Post by Morgan Pendragon on Jun 3, 2012 0:25:45 GMT -5
Graphorns
Graphorns are very large, humpbacked bovines that are purplish-gray in color and have two large horns protruding from their heads. It is these horns that are most highly prized as a potion ingredient. As such, sometimes graphorns are raised in a manner similar to that of cattle. Additionally, graphorn hides repel magic, and are tougher even than dragon hide, and should be approached with caution.
Graphorns, despite their bovine appearance, are very different physiologically form their more mundane cousins. They are more muscular with denser bones, wider four-thumbed feet (rather than hooves), a thicker neck, and a protective bony ridge over their eyes. These traits help them in their struggle for dominion over the herd, a contest in which both males and females compete. The winner of the contest is then granted access to the best mates and food. The hair is generally shorter on the body, but on the neck and head there is often a "mane" of curlier, wooly hair. Graphorns are not much larger than other bovine species, however due to their musculature, they are often far heavier, often weighing over half a ton. Both male and female graphorns are horned. The horns of the male are generally shorter and thicker extending in a flat arc parallel to the ground, while female horns are longer and more slender that grow upwards in a lyre shape.
Handling Graphorns
Graphorns often engage in aggressive behavior, and require careful handling to ensure safety of humans and other animals. The animals need to be provided with a fresh pasture and access to running water.
It is traditional in many areas to place rings in graphorns' noses to help control them. The ring is usually made of copper or brass, and is inserted through the septum of the nose, but only when the graphorn has been rendered unconscious through the use of a sleeping draught. It is used by attaching a lead rope either directly to it or running through it from a head collar, or for more difficult animals, a long pole or staff specially made for the purpose may be used. This rigid pole is about three feet long with a clip at one end; this attaches to the ring and allows the graphorn both to be led and to be held away from its handler.
In larger pastures, particularly where a mixed herd is kept, the animals may simply be fed from atop a broom--the broom itself providing some protection for the humans involved--or via a levitation or locomotor spell. Generally, graphorns kept in herds of mixed gender tend to be less aggressive than those kept separated.
Trained graphorns may be used as draft animals, although such a usage is rare. Compared to horses or other draft animals, graphorns have more strength and endurance, although they are slower, as well as being more aggressive and stubborn. In general, it is best not to attempt to domesticate a wild graphorn, and even graphorns bred in captivity should be treated with caution. It is unwise to attempt to shoe or brand a graphorn without the aid of magic.
Defense Against Graphorn Attack
Graphorns are not very smart, and if you lace apples, carrots, or other sweet, crunchy produce with a sleeping draught, it is relatively easy to render one harmless. They are suspicious creatures, however, and this trick will not work if they see you. If one charges you out of nowhere, and you don’t have the time or resources to lull it with drugged food, the best advice is to either run or duck. Graphorn are slow runners, and do not corner easily. Because of this, running a zigzag pattern is recommended.
Assignments
A small, mixed herd of graphorns is being kept near the lake, inside a securely locked pen.
Years 1-4: Feed a graphorn. There will be a supply of hay and fresh produce near the pen.
Years 5-7: Obtain one half ounce of powdered graphorn horn. You may ask me for a vial of sleeping draught or make your own. The incantation Frendo, when used directly on a horn will powder part of the horn without harming the animal.
♦When you complete this assignment post a link in this thread.
♦This assignment will be counted late starting June 25th 12:00am central time.
Grading Criteria
Time Mgmt.: (Did you allow time to do a good job, or did you rush to do something last minute?)
Spelling/Grammar: (Are your posts easy to understand? Do you follow grammar and spelling rules?)
Reading: (Did you read the material and include details in your thread?)
Assigned Tasks: (Did you accomplish the goals set for you? Did you follow all given instructions?)
Respect: (Did you show respect for the creatures and your fellow students? Points will be lost for unnecessary roughness.)
~*Extra Credit*~ Interaction: (Did you work with anyone else, or did you go solo?)
Each of these criteria is potentially worth ten points.