Plant-beast hybrid: Bessbok (berry goat)
The Bessbok, better known as the Berry Goat, is a creature that was created via the combined efforts of the brightest halfling and gnomish wizards from around the world in ages long past using magic that is somewhat considered unethical in modern times. Despite their arguably dubious beginnings, the Berry Goat became a widespread domestic farm animal across many nations due to their regional variety and ability to photosynthesize, granting them extra longevity in times of crop failure or famine.
if they eat each other's fruit/leaves, but are considered vegan, would eating this type of goat be considered vegan?
also, the probably dont exist in the wild cause they are delicious to EVERYONE. they would be eaten alive and, if not, they're reproducing potentially two different ways. you can't tell me that berries havent been plucked and carried away by birds (with added fertilizer) to be planted a distance away.
actually, this is mostly a horrifying thing for capitalism. before the ecology of the world is irreparably changed by the introduction of a dominant hybrid that bears edible fruit and is hardy enough to grow to literally cover mountainsides right up to the snowcaps... people and animals would all be fed. the animal side of the Bessbok might only be able to exist in captivity, but the berries (and fruit) will live on and feed the world over.
You're SO RIGHT! And you've given me a bunch more to think about. Are they vegan themselves? If they can give consent to their fellow goats to eat of their fruit and leaves, and/or don't seem to care when plucked of their fruit by farmers, can this be considered an animal product that is technically vegan? It doesn't hurt them that's for sure, basically the same as giving them a haircut more or less, but the question is does that count as vegan? I'm not sure. And whether it's vegan or not, is it ethical? To keep and breed creatures created by unethical magic experiments, things that definitely could not (or most likely probably wouldn't) evolve naturally?? What are the thoughts in animal rights groups, in a world where a lot of the population looks like animals themselves?? Do catfolk enjoy berry goat meat?????
I haven't decided how much power capitalism has or ever had in this particular universe, too. Most if not all of the really successful cities are green energy post Solarpunk socialist sort of deal, but I haven't really figured out EVERYTHING about the world, nor exactly how widespread these goats are... do they mostly stay in halfling and gnome societies? How often are they sold outside of these societies? If they're under some kind of watch, who is out here trying to poach them? Are there legal ramifications for downloading a bessbok? You wouldn't download a goat.
I still have so much to think about irt these guys...










