Blue Fan Elk
"Upon my first venture into the dense Forest of the West Realm, I stumbled upon this massive beast with dark fur and odd glowing, blue markings. The creature had three sets of ears that fanned out on either side of his head. His shoulder stood at approximately 25 hands and the rack atop his crest spanned about five feet. His insatiable curiosity of my and my expeditions presence attested to the youth of this brazen fellow."-Sir Christopher Locke, Juniper Expedition
Anatomy
The Blue Fan Elk, so named for its glowing blue markings and three pairs of ears that sit in a fan like fashion on it's head, is believed to have stemmed from the Cervus canadensis, also known as the common elk. It is a large mammalian creature that sports a large set of antlers, of which are present in both male and female counterparts. On average, a buck's rack typically grows to about 4 meters. The blue markings on each elk tends to sit most predominantly on the chest, but may expand as far as the mid-section. It is hypothesized that the patterns seen may be passed down to the offspring, becoming more intricate in design with each generation. Current observations of these creatures have shown that the markings serve several purposes, of which can involve mating as well as self-defense. Additionally, due to the nature of having three sets of ears, the Blue Fan Elk has extremely sensitive hearing, one particular adaptation from its ancestors that has aided in its survival.
Genetics & Reproduction
Similar to other members of the Cervidae family, the Blue Fan concentrates most of its energy during rutting season in the early parts of Fall. However, the bull performs a complicated and potentially lethal, ritualized dance when trying to attract one of the cows in the herd. The Blue Fan bull will strut around the cow of his choosing with his chest pronounced in order to show his markings. This is usually followed by another vying challenger where the two bulls will spar until a victor is clear.
Domestication
As a domesticated species, the Blue Fan Elk tend to be smaller than their wild brethren. The markings of the domesticated also take on an additional reddish hue, creating a purplish tone in the patterns. With each sucessive generation, it has been noted that more of the blue pigmentation fades, giving way to a deep red. It is suspected that the blue markings may be resultant from the elk's proximity to Dark Wood. Some herds who have been found deep within the Forest are noted to produce a more brilliant blue that seem to almost glow.
Basic Information
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Blue Fan diet consists of typical foods for woodland mammals of its kind, including grasses, twigs, berries, and other grazer foods.
Geographic Habitat
Typically found in the Forest of the Forgotten: Light Wood, Mild Wood
