Difference between revisions of "Hârn Bestiary Horses"

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• Ázadmêre, Chybísa, Eváel, Káldôr, Kandáy, Mèlderýn, Orbáal, Réthem, Thârda

All things relating to Hârn and researching, breaking down, and compiling Hârnic information.

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• Credits
  • WRITER
    • Chris J. Van Tighem
    • Tom Dalgliesh
  • ARTIST
    • Richard Luschek
  • CONTRIBUTORS
    • Brian Dorian
    • Bill Gant
    • Peter Leitch
    • Cal Stengel
    • Tanya Van Tighem
    • Greg Willaby
  • EDITORS
    • Tom Dalgliesh
    • Grant Dalgliesh

Horses

Horses are by far the most popular form of transportation on Hârn for nobility. The elite mounted knight, so closely associated with feudal warfare and law, ensures their important status.

There exists a considerable variety of horses on Hârn, raised from indigenous species or from the main horse breeds of western Lythia. Some breeds are larger and heavier, making excellent warhorses, while others are lighter and faster, characteristics desirable in riding and hunting horses. Purebred examples do exist on the island, but most ostlers sell horses that have the desirable qualities of at least two different breeds.

Breeds of Horses

There are three indigenous breeds of horse on the island of Hârn. Two have a common ancestry and existed on the island during the Age of the Sindarin and perhaps earlier. The third, the unicorn, is rare and found mainly in the Shava Forest.

Five major breeds exist on the continent of Lythia, each originating in the great horse-trading nations of Quarphor, Ketarh, Reksyna, Hacherdad, and Diramoa. Most horses found on the island are a mix of the first four Lythian breeds; horses from distant Diramoa are not found on Hârn. The donkey, which originated on the central Lythian steppes, is also found throughout the island.

Káldôr

Káldôric horses display qualities commonly found in Lankum and Hacherdad breeds. Painted and palomino colorations are common, as are long flowing manes and tails. King Torastra rode a renowned charger with black forequarters, a long flowing mane, and an equally impressive white hindquarters and tail. In recent years, fast Khanseti bloodstock has been introduced, producing delicate riding horses with a graceful gait. Jedes is a renowned center of horse breeding. Ostler Iriel of Haskew from Jedes is the current guildmaster for eastern Hârn.

Mèlderýn

Horse breeding is an ancient art in Mèlderýn. The kingdom is renowned for its fast and agile chargers and coursers, bred from Khanseti and Reksyni bloodlines and, it is said, a "touch of magic." Some nobles prefer to keep purebreds in their stables, perhaps imitating King Chunel, who often rides a Khanseti "unicorn." Stables in Jetust and Cundras are the most popular in the kingdom.

Chybísa

The Treasure Wars destroyed much of Chybísa's horse stock, which was replaced from Mèlderýni stables. Horses raised on Chybísa's rich pastureland are often taller than their Meldryni cousins.

Thârda

Thârdic legions place great emphasis on pack horses for transport, mainly bred from Chelni and Lankum stock. High-quality riding horses are less common, but Harmon Kainel of Ostenor breeds impressive warhorses of Reksyni and Lankum heritage. Kainel provides these to friends at reasonable prices, one reason he is a leading candidate for appointment as Warden of Coranan. Kainel's ostler, Kirdis of Olure, is the current guildmaster for western Hârn.

Kandáy

Kandáy's breeding stock originated in Mèlderýn, but Reksyni blood has been introduced into most herds over the past century. Kandian horses are now stronger and thicker than those commonly found in Mèlderýn. The Order of the Checkered Shield prefers dun warhorses to distinguish them from the dark gray and black warhorses ridden by knights of the Order of the Copper Hook. DUNIR, CUTON, and QUIVUM are well-known stables for quality horses.

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Réthem

Reksyni destriers are prized by Réthemi nobility and Agrikan fighting orders. These beasts are 16–17 hands high and extremely ill tempered. They often lash out at each other in combat, which can unhorse unwary riders. When handled by skilled riders, Reksyni warhorses are fearless and extremely dangerous in mounted combat.

Glossary

Charger: a large, war-trained stallion. The most common warhorse found on Hârn.

Cob: a small, fat-bodied horse with short legs, mostly used as a pack animal.

Colt: male horse younger than one year.

Courser: a large, fast, and agile horse trained for the hunt and to mount light cavalry or horse archers.

Destrier: a very large, war-trained stallion.

Dun: yellow-brown horse color.

Filly: female horse younger than one year.

Gelding: castrated male horse. Commonly done to riding and pack horses.

Gray: horse color from light to dark gray, sometimes with small black patches or spots.

Hand: measurement (hand-width or 4 inches) by which a horse is measured from its withers to the ground.

Jenny: the name given to the sterile offspring of a male horse and female donkey to differentiate it from a Mule.

Mare: female horse or pony.

Mule: the sterile offspring of a male donkey and female horse. They are less timid than most horses and less aggressive than donkeys.

