The Upland Horse Herd

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Introduction

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  1.   1.  The Upland Horses
  2.   2.  Bands
    1.   2.1  Switchgrass Band
    2.   2.2  Bluestem Band
    3.   2.3  Bottlebrush Band
  3.   3.  History
    1.   3.1  Threads
  4.   4.  Footnotes

Originally a small band of only 5 individuals as of the early winter of 2022, this herd is still attempting to establish itself in the region and is liable to collapse should the population fall to predation, become captured by Luperci, or succumb to the elements. Out of interest in giving the herd the best chances at success, members of the Del Cenere Gang have begun monitoring them and will attempt to guard them against Luperci and predators alike should the need arise. Since these horses are under no faction's custody, and are therefore without constant supervision, there is little preventing them from being rounded up by experienced Luperci. However, because this is such a small band situated over a vast expanse of land, finding them can be more challenging than the larger and better-established Bay Horse and Wildwood Horse herds.

If your character intends to capture one of the wild horses listed below, please be sure to edit the Wiki page to include relevant threads and reflect any changes to the bands. If you have direct questions about this process, or want to confirm that your plot follows realism guidelines, contact the 'Souls Assemblage.


Credit: pxhere.com


1.  The Upland Horses

Allowed to live and breed with little, if any, intervention or direction from Luperci, nature has already begun to shape the appearance and soundness of these horses. The foundation stock is thought to come from the Wildwood Horses of D'Laniger Peninsula, which may account for their lithe and robust build. While the majority of these horses fall on the smaller side of average, larger individuals are not unusual. Accustomed to a life in the northern climes, the Upland Horses sport a thick coat that almost gives them a shaggy appearance in the colder seasons.

While there is still quite a bit of variety to the appearance of the Upland Horses, many of them share a similar phenotype, such as:

  • Shorter backs, more prominent withers, and powerful hind quarters.
  • Lithe, compact, and well-balanced proportions.
  • Wide foreheads, generally with a straight profile.

Should the herd be given the opportunity to breed without Luperci intervention or influence, it is expected that the Upland Horses will slowly develop traits best suited for life in the northern boreal forests of the Frost Reaches and beyond: smaller bodies, sturdy frames, and strong leg in addition to their small, well-furred ears and thick mane and tail. 1


2.  Bands

Currently there are two bands among the Upland Horses, though the smaller (Bluestem) is still liable to collapse given its diminutive population. If allowed to prosper and expand, others are likely to develop naturally over time. The development of an auxiliary bachelor band is not unheard of as young stallions are kicked from their birth herds once they have matured.

Individual bands are named after various grasses native to the area.

2.1  Switchgrass Band

Range
Largely mobile through the Frost Reaches, straying in warmer months around the foothills of the Burnt Church Mountains to take advantage of lush grazing grounds. The territory overlaps the westernmost edges of Gaspesia.

Population: 7 Individuals

Population Changes
  • 2021:
    • One foal was born, likely a residual from a past stallion.
    • Two horses were rounded up from the band.
    • A grulla mare and a blood bay mare settle into the band.
  • 2022:
  • 2023:
    • Two foals were born.
  • 2024:
    • Two young mares (Sandy chestnut, Red dun) disperse from the band in winter.
    • One foal was born.

About
These are the foundation stock of the Upland Horses.

Sturdy and resilient, the Switchgrass Band are a hardy and elusive group. For the most part, the majority of the base stock is well suited to the forests of the Frost Reaches, with shaggy winter coats and compact bodies - however, the Switchgrass band has a broad visual appearance between colors, modifiers and build in its founding stock. The first noted stallion - a chestnut - was first seen in the spring of 2021, and his harem was spotted later in the year. The tobiano bay serving as the lead mare foaled a bay roan tobiano, though it's suspected that the colt's conception predated the formation of the harem. The population was only boosted throughout the year of 2022 following what was presumed to be an early-year release of a mare, alongside the birth of two fillies in the spring. With the addition of this mare came the potential introduction of muted hotblood grade traits with musculature and leg length, as well as some subtly refined facial features with her offspring.

  • Size: Small to Medium
    • Height: 14 - 16 hands (56 - 64 in | 142 - 162.5 cm)
    • Weight: 800 - 1100 lbs (363 - 499 kgs)

Likely Foal Yield

Base Coats

Chestnut (Common), Bay (Common), Black (Rare)

Markings and Modifiers

Modifiers: Dun (Rare)
Markings: Facial Markings (Common), Leg Markings (Rare), Tobiano (Rare)

Stallion
by Despi

Birth Year: 2015
Coat: Chestnut

  • Markings: Star

Observable Personality: Confident and dauntless. Can be overzealous. While initially inexperienced when he took control of the harem, he has only grown in tenacity and assurance with tenure.

