Gemere

The Gemere were large, omnivorous creatures native to the areas in and around the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Though they were typically grazers, this reptile could eat meat if necessary. The Gemere stood approximately five meters tall at the front shoulder, but because of its sloping back it was approximately six meters at the hip. They were a very territorial and aggressive species, and bolstered by their enormity it made them extremely hazardous if any sentient species came across them. Because of such a hazard, sentients tended to avoid them at all costs.

Because it was difficult to find enough food for such a large animal in the Valley, the creatures had been known to crash into and claw and scratch at the walls of the Valley with their horns. As a result, their horns were sharpened and it caused avalanches and mudslides in which the Gemere were able to climb to the land above where there were vast prairies of grass to eat and herds to prey upon if they grew hungry. They also leaned against some of the taller trees to reach the large fruit that only grew on such large specimens. This caused the trees to lean to one side, making it easier for smaller animals to reach the fruit as well. When bended down, they also used these and other trees as scratching pots. If captured as an egg, the one meter tall hatchling could be trained to be mounted and, specifically during the Kal’Shabbol Civil War by the Valley People, as war beasts.

The females and males of the species were very different. The females had white markings that distinguished them like fingerprints, three sets of curving horns and a white mane that was sometimes braided ritualistically if it had owners. The males were much more streamlined and were riddled with thorns all over its body. The males attracted a mate by subduing or killing its competitors during the autumn mating season. The male would have numerous mates, as it never mated for life. The female laid clutches of two eggs once a year and, soon after laying them, would abandon them which made the subsequent hatchlings have to fend for themselves.

The Gemere had very tough and rough skin, and their meat was not used for food. However, their liver was considered a delicacy and the female’s mane was able to be weaved into cloth. Their horns and thorns could be gathered as a good source of Euboris as well, a material akin to yet darker than ivory. When the creatures fought one another, whether it was to attract a mate or to protect their territory, the fights were fierce and sometimes lasted for several days. These fierce fights often tore up the countryside around them.