Ironhoof Bison

Appearance

The Ironhoof Bison is a massive, formidable creature with a metallic exoskeleton that resembles iron plating. Their fur often takes on a metallic sheen, ranging from dark gray to silvery hues. Their distinctive horns are laced internally with traces of metal ores, and grow to enormous sizes before falling off at the end of the summer season. The eyes of Ironhoof Bison emit a soft, otherworldly glow.

Habitat

Ironhoof Bison are primarily found in the open fields and plains of Ironcliff. These regions are rich in metallic minerals, which contribute to the unique composition of their bodies.

Behavior

Ironhoof Bison are herbivorous grazers, feeding on metallic-rich grasses that are abundant in their habitat. Despite their seemingly bulky build, they are surprisingly agile. When threatened, Ironhoof Bison are known for their powerful charges, using their formidable horns and sheer mass as a defense mechanism.

Resource Utilization

Beyond their cultural importance, Ironhoof Bison are sometimes hunted for their metallic hide, which is used in the creation of durable armor and other specialized items in Ironcliff. However, such practices are regulated to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Native tribes roam the plains in the weeks before the winter season, collecting the fallen horns and using them to craft a variety of tools, weapons, and jewelry. In Free State colonies they are often kept as livestock, their meat is very tough and flavorless but they are adept at hauling and protecting smaller livestock from natural predators. They do not handle warm climates very well, so they're rarely seen outside their original habitats, though a few have been traded to the Empire and reside in private zoos on the home continent.

Cultural Significance

The Ironhoof Bison holds symbolic significance in Ironcliff, often revered for its resilience and adaptability to the harsh conditions of the floating mountain. Tribes native to the Ironcliff area consider encounters with Ironhoof Bison as auspicious, believing that the creatures bring good fortune.