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{{Info fauna
{{Info fauna
|officialname = Frosthorn
|officialname = Frosthorn
|nicknames = Khyzhak.
|nicknames = Khyzhak
|classification = Mammal.
|classification = [[Mammal]]
|habitat = Cold, frosty environments such as those of [[Jorrhildr]] and [[Ellador]]
|habitat = [[Jorrhildr]], northern [[Ellador]],
|domesticated = No.
|domesticated = No
|status = Rare.
|status = Rare
|}}
|}}
The Frosthorn, or more commonly known by the Northerne people as the Khyzhak, is undoubtedly the apex predator of [[Jorrhildr]]’s frozen wastes and [[Ellador]]’s icefields. Enormous, ferocious, and a relentless hunter, these great white monsters prowl through the snow and ice in search of prey to butcher; whether it be [[Ur]], [[Thylan]], or [[Ailor]]. Known for its grotesque size and strength, Frosthorns dominate the frosty landscape and are a menace to any unfortunate enough to cross their paths.
The Frosthorn makes up a trio of well known northern primates in [[Aloria]] along with the [[Troll]] and the [[Ogre]]. What makes the Frosthorn unique, however, is its naturally present forked antlers growing from its forehead while its massive size is also notable. In addition, the animal is shrouded in mist, having lived at the edges of major civilizations for several centuries if tales and wall art is to be believed. The animal is also notable as having recently appeared at the [[Battle of Curag Fields]], furthering the mystery around them just as many more mysteries of the past begin to reopen across Aloria in recent years.


==First Recorded Encounter==
==History==
While a few other races knew of the Frosthorn long before the Thylan, the Thylan were the first to keep a recorded visual documentations through wall paintings. One such wall painting in the [[Koari Federation]] of Jorrhildr is rather well-known by researchers for its three frames in which the Frosthorn is depicted. The first frame displays a monstrously large white creature leaving the cover of a snowstorm and attacking an Ur with its bulky arms. The second frame portrays the face of a Frosthorn in quite commendable detail, and the final frame is of a Frosthorn howling atop a glacial peak. From this wall painting, researchers have been able to deduce quite a bit about the creature’s size and hunting methods without needing to study one up close.
The Frosthorn has unknown origins and a vague early history despite living in a land populated and visited in ancient times. Some believe that the Frosthorn might have been confused for the [[Urlan]] by some [[Elven]] records, referring to horned beasts in the region but far more aggressive and larger than any known Urlan. What is certain though is that the first to encounter them were likely the [[Thylan]] species. While crude in design, a singular mural was discovered in 303 AC depicted a large pale figure with two massive horns and grasping clawed hands in a deep Thylan cave system that was estimated to be almost 500 years old. As for written history, the Frosthorn first definitively appears in the writings of the [[Velheim]] [[Ailor]], or rather their oral history. The storytellers of the [[Hedrylli Empire]] spoke of great shaggy men with horns on their heads and a lust for man flesh living in the cold wastes of the world, one of the greatest challenges created by the gods for warriors to prove themselves against. Such myths became widespread, and in some cases morphed in with those told of Ogres. After the [[Cataclysm]], this tradition persisted.


