Life Beneath the Mother Tree: The Gyrdstrog

In these days that I will be spending on this farmstead, I soak in the sights of Arcvelts iconic forests and rolling hills that make up its farmland. Many of its residents mostly relying on herding livestock to make the valyons necessary to provide for themselves and their families.

In this chapter I will be telling you about the majestic Gyrdstrog. These beautiful creatures display an overwhelming prowess at circumnavigating unforgiving mountain ranges and the densest portions of the forests. They sport a thick mane of fur which keeps them warm in most climates, and can provide some level of protection to their necks from predators. The male Gyrdstrog sports curios horns that form an ‘o’, which curiously, as they grow older will grow in size, with the horns naturally adjusting to keep this natural “halo” of sorts, perfectly measured to shape.

The horns of these animals inspired a sport, which would initially be played with a ball that would be launched through the quote ‘hoop’, on the back of a mature Grydstrog. Today, any shed horns after the male’s butt heads are used to create specialized nets.  

I have yet to see a Gyrdstrog male with any defects to their horns.

Day 3

Today I will be aiding in merely feeding the animals today. The farmers Grydstrog population is kept in two separate pens, females often proving to be quite docile and tame, tending to the kids they sire. Once old enough, the males are transferred over with the others. About once every hour, I will hear a long clacking of horns and tough skulls clashing.

Day 9

Today I will be helping in the shearing of the Gyrdstrog fur. Mr. Thorbourghy has informed me that ensuring the blades used are sharp enough to split hairs. If they are anything but sharp, they seem to not be able to cut through the thickest patches of fur on the underside of the neck.

After five hours of carefully shedding away thick fur patching, the tufts are ready to be processed into the some of the most dense wool Arcvelt has to offer. This is the last words I can muster for my day after spending hours in the hot sun.

Day 13

Today is a humid one, as it rains with a heavy downpour. I find myself held up in my camp, taking residence beneath a lean to beside my fire. Fortunately for me, I can see my subjects from my camp, huddled together in a small circle. The Male’s face outward, again forming that protective ring, and Females are tending to the young while the storm passes, telling us a story of nurturing and love. This gesture of care seems to fuel the Male Gyrdstrog’s drive to protect their young, a sweet sight to behold.

Out here in the wild, the Gyrdstrog mane grows thicker and unkempt. This too provides extra warmth for the young of the herd. 

Day 23

Today I am out in the wilderness, observing a herd of wild Gyrdstrog. They keep to small groups while wandering the hillsides, with a Female presiding over the herd, harboring a gentle, imposing presence. When threatened, the adults will form a defensive ring while holding their heads low to defend the young, propelling predators over head to the other side of the ring, only to be battered or clubbed by the next male. They will also use their horns to club a predator as a deterrent, however hitting with enough force will cause their horns to molt.