Koravian Cattle Study

[HIGH_FIRE 5490]

 

ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF JEROVITZ

c. 572 E.S.

 

 

 

Since the beginning of human agricultural practices, livestock has become a prominent part of farming and ensuring that the population is well fed and sustained. Cattle are one of the most common variants of livestock and are widely beloved for the milk, meat and leather that they provide for a nation’s continued sustenance. The Korvian culture has a special connection to these animals and have spent centuries perfecting the rearing of these animals, granting the name of Pasák to those who take such a vocation. An integral part of the agricultural economy, it is important to understand these animals.

 

Every region and biome has their own species and breed of cattle, best suited to their needs and climate and terrain surrounding them. From the fields of Jerovitz and Kazan to the mountainous region of Kvasz, the bovine slowly adapt and change to suit their environment so that they can weather nature and provide what is needed. Such information shall be elucidated within this informative piece, from the Koravian Grey to the Kvasz Mountain-Bred.

 

 

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No family has a greater appreciation for Cattle than House Kortrevich, a family who believe themselves represented by the bull in tandem with their history of breeding cattle. Amongst their herds, live the ever illustrious Koravian Grey, an incredibly special breed that are owned and taken care of by only the Kotrevich and their workers. It is this breed that is the envy of all cattle breeders of Aevos due to its often sought after qualities, however this is the product of generations of selective breeding between the cattle to ensure that the Koravian Grey is as special as it is.

 

Upon gazing at a Koravian Grey, one would immediately notice the signature dark grey tone that its fur would hold, the cattle shall never be seen with any other colour of fur for it is the culmination of the selective breeding. A fully grown Koravian Grey would be sized around 5 foot and six inches to six foot and two inches, weighing a maximum weight of 1300kg, making it by far one of the largest cattle known to descendant-kind. The build is visibly almost pure muscle, as both the Bulls and Cows will be put to work in the fields of Jerovitz so that they may be able to build a physique of pure strength unseen by all breeders. It is due to this physique that they are able to weather the harsh climate of Haense, the muscle being able to ensure that it is able to have enough insulation to survive the cold. The horns of the bulls often grow both large and long, directed straight up towards the skies above, making it a fearsome opponent when it must protect its herd, often being employed in the deadly art of Koravian Bullfighting. 

 

Of course to the Pasák that maintain the bovine of Jerovitz, it is important to ensure that the cattle also produce the highest quality products, and the centuries of selective breeding have ensured that they may fulfil this demand. The hide of the animal is such that the Genuine leather, the second lowest register of leather, of the Koravian Grey, is closer to that of the Full Grain leather, the highest register of leather, of the average cow. The leather is sleek, opulent and has incredible strength in longevity, fetching it an incredibly high price at the markets. The cows of the Koravian Grey herds will produce a milk unlike any other, full and creamy, any other milk paling in comparison. While it may be used in conjecture with other drinks such as tea, coffee or the beloved Haeseni drink of Hot Chocolate, it is more common to drink this milk as it is due to the raw goodness of its natural taste. Finally, the meat that comes from a Koravian Grey is said to be of the highest quality, exquisitely tender and almost perfectly marbled every time. To feast upon such meat would be considered an extravagant sign of wealth as similarly to the milk and leather produce, it has been perfected over several generations of selective breeding. 

 

It must be noted that the many years of this practice and perfecting the species for its produce has led to an incredible degradation in the Koravian Grey’s ability to repopulate. A very small number of these cows, estimated to be around seven hundred, live today and the sheer majority are owned by the House of Kortrevich. It can take years to foster a new generation of these cattle, and sometimes the cows may die before producing any offspring, forcing the supply and demand for this breed to be outrageously unbalanced. Perhaps it is due to this lack of supply for the demand, that a Koravian Grey is treated as a gift that only the most cherished and respected friend of House Kortrevich may come to own.

 

 

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The standard stock of the Haeseni cow herder, the Markevian cattle are a simple breed of cow believed to be the very first breed of cow seen within fields of the Haeseni landscape. Making up well over half of the cattle population, these cows are not widely sought after, but bred for their ability to consistently repopulate and survive the severe weather that they will certainly face. Well regarded for its ability to consistently meet the demands of the population, while it is no means special, it is respected and beloved for the way it sustains the people in their day to day lives. 