===Current Status===
It wasn’t until 120 AC that new reports surfaced on the creature. [[Ithanian]]-chartered exploration vessels reached [[Jorrhildr]] and reported back information about various local beasts, including a monster they had only seen in a fog of the same description as the beast the Velheim spoke of. It took almost another century until the animal was confirmed as real as, in a great hunt organized by [[Nordskag’s]] third king to celebrate his coronation, the party of Velheim came upon a Frosthorn. The result of this encounter was two dead horses, three dead retained but a newly dead Frosthorn. The news spread across the Ailor world, and the animal’s body was well documented, in art, orature and in scholarly texts. Ever since that time, the Frosthorn has become accepted as a real and dangerous threat to anyone who travels the northern edges of the world. Most recently, a pair of Frosthorns appeared at the Battle of Curag Fields though seemingly mutated and well above their average size. This has led to some wild speculation that the beast may be tied to the [[Ohnark]], the horned stag creatures the [[Estel]] statue used as the leading force in her army, and it is currently assumed to live in the [[Northern Expanse]] as well as its traditionally held territories of Jorrhildr and northern [[Ellador]]. The animal is also seen as one of the greatest challenges for a hunter in Velheim culture, and many have lost their lives attempting to bring even a young Frosthorn down.
The Frosthorn, despite having great numbers, is quite a rare creature. Frosthorns prowl the wilderness of Jorrhildr but their tendency to hide amidst the snowdrifts and snowstorms often conceals them from travellers’ sight. It is estimated that there are several Khyzhak throughout Aloria, as many have been sighted crossing across the northeastern coast of Ellador to Jorrhildr in swathes, yet they are quite hard to find. When it comes to the use of a Frosthorn in trade, their furs are valued by Thylan hunters and northern Ailor tribes as being a tough, yet incredibly warm and insulated hide. Frosthorn commodities aren’t commonly found in trade across Aloria, but those who purchase or come across the fur or antlers tend to fetch them at a high price.


==Characteristics==
==Physical Appearance==
Frosthorns closely resemble apes in features and stature, albeit being much larger and with some differences. These beasts are bipedal with stumpy legs, and support themselves on their thick, long forearms when walking, much like a gorilla would. On average, a Frosthorn stands at about 9-10 feet in height (2.7-3 meters), though others have been recorded to be much larger further north, and it is not uncommon to see smaller ones. These creatures are known for their leathery skin and great amounts of fur, but a person’s attention is more often than not attracted to their facial features. Frosthorns have somewhat apelike faces, with wide mouths, squashed noses, and heavily-lidded ovular black eyes. Protruding from their skulls are a set of curling forked antlers.
The Frosthorn is one of the largest primates in Aloria. They stand anywhere from eight to twelve feet tall when on their hind legs though those that appeared at Curag Fields were reportedly sixteen feet tall when they reared up. Their weights cover a vast spectrum. Their head is large and humanoid with a large mouth, squashed nose, and thickly lidded black eyes. They also have a pair of large ears, though the hair that covers their heads almost completely obscure them. The Frosthorn also has its signature feature on its head, that being a set of two forked white antlers emerging from the top-front of their skull above their eyes. A thick neck connects their head to a large body, with the closest comparison being the Troll. They have massive and thick forward facing arms that support their body along with smaller legs, overall creating a quadrupedal appearance despite the animal’s capability to stand upright. Their hands and feet are humanoid, with five fingers and toes though have thicker, pointed nails. Their bodies are heavily muscled and overall covered in an incredibly thick layer of white fur. On males, this fur grows longer and more present around their necks, creating a sort of mane. Their heads meanwhile, still possess hair, but it is very dense and fur-like despite its occasionally long lengths. Older Frosthorns are also known for silvering to their fur, particularly around their heads and chest.
===Diversity===
The Frosthorn has only a single outward indicator of gender, that being the mane of fur males develop on their neck and upper body in their adolescence. It is impossible to determine what the gender split is in the Frosthorn species but it is assumed to be a good equal split given that the species has persisted for several hundred years with little to no external damage. The animal is also noted for its size, as the more north one goes, the larger the animal appears making the Frosthorn of Jorrhildr, ironically, some of the smallest despite being the most well known.
===Life Span and Development===
The development of the Frosthorn is shrouded in mystery. However, several basic facts exist and are assumed. As they are mammalian and appear as a form of primate, the Frosthorn is assumed to be live born at which point the mother will cease her wanderings to feed and care for the child. Over the next twelve to fifteen years, they will live together, the child learning all they can from their parent before leaving them to make their own lives. The final fact known in that the animal can live for up to 80 years, as an examination of Frosthorn bones indicates this age, but also the presence of several repeated Frosthorn encounters by Velheim in Jorrhildr.


