Valsar
Valsar are quadruped bear-like creatures around four times the size of a grizzly bear on average. They are related to the wild vale bear, which is around the size of a grizzly on average.
They are less common than koza but nonetheless a popular choice as a military unit, being especially valuable for seiges. They can be ridden or simply commanded, and individuals trained in this dangerous and difficult ability are known as valsar masters. In the Itoqir of Korzhûn they are the basis for the Qalir division.
'Valsar' is both the singular and plural term. Young under a year of age are known as cubs.
Additional Information
Domestication
Domestication is undertaken on an as-needed basis purely for military purposes; there is no known domestication outside of the military. The skill originates from a tribal coming-of-age custom that was then adopted into various nations' military once their use as formidable seige and battle cavalry was realized. It is a usually a solitary process involving the master-to-be venturing into the wild alone, having studied their desired valsar for several months prior, and taming them there before bringing them home. Post-war this is rare, viewed as unnecessary, and the process is stripped of ceremony and risk -- suitable valsar are removed from the wild and given a degree of pre-taming before the master-to-be takes over.
Those valsar that are successfully domesticated are near invariably afforded cremations on death.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Siege beasts, processional riding.
Average Intelligence
Moderate
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