Federal mammoths: Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "{{Taxobox | name = Mosh’shalash | status = NT | status_system = IUCN3.1 | extinct = | image = Mosh’shalash.png | image_width = 250px | image_caption = The three Mosh’shalash species, the greater, sand, and blue | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Reptilia | ordo = Squamata | familia = Mosh’shalashide | binomial_authority = Hylfred Görenssen, 1785 | range_map=SHALOSHHABITAT.png | range_map_caption= Habitat }} There are three distinct groups...")
 
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{{Taxobox | name = Mosh’shalash | status = NT | status_system = IUCN3.1 | extinct = | image = Mosh’shalash.png | image_width = 250px | image_caption = The three Mosh’shalash species, the greater, sand, and blue | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Reptilia | ordo = Squamata | familia = Mosh’shalashide | binomial_authority = [[Hylfred Görenssen]], 1785 | range_map=SHALOSHHABITAT.png | range_map_caption= Habitat }}  
{{Taxobox | name = Federal Mammoths | status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1 | extinct = | image = Mammoths.png | image_width = 250px | image_caption = The Mammoths that can be found in the federation | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Mammalia | ordo = Proboscidea | familia = Elephantidae | binomial_authority = [[Hylfred Görenssen]], 1785 | range_map=Mammoth_Habitat.png | range_map_caption= Habitats, red being scanderan mammoths, green eastern, and blue southern }}  
There are three distinct groups of Mammoths in the federation, Eastern, Southern, and Scanderan. These groups can further be divided into separate races. What however cannot be doubted is that all these share a common ancestor and mixing between the populations are common, especially in modern times where mammoths are often supplanted from one region to the next to the degree that it is generally assumed that in the modern day and age that most are hybrids of some degree. This is especially the case in regions with some overlap as in the volcanic islands between Scandera and Astermark, and in the Gielish realms that have given birth to hybrid Giel Mammoths, however these are generally not considered a separate wild species but instead just a domesticate breed.  
Mammoths of the Absolute Royal Federation are divided into three distinct groups: Eastern, Southern, and Scanderan. Each of these groups can be further categorized into various races. Despite the diversity among these populations, all share a common ancestor, and interbreeding is frequent, especially in modern times where mammoths are often relocated across regions. This has led to a general belief that most mammoths today are hybrids to some extent. Areas with overlapping populations, such as the volcanic islands between Scandera and Astermark, as well as the Gielish realms, are home to hybrids like the Giel Mammoths, which are generally considered a feral domesticated breeds rather than separate wild species.


What is generally agreed upon however is that these large beasts are keystone species, carving up large forest trails in the dense jungles and pine forests that other animals use as migration routes but also serves as prey animals for some of the massive federal megafauna, or keeping the large plains of the north open in both Scandera and Astermark.  
Mammoths are recognized as keystone species in their ecosystems. They create large trails through dense jungles and pine forests that other animals use as migration routes. In addition, mammoths serve as prey for various megafauna and help maintain open plains in northern regions like Scandera and Astermark.




=History=  
=History=  
Alongside geese, hounds, shagrats, and oxen and cows are mammoths some of the most important domesticated species in Scandera and domestication in Astermark and vatnafalten is similarly important culturally and historically for the societies there. Domesticated races and breeds exist for all kinds of purposes all over the federation and mammoths have historically been raised for work, long range transportation, and most remembered in federal cultures are their roles as war beasts. So called Mammoths-o´war are generally obsolete in modern combat but several nobles still raise these massive beasts for prestige and the royal household is known to keep several pure breed war mammoths as part of their household stables.  
Mammoths, alongside geese, hounds, shagrats, pigs, and oxen, are among the most important domesticated species in Scandera. Their domestication is similarly significant in Astermark and Vatnafalten, with various breeds of mammoths fulfilling different roles across the Federation. Historically, mammoths were used for labor, long-range transportation, and notably as war beasts. Although the use of war mammoths has diminished in modern combat, several noble families continue to raise them for prestige, and the royal household keeps purebred war mammoths as part of their stables.


While machinery has encroached on their other traditional roles however they are far from replaced and work mammoths still serve next to human workcrews in numerous industries and transport mammoths still patrol the traditional routes both in the massive sprawling cities but also out in the countryside.  
Despite the rise of machinery, mammoths are still widely used. Work mammoths assist human crews in various industries, while transport mammoths continue to patrol traditional routes both within sprawling cities and in the countryside. It is believed that many ancient roads in Scandera were originally created by mammoths, later extended and connected by humans.
 
