sahlrind

Sahlrind is a fictional creature that appears in fantasy literature and tabletop role-playing settings. It is described as a semi-aquatic ungulate native to temperate river systems in the northern regions of its fictional world. Most sources depict sahlrinds as bovine-like mammals with elongated snouts, short ears, and a water-repellent double coat that shifts color with the seasons. Adults typically measure 1.4 to 1.8 meters in length and weigh roughly 70 to 110 kilograms. They possess broad hind limbs adapted for swimming and partially webbed forelimbs, enabling efficient movement in shallow water. Their diet consists of aquatic plants and riparian grasses, and they often feed along riverbanks at dawn or dusk.

Sahlrinds are usually described as social animals, forming herd groups of six to twenty individuals led by a dominant female. They are generally wary of predators and humans, preferring to flee, but may stand their ground when protecting young. Breeding occurs annually, with a gestation period around nine to eleven months; calves are weaned after several months and may accompany the herd for one to two years.

Ecology and cultural role: In fiction, sahlrinds contribute to riparian ecosystem dynamics through grazing and seed dispersal. They are commonly portrayed as symbols of patience and resilience in folklore within their world. In game adaptations, they often function as neutral herd animals that can be domesticated or hunted for meat and hides.

Taxonomy and nomenclature: In various works, they are placed within Mammalia and commonly associated with a fictional family Sahlrindidae; taxonomy is not standardized across sources.