Origin: Assumed Wildwood expat. Took control of the Switchgrass band in 2021.

Mares
by Despi

Birth Year: 2011
Coat: Bay

  • Markings: Tobiano, cat tracks

Lead Mare
Observable Personality: Vigilant and cautious. Wary of Luperci. Her abundance of apprehension and her experience makes her a safe choice as a leader, and she tends to keep the band moving semi-frequently.

Origin: Assumed Wildwood expat, and assumed control via seniority at the foundation of the band.

Offspring
by Despi

Nickname: "Bruni"
Birth Year: 2012
Coat: Chestnut (Liver)

  • Markings: None

Observable Personality: Nervous and flaky, spooks with minimal provocation and does not handle stress well. Tender-hearted and gentle mannered. Flighty, but possesses good instinct and is seemingly intuitive. Terrified of wolves in particular, speaking to some past trauma.

Origin: Released by Santiago Tejada in early 2022.

Offspring
by Despi

Birth Year: 2014
Coat: Grulla (Light Slate)

  • Markings: Star, stripe & snip

Observable Personality: Intelligent and curious. Quite timid. She spooks easily and is quick on her feet.

Origin: Assumed Wildwood expat. Joined in with the Switchgrass band in 2021.

Offspring
by Despi

Birth Year: 2014
Coat: Bay (Blood)

  • Markings: Blaze

Observable Personality: Confident, watchful, and pugnacious. Generally acts as the lookout for the band and alerts them to danger, though is generally among the last to flee given her more brazen nature.

Origin: Assumed Wildwood expat. Joined in with the Switchgrass band in 2021.

Offspring
Yearlings and Foals
by Despi

Filly
Birth Year: 2023
Coat: Bay

  • Markings: Tobiano, cat tracks, rabicano

Observable Personality: --

  • Born into the Switchgrass band
by Despi

Filly
Birth Year: 2023
Coat: Chestnut (Burnt)

  • Markings: Star

Observable Personality: --

  • Born into the Switchgrass band
by Despi

Colt
Birth Year: 2024
Coat: Bay Dun

  • Markings: Star

Observable Personality: --

  • Born into the Switchgrass band


2.2  Bluestem Band

Range
Frequents the Northernmost section of the Frost Reaches, at times overlapping slightly into the Branta Stretch, south of the Serpentine Mountains in warm months. They are highly mobile, and tend to stick to woodlands, especially in winter.

Population: 3 Individuals

Population Changes
  • 2022:
    • Two horses ventured into the territory in late December.
    • The band accepts a new, inexperienced stallion cast off from the Switchgrass band just before the end of the year.
  • 2024:
    • Two foals were born.

About
A duo of small, sturdy mares roamed their way into the Upland herds' territories late in the year in 2022, near the end of December. Their origins are unclear - though their more confrontational attitude towards Luperci suggests negative association and experience. Before long, the Switchgrass band cast out their yearling colt as he matured, just before year's end. While inexperienced, his persistent lingering around the duo of mares paid off in their acceptance of his presence.

  • Size: Small to Medium
    • Height: 14 - 16 hands (56 - 64 in | 142 - 162.5 cm)
    • Weight: 800 - 1100 lbs (363 - 499 kgs)

Likely Foal Yield

Base Coats

Bay (Common), Black (Common), Chestnut (Rare)

Markings and Modifiers

Modifiers: Roan (Common)
Markings: Facial Markings (Common), Tobiano (Common), Leg Markings (Uncommon), Appaloosa (Uncommon)

Stallion
by Despi
  • Birth Year: 2021
  • Coat: Bay Roan
    • Markings: Tobiano, Lip Mark
    • Scars: Corn marks (Left flank)

Observable Personality: Energetic and inquisitive. Seems a bit intrusive, and is undeniably persistent. This young stallion possesses a certain obstinacy that can prove unpredictable.

Origin: Switchgrass band. Took control of the Bluestem band at the very end of 2022.

Mares
by Despi

Birth Year: 2015
Coat: Black

  • Markings: None

Lead Mare
Observable Personality: Hot-headed, dominant, and seemingly experienced. Mildly aggressive. Seems ambivalent, yet certainly not friendly, towards luperci. Her standoffish nature makes her somewhat confrontational with threats.

Origin: Unknown - wandered into the locality and formed the foundation of the Bluestem band late 2022.

Offspring
by Despi

Birth Year: 2018
Coat: Black

  • Markings: Appaloosa

Observable Personality: Spirited, energetic, and seems prone to vocal outburst 'squeals' when surprised or irritated. Temperamental. Seems more cautious and nervous than outwardly mean-spirited, and is liable to spook.

Origin: Unknown - wandered into the locality and formed the foundation of the Bluestem band late 2022.

