Horse

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Known in all sides of Auria as the de facto labour beast, Horses can be found almost everywhere in the galaxy and are used by many civilisations in labour or for military purposes. The first kingdom to be recognised for its use in Horses are the Wylderin, who's legendary Knights have tamed, trained and ridden their loyal steeds since the beginnings of the empire. The historic Ironwatch tribe would be a close second when they began to tame the horned Ischyrosian Warchargers for the use of warfare against rivalling tribes. Since then, a cavalry unit has existed in some way or another in most Aurian kingdoms that mainly utilise horses for their riders, though the Wylderin Knights remain the most revered for their special bond which they forge between rider and beast.

Horse Species

There exist unique species of horses native to certain planets which have either been selectively bred over the ages or have existed since recorded history.

Common Plainsrider
Planet: Imperia
Region: Agrimar; Mysterne; Triones
These common variety Horses are found in abundance in the Azura Province. Coming in different shades ranging from brown to grey to black, the Common Plainsrider is usually found in herds of up to twenty-five horses led by an alpha stallion. Standing at about 170-200cm for males and 160-190cm for females, Common Plainsriders are the smallest species of Horse in Auria, although they make up for it with decent speed.

Damadamma
Planet: Grukoor
Region: Okramm
In the Enkhulun story "Damadamma" tells of the revered Giant Mumban riding into battle atop a horse named Damadamma who was the length of the Okramm Canyons. When the war against Demonkind ended and Mumban went into hiding, he first freed Damadamma from his service and let him roam the fertile world independently. Through a chance meeting with the Wyvern Eire, the two of them fell in love and had children who bore the characteristics of both dragons and horses.

Though an old story, "Damadamma" serves as a solid explanation into the species of Grukoori horse with the same name. Damadamma Horses are massive equines who live in the canyons of Okramm and feed specifically off of a wild flower known as "Buukubwa" or "Giantbud" which grows in that region. Their giant stature has inspired many stories by the Enkhulun people who have a certain spiritual reverence towards them. In the Urol culture, the Damadamma is viewed as a free animal that cannot and must not be tamed in order to honour the will of Mumban. This hasn't stopped the neighbouring peoples of the Drifts to do so anyways and use these massive beasts in labour and in battle.

Damadamma Horses are nigh infinite stamina and seemingly never need to sleep. They have hard dragonscale skin underneath their fur and large, red vibrant manes. The shape of the Damadamma Horse's head is more draconic in nature, with a more defined snout and noticeable husks. Male Damadammas also possess long fangs that stick out from their fangs. With a height of 340-400cm for males and 330cm-395cm for females, 500-600cm in length for males and 480cm-590cm for females, the Damadamma is the largest known Horse of Auria.

Dorman Deathmane
Planet: Wyrmeron
Region: Winterfury
Get in the Sack (x2) (WIP)

Imperial Warcharger Snowmane and his owner Carly

Imperial Warcharger
Planet: Imperia
Region: Agrimar
These larger than normal equines are muscled and built for war. The first to recognise their use were the Ironwatch tribe in the bygone era of prehistoria though as Luxfordia endured many reforms and changes the duty of Warcharger taming and training went to the Hawkhome Estate. Since then, the Imperial Warcharger has remained an iconic symbol for both the kingdom and its military with the Warcharger Cavalry one to be feared when the horn of war is blown. They are often clad in heavy armour and are used to break enemy frontlines and impale unlucky soldiers onto their horns.

The Imperial Warcharger makes an appearance in many cultural motifs for Luxfordia including their flag and banners as well as their architecture.

Imperial Warchargers are known for having a single long horn protruding from their forehead with some having smaller ones around it as well. They stand at a height on average 220-250cm with a nose to base of tail measurement of 330-380cm.

Feralhoof Margh
Planet: Gwynbrenon
Region: Silverbough
Found rarely in the wilds of Northern Silverbough, the Feralhoof Margh is a rare species of horse that's larger than the common variety and features a more wild aesthetic. They have sharper, fang-like teeth and are omnivorous instead of herbivorous. They have longer tails as well and are fiercely aggressive when untamed, often attacking without clear provocation. They live as lone wolves that avoid other Marghs unless it is territorial competition or mating season.

A common Feralhoof Margh stands at about 210-245cm tall and 320-360cm long.

The Knighthood of the Wild have recently made it clear that taming a Feralhoof Margh is only possible if the rider is able to match and exceed the boundless stamina of this ferocious equine. Though a task most challenging, the reward of it is a loyal steed who will fight to the death in the name of its partner if it ever comes to such extremes.