Beasts of burden are species I should definitely give more love, especially with all the hard work they do for us! Sure, there isn't as much magic to it as some strange creature from a land far away or perhaps an ecosystem you never knew existed, but that isn't the point. The point is to inform people about all the incredible species of flora, fauna and fungi that can be found around the world, thus things one may describe as "mundane" or "common" is included! And, also, just because it is a common sight to you, it doesn't mean it is to everyone else! Non-dryads are amazed by Nectar Cows and Gardenbacks, but we hardly think twice about them! And when I got to see a real Ypotryll, I was certainly excited, though I am sure my guides thought it strange!
The Ypotryll is an ungulate that is found in and around deserts. They are species that people like to call a "chimera" or a "hybrid" due to familiar parts from different animals all cobbled into one piece. However, the Ypotryll is not a hybrid, this is the real deal. Though its tusked head brings to mind one beast and its humped body looks like another, it doesn't mean someone stitched those two together. It is just a species that developed similar adaptations to survive in the harsh desert environment. Humps to store fat, thick hardened skin to protect from hot sands and tusks and a whipping tail to fend off hungry predators. Sure, it may look odd as one single package, but you would be hard pressed to find a creature more prepared for its environment!
Ypotrylls are herbivorous, which may seem odd for something that lives in the desert. The biome known for having very little green and water, but don't forget that plants do find a way! It just so happens they aren't green and pretty, more dull colored and extremely pointy. Thorns, spines and prickles are aplenty on the local vegetation, which is meant to keep hungry herbivores away. Unfortunately for them, the Ypotryll has figured out a way to munch past all those defenses! The inside of its mouth has protection from these sharp barbs, sort of like leathery pads. This lets them chew on plenty of pointy plants without a problem! So they can graze on just about anything they come across in the desert, which is useful since food can be pretty rare out there!
Of course, this also means that predators in the desert can't be picky about their meals either, so the Ypotryll is on the menu! Got to eat what you can find, and a meaty beast like this with those fatty humps would seem like a good choice! These beasts, however, don't go down easy. As you can imagine, that face covered in sharp tusks can do some real damage. Its long scaly tail is also real good at whipping foes, while its legs can land some brutal kicks! And since Ypotryll travel in herds, you are rarely dealing with just one! It also doesn't help that these fellas are real stubborn and can have a nasty attitude! Even if you aren't a threat, they may just smack you across the head because they feel like it. Rude! And painful!
In the regions where they are found, the Ypotryll are used as beasts of burden, be it hauling things or carrying folk around. This is because they are perfect for traveling through the desert, and have bodies that can run for long periods of time with little food or water. Very durable, efficient and smart! They are a beloved creature, for they provide even more than just transportation! Their fur and hide are used for things like tents, bedding and clothes, while their meat is a local favorite! They drink the milk as well, or use it to make cheese! So many uses! It is why the people are such fans of the species, keeping them as workers, carriers, pets and even for show! There are Ypotryll competitions where people bring their prized beasts to see who is the best! Would have loved to see one of those!
Unfortunately, not everyone shares this same love for the Ypotryll. For some bizarre reason, folks outside of these regions find them incredibly ugly. That's right! Not dangerous or destructive! They aren't an invasive or a wild beast that attacks and kills everything they come across. Not at all! They pose no harm! But other people don't like them because they are ugly! WHAT. It's insanity! Some folk say they are only notable due to the sheer hideousness of them, practically a symbol of ugliness! Who says this?! WHO?! I want names! How dare someone bully a species over such shallow thoughts! Though, of course, it took Eucella to point out to me that there may be something more going on there than just mocking this creature. It is unfortunately also a dig at the very people who rely on them as well, pointing at these "foreigners" and tearing down anything they are associated with. Look at our gorgeous animals that we ride proudly upon, while these strange outsiders trot about on the most ghastly of beasts! Ugh, I hate it!