Their winding paths in the forests have at times been co-opted as roads in Scandera and it is suspected that a lot of ancient roads in Scandera itself were originally created by mammoths and just extended or connected by humans.  


= Reproduction =  
= Reproduction =  
These animals are known for their higher caloric needs than regular elephants due to quicker growth in childhood as well as a more K selective breeding strategy compared to other elephants, twins and even triplets are common and they have shorter pregnancies than other elephants that results in birth given to smaller calves than an elephant would as an adaptation to predation. Herds tend to be larger for the plain mammoths especially as these are often targeted even in their adulthood by bears, dragons, and entelodonts in the north, while the southern populations are known to fall prey to dragons but also large reptiles, like lizards and crocodiles on land but also serpent whales and sea lizards in aquatic environments.  
Mammoths have higher caloric needs compared to regular elephants due to their faster growth during childhood. Their breeding strategy is more K-selective, resulting in them they often produce twins or triplets instead of single children. Their pregnancies are shorter than those of other elephants, and they give birth to smaller calves as an adaptation to predation and need for repopulation. Herds of plain mammoths are typically larger, especially in the northern regions, where they are preyed upon by bears, dragons, and entelodonts. In southern regions, they face threats from dragons, large reptiles like lizards and crocodiles, and aquatic predators such as serpent whales and sea lizards.


= Diet =  
= Diet =  
Like most other Loxodonts are the mammoths in the federation Herbivores and two different methods of feeding exist, there are the browse feeding forest mammoths and the graze feeding mammoths that includes the plains mammoths, the Scanderan pygmy Mammoths on the islands, and the Southern mammoth that lives on aquatic plants. This makes them effective seed spreaders and their cleared roads through the dense Scanderan forests and southern jungles are very important for most wildlife.  
Mammoths are herbivores, like most other Loxodonts. They employ two primary feeding strategies: browse feeding (forest mammoths) and graze feeding (plains mammoths). The latter includes the Scanderan pygmy mammoths and the Southern mammoths, which consume aquatic plants. Mammoths play a vital role as seed spreaders, and their cleared trails through forests in Scandera and southern jungles are crucial for local wildlife.  


= Behaviour =  
= Behaviour =  
All federal mammoths like other Laxodonts are very social animals and females often live in large herds for protection ruled by an old matriarch. Just like other species, the Scanderan mammoths form bachelor groups when their males reach maturity. The large difference however is that these groups do not disperse entirely as they reach adulthood, and while lone wandering mammoths exist, is it more common for males to wander as small groups, often in pairs of three to five mammoths at a time. These groups are often called “courts” and the leading mammoth male is called a jarl and the other males are called knights in most of the federation.  
Mammoths are highly social animals. Female mammoths often live in large herds led by an older matriarch, while males form bachelor groups upon reaching maturity. Unlike other species, these bachelor groups do not disperse entirely as they grow older. Instead, male mammoths often travel in small groups of three to five, known as "courts." The leading male is called a jarl, and the other males are referred to as knights in most parts of the Federation.  


= Life expectancy =  
= Life expectancy =  
A mammoth in the wild can survive to an age of around 70 years but this is rare due to predation.
Mammoths in the wild can live to around 70 years of age, though this is rare due to predation.
=Breeds=
=Breeds=
==Scanderan Mammoths==
==Scanderan Mammoths==
Scanderan Mammoths are as the name implies the mammoths native to Scandera and the islands between Scandera and Astermark, this is the most varied group of mammoths in the federation and consist of the largest mammoth race, The scanderan plains mammoth but also the smallest mammoth, the Scanderan pygmy mammoth (imerian; Kortmammut, lit; Short mammoth”) .  
Scanderan mammoths are native to Scandera and the islands between Scandera and Astermark. This is the most diverse group of mammoths in the Federation, with significant variations in size and habitat. The largest of these is the Scanderan plains mammoth, which inhabits the northern plains in massive herds. These mammoths are responsible for preventing forest encroachment in the north. The second-largest type is the Scanderan forest mammoth, which feeds on pine trees and oak forests and aids in the growth of new trees by spreading seeds.