Offspring
Yearlings and Foals
by Despi

Colt
Birth Year: 2024
Coat: Blue Roan

  • Markings: Tobiano

Observable Personality: --

  • Born into the Bluestem band
by Despi

Filly
Birth Year: 2024
Coat: Bay

  • Markings: Tobiano, Blanket Appaloosa

Observable Personality: --

  • Born into the Bluestem band


2.3  Bottlebrush Band

Range
Northwestern stretches of the Frost Reaches, and overlapping into the Branta Stretch. This mobile band has a very minor overlap with the heavily wooded areas of Del Cenere's northern territory. During summer months, they frequent more open meadow woodlands south of the Serpentine Mountains.

Population: 4 Individuals

Population Changes
  • 2023:
    • Two horses, an Amber Champagne Stallion and Liver Chestnut Overo Mare are released in December.
  • 2024:

About
After their successful roundup of various Drifter Bay Horses, Salsola traveled north with two of the captured animals to Del Cenere to engage in trade. Once an accord was struck, the duo of feral animals were assessed for their assured health, before they were released into the locality in December of 2023 to help bolster the bloodlines and populace of the small, existing bands in the region.

  • Size: Small to Medium
    • Height: 14 - 16 hands (56 - 64 in | 142 - 162.5 cm)
    • Weight: 800 - 1100 lbs (363 - 499 kgs)

Likely Foal Yield

Base Coats

Bay (Common), Chestnut (Uncommon), Black (Extremely Rare)

Markings and Modifiers

Modifiers: Champagne (Common), Dun (Uncommon)
Markings: Facial Markings (Common), Leg Markings (Uncommon), Overo (Uncommon)

Stallion
by Despi
  • Birth Year: 2020
  • Coat: Amber Champagne
    • Markings: Star, rear coronets

Observable Personality: Sly, quick, and very mobile. He's intelligent and bellicose, if foolhardy and exigent. Not one to back down from a fight, he's more than slightly confrontational.

Origin: The original Ghost Band of Drifter Bay. Rounded up by Salsola, then traded to Del Cenere, and released into the area in late 2023.

Mares
by Despi

Birth Year: 2017
Coat: Chestnut (Liver)

  • Markings: Frame Overo

Lead Mare
Observable Personality: Nervous, flighty, and staunchly defensive. Headstrong to a fault. This mare likes her personal space and can prove somewhat aggressive when it's encroached upon with biting, kicking, and squealing.

Origin: Escapee, assimilated into the Ash Band of Drifter Bay after seismic activity. Rounded up by Salsola, then traded to Del Cenere, and released into the area in late 2023.

Offspring
by Despi

Birth Year: 2022
Coat: Chestnut (Sandy)

  • Markings: Blaze

Observable Personality: --

Origin: Switchgrass Band. Dispersed in Winter of 2023, and joined the newly released Bottlebrush duo.

Offspring
  • None!
by Despi

Birth Year: 2022
Coat: Fox Dun

  • Markings: Star & stripe, rear coronets

Observable Personality: Recipient of the acclaimed "Bastard of the Year" award.

Origin: Switchgrass Band. Dispersed in Winter of 2023, and joined the newly released Bottlebrush duo.

Offspring
  • None!
Yearlings and Foals
by Despi

Filly
Birth Year: 2024
Coat: Flaxen Chestnut (Liver)

  • Markings: Frame Overo

Observable Personality: --

  • Born into the Bottlebrush band


3.  History

Discovered in January of 2021 by Rafaela Tejada of the Del Cenere Gang, the founding members of this young herd are presumed to have migrated from the former Prince Edward Island (known today as D'Laniger Peninsula) following the creation of a land bridge connecting it to Cape Acadia. It is likely that these horses have ties to the Wildwood Horses left behind in the Northern Wildwood.

3.1  Threads

Please remember to add any interactions your characters have with this herd here using the following template:

* '''[[Thread:----|Time]]:''' What happened. (with ''[[Characters/Characters]]'')

2021

January
The Upland horses are discovered by Del Cenere Gang after rumors circulate at the Ugly Coyote.

April
Two horses are rounded up from the Switchgrass band.

November
Two mares meander into the locality and join the Switchgrass band.


2022

May

  • April 30 - Early May: Following a disastrous decision, Rafaela seeks refuge among the quietude of the herd and discovers the births of two new foals. (with Rafaela Tejada)

August

December
Two new mares wander into the locality, and the freshly solitary colt from the Switchgrass band joins up with them. The Bluestem band, while still small, begins to establish.


2023

Month
Brief synopsis of what happened this month

Month
Brief synopsis of what happened this month


4.  Footnotes

 

1 See the Lac La Croix Indian Pony for a living example of a semi-feral horse that developed in a similar biome.

Artwork on this page is courtesy of Despi, unless otherwise indicated in the hovers! Their feral-grade horse template can be found here.


Categories: Del Cenere Gang | Fauna | Resources