Anyways, during my studies of desert species overseas, I did get many chances to see and even ride Ypotrylls! It was incredible! Well, when I had mounts that were agreeable. Some of them were rather ornery and stubborn, and I don't know if it was my clothing or general look, but a few got real rude! Disobeying commands, smacking me with their tail and a couple spits shot in my direction! What did I do!? They can be a stubborn species at times, and they often take awhile to warm up to strangers, so there is that. I can't blame them too much, because I have certainly had my fair share of grumpy beasts during my many travels! But ooooooh, so few got me riled up like Hamza!
A brief stint of one of my expeditions had me hitting up a few villages with some guides to gather information and supplies. And while I was with them, they had provided me with one of their Ypotrylls called Hamza. They praised him for his experience, wisdom and reliability, which sounded quite good to me! I was honored to have such a distinguished steed! But my joy faded quite quickly because Hamza hated me! He spat on my head! He always swatted me with his tail! There would be times when we would disembark, and Hamza wouldn't move a muscle! Just stand there defiantly as my companions rode ahead! And no amount of orders or bribes would get him to go! It took my guides to convince him, and OH how sweet he was with them! Like an obedient puppy! But for me? Ooooooooh, not for me! The nasty bugger even kicked my backpack over a few times! What did I do?! Of course, everyone got a good laugh from it, but I certainly got flustered! There were some times I yelled at that old beast, saying how I would eat him! Oh yes, I would chop him up and put him in a stew! I would roast him over an open fire! I would mix him up with some rice and serve him to the whole village! Of course, Hamza wasn't bothered by this in the slightest, and my guides would chuckle over my ranting and frustrations. Hmph! But the jokes weren't over just yet...
I would eventually part ways with them and Hamza, which I was thrilled to do. I would head out to a different area for study for a week, before coming back this way. During that time off, I gained some small comfort in the baking heat that I at least wasn't getting spit on by a grumpy Ypotryll. Oh to be free of Hamza! But eventually, I would make my way back to the village, and meet up with my previous guides. They were excited to hear what I saw and learned, inviting me to dinner to share my stories. I am always eager to tell a tale, even more so when they said they had a special meal prepared! How could I say no!? So we met up in one of their tents, and they served me an incredible nihari! Such a delicious stew! As we ate and talked, one of them asked if I was enjoying it, which I obviously was! But then they said this stew was extra special for me, one I would really appreciate! Of course, I was a bit confused. What made it so special? "Why, because it is ol Hamza! Your favorite ingredient!" they laughed, referencing my earlier rants. I was eating...Hamza?
I looked down at my bowl, my mind racing with thoughts and confused emotions. Here was that ornery beast I hated so, the one I yelled at so much and rambled about eating. At last, butchered and served right before me. I...didn't know what to think, but then I just started crying. I am sure that my guides were quite startled by the reaction, me just suddenly breaking down into tears. But all I could think of was that I killed Hamza! Me! It was all my fault! My hatred and yelling got him killed and cooked! How could I live with myself?! A poor creature removed from this world, all because I was an absolute brat! As it would turn out though, this had been just a silly joke, one that kinda blew up in their face. Even after learning that it was not Hamza, the tears didn't stop, not til they took me out to show him alive and well. Oh the relief! To see him still amongst the living! I never been so grateful in my life! I was about ready to run up and hug him, though he stopped me with an angry snort. It didn't matter, he wasn't dead, and for that I was so happy! Oh dear Hamza, may you live forever! Though preferably a fair distance away from me, because I am pretty sure he still hates me....
Chlora Myron
Dryad Natural Historian
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Gotta squeeze in one more entry before productivity ceases to exist around here, for uh....no particular reason. Also this here is one of them frustrating creatures where it is like "do I put it in FOI or KotWT?" and I don't wanna draw two! So KotWT won this time, but do know I totally see Ypotrylls being a species in FOI. Probably one more pale and skeletal themed to go with the Osteo Wastes.
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