 

Due to its varied and non-selective heritage, the Markevian Cattle come in varied shades, from brown to white, from black to grey, seeing a herd of these bovine will always present with a variety of colours to gaze upon. The full size of these cattle similarly varies greatly with a height of anywhere between four and six feet tall and a weight of 360 to 1000 kilograms, greatly depending on the food fed to it by the herder and the conditions that it grows within. The muscle content of the cattle is usually just below average, not being a particularly strong cattle when left to graze upon the fields, however some bulls may be put to work by their owner resulting in a stronger variant of the Markevian. The horns of a Markevian Bull shall only grow forward and not far at that, creating a very small horn of which has little to no use in defence of a herd. This is speculated to occur simply due to the fact that they cattle are in such large herds and so close to the Capital of Nau Valdev, that they are rarely at threat of predators if ever, giving little use to the horns. 

 

Due to its large population and continued ability to sustain its numbers and even grow it, the Markevian Cattle is able to meet the demand for the bovine product industry without much stress on the part of its herders. For example, if one was to purchase a leather pouch in the markets of Nau Valdev, it is almost certain to be stamped with the mark of a Markevian Cattle Herder. The leather of this breed is often considered quite weak in comparison to many others, often resulting in the Split Leather, the lowest section of the hide, being disregarded for it does not possess the durability needed to maintain an item. The upper sections of hide are used to craft innumerable items, however these are all considered cost effective versions of such and are often purchased by the peasantry. The milk of the cattle is nutritious and more importantly long lasting, in order to ensure that the seemingly endless supply of such does not spoil before it is sold at the markets. Most often found in any drink that may include milk in the Tipsy Tarchar or even in the homes of all Haeseni, from the commoner rungs to that of the Royals due to its easy access. Commonly used in stews, the beef of the Markevian Cattle is considered palatable but not at all impressive due to its fatty content with little to no marbling. Almost never eaten by itself due to the perception of it as an uninspiring ingredient that is better served within a gravy to mask where it falls short.

 

The history of this cattle is rather simple, upon arrival in Aevos, to meet a new demand for bovine products, farmers sought to breed their cows together quickly and amass a large population of an average cattle. Swiftly was this demand met by these new bulls and cows, named Markevian Cattle for their heritage, descending prominently from the cattle of the Markevian era. While it is not seen as a gift nor a prized cattle, this breed is widely respected for its continued dedication as a bovine that is more than able to to sustain an entire population of a nation.

 

 

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The Scyfling Highlander is one of the most ancient and storied cattle breeds, dating back to the earliest days of the cultures prominence and maintained for the centuries following their arrival within the Kingdom of Haense. A symbol of great wealth and a much beloved creature much more akin to a familial pet, this cattle species is treasured prominently for how it looks and behaves above its produce. It is difficult to ascertain just how much the Scyflings care for this bovine breed without immersing yourself within the culture itself, however we shall make a strive to elucidate this information.

 

The first and most obvious thing to note about the Scyfling Highlander is it’s either brown or red fur of which is both shaggy and floccose. The bovine in its visual nature could appear more akin to a large dog that one keeps for personal companionship, which is reflected within the treatment of the cattle by its owners. These cows are by no means as big as many others, reaching a shorter height of five feet for the largest of the bulls, who may also measure around 800 kilograms at their peak size. However, the majority of that mass would be muscle, as the Scyfling Highlander is commonly seen to be marched up and down mountains in a traditional migrational system that sees them return closer to the home for winter. The bovines have large and rather exquisite horns that jut outwards to the side of the cattle’s head before tending upwards to the sky, an advantage believed to have come about due to them being left upon the mountains without a constant watcher to protect them. 

