Pack Beasts

In Isturoth, traders and travellers must often carry goods over great distances through the treacherous mountain passes. For the thousands of years that Isturians have dwelt in the Ironstone Mountains, they have learned the best vehicles for conveying their cargo on their long journeys.
"Pack beasts" (as they are commonly referred) can consist of a few different species:

• Mountain Cow
• Riding Lizards
• Etc.

While lizards are more versatile and able to climb with much more ease, they are more temperamental and can not carry as much as cows. These creatures are able to bear as much as 50% of their body weight and are generally more placid. It can be difficult to coax them up unstable or steep slopes, and they make much more attractive targets for the various predators of Isturoth.

Armor and defense

In order to better protect their pack animals, it is not uncommon for beasts to be outfitted with armour around their legs and neck. Often times this is spiked or jagged, preventing any greedy wyrms from swooping in and snatching up an easy meal. In fact, a spiked collar is the most common adornment for pack beasts, as most species tend to go straight for the neck where they can drag off their prey.
The largest convoys and caravans have the added comfort of armed escorts. More valuable cargo will often be accompanied by a party of guards that must make the journey alongside the animals, always watching for threats from above and below.