Hyaenas are beloved helpers and companions in this world, and humanity's fondness for them is seen in the incredible amount of breeds the species has. Time and effort has allowed the hyaena to branch out in many ways, their anatomy and abilities tuned to the roles they play with man. While most folk in the land of the golden Church think of the "common hyaena" when talk of these beasts come up, other places will have the locals turn to a different breed. Their environment and jobs will have changed the typical hyaena into something more specialized, and looking north to the frozen seas will provide a fine example of that.
The freezing lands and Tears of the north seem like an inhospitable place to folks used to warmer climates. Frigid fluids, entombing icebergs and weeping glaciers are all people can think of when it comes to the north, yet there is land and life there. The earthen flesh of fallen gods exist there, though most focus falls upon the frozen giants, they who wept at the end of their era and forever imprisoned themselves within their Tears. Some of the Church's landmass stretches into the north, but it is the Aurgelmir Archipelago that truly encapsulates this environment. Countless islands, big and small, that are spread throughout the frozen sea, some born of flesh, others made entirely of ice. For outsiders, this archipelago can seem like a maze, as the icebergs, glaciers and bony outcroppings make it difficult to navigate. How does one find the right island in this dizzying sea? And how does one survive long enough to land on it? Though it may seem impossible upon the endless sea of barren ice, there is viable land and wondrous life here. And the greatest ally to travel these frozen islands is the "sled hyaena."
The sled hyaena (also called "arctic hyaena") is a breed of these wondrous creatures that has fully adapted to the frozen lands of the north. They are found nearly everywhere the cold climate exists, be it the islands of the Aurgelmir Archipelago, or where other continents stretch into the freezing aura. The archipelago is where they are best known, for it is within this mess of islands where the breed was born. Specifically, the Isle of Brún, homeland of the Skeggrs. These hairy folk love the hyaenas as much as anyone, though they go beyond mere pet here. The sled hyaena happily exists on icy shelves, frozen islands and endless tundra due to its bulkier body and thicker fur. Compared to the common hyaena, the sled breed is bigger and much stockier. Such mass is the result of muscle and fat, and it becomes even bigger looking with its hefty layers of fur. They can survive in freezing conditions, keeping warm while other breeds would perish. The extra muscle is also needed to feed on frozen carcasses, their jaws built to shatter ice and bone. Such climates do not offer a bounty of food like that of the temperate and tropical, thus this breed must feed whenever it can. So even the most frozen and rotted corpse is gobbled up. They need such food to stay warm and alive, and to help them perform the job that gave them their name.
As it should be known, the major use of the sled hyaena is to pull sleds. In the icy north, jawbone sleds are a common form of transportation, and this hyaena is used in teams to help them move. Be it carrying a lone rider or a haul of goods, the hyaena teams work in tandem to carry it across the frozen land. Their muscle helps them pull heavy loads, and a body designed for endurance lets them go on for miles without rest. Such treks are inspiring to those who hear about them, as witnessing the hard work and dedication of the sled hyaena is an incredible thing. The teams consist of different roles for each hyaena, be it the lead, swing, wheel or point. The individuals are trained long for their roles, and when done properly, they can pull them off with little command. A tug on the reins and a single shout can get them going, and they will do everything in their power to ensure the journey is swift and safe. Skeggrs use these hyaenas heavily, as do many people living in freezing climates. Since they are crucial for transport, and companionship, these hyaenas are deeply respected and lovingly cared for. Decisions surrounding them are not taken lightly, and the loss of any one of them brings great pain. Pelts of those that passed are kept, with the belief that the roles they played in life can impart wisdom to those who bear them.
With such stocky frames and endurance, folks of the golden lands of the Church may wonder why such a breed isn't seen more around them. Surely they would make great guard beasts and transports here as well. Unfortunately, the sled hyaena's anatomy is so heavily tuned to the cold, that warmer climates become brutal for them. Thick fur and heavy body easily overheat, allowing the leaner breeds to run circles around them as they pant and struggle. Some folk have gotten around this by fashioning vests and collars from frozen Tears, granting a chilling aura around the hyaena. This does work, but it requires upkeep, and it also doesn't solve the other issue. Due to their job as sled puller, sled hyaenas are filled with drive and physical energeiai. They don't just want to move, they need to. Owners will find them incredibly energetic and in constant need of some form of output for this. They despise being cooped up, and those lacking the right enrichment may disobey orders and be liable to run off for miles to burn off this energeiai. Northern folk look down at those who keep this breed in warmer, more contained environments, as they feel it is stifling the true purpose of the beast and denying it the respect it deserves.
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Just returned from the mountains, which means returning to that dreaded summer heat! But such escapes to cooler places are needed in such incredibly hot times, and I know just where to go! Why not the chilled lands of the frozen seas? Pack your sweaters, folks, FOI is going north!
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
blakekathryn
pixelskylines
snowghoul