 

This cattle is by no means considered for its produce, due to the fact it is given a status as more of a familial pet than a form of income, however it may and often is used for produce. Due to cultural importance as well as the low population of the cattle, this may often sell well merely for the short supply of such. Boasting a slightly above average leather, the full grain leather from the upper most regions of the hide, is highly priced and well sought after, akin to that. However the lower levels of the hide are often weaker due to the strain of the heavy and often matted fur that the Scyfling Highlanders possess that comes in a double coat unlike many others. Sometimes, though this fur may be put to use by a farmer, crafting various textiles or brushes from the strands of hair for its strong, oily nature. In addition, the cows of the herds produce a milk that is considered very much average, providing a simple and neutral taste that many use within cooking and baking for its lack of interference with taste. It is rare to see this drunk alone and even more rare for a Scyfling to be seen drinking it as they have an overwhelming preference for the taste of goat’s milk. Lastly, the meat produced by a Scyfling Highlander is commonly an incredibly lean meat due to the fact the smaller cow will usually have a large muscle mass unlike many others, eliminating much of the fatty content one would expect. As such, it is also a very tender and delicate meat that is often eaten at a Scyfling festival.

 

Culturally, an incredibly valuable cattle, it is also a cattle with cows that tend to be very awkward with their repopulation. Only in the frigid, dark nights of winter will the Scyfling Highlander give birth to their calves, often resulting in a lack of aid from farmers and also opening them up for attack from predators who take the weakness for granted. This matter makes the Scyfling Highlander a smaller and more rare population, which has led to the amount of cows a person has being related to both status and wealth. Finally, a tradition during the migrations from mountain to field in autumn and back in spring is considered culturally important. Flowers and braids will be placed into the hair of the animal while the farmers herd them up or down the mountain.

 

 

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In the montane grasslands of the Koppány Steppe lives a bovine quite unlike the others, the Koppány Yak. A fine creature that is closely related to the cattle of Haense but alas not entirely the same, not fitting the criteria deemed by scholars to declare it of the cattle family. Prominently used for its innate ability to graze at such a rate that one would not need to maintain the steppe of which the horses live on, these Yak are a friendly and beloved creature that spends much of its lifetime consuming the grass on which it loves. It is due to its close relation to the cattle that the Yak is included within this missive.

 

This breed of Yak most often has a white and black coat, with the white being the dominant colour of such. Their fur is similar to that of the Scyfling Highlander, long and shaggy causing it to look incredibly fluffy, a perfect coating for the rough winds and cold temperature for the Koppány Steppe that they reside on. Even when compared to their closest visible cattle counterpart, the Koppány Yak are typically short, measuring around four and a half foot for the biggest bovine amongst them. However, these creatures are far more stocky and sturdy, appearing wider than the cattle and weighing around 1000 kg, mostly gained from its heavy eating of the grass that it maintains for the steppe. These creatures are incredibly muscular beings, often built up due to their tendency to be used to pull freight or carts across vast areas of land when their owners need such. They have medium length horns that will curve upwards from the side of their head until they are pointing straight upwards, a fine defence against any predator after them.

 

The most prominent job and aspect of the Koppány Yak is its seeming ability to graze on more grass than any other livestock, an incredibly important thing to ensure that the landscape of the Steppe remains healthy. The Yak also are used heavily for pulling ploughs along due to their extremely muscular physique and ruggedness in the face of the severe winds and weather of the northern steppe. The leather of the Yak is typically just below average, good and often usable for any item you wish to craft, however it is by no means incredibly durable or sleek in its grain or formation. In truth it is the furcoat of the Koppány Yak that people seek after so much, for the undercoat of this magnificent being is akin to the finest cashmere wool from the finest goats on the continent. Considered comforting and warm, it has been used for the rugs of both noble and Royal keeps as well the clothing of Kings and their Queens, Koppány Yak fur shall always fetch an incredibly high price. Producing a surprisingly more sweet milk, the bovine will often be viewed as one of the better producers of milk, the dairy created having a rich texture and robust taste. The two main uses for this dairy is as cheese and should they be treated and dried properly, then as chews for dogs whose owners wish to reward their good behaviour. Much like the milk, the meat of a Yak is slightly sweet, tasting akin to beef aside from this, though it is often considered firmer in texture. Not often consumed by the average person, it is considered more of a local delicacy by those who live in Koppány or a surrounding area for its rarity.

 

Within the borders of the Dual Kingdoms, the Koppány Yak roams, the steppe it resides on being the only area that it is known to inhabit. While there are other nations and locations where a Yak may be found, either wild or domesticated, it is noted that the Koppány Yak is exclusive to the Koppány region. Viewed as a hard working animal who provides a lot to the family’s longevity and work, ensuring that the land is both maintained and ready to grow any crops that are needed in the montane grasslands. The small numbers of these animals are not of any concern as the few of them always ensure that all the work that is needed is done. 

