Tauns are rotund, desert-dwelling herbivores native to the arid expanse of The Sands of Serrakhan and the surrounding regions of The Barren Badlands. Recognizable by their bulbous bodies, short legs, and leathery brown hides, they are docile grazers whose resilience and utility have earned them a place of high regard in the culture of the Serrakhan Sultanate. Though slow and awkward in appearance, their physiology is a marvel of adaptation, allowing them to thrive in one of the harshest environments in Osira.
Biology & Adaptations
Tauns are primarily herbivorous and feed on a diet of desert succulents, sparse grasses, and nutrient-rich cacti. They are especially drawn to oases, where they congregate in large, slow-moving herds to feast and rehydrate. Their rounded form is more than aesthetic—it conceals a specialized internal organ, a water-retaining membrane that wraps around their torso beneath the skin. This organic “hydro-barrier” allows them to store and slowly absorb water, enabling them to endure long treks without access to fresh sources.Their thick, sun-darkened hide insulates against the blistering heat, while their stubby limbs and padded feet allow them to walk lightly across the sands. Notably, their soft tread makes them nearly imperceptible to predators that rely on tremorsense, such as Drakkhid or Sandwyrm. This, combined with their tendency to move in staggered formations, gives them a surprising advantage against ambush predators of the deep dunes.
Domestication & Cultural Role
Tauns have long been domesticated by nomadic tribes (such as the Tuskari or Dragonborn), the peoples of Shariz, and the Sultanate at large. Their meat—rich, tender, and flavorful—is considered a staple of desert cuisine. Perhaps the most beloved iteration of this is Won's Tauns, a traveling delicacy of seared dough filled with spiced, roasted taun meat (made by Won).Beyond sustenance, trained taun-riders are essential to life in the dunes. Despite their slow gait, tauns can carry large loads and navigate sand-scoured terrain that would cripple a horse. However, they are temperamental when mishandled—those without proper training risk wild bucking and a swift tumble into the sand. As such, taun-riding is a respected art among the desert peoples, taught by beastmasters and caravan leaders across generations.
Ecological Significance
Tauns are a vital link in the fragile ecosystem of the desert. Their grazing patterns encourage new growth of desert flora, and their droppings fertilize the soil around oases. They are preyed upon by large desert predators, including Sandwyrms and Drakkhid, though their light step often spares them detection.In recent times, some enclaves—such as the Kroot of Karthage—have begun using herded Tauns as offerings to ancient desert leviathans like Gharazh'uul, the Grand Drakkhid, in exchange for protection and the taming of broodlings. This practice, while controversial, underscores the Taun’s central role in the cycle of life, death, and civilization across the shifting sands of Serrakhan.