Almiraj
Almiraj are a species of large, timid rabbits with a 1-foot long spiral horn protruding from their foreheads. If driven to attack, it will charge its foe with the horn. They live in earthen burrows and can be captured and domesticated.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Most almiraj have an exceptionally soft coat of fur. Their fur has usually a dappled coloration ranging from dark brown to pale gypsum pallet. Their most notable and infamous feature is their spiral horn. These horns sparkle and have a texture and color very similar to mother-of-pearl. Some believe almiraj use the refracted light of their horns to communicate, but they are more likely used for defense and to excavate burrows.
Genetics and Reproduction
Almiraj are solitary but gather during two peak breeding seasons that correspond to rainfall patterns and growth of young vegetation. Females usually breed in the spring of their second year, although females born in spring or early summer may breed in their first year. Ovulation is induced by copulation. The gestation period ranges from 41 to 47 days.
Growth Rate & Stages
Almiraj breeding depends on the location; it typically peaks in spring, but may continue all year round in warm climates. Young are born fully furred with eyes open; they are well camouflaged and are mobile within minutes of birth, thus females do not protect or even stay with the young except during nursing. The average litter size is around four, but may be as low as two and as high as seven in warm regions.
Ecology and Habitats
Almiraj thrive in temperate to arid climates, particularly in forests, savannas, and hill country. They typically live in small warrens they dig out using their spiral horns. Almiraj do not migrate or hibernate during winter and use the same habitat of 1–3 km. year-round.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Almiraj diets are composed of various shrubs, small trees, grasses, and forbs. Shrubs generally comprise the bulk of fall and winter diets, while grasses and forbs are used in spring and early summer, but the pattern and plant species vary with climate.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Almiraj are highly solitary animals. They only nest together during their breeding seasons and after the young are able to fend for themselves, almiraj parents go their separate ways.
Domestication
Almiraj are usually timid creatures, considered stupid and unpredictable by some. However, almiraj are also fearless. They are easy to pet and tame, and incredibly faithful to their masters.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Almiraj are considered sacred by many of the cultures of Nioa. However, the horn of an almiraj does have significant magical properties, resulting in some black-market organizations hunting them in violation of the taboo. Almiraj horns can be used in a variety of magical items but they are particularly useful in the creation of magic wands, staffs, and other spell casting focuses. That said, it is also believed that an almiraj that dies of natural causes may in fact by a sign that the horn is being "given" to the one who finds it and that they have "a great destiny to fulfill."
Geographic Origin and Distribution
They are found throughout the continent of Nioa, and there have been reports of almiraj in Hakoa, though these claims are unsubstantiated. It is believed that almiraj are actually quite common in certain parts of the Feywild.
Average Intelligence
Low-mid bestial intelligence. Almiraj are able to detect surface level intentions in creatures they can see through their magical horns.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Almiraj have excellent sense of hearing, eyesight, and even smell. Their horns can even detect surface level intent, which is why many folk legends speak of almiraj as being a wise animal that cannot be tricked.
Origin/Ancestry
Nioan
Lifespan
40-60 years
Average Weight
3 to 6 lbs.
Average Length
2 ft (61 cm).
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Almiraj fur ranges in color from dark brown to white gypsum. Their horns have a similar appearance to mother-of-pearl.
Related Ethnicities
Related Myths
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