Cerase

Cerase are a species of deer native to Utlia, they are known for their symbiotic relationship with the Syhem fungus, both native to the central forests of the island.

Description

Cerase are medium sized animals, about 1 meter tall on average, they are not born with antlers but they quickly are latched onto by local Syhem, the bluish-purple fungus will take the shape of antlers and is used by cerase as a way to escape predators, as they can shake the fungus "antlers" to drop a pod of toxic gas, obscuring vision and harming those within breathing distance.

History

Cerase were first described by Utlians following the Azztan Annexations, when explorers discovered the creature near Syen-Ut in what is now Mountange. While rare at the time, they began to be bred and farmed for much of the Utlian kingdom lifespan, this was because the Syhem fungus they are often attached too can be used to create blue dye, a common need for anyone who needed to make a flag of the kingdom.

In culture

Historically they were used for meat and dye by the Utlian Kingdom, Utyr Arhynt Aremt once killed 30 of them on one hunting trip, leading to the medal of Arhynt being created as an award for herbivore hunting in Utlia.