Appearance
Goennecs are small creatures, only slightly larger than a newborn fennec at birth and standing only two - two and a half feet when fully grown.
Males are larger than females and have the large curling horns of the bighorn ram. Females also have horns, but like on bighorn ewe.
The two genders both have the same color range: Almost always a natural base with either natural colored markings, or earthy/dull unnaturals. Some may have bright accents.
Most Goennecs are born with two hooves and two Paws in fore and pairs. The can be born with diagonal pairs or all of one foot type, but it is very uncommon.
Each has a 'Mohawk' mane of scruffy long fur running from the top of their head all the way down the center of their backs to blend into the fluffy tail. Manes are usually short enough to stick up like zebra manes, but can vary in length. Occasionally there will be a goennec born with either no/very short mane or a very long mane. this is the result of a very rare combination of the gene controlling mane growth, often these goennecs will also be blind or deaf and require extra care.
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Aging
A healthy Goennec can live to be 60 years old if they are well cared for. In the wild they have an average lifespan of 35 years.
They age quickly in the beginning, the first year they age the equivalent of 18-20 human years, much like dogs. The second to fifth years their growth slows to only about 3. Every year after is about 1.
This ensures that they grow quickly enough to be able to outrun predators within a few months. and the slower growth after the first year keeps them healthier longer and from aging too quickly without reason.
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Habitat
Goennecs are a widely spread species, though they are rare sights in any climate.
Habitat does have slight impact on the build and behavior of the species. Goennecs living in the mountains will generally have shorter stronger legs for jumping and climbing, while herds in the deserts or grasslands will have longer legs built for running. Fur Length and texture will also vary. Goennecs with shorter, thinner fur live in warmer climates while thicker, longer furred Goeys will live in colder climates.
The species as a whole is intelligent and makes use of its surroundings.
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Hannescon's Disease
pronounced Hann-niss-on's
Goennