Jorlraxi

When the Mons crossed the mountains, they sought to tame the lands and the beasts that called it home. For the most part they succeeded. One beast they neglected was the Jorlraxi- insignificant to the burgeoning empires. They were just fodder for the beasts of true importance to tear into; so they thought. While many of the larger denizens of the taiga have been bent to the will of man, Jorlraxi stand as one of the few that do not beckon to the whip of any man. Their distinctness amongst their peers has granted them a moniker as a symbol; freedom and uncontainable resistance. The Jorlraxi has become a popular symbol among Nixian rebels against the empires which now assume their homeland.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

The Jorlraxi is a large goat, a distant cousin to the Rocker and Yekin. Though they more appropriately resemble a deer or antelope. Long striding legs make them the fastest animal in the entire taiga when it comes to distance traveled; only a Jorlseeri ambush has even a chance of catching them. Their unusual speed is compounded by comparatively high stamina, allowing the Jorlraxi to maintain these sprints at the same rate as horses. While not as sure-footed as some of their cousins, Jorlraxi can easily navigate the tangled mess of the spruce forests without fear of falling. Outside of these stints of extreme expenditure, Jorlraxi spend much of their time sleeping.

As Jorlraxi are subject to a number of predators, it is only natural that they’re equipped to detect and combat them. Though their sight and sense of smell are fairly standard, their large ears can pick up on the slightest disturbance. Jorlraxi might be built to run but fighting isn’t out of the question; their horns are positioned to just as easily gore an opponent as they are to lock with a rival’s pair. Both male and female Jorlraxi have horns but females have shorter ones with pointed ends specifically to gore foes. Jorlraxi do not shed these horns but they will shear off parts to keep them from getting too heavy. Once hollowed, Jorlraxi horns make for good drinking horns. Interestingly, their horns grant additional additives to liquids drank from within them- a sugary, bubbling taste.

Jorlraxi calve during the spring. Females will have one calf each season- twins are possible but are unlikely to survive. They are not born with horns and are not nearly as fast as the adults. Males’ notched horns -normally to lock with another- act as an appropriate basket to carry a calf to safety. This horn basket technique does not appear to be instinctual, instead taught over generations of Jorlraxi. In practicing herds, the blue streak of fur upon their backs and shoulders appears more pronounced. This marker is unique and helps the mothers identify their calves within the herd.

#### Psychology

Dwelling in large, social herds of up to thirty adult individuals, the Jorlraxi form a bulk of the herbivore guild. They form monogamous pairs but may be ousted should a male fail to withstand a challenging male. In that sense the Jorlraxi are noble, each herd has their own conduct on how these clashes shall be conducted but above all else they’re a singular match. Such events are sport for spectators amongst the herd and even sapient races. These battles are fair but bloody, often leaving half as many contestants on the end as there were entering. The bodies of the dead or the dying are gathered in a particular spot specific to the Jorlraxi herd. These graveyards are respected by other animals who do not dare disturb the bones. In return, they are permitted to pull the flesh away so as to sully themselves and hinder disease in their prey.