Muskox

Muskox, also spelled musk ox and musk-ox, were a species of cattle and a type of herd animal.

Description
Their bodies were very similar to that of an ox and they had short, curved horns.

Behavior
Being herd animals, musk-oxen were generally non-aggressive. They would sometimes stampede away from those they considered threats to their safety.

Combat
Musk-oxen typically fought other creatures with their hooves and horns. When not running away from aggressors, a herd of musk-oxen would gather around in a shoulder-circle formation, facing outward towards their enemy, with their young in the center. If their enemy came too close they would proceed to charge forward and attempt to trample them.

History
The existence of musk-oxen on Toril dated back to the days of Netheril.

Habitats
These creatures were typically found in the forests and tundras of cold climate regions. They were known to inhabit the Great Glacier, particularly in the Ibelgrak Valley and Novularond, as well as the World Pillar Mountains.

Usage
Other creatures were known to use their hides to construct blankets and robes. Their hides generally fetched 5 gp, while blankets made from them could go for up to 50 gp.

In the Great Glacier, the Iulutiuns were known to both hunt and raise musk-oxen for their meat as well as their thick, creamy milk. Outside their largest settlement, Lilinuk, there were large herds of musk-oxen enclosed in pens with ice-block walls. Frost folk were also known to herd musk-oxen.

Some arctic rangers were known to have musk-oxen as animal companions.

Appearances

 * Novels
 * Sword Play • Mortal Consequences