Nag: broken or old horse of any type.

Painted: horse with large patches of two colors, generally brown and white or black and white.

Palfrey: a fine riding horse.

Palomino: a horse with a gold coat and white mane and tail.

Pony: generic name for a horse that is under 13 hands when mature. Also used by laymen to refer to a young horse of this size.

Rouncy: a standard riding horse.

Sorrel: red-brown horse color.

Stallion: male horse, ungelded. All warhorses are stallions.

Sumpter: a small pack horse or pony.

Withers: the highest point of a horse's back, at the base of the neck.

Yearling: an immature horse 1–2 years old. Yearlings cannot be ridden except by children.

Youngster: a horse 2–4 years old. Hard training is rarely begun until a horse is a youngster, and ideally not until near the end of this period.

Chelni

Hârnic Pony

The Chelni horse, also known as the Chelni pony, is indigenous to Hârn. Only 13 hands and weighing 700 pounds, these diminutive steeds have been bred by the Chelni to carry their warriors swiftly over rugged country. The Chelni are fanatical about keeping the breed pure. No other horses are allowed near a Chelni mare. If a Chelni horse is sold or for some reason leaves a tribal range, it is never allowed to return.

Chelni horses are distinguished by a unique gait. Called the hosk, this is a running walk, attaining speeds up to 12 leagues per hour. A troop of horse in the hosk quickly falls into rhythm; enemies of the Chelni fear the fourbeat staccato that thunders towards them. The final charge at the gallop reaches up to 16 leagues per hour, a true shock attack.

The Chelni horse matures slowly and is not ridden seriously until it is four years old. It achieves its greatest strength from 8 to 18 years.

Not all Chelni horses are prized. Only the best are used by warriors. The Chelni also maintain herds for trade and for use as utility animals. Although strong and fast, the Chelni horse is too small to be a warhorse for a mounted knight.

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Hodiri

Hârnic Horse

The Hodiri horse is short and stocky, like the Chelni, but is taller than its cousin. It is faster and does not gallop with the unique hosk gait of the Chelni pony. At the canter or gallop, the Hodiri horse maintains a level, steady gait that provides a stable seat for horse archery. Hodiri warriors are well feared for their horsebow skill.

Although fond of their horses, the Hodiri are not as fanatical about preserving bloodlines as the Chelni. Mare's milk is consumed; in emergencies, a Hodiri will slit a small vein of their horse and drain a little blood to drink. They have even been known to kill a lame mount to make a crude breastwork to fight behind. When a warrior dies, his horse is usually eaten by his family. A Hodiri saying is, "If I am killed, may my enemy follow me to the grave and my horse dwell in the bellies of my clan."

In addition to using them for war, the Hodiri are also fond of horse racing and other horse-based athletic contests. Horse theft is a great sport when practiced between tribes, although the Hodiri are rarely tolerant of this crime if done by outsiders. The favorite mode of execution for horsetheft by outsiders is to drag a captive behind a swift horse while others chase and attempt to spear the victim.

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Khanset

Ketari Horse

The Ketari are the world's finest light cavalry, with a command of mounted military tactics that brings fear to the stoutest heart. The Ketari steed is known as the Khanset, which means "King of Horses." The Khanset is a light-boned, long-legged steed with wide hooves to traverse softer ground. They average 15 hands and 1,000 pounds. Although this makes them superb for light cavalry, they cannot easily bear the weight of a heavily armoured warrior.

Khanseti are fearless and protective of their owners. This is a natural disposition that has been enhanced through breeding. Because their native range includes the vast Ketari desert, they are well adapted to arid terrain and temperature extremes. They do not fair as well in temperate and moist climates. Purebred Khanseti are rare in Hârnic stables but many ostlers use their bloodline to obtain highly desirable speed and loyalty traits.

Ketari tribesmen use the impressive speed of their horses to full effect. Highly mobile horsebow harrass and panic enemy forces, and then light lancers overrun the inevitable rout. The horse fulfills all battle roles equally well. It is fearless in a charge and solid during close fighting; its smooth gait allows for accurate bow shots to be taken even at a full gallop. Khanseti are mostly brown or sorrel and occasionally solid black. Their tails and manes are nearly always black. Pure white Khanseti, known as "unicorns," are rare and much sought after.

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Lankum

Quarphor Horse

Horses from the Quarphor region of Lythia are known as the Lankum due to the early development of the breed near the city of Lankorium. They are a lightly boned but strong steed, popular as a palfrey or light charger. The Lankum is known for its excellent countenance. It is probably the most common riding horse in all of northwestern Lythia, including Hârn. The Lankum and Reksyni breeds are distantly related, but the Lankum is lighter and faster than its cousin.

These horses come in a wide variety of heights and body shapes. This is probably due to the early development of the breed, which used a mixture of several now-extinct breeds. The most distinctive feature of the Lankum is their coat. While "painted" horses do occur in other breeds, it is most common with the Lankum. One out of every two foals has a painted hide, usually a shade of brown and white. Straight-colored Lankum tend to be either of these colors or, very occasionally, dun.

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Hacherdad

Forest Horse

The evergreen forests of Hacherdad are home to the forest horse. A relatively large animal, between 14 and 16 hands, this horse is distinguished by its long mane and tail, which possibly evolved to protect the animal from insects. If properly cared for, the tail can grow until it touches the ground. Braiding of the mane and tail is popular. Tails are often tipped with metal to protect the hair from damage.

Prior to domestication, the Hacherdad was a slimmer animal, but the breed has been thickened. Shorter specimens are the classic barrel-chested cob, popular as a riding horse or pack animal. They have uncanny hearing, even for a horse, and will usually pick up sounds before other horse breeds. This most likely evolved from their dependence on sound in their natural setting. Hacherdads are highly prized by nobles as mounts for woodland and forest hunting.

In their wild state, Hacherdad herds are relatively small (four to eight mares per stallion) and the breed has a tendency to become quite agitated in large groups. They were once unsuitable as warhorses, being likely to panic on crowded battlefields. Careful breeding has mostly removed this undesirable trait but it still crops up once in a while.

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Reksyni

Plains Horse

Reksyni are a large and sturdy breed instrumental in the near destruction of the Azeryani Empire. Known for their size, strength, and endurance, these horses are the fabled mounts of the Reksyni Cavalry. Fearless and loyal, many chargers and destriers now have strong Reksyni blood in them. More docile specimens have proven to be good plow and draft animals.

The Reksyni is a thick-bodied horse. It was smaller in the distant past but has been selectively bred taller to carry heavily armoured warriors. They average 17 hands. Reksyni are slow and herd focused. Wild herds use their numbers and size to drive away and even trample predators. Their use as warhorses was a natural progression. Fearless in a charge, these animals will bite and kick ferociously in battle. Reksyni have been known to mortally wound other steeds during combat and in tourney melees.

Reksyni are the most desired warhorses on Hârn but they are expensive to buy, train, and feed. Black is the dominant color for the breed, but there are also grays, sorrels, and duns. Agrikans prize Reksyni with an uncommon red-orange hue.

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Donkey

The Shepherd

Donkeys originated in the steppes of central Lythia but can now be found throughout the continent. They have a brownish-grey coat with a white abdomen. The mane is short and dark in color. At the end of the short tail is a tuft of longer and darker hair.

Wild donkey herds can be led by a male or an elderly female. If under attack, they will form a circle, heads inward, and kick backward to fight off predators.

Donkeys have been domesticated for thousands of years. They are sturdy animals capable of surviving for long periods of time with reduced food or water. Brave and clever, but stubborn, donkeys are highly resistant to disease and long-lived.

Donkeys are also used to protect sheep. Jennies (females) will stay with the flock and try to keep it from scattering while males patrol the perimeter and confront any threat.

Mule: the sterile offspring of a male donkey and female horse. They are less timid than most horses and less aggressive than donkeys. Although capable of carrying heavy loads, they tend to be slow and amazingly stubborn.

Jenny: the generic name for all female donkeys. It is also the name given to the sterile offspring of a male horse and female donkey to differentiate it from a mule.

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Unicorn

The Shava Horse

A rare, one-horned equine, the unicorn is mostly found in Eváel, hence the name Shava Horse. There have also been sightings in Athul, Peran, Equeth, and Nuthela. Unicorns are solitary in nature and do not gather in herds, although a mare and her foals are sometimes seen together.

Similar to, but larger than, the Hodiri horse, unicorns have a goat-like beard and thick mane and, of course, possess a fearsome horn. They are known to be aggressively territorial, fast, and intelligent, and their horn is easily capable of impaling a man, even a well-armoured one. Unicorns would be the perfect warhorse, except they are too small for heavy cavalry. Encouraged by tales of Unicorn Light Horse in the Sindarin army at the Battle of Sorrows, many have sought to capture and train unicorns, with no success. They are extremely difficult to capture and almost impossible to break, but become completely docile if broken. Breeding a unicorn with a Reksyni warhorse is a recurring dream for the few ostlers who have seen the animal, but none have reported success.

There are many legends about unicorns. Some claim their riders receive visions of the future. Other stories say they are shapechangers who can transform into young maidens, which may account for the many legends that unicorns can only be tamed by virgins. All tales say that unicorns were once more numerous, but have been mercilessly hunted for their horn. Cups made from unicorn horn are said to render all poisons harmless.

One part of the Tale of Elderan recounts his favored hunting technique for unicorns. These he would slay by standing in front of a tree, luring the beasts to charge, and then stepping aside at the last moment. The unicorns would embed their horn in the tree and could then be easily slain. Most unicorns are too smart, and too wary of man, to be fooled by such a simple ruse.

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Kandian

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Notes

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