Yamanoko - The Mountain Child
Element: Earth
Class: Mammal
Talent: Attack
Yamanoko live in rough mountains and forests. They are small but hardy creatures who will stand their ground against larger foes and charge head first.
Personalities and Behaviors
Yamanoko found in the wild tend to be aggressive and quick tempered. If they feel their space is being encroached they will stomp and snort. Ignore their warning and Yamanoko will charge with sharp tusks ready to bite.
Despite their tendency to rush down their foes Yamanoko are intelligent creatures. Before they charge, Yamanoko makes sure to size up their foes. If they believe they have no chance of winning or their actions will put their loved ones in danger, Yamanoko will avoid fighting.
History and Culture
Long ago, during the Old World era, Yamanoko were loyal creatures of the Gaean Nation. They helped the human inhabitants as beasts of burden and as mounts and allies in war. In exchange for their loyalty, Yamanoko were fed and respected by the Gaean people and they were illegal to hunt.
After the fall of the old Gaean Nation, Yamanoko became no more sacred than the average prey monsters. In current day, Yamanoko are commonly used as livestock.
Abilities
Small, but sturdily build, Yamanoko’s compact skull allows them to charge at full speed without harming themselves. And although their tusks have not fully developed and they are unable to pierce foes, Yamanoko has increadible bite strength.
These pig-like creatures have a superior sense of smell, one able to catch a whiff of a meal from miles away. Yamanoko can also use their poweful nose to keep track of their friends and foes.
Ecology
Once a rare species, Yamanoko originated on the ancient mountains of the Gaean regions of the Old World era. However, when the world broke apart in a cataclysm Yamanoko adapted and spread around the world, becoming a common monster.
In most food chains, Yamanoko exist as prey monsters. Some notable predators are Luptor, Junzarda and Akukind, who hunt Yamanoko in the plains, the jungles and the wastelands respectively. Without these predators to keep Yamanoko in check this hardly pig like creature could overwhelm the ecosystem.
Diet
Anything that catches Yamanoko’s nose is free to eat, from veggies, to meat, to even garbage. However, their favorite foods are savory mushrooms, which they will travel miles to dig up and eat.
