Ox

An ox was a variety of cattle that was found on Toril.

Description
An ox was capable of carrying much more cargo than other creatures of the same approximate size.

A unique species of red ox was domesticated and commonly used in the Utter East, namely in the country of Doegan. As most horses died off of disease and the hot climate after the Utter East's colonization, the red ox proved to be a much more reliable beast of burden.

Sub-Species

 * Thimdror: a small, ugly breed of oxen that were favored for consumption over usage as beasts of burden.
 * Yoxen: otherwise known as yoke-oxen, were a breed of oxen unique to the plains of Amn. Leather made from their hides was notably used to bound Bowgentle's Book and their hair was used to make wigs, which could be quite realistic.

History
In the late-15 century DR, oxen were one of many beasts of burden that could be found in the Outer City district of Baldur's Gate, as such animals were outlawed from entering the Lower and Upper City districts.

Relationships
Oxen were often used by sentient beings as beasts of burden. One such group was the Seven Suns Trading Coster used oxen.

In the Sword Coast, oxen were used to drive pumps at Baldur's Gate's docks and along the Trade Way, The Way Inn regularly purchased and sold oxen among other domestic beasts of burden. In north Faerûn, the usage and trade of oxen was quite common throughout the Dalelands.

Some associated them with the orc deity Bahgtru, whose shamans were often known to use them as mounts.

Usages

 * Oxen livers, along with vegetable oils and herbs, were used to create Tanlarl, an ointment used to attract females, and an orcish aphrodisiac.
 * The inhabitants of Neverwinter were sometimes known to cook oxen meat on spits.
 * Roasted oxen was commonly served in the Jovial Juggler.
 * A whole roasted oxen was a common meal among giants.
 * Many in the Realms were known to make strings for instruments from the dried intestines' of oxen.
 * The horns and hearts of young bulls were used to brew potions of bull's strength.
 * The horns of an ox could be distilled to produce ammonia.

Trivia
Oxen were the namesake for many inns and tavern in the Realms. These included the Old Talking Ox in Iriaebor, the Oxpit Tavern in Mulmaster, and The Yoxen's Burden in Amn.

Appearances

 * Novels:
 * Errand of Mercy
 * Video Games:
 * Neverwinter Nights series (Neverwinter Nights • Neverwinter Nights: Darkness over Daggerford • Neverwinter Nights: Tyrants of the Moonsea) •