 

 

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Upon the towering and rocky mountain ranges of Kvasz, lives the final cattle breed, the Kvasz Mountain-Bred, a hardy bovine with a knack for traversing the rock and uncomfortable ground and surviving on the little grass in the heights. This breed has come to be for the simple matter of necessity when a keep may be isolated within the aggressive climate and terrain that the mountains are commonly known for. These cattle have been bred to ensure that those who live upon the peaks may be completely sustained should the worst happen and they are no longer able to leave in order to replenish supplies.

 

The Mountain-Bred are prominently known as a cattle with red skin and fur, also having black speckles upon them, creating an easily recognisable pattern. Very few of them may also have different shades, ranging from brown to beige, but the black speckles will always remain as a mark of the species. These cattle are also by far the smallest of the Haeseni breeds, meeting a peak height of just under four and a half feet, similar to that of the Koppány Yak that also resides within more mountainous regions. Unlike the Yaks, these are a far lighter breed, weighing around 650 kilograms, easily facilitating the lack of natural food that they will find on the lackluster grounds. These are not muscular cows whatsoever, their short and light stature leaving them wanting when it comes to the act of pulling freight or ploughs, though the latter is mostly unneeded in the mountains. Continuing the trend of this bovine being unlike others, they are also a ‘polled’ breed, meaning they do not grow horns whatsoever. The reason for this is not entirely certain, but it is believed that this may be to make it easier for transport and migration around the already dangerous region.

 

It is important to recognise that this cow has adapted and grown for two purposes, the first is to live upon the mountains, asides from the aforementioned aspects of the creature, they also have cloven hooves with a soft inner pad to aid in their traversal of the rocks. The second purpose of this cow is to provide an overwhelming amount of produce for their owners and farms, of course in case of an isolating storm or natural disaster in the area. Often viewed as a lacking product, the Kvasz Mountain-Bred provides a very weak hide that has been battered by the snow, hail and tough winds. The leather is often reserved simply for decorating the hilts and handles of weapons, treated more as a sign of respect for the cattle that so sustains the people of Kvasz in their times of need or strife. It is rare to see this leather on the market as the Ludovars tend not to trust in it strongly as a product and thus wish not to sell it to others. The most prominent feature of this cow is their dairy production, a most sought after aspect. The cows of this breed produce milk at a rate unmatched by any other breed, able to sustain the small population and then some without so much as an issue. While this milk is not considered the best, its high fat content makes it a very desirable beverage amongst those who have had it before. Lastly, the bovine provides very average meat for consumption, a mediocre level of fat, little marbling if any and not incredibly tender either. This meat is not a favourite but it is often used so as to not waste the products that the Mountain-Bred provides.

 

Solely found on the mountains of the Kvasz, the Kvasz Mountain-Bred is an incredibly short-lived animal, living around fifteen years at best.  However, this is completely counteracted by the innate ability of the cow to repopulate its numbers swiftly, ensuring that the farmers and owners will never have to scramble to ensure that they do not die out, leaving the region going without. This breed has been viewed as a perfect animal purely for livestock as it maintains a high output throughout its lifespan and is able to continue its line without any problems. 

 

 

 

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HER LADYSHIP, PRIMROSE EMELYA KORTREVICH,

The “Rose” of Kortrevich

JIRI BEDRICH NOVAK

[LuxyLucy 691]

A smile graced the face of a certain "Rose" as she sat upon her saddled steed. Her gaze trailing along the herd of Koravian Grey's that would graze upon the grasses within Jerovitz, her scanning pausing for a moment as she spotted her father's mighty bull Šemík proudly meandering along the herd.

[Gridlock 1033]

The entire bloodline of House Othaman rejoiced as someone told them their beloved Yak were officially mentioned in litterature. Although they couldn't read it themselves...

[EmiliainWonderland 2309]

21 hours ago, Gridlock said:

The entire bloodline of House Othaman rejoiced as someone told them their beloved Yak were officially mentioned in litterature. Although they couldn't read it themselves...

Elizaveta Othaman is cheering with her family about Yaks, if only she could read the information about what it says!