Kellid War Mammoths

The Kellid people from the Realm of the Mammoth Lords have managed what a few could have in using a select few mammoths for combat. Though not all of the Kellid people share this practice and actual war-trained mammoths remain rare, the sight of Kellid warriors atop such a terrifying mount is usually enough to dissuade an engagement.

Formation

A typical war mammoths will carry 6 kellid warriors, positioned as such:

One rider, sat on the nape of the animal and directing it.

One lookout, standing on the back.

Four warriors suspended down each leg of the animal.

^{This can be increased to 10 by adding people on the back of the animal}
All posts can and often are switched between in case of deaths or fatigue, especially the suspended warriors. The warriors dangle themselves by attaching a rope to two of the warriors' waists and each lowering themselves down opposite legs of the mammoth until the rope is taut. They vary height by communicating with sharp whistles by seesawing across the back of the mammoth in perfect coordination.
In this formation, not only do the warriors benefit of the intimidation factor of a mammoth charge but also can protect the animal's legs as it is left unarmoured to increase carrying capacity. Some even adorn the tusks of their mammoths with ropes which may be barbed in some instances.

Charge

Normally, the mammoth will pace slowly (for its size) in order to conserve energy but it can occasionally be whipped up into a charge by the rider. While the animal may take time to respond to the rider's commands and to reach top speed, when it does it is practically unstoppable though highly unmaneuverable. The kellid warriors are well trained specifically to remain efficient at charging speeds, using the added momentum of the animal to add force to the swing of their curved blades.

Challengers

Most would be foolish to challenge a foe such as a fully attired Kellid War Mammoths, nonetheless quite a few still do. From the demons of the Worldwound to the orcs of The Hold of Belkzen.
the orcs especially, never ones to back down from a challenge, purposefully hunt and seek Kellid war parties in the hopes of acquiring the beast for food. Those challenges typically swing in the favour of the kellid warriors. Rarely though, a clan of orcs will manage the feat. Especially at the occasion of the Future Feast as seed clans congregate into hordes and seek out large and fearsome game.

Rarity

Rare

Height

4m or 13.1 ft

Weight

12 tons (metric)

Speed

15-20 km/h or 9-12 mph at slow pace, 45 km/h or 27 mph when charging.

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

6-10 Kellid Warriors.