Hovede

Hovede is a fictional mammal described in the fantasy universe of Eldara, created by author L. Kestrel. It appears in the novel series Valen of the Vale and in related role-playing game materials. The name is presented as the common in-universe term for the species.

Adults measure roughly 60 to 80 centimeters in body length, with a shoulder height around 40 centimeters. They have a compact, stocky build and a dense pelage that shifts with the seasons, from warm brown in summer to gray or frosted tones in winter. A short crest of bristle-like fur runs along the forehead, and the ears are rounded and mobile.

Hovede inhabit temperate mixed forests and highland meadows across the eastern uplands of Eldara. They are herbivores, feeding on leaves, shoots, berries, and fungi. They forage in small groups, and seeds dispersed in their droppings contribute to forest regeneration.

They are generally diurnal and social, forming family bands that protect the young and coordinate foraging. Reproduction yields one to two offspring after a gestation period of about three to four months. Juveniles stay with the mother and the group for several seasons.

In Eldaran folklore, the hovede symbolizes endurance and quiet resilience. It appears in art, music, and totem carvings, and is sometimes depicted as a companion to scholars. Note: hovede is a fictional construct created for a fantasy setting and is not a real species.