The truly massive plains mammoths traverse the northern plains in massive herds that are known to tear up shrubland and trample most vegetation, this is what keeps the large plains open and prevents forests from reaching further north, and is also responsible for the relatively open plains on the western shores. This lifestyle require a lot of calories so they are known to feed a lot on grasses as a result as they traverse the plains. The Second largest mammoth is the Scanderan forest mammoth that feeds a lot on the pine trees and oak forests south and are known to aid the growth of new trees by eating pine seeds and other kinds of nuts and seeds that are then pooped out.
The smallest variety of mammoth is the Scanderan pygmy mammoth (Imerian: Kortmammut, meaning "Short Mammoth"), which resides on the islands east of Scandera. This species has dispersed across a vast range, from the southern parts of Scandera to the Arctic and the volcanic islands, even migrating as far east as the islands north of Astermark. The pygmy mammoth is one of the most diverse races, with varying characteristics depending on the island. Northern pygmy mammoths are covered in fur, while their southern counterparts are more hairless.


The smallest of the mammoths are the pygmy mammoths, who inhabit the islands east of Scandera, they have dispersed quite a distance and can be found from the south of Scandera north up to the arctic and east out to the volcanic islands, some of them have even migrated as far east as the islands north of Astermark. This very diverse range has made them into one of the most diverse races of them. Morphs in the south are more hairless with clean faces and trunks while northern ones are entirely covered in fur. While size is generally smaller, this also varies a lot compared to island to island and larger islands can house morphs just smaller than forest mammoths. It is generally accepted in most academic circles that this was most likely the earliest domesticated race of mammoths. However modern breeds are accepted to be hybrids of all species.  
It is widely believed that the pygmy mammoth was among the first domesticated races of mammoths, although modern breeds are hybrids of all species.


==Eastern Mammoths==
==Eastern Mammoths==
Eastern mammoths are offshoots from Scanderan mammoths and as a result share greater kinship with the Scanderan mammoths than both races do with their southern kin. Just like Scanderan mammoths, they are divided into forest and plains breeds and fill similar niches as their western kin. They are however a bit more hairless than their Scanderan cousins and often lack fur covering on their trunks and faces most of the year but in winter when their winter coats set in will even this region be covered with thick fur.  
Eastern mammoths are offshoots of Scanderan mammoths and share a closer genetic link with them than with Southern mammoths. Like their Scanderan relatives, they are divided into forest and plains types and fill similar ecological roles. Eastern mammoths are generally more hairless, with less fur on their faces and trunks throughout most of the year. However, during winter, they develop a thick winter coat, similar to Scanderan mammoths.


==Southern Mammoths==
==Southern Mammoths==
Southern mammoths are some of the most derived of all the mammoth species in the federation, adapted to warmer climates and more aquatic climates, it is theorised that their split from the northern populations was the earliest and they are more distantly related to the northern populations than any of the northern groups are with one another. Their tusks are wider and flatter compared to mainline mammoths but are also straighter and they have lost their fur. They are divided into two species, the southern forest mammoth and the regular southern mammoth, often called “The sea mammoth”. The sea mammoth is often a lot more adapted to aquatic life and is often seen either migrating between the islands or eating seagrass. Similarly to other forest mammoths, the southern one adapted to life in the thick forests and can often be found further inland and in highland environments where they often live on foliage and bark, as well as fruits.  
Southern mammoths are among the most highly specialized of all mammoth species in the Federation. Adapted to warmer and more aquatic climates, they are believed to have split from northern populations early in mammoth evolution, making them more distantly related to northern groups. Southern mammoths have wider, flatter tusks that are straighter, and they have lost most of their fur. They are divided into two species: the southern forest mammoth and the sea mammoth. The latter is adapted to life in aquatic environments and is often seen migrating between islands or grazing on seagrass. The forest mammoths of the south live in inland and highland areas, feeding on foliage, bark, and fruits.


==Domesticates==
==Domesticates==
Domesticated mammoths are common in the federation and different breeds exist for all kinds of roles from large strong working mammoths, small mammoths traditionally used in household duties and as companions and even as singers, however this role have been replaced with terror bird choirs as a tradition imported from Vinland but some Scanderan nobles still keep mammoth singers. The most noteworthy and largest breed is the war mammoths that were kept by Scanderan and Astermarker lords. These huge beasts served as beasts of war and only the last two centuries saw their use decline as tracklayers and artillery took their roles.
Mammoths are commonly domesticated in the Federation, with various breeds raised for different purposes. Some mammoths are bred for work, while others serve as household companions, and even as entertainers (formerly as singers, although this role has largely been replaced by terror bird choirs). The most notable and largest breed is the war mammoth, once used by Scanderan and Astermarker nobles in battle. While the use of war mammoths has declined in the last two centuries, several noble families continue to raise them for prestige.
 