===Notable Physical Traits===
==Mental Overview==
Frosthorn fur varies in color and length depending on age and location. All Frosthorns have some shade of white in their fur, though aging Frosthorns may possess silver tones as they grow older. The fur itself is normally very thick and tough, and the male Khyzhak tend to have it in thicker swathes around the neck, much like a mane. Although the Frosthorns may be quite slow and lumbering, they are remarkably powerful due to a lot of muscle in their wide arms. When it comes to combat, the Khyzhak flail these club-like arms about to batter and crush their prey to the point where their victims are limp and lifeless.
The Frosthorn is a predator species, with a track record as a brutal and clever foe. They are solitary creatures, living alone in the snowy lands they call home and keep away from civilization. When encountered, many slip away, using their perfectly colored coats to hide themselves in snow drifts or snowstorms. However, should their target be solitary or only a few people, the animal will then attack once it has confused its prey through their vanishing act. Using their huge fists and large arms, the Frosthorn will flail their club-like arms at their foe to batter and ultimately crush them before getting down to eating the meal. The animal only does this with sentient and Humanoid prey, however, as Urlan have reported the animal to face them when encountered directly, perhaps confusing the capra-esque species for their animal cousins and less of a challenge.
 
===Territory and Groupings===
====Origin and Diversity====
The Frosthorn is a solitary, nomadic animal and the largest group seen together was a pair of Frosthorns in 278 AC in northern Ellador. They are assumed to constantly be on the move as no definitive Frosthorn dens have been discovered, and when encountered, the species is always walking forward. Some believe the animal may be overall, migratory, traveling in a ceaseless pattern down from Northern Ellador into Jorrhildr before returning further north.
It is unknown from where exactly the Frosthorns originated. Some speculate northern Ellador, as that is as far north they have been spotted. In terms of population, Khyzhak are spotted in greater numbers in the colder environments, and are only located to the north of Aloria.
 
====Life Span and Development====
A Khyzhak’s life spans about 80 years, physically maturing around 15 years after birth. They grow quite slowly in youth and require sustenance to develop properly, meaning parents of a Frosthorn litter are almost always out on the hunt. Being mammals, the Frosthorn are born from a womb. Mothers usually give birth in caves and have to eat extreme amounts during their gestation due to their size and the number of offspring within them (typically three at a time). Young Frosthorns are born without their antlers, and do not grow them until around ten years of age.
 
===Mental Overview===
Frosthorns are wild and predatory. Despite having a meagre sense of smell, they offshoot this with excellent eyesight and hearing, which helps them track prey through thick snow flurries. They are also quite clever, especially when it comes to hunting. Utilising tactics such as using snowstorms for cover, burrowing into snow bluffs, or using their own snowy-white pelts as natural camouflage against the ice and hail, there is no doubt that the Khyzhak are dangerous predators. It is unknown whether they are able to be tamed, as no proof nor efforts to do so have come about as of yet.
 
====Territory and Groupings====
Khyzhak are nomadic animals with a rather odd travelling pattern. Frosthorns come to Jorrhildr for the milder months of the year for more prosperous hunting and breeding, then return to the north through Ellador to hibernate and convene in the winter and early months of the year. It is unusual to see any Frosthorns in groups aside from familial migrations, for these beasts are solitary hunters.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*A Frosthorn’s roar is said to be bone-chilling and nightmarish. This is due to their vocal cords, which produce an echoey, guttural screeching sound when roaring.
*There is some question as to if any Frosthorns live in [[Dorkarth]], the harsh Vampiric land in the north of Ellador. However, since that region is infested with Vampires, finding that out is an arduous task.
*When Khyzhak hunt, they will charge their prey and, rather than using their antlers or teeth, use their large club-like arms to batter and break whatever they have caught.
*The Thylan of Jorrhildr surprisingly show signs of having taken down Frosthorns despite their small size. Some rarely recovered tools from the near-sentient race feature use of the Frosthorn’s bones and antlers.
*The largest Frosthorn to date was spotted at the [[Battle of the Curag Fields]]. It is still unknown why or how the creature (among others) reached [[Kingdom of Torse|Torse]].
*There is only a single man known to have taken down two Frosthorns, that being Lysgråhild Tätavik. He slew two different Frosthorns, one in Jorrhildr and the other in Ellador, at two different points of his life, at the ages of 24 and 41. He is now happily retired and begrudgingly accepted by Skaggers and [[Calemberg]] hunters alike.  
 
