Wolbdeer
Basic Information
Anatomy
The wolbdeer is a six-limbed magical hybrid species similar to the griffin. It is composed of the features of wolves, hawks, and deer. From the wolf, it takes its head, neck, and agile mind; from the hawk it takes its eyes, wings and lower body; and from the deer it takes its upper body and (in case of males) antlers.
Genetics and Reproduction
Wolbdeer exhibit mammalian reproduction, with a poly-estrous cycle coupled with greater male fertility occurring in the fall, with the live birth of young in the spring. Wolbdeer tend to mate for life, although exceptions have been observed.
Growth Rate & Stages
Wolbdeer learn to walk over the few days after birth by wandering around their flight's den. After a couple months, their wings are sufficiently developed for flight, and their are taught to fly by way of stepwise falls over the next few months, and are gradually integrated into the flight's activities.
Ecology and Habitats
Wolbdeer tend to live near cliffs, which make ideal nesting ground for them. They use their front-hooves to dig out dens when they can. Other dens can be built on top of hills or nested in particularly large trees.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Wolbdeer are carnivores, and tend to hunt large animals such as deer, elk, or buffalo.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Wolbdeer hunt and live in close kin-groups, known as flights. Many of their behaviors are similar to wolf packs, where they closely coordinate to bring down prey. Unlike a wolf pack, their territories tend to be much larger due both to a greater ability to travel long distances, and a need for more food for a given body weight.
Domestication
An attempt to breed Wolbdeer as colorful pets and for falconry lead to a disastrous end of Sir Tyrenius Bell, a knight sworn to the Harlords, although this has not stopped others from considering it.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Wolbdeer feathers are prized for uses such as bedding or arrow fletching, although their benefits beyond a sign of wealth are debatable.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Wolbdeer are broadly distributed in the mountains and the forests at their feet, and are found throughout Arstol, though generally not in warmer areas such as the Reymal or Bolari coasts. They are rarely found in Lorane, and have never been seen in hot areas like the Kalor Waste.
Average Intelligence
Wolbdeer are subsapient, and tend to be about as intelligent as wolves or hawks.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Wolbdeer have a keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing.
Lifespan
32 years
Average Height
6'-8'
Average Weight
800-1200 lbs.
Average Length
8'-10'
Average Physique
Wolbdeer appear to be highly muscular, like birds or dragons.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Wolbdeer exhibit a great deal of color variation depending on location, although they tend towards colors that camouflage in their native environment. Wolbdeer in the Radan mountains, for instance, tend to be brown-grey; those in the Bolari Steppes tend to be red-brown. An attempt to breed them as colorful pets and for falconry lead to a disastrous end of Sir Tyrenius Bell, a knight sworn to the Harlords.
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