==White mammoths==
The most priced morphs however are the white or silver mammoths, this is a rare but not unheard of colour morph that marks them as noble mammoths and akin to noble humans, and indeed just like humans does these beasts bleed blue blood to show their elevated status. However in contrast to human nobility is the nobility of mammoths not inherited and children of these beasts are not sure to share their noble status with their fathers and mothers. In the wild these beasts grow quickly and become taller than their common kin and often take leadership of herds as matriarchs or become stoic wanderers if they are male.Indeed it is not unheard of for these giants wandering males to join young bachelor herds to protect and teach the youth of tomorrow.  


Domesticated versions of these animals are well respected and almost universally in the federation have these been seen as the property of the monarch of the lands they were born on. These traditions have remained in place even after federal takeover and today by federal law any white mammoth born in captivity belongs to the high king.  
==White Mammoths==
The rarest and most prized morphs are the white or silver mammoths, considered noble animals due to their unique color and blue blood. These mammals are often associated with high status, and, unlike human nobility where their status is  inherited, mammoth offspring do not automatically inherit the noble status of their parents. In the wild, white mammoths tend to grow larger and often assume leadership roles within herds as matriarchs, or become jarl wanderers if male.


As a show of great favour can these white mammoths be handed out to especially favoured servants. Generally are these beasts considered to be entitled to a certain living standard and often would fiefs be granted with the elephant to pay for their upkeep, so called “mammutlan” (literally mammoth fief) which would revert to the crown upon the death of the mammoth in question. However a practice to deal with nobles that displeased the king was to grant such a mammoth or even quite a few without the accompanying fiefs forcing the noble to pay for their upkeep out of pocket. Something that could lead to financial ruin.  
Domesticated white mammoths are highly respected and traditionally belong to the monarchs of the regions in which they were born. Federal law dictates that any white mammoth born in captivity belongs to the high king. These noble animals may be granted to favored servants, with their upkeep often supported by the granting of a mammutlan (mammoth fief), which reverts to the crown upon the mammoth's death. If a noble falls out of favor, they may be burdened with the responsibility of maintaining such a mammoth without the accompanying fief, leading to financial ruin in some cases.
{{Imeriata Box}} [[Category: Imeriata]] [[Category: Scanderan wildlife]]
{{Imeriata Box}} [[Category: Imeriata]] [[Category: Scanderan wildlife]]

Latest revision as of 15:13, 20 December 2024

Federal Mammoths
Mammoths.png
The Mammoths that can be found in the federation
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Proboscidea
Family:
Elephantidae
Mammoth Habitat.png
Habitats, red being scanderan mammoths, green eastern, and blue southern

Mammoths of the Absolute Royal Federation are divided into three distinct groups: Eastern, Southern, and Scanderan. Each of these groups can be further categorized into various races. Despite the diversity among these populations, all share a common ancestor, and interbreeding is frequent, especially in modern times where mammoths are often relocated across regions. This has led to a general belief that most mammoths today are hybrids to some extent. Areas with overlapping populations, such as the volcanic islands between Scandera and Astermark, as well as the Gielish realms, are home to hybrids like the Giel Mammoths, which are generally considered a feral domesticated breeds rather than separate wild species.

Mammoths are recognized as keystone species in their ecosystems. They create large trails through dense jungles and pine forests that other animals use as migration routes. In addition, mammoths serve as prey for various megafauna and help maintain open plains in northern regions like Scandera and Astermark.


History

Mammoths, alongside geese, hounds, shagrats, pigs, and oxen, are among the most important domesticated species in Scandera. Their domestication is similarly significant in Astermark and Vatnafalten, with various breeds of mammoths fulfilling different roles across the Federation. Historically, mammoths were used for labor, long-range transportation, and notably as war beasts. Although the use of war mammoths has diminished in modern combat, several noble families continue to raise them for prestige, and the royal household keeps purebred war mammoths as part of their stables.

Despite the rise of machinery, mammoths are still widely used. Work mammoths assist human crews in various industries, while transport mammoths continue to patrol traditional routes both within sprawling cities and in the countryside. It is believed that many ancient roads in Scandera were originally created by mammoths, later extended and connected by humans.

