Cold Chase 03

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Kayoss forgets to hide his ears while working up the courage to charge an animal which could literally kick his brains out.

This is the first time I've successfully portrayed Escavian rock derse! This one is in its winter phase; they're really cool widespread animals in Escavia and their summer phases actually come in quite a few different colours - this is a species with some serious biodiversity. It's also a highly intelligent prey species, with some unique abilities which help it dodge its top predator - falcolfs! Usually a herd animal, this one has obviously strayed from its group; and yes, by the name 'rock' these guys do generally prefer steep terrain. One of the advantages which they have is that these guys aren't particularly picky about what they eat plant-wise, and have pretty tough stomachs to match their opportunism, so they get by pretty well in winter when a lot of other prey species struggle. (Not that this girl has to try too hard, with snow this shallow...) 

Rock derse are the only species of derse to have green eyes rather than brown - this is due to an adaptation which has specifically helped them survive against falcolfs where other species of derse might be tricked by a falcolf's impressive camouflage. It's questionable whether this one has noticed Kayoss; chances are, it has, and perhaps doesn't believe him to be much of a threat... 

Derse are Rimer's answer to deer and antelope. They're characterized by their three-toed hooves, utter lack of horns or antlers, typically beautifully bold facial markings and canny natures. They're distantly related to Rimarian 'horses' (although not tath,) which are more commonly found in open areas than these shy guys. Just like deer, some groups of humans prey upon derse.

Marking-wise (and dat tail-wise,) they're more inspired by oryx and wildebeest than by deer. Their tails are pretty horsy and are not a brush like what deer have.

Thank you for any comments and s, they're greatly appreciated. 

(c)Rosanna P. Brost. All Rights Reserved.
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