{{Fauna}}
{{Fauna}}
{{Accreditation
{{Accreditation
|Artists =
|Writers = HydraLana
|Writers = 0romir
|Processors = HydraLana
|Processors = TheBioverse, Ryciera
}}
}}
 
[[category:Fauna]] [[category:Mammals]] [[category:Ellador Fauna]] [[category:Jorrhildr Fauna]] [[category:Cain Fauna]]
[[category:Fauna]] [[category:Mammals]] [[category:Jorrhildr]] [[category:Ellador]] [[category:Ur]] [[category:Thylan]] [[category:Ailor]] [[category:Primates]]

Revision as of 23:33, 18 April 2022

Frosthorn
Noimg.png
Fauna
Official Name Frosthorn
Common Nicknames Khyzhak
Classification Mammal
Habitat Jorrhildr, northern Ellador,
Domesticated No
Current Status Rare

The Frosthorn makes up a trio of well known northern primates in Aloria along with the Troll and the Ogre. What makes the Frosthorn unique, however, is its naturally present forked antlers growing from its forehead while its massive size is also notable. In addition, the animal is shrouded in mist, having lived at the edges of major civilizations for several centuries if tales and wall art is to be believed. The animal is also notable as having recently appeared at the Battle of Curag Fields, furthering the mystery around them just as many more mysteries of the past begin to reopen across Aloria in recent years.

History

The Frosthorn has unknown origins and a vague early history despite living in a land populated and visited in ancient times. Some believe that the Frosthorn might have been confused for the Urlan by some Elven records, referring to horned beasts in the region but far more aggressive and larger than any known Urlan. What is certain though is that the first to encounter them were likely the Thylan species. While crude in design, a singular mural was discovered in 303 AC depicted a large pale figure with two massive horns and grasping clawed hands in a deep Thylan cave system that was estimated to be almost 500 years old. As for written history, the Frosthorn first definitively appears in the writings of the Velheim Ailor, or rather their oral history. The storytellers of the Hedrylli Empire spoke of great shaggy men with horns on their heads and a lust for man flesh living in the cold wastes of the world, one of the greatest challenges created by the gods for warriors to prove themselves against. Such myths became widespread, and in some cases morphed in with those told of Ogres. After the Cataclysm, this tradition persisted.

It wasn’t until 120 AC that new reports surfaced on the creature. Ithanian-chartered exploration vessels reached Jorrhildr and reported back information about various local beasts, including a monster they had only seen in a fog of the same description as the beast the Velheim spoke of. It took almost another century until the animal was confirmed as real as, in a great hunt organized by Nordskag’s third king to celebrate his coronation, the party of Velheim came upon a Frosthorn. The result of this encounter was two dead horses, three dead retained but a newly dead Frosthorn. The news spread across the Ailor world, and the animal’s body was well documented, in art, orature and in scholarly texts. Ever since that time, the Frosthorn has become accepted as a real and dangerous threat to anyone who travels the northern edges of the world. Most recently, a pair of Frosthorns appeared at the Battle of Curag Fields though seemingly mutated and well above their average size. This has led to some wild speculation that the beast may be tied to the Ohnark, the horned stag creatures the Estel statue used as the leading force in her army, and it is currently assumed to live in the Northern Expanse as well as its traditionally held territories of Jorrhildr and northern Ellador. The animal is also seen as one of the greatest challenges for a hunter in Velheim culture, and many have lost their lives attempting to bring even a young Frosthorn down.