Reproduction

Mammoths have higher caloric needs compared to regular elephants due to their faster growth during childhood. Their breeding strategy is more K-selective, resulting in them they often produce twins or triplets instead of single children. Their pregnancies are shorter than those of other elephants, and they give birth to smaller calves as an adaptation to predation and need for repopulation. Herds of plain mammoths are typically larger, especially in the northern regions, where they are preyed upon by bears, dragons, and entelodonts. In southern regions, they face threats from dragons, large reptiles like lizards and crocodiles, and aquatic predators such as serpent whales and sea lizards.

Diet

Mammoths are herbivores, like most other Loxodonts. They employ two primary feeding strategies: browse feeding (forest mammoths) and graze feeding (plains mammoths). The latter includes the Scanderan pygmy mammoths and the Southern mammoths, which consume aquatic plants. Mammoths play a vital role as seed spreaders, and their cleared trails through forests in Scandera and southern jungles are crucial for local wildlife.

Behaviour

Mammoths are highly social animals. Female mammoths often live in large herds led by an older matriarch, while males form bachelor groups upon reaching maturity. Unlike other species, these bachelor groups do not disperse entirely as they grow older. Instead, male mammoths often travel in small groups of three to five, known as "courts." The leading male is called a jarl, and the other males are referred to as knights in most parts of the Federation.

Life expectancy

Mammoths in the wild can live to around 70 years of age, though this is rare due to predation.

Breeds

Scanderan Mammoths

Scanderan mammoths are native to Scandera and the islands between Scandera and Astermark. This is the most diverse group of mammoths in the Federation, with significant variations in size and habitat. The largest of these is the Scanderan plains mammoth, which inhabits the northern plains in massive herds. These mammoths are responsible for preventing forest encroachment in the north. The second-largest type is the Scanderan forest mammoth, which feeds on pine trees and oak forests and aids in the growth of new trees by spreading seeds.

The smallest variety of mammoth is the Scanderan pygmy mammoth (Imerian: Kortmammut, meaning "Short Mammoth"), which resides on the islands east of Scandera. This species has dispersed across a vast range, from the southern parts of Scandera to the Arctic and the volcanic islands, even migrating as far east as the islands north of Astermark. The pygmy mammoth is one of the most diverse races, with varying characteristics depending on the island. Northern pygmy mammoths are covered in fur, while their southern counterparts are more hairless.

It is widely believed that the pygmy mammoth was among the first domesticated races of mammoths, although modern breeds are hybrids of all species.

Eastern Mammoths

Eastern mammoths are offshoots of Scanderan mammoths and share a closer genetic link with them than with Southern mammoths. Like their Scanderan relatives, they are divided into forest and plains types and fill similar ecological roles. Eastern mammoths are generally more hairless, with less fur on their faces and trunks throughout most of the year. However, during winter, they develop a thick winter coat, similar to Scanderan mammoths.

Southern Mammoths

Southern mammoths are among the most highly specialized of all mammoth species in the Federation. Adapted to warmer and more aquatic climates, they are believed to have split from northern populations early in mammoth evolution, making them more distantly related to northern groups. Southern mammoths have wider, flatter tusks that are straighter, and they have lost most of their fur. They are divided into two species: the southern forest mammoth and the sea mammoth. The latter is adapted to life in aquatic environments and is often seen migrating between islands or grazing on seagrass. The forest mammoths of the south live in inland and highland areas, feeding on foliage, bark, and fruits.

Domesticates

Mammoths are commonly domesticated in the Federation, with various breeds raised for different purposes. Some mammoths are bred for work, while others serve as household companions, and even as entertainers (formerly as singers, although this role has largely been replaced by terror bird choirs). The most notable and largest breed is the war mammoth, once used by Scanderan and Astermarker nobles in battle. While the use of war mammoths has declined in the last two centuries, several noble families continue to raise them for prestige.

White Mammoths

The rarest and most prized morphs are the white or silver mammoths, considered noble animals due to their unique color and blue blood. These mammals are often associated with high status, and, unlike human nobility where their status is inherited, mammoth offspring do not automatically inherit the noble status of their parents. In the wild, white mammoths tend to grow larger and often assume leadership roles within herds as matriarchs, or become jarl wanderers if male.

Domesticated white mammoths are highly respected and traditionally belong to the monarchs of the regions in which they were born. Federal law dictates that any white mammoth born in captivity belongs to the high king. These noble animals may be granted to favored servants, with their upkeep often supported by the granting of a mammutlan (mammoth fief), which reverts to the crown upon the mammoth's death. If a noble falls out of favor, they may be burdened with the responsibility of maintaining such a mammoth without the accompanying fief, leading to financial ruin in some cases.

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