Creatures of Jorvik
Wild Horse Edition
WARRIOR
A herd of horses that is found in the Wildwoods, typically in highlands and flat plains.
They are an aggressive breed, it seems, often being found rough-housing with their herdmates. They are fast, galloping at great speeds, and loud, being incredibly vocal horses.
Strangely enough, they wear bones as potentially armour; though no one knows how these bones are cleaned and made into painted decorations. Also, some of them will have red markings on their coats through lingonberry-based paint; as if to express something.
Biologists have yet to find any remnants of hidden societies in the Wildwoods. Perhaps something else is helping them make and wear their armour and red paint.
EMBERMANE
A breed in few in number, typically inhabiting Mistfall and well into the deep woods. Historically, it is said they lived in the Wildwoods until they migrated south for an unknown reason.
They are an incredibly shy breed, often reacting tensely when a human tries to interact with them. Most run away with a shriek at the sight of a human. Beware, they will strike out and fight if they feel cornered.
Their manes and tails have a strange, faint glow to them, leaving them looking like the dying embers of a fire. While their dark coats look as soft as ash.
In the medieval age, these horses were said to be a great omen, with their sudden presence often announcing the deadly blaze of a wildfire.
FORESTER
Another a herd of horses found in the Wildwoods, typically in fields and valleys near forests.
They are the more sociable breed, having more calm and friendly personalities; though they still avoid humans. They can be found surrounded by other types of animals, like squirrels, songbirds and deer; as if they are bonded friends.
These types of horses appear to enjoy baths in streams and ponds, where they strangely take their time; as if taking a spa-day for themselves. They are also often and somehow adorned with plants or flowers woven into their manes and tails.
Many biologists studying the breed will often name the horse after the plant in the horse's hair, like Juniper, Lily and Rosemary.
MYSTIC
The last herd to be found in the Wildwoods, typically around marshy areas and clearings near bodies of water. But they definitely can be found if you camp near the tallest sequoia tree in the Wildwoods, as these horses seemingly gravitate towards it, visiting the tree almost ritually.
This is another calm breed. Although, they strangely favour the night, mushrooms and water; unlike their Forester cousin-species. Often times, Mystic horses can be found standing still; as if lost in thought.
This breed is typically decorated in silver and sapphire jewellery, like leg wraps and headwear. Again, no one knows where they found or made these decorations or how they put them on.
Some of them will have blue markings on their coats, manes and tails. Biologists have discovered this blue hair to be oddly natural after testing some shed hair.
SOUL STEED
A rare breed that roams all over Jorvik, never seeming to favour anything in particular.
A friendly breed, welcoming human interaction. Although they refuse any rider or any attempts at catching them.
Each horse carries all the markings of the Jorvegian Guardian Gods - the sun, the moon, the star and the lightning bolt. Due to this, the breed is favourited by the Druids, claiming to be a blessing from the Goddess, Aideen, should you be graced to touch one.
Note, they seem to enjoy parties and will often gravitate to any outdoor event. Whether it's the music or the number of people or perhaps just a curiosity about humans and their strange mannerisms, biologists have yet to why parties reel this particular breed in.
RUNE RUNNER
A specific type of draft horse, being found in the northern regions of Jorvik.
They are the most sociable and curious of the wild horses on Jorvik, often being compared to the Icelandic Horses of Iceland. They roam freely and do not spook at passing humans. Some people can even braid the horses' manes and tails without bothering the horse.
But this breed is picky about its riders. Wild Wardens - a group of Druids choosing to be advocators to wild horses - are the rare few that are allowed to ride these horses.
A peculiar quality to them is how their coats mimic the decorative art of hair-clipping. Rune markings, celtic knots, crescent moons, four-point stars, bright suns and electric lightning bolts are a few of the documented patterns.