Physical Appearance

The Frosthorn is one of the largest primates in Aloria. They stand anywhere from eight to twelve feet tall when on their hind legs though those that appeared at Curag Fields were reportedly sixteen feet tall when they reared up. Their weights cover a vast spectrum. Their head is large and humanoid with a large mouth, squashed nose, and thickly lidded black eyes. They also have a pair of large ears, though the hair that covers their heads almost completely obscure them. The Frosthorn also has its signature feature on its head, that being a set of two forked white antlers emerging from the top-front of their skull above their eyes. A thick neck connects their head to a large body, with the closest comparison being the Troll. They have massive and thick forward facing arms that support their body along with smaller legs, overall creating a quadrupedal appearance despite the animal’s capability to stand upright. Their hands and feet are humanoid, with five fingers and toes though have thicker, pointed nails. Their bodies are heavily muscled and overall covered in an incredibly thick layer of white fur. On males, this fur grows longer and more present around their necks, creating a sort of mane. Their heads meanwhile, still possess hair, but it is very dense and fur-like despite its occasionally long lengths. Older Frosthorns are also known for silvering to their fur, particularly around their heads and chest.

Diversity

The Frosthorn has only a single outward indicator of gender, that being the mane of fur males develop on their neck and upper body in their adolescence. It is impossible to determine what the gender split is in the Frosthorn species but it is assumed to be a good equal split given that the species has persisted for several hundred years with little to no external damage. The animal is also noted for its size, as the more north one goes, the larger the animal appears making the Frosthorn of Jorrhildr, ironically, some of the smallest despite being the most well known.

Life Span and Development

The development of the Frosthorn is shrouded in mystery. However, several basic facts exist and are assumed. As they are mammalian and appear as a form of primate, the Frosthorn is assumed to be live born at which point the mother will cease her wanderings to feed and care for the child. Over the next twelve to fifteen years, they will live together, the child learning all they can from their parent before leaving them to make their own lives. The final fact known in that the animal can live for up to 80 years, as an examination of Frosthorn bones indicates this age, but also the presence of several repeated Frosthorn encounters by Velheim in Jorrhildr.

Mental Overview

The Frosthorn is a predator species, with a track record as a brutal and clever foe. They are solitary creatures, living alone in the snowy lands they call home and keep away from civilization. When encountered, many slip away, using their perfectly colored coats to hide themselves in snow drifts or snowstorms. However, should their target be solitary or only a few people, the animal will then attack once it has confused its prey through their vanishing act. Using their huge fists and large arms, the Frosthorn will flail their club-like arms at their foe to batter and ultimately crush them before getting down to eating the meal. The animal only does this with sentient and Humanoid prey, however, as Urlan have reported the animal to face them when encountered directly, perhaps confusing the capra-esque species for their animal cousins and less of a challenge.

Territory and Groupings

The Frosthorn is a solitary, nomadic animal and the largest group seen together was a pair of Frosthorns in 278 AC in northern Ellador. They are assumed to constantly be on the move as no definitive Frosthorn dens have been discovered, and when encountered, the species is always walking forward. Some believe the animal may be overall, migratory, traveling in a ceaseless pattern down from Northern Ellador into Jorrhildr before returning further north.

Trivia

  • There is some question as to if any Frosthorns live in Dorkarth, the harsh Vampiric land in the north of Ellador. However, since that region is infested with Vampires, finding that out is an arduous task.
  • The Thylan of Jorrhildr surprisingly show signs of having taken down Frosthorns despite their small size. Some rarely recovered tools from the near-sentient race feature use of the Frosthorn’s bones and antlers.
  • There is only a single man known to have taken down two Frosthorns, that being Lysgråhild Tätavik. He slew two different Frosthorns, one in Jorrhildr and the other in Ellador, at two different points of his life, at the ages of 24 and 41. He is now happily retired and begrudgingly accepted by Skaggers and Calemberg hunters alike.

Accreditation
Writers HydraLana
Processors HydraLana
Last Editor HydraLana on 04/18/2022.

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