to gallop at high speeds and over great distances. Their Antlers are similar to most Ilehrum, appearing generally on the males in summer.

Uses and Relevance

The Ilehrum are used by the Kiari for almost every purpose a horse is in the western world. These animals roles include, but are not limited to:  Beasts of burden on farms that may be used to plow crops, Drawing carts and carriages to facilitate trade, haulage and transport, granting a lone rider (or perhaps a pair) the freedom to travel Bevrasten or help train new riders to control their future mounts.

History

The Ilehrum seem to have first been trained in the transitional period between the early and early-middle first age, however it wasn't until the beginning of the civilization that would become the Hill Clans that there use became widespread throughout the region. The Ilehrum proved instrumental in both spreading this society across Bevrasten, but allowing it to remain stable when vast distances existed between it's settlements.

Size

Usually 138-154cm at the shoulder, However both smaller and larger breeds exist

Animal Family

Mammal (Ruminant)

Diet

Herbivore (Grasses and Bushes and berries)

Preferred Biomes

Grassland and coniferous forests

Regions of Habitation

Native: North East Bevrasten
Introduced: South Eastern hills of Bevrasten
Domesticated: All of Bevrasten, north Qianna