Sanek

Medium-sized quadrupeds with muscular limbs designed for swift running and agile movement through dense underbrush. Their shoulders and back are covered with overlapping, bark plates resembling natural armor.

Their traits are tough bark armor, strong limbs for rapid escape, antlers on both genders, and camouflaged fur to blend in the forest

Sexually dimorphic species: both have armor plates and antler use in mating displays and combat. Breeding occurs in early autumn, with females giving birth to one or two fawns after approximately seven months of gestation.

Fawns grow rapidly, reaching half their adult size within six months. Armor plates develop gradually and fully harden by the time individuals reach maturity at two years.

Prefer mixed woodlands and open grasslands with abundant shrubs and water sources. They play a key ecological role in seed dispersal and vegetation control, contributing to the health of their ecosystems.

Herbivorous browsers and grazers feeding on grasses, leaves, berries, and young shoots. Their digestive system is specialized for processing fibrous plant material efficiently.

Diurnal grazers with peak activity during early morning and late afternoon. Seasonal migrations occur, moving to lower elevations or sheltered valleys during harsh winters.

Social and herd-oriented, with complex communication through vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. Generally cautious but capable of aggressive defense using their armored backs and powerful hind kicks when threatened.

Herds of 10–20 individuals, typically led by a dominant female. Males form bachelor groups outside the breeding season. Herds cooperate in vigilance and defense against predators.

1. Harvesting Armor Plates
2. Since Sanek are wild and their bark-like armor plates develop fully only at maturity, the races might collect naturally shed or fallen plates from deceased animals rather than hunting specifically for armor.
3. These plates can be used to craft lightweight, durable armor or protective gear, prized for their natural camouflage and toughness.
4. Carved or polished plates may serve as trade goods or ceremonial items.
5. Antlers Collection
6. Antlers, which both males and females possess, are likely shed seasonally (similar to deer). Races can gather these shed antlers from the forest floor.
7. Antlers are valuable raw materials for tools, weapons, ornaments, or ritual objects.
8. Collecting shed antlers is sustainable and does not harm the animals.
9. Fur and Hide
10. Wild Sanek pelts can be obtained through hunting, primarily during seasons when populations are stable.
11. Their mottled fur provides excellent camouflage, making pelts desirable for clothing or cloaks used in forested environments.
12. Hide can be tanned into leather for durable goods.
13. Meat
14. Hunting Sanek for meat is a traditional practice, likely regulated by seasonal or cultural taboos to avoid overharvesting.
15. Their herbivorous diet suggests lean, fibrous meat that can be preserved by drying or smoking.
16. Meat is an important protein source for the races living near Sanek habitats.
17. Byproducts
18. Bones and sinew from hunted Sanek are used for crafting tools, weapons, and binding materials.
19. Fat rendered from carcasses may be used for cooking, lighting, or medicinal salves.

Elongated face with large, expressive eyes and a broad snout. Pointed mobile ears enhance sound detection. Males feature small antler-like bony protrusions above the eyes.

Sanek inhabit temperate forests, grasslands, and scrublands across central and northern continental regions. They are especially common near river valleys and mixed woodlands where food and water are abundant.

They possess keen eyesight adapted for daylight and twilight conditions, a wide field of view, acute hearing, and a strong sense of smell. No known extrasensory abilities have been documented.

• Hierarchy Respect:
  The herd follows a clear social order, with the alpha pair leading movements, feeding, and defense. Subordinates show deference through body language—lowering heads, avoiding direct eye contact, or stepping aside.
• Grooming and Bonding:
  Mutual grooming (licking, rubbing antlers) strengthens social bonds and reduces tension.
• Coordinated Movement:
  Herd members synchronize their pace and direction, responding quickly to signals from leaders or sentinels.
• Vocal Communication:
  Soft grunts, bellows, and antler clacking convey moods, warnings, or invitations to play or mate.
• Care for the Young:
  Calves are protected and taught herd etiquette by adults; aggressive behavior toward them is forbidden.
• Conflict Resolution:
  Disputes are settled through ritualized displays or brief sparring, avoiding serious injury.

• Challenging the Alpha Without Cause:
  Directly confronting the dominant male or female outside established rituals is taboo and often leads to exile or injury.
• Straying from the Herd:
  Young or weak Sanek that wander alone risk predation and are often shunned until they prove themselves again.
• Damaging Sacred Groves:
  Sanek avoid trampling or feeding in areas considered spiritually significant by the herd, such as ancient trees or water sources.
• Ignoring Warning Signals:
  Failing to heed alarm calls or ignoring the herd’s movement cues is seen as disrespectful and dangerous.
• Excessive Aggression:
  While defensive behavior is accepted, unnecessary violence toward other Sanek or species disrupts herd harmony.

1. Relations with Other Beasts

• Territorial Boundaries:
  Sanek maintain clear territories and avoid direct conflict with large predators or competing herbivores. They use vocalizations, scent markings, and displays (like antler posturing) to warn intruders.
• Mutual Awareness:
  Sanek are alert to the presence of predators (wolves, large cats, or magical beasts) and may flee or cluster defensively. Smaller creatures like birds or rodents often coexist peacefully, sometimes benefiting from Sanek’s movement through dense underbrush.
• Symbiotic Interactions:
  Some smaller species might clean parasites from Sanek hides or follow herds to scavenge disturbed insects, forming loose mutualistic relationships.

2. Relations with Sapient Races

• Cautious Avoidance:
  Wild Sanek generally avoid direct contact with Rasen or Nimari, perceiving them as potential threats. They are wary but not aggressive unless cornered.
• Recognition of Rituals:
  Sanek may respond to certain ritualistic sounds or signals (drumming, horn calls) used by races to communicate peaceful intent or mark hunting seasons.
• Occasional Cooperation:
  In rare cases, Sanek might tolerate or even assist certain individuals who show respect and understanding, allowing closer observation or limited interaction.