a horse, of course.
Bolters are the evolutionary descendants of draft horses.
They are hardy, stocky creatures who have adapted well to the mountaneous climates found near the settlement of Vinnde, and may even have herds deeper in the Cold North.
They have adapted to steep, rocky terrain, with dew claws to aid their grip on uneven hills. They are able to find sources of edible food in even the harshest of winters, often traveling great distances to find them.
Encounters with herds of Bolters are rare to Faunidkind.
While they are highly social herd animals, their lack of exposure to Faunids mean that they are generally wary of them, though it's not impossible to gain their trust with dedication and persistence. "Bolter" is an accurate description of both their high endurance and ability to escape danger unscathed, with Bolters being capable of quick thinking and navigational awareness to use the terrain to their advantage.
Bolters are much more familiar with the presence of Minodae, and herds are more commonly present in areas inhabited by Minodae. They are willing workers when faced with a challenge, and they display an impressive stamina to travel great distances at consistent speeds. This makes them exceptionally beneficial for farm work that includes logging, plowing, and hauling even in unpredictable weather conditions.
Their behavior is similar to the social dynamics of modern herd dynamics, with young males often forming bachelor herds.
Courtship behavior often involves sparring and contestation, with an individual's experience being key to overcoming potential threats. Their natural behavior includes creating depressions in rocky alcoves, gathering in groups at unearthed salt licks, and social play as they travel long distances throughout the day in search of food. Like their draft horse ancestors, they are mostly docile outside of establishing herd hierarchies, and are not typically aggressive or territorial to other non-predatory species. Bolters have strong memories, with an ability to remember safer paths through dangerous areas as well as recognizing specific individuals they have encountered. They are often noted by those who have experienced their presence as 'calculating'. They watch unfamiliar beings to pass judgment before they make decisions on how to react, naturally curious and thoughtful when given the chance.
