Bestiary Article - Deer

There are many varieties of deer on Hârn. The Northern Deer is the largest of all and is found only in the north of the island. It prefers a colder climate and can thrive where other deer would starve. The Great Deer is considered by many to be king of the deer. Although most abundant in woodlands, it also is also found on grasslands and moor as long as there is some cover in which to rest. The Forest Deer is the smallest of the Hârnic deer species and is hardly bigger than a large dog.

In the Hârnic kingdoms, deer are mostly hunted as a source of food. An adult Great Deer can feed many people or be sold for a significant financial gain. Although the hunters are sometimes professional foresters or huntsmen, more often they are local nobles or freemen licensed to hunt on their lords' behalf. Hunts are often organized for sport. To the Melderyni nobility, for example, bow-hunting the Great Deer is a chivalric ideal.