| Hircocervus | |
|---|---|
 ' | |
| Information | |
| Alternate Names/Spellings | (pl) Hircocervi, (pl) Hircocervoi, Hircocervos, Hircocerf, Tragelaph, (pl) Tragelaphi, (pl) Tragelaphoi, Tragelaphos, Tragelaphus, Goat-Deer, Deer-Goat, Deergoat, Goatdeer, Stagoat, Stag-Goat, Goat-Stag, Goatstag |
| Origins | |
| Alignment | Neutral Good, Chaotic Good, Chaotic Neutral |
| Element | |
| Species | Magical Beast |
| Appearance | |
Origins[]
The Hircocervus is a creature with origins in the mythology, legend and folklore of Medieval Europe. While the name derives from a portmanteau of the Latin 'hircus' (goat) + 'cervus' (deer), there is no proof that the species originates from a crossbreeding of goats and deers, nor even that a viable offspring of such a union is possible, under mundane circumstances.
Then again, it is entirely possible that such a chimera was born of a union between goat and deer, under magical circumstances, instead. Also possible, goats and deers could share a common ancestor, making the hircocervus a 'missing link' to genetically bridge the two species.
Appearance[]
While the name 'Hircocervus' is accurate, in that the species consists of traits found within both goats and deers, the creature's outward appearance is largely akin to that of a deer. Physically, the only thing that sets it apart from a mundane deer is that its antlers also branch off into a pair of goat's horns, which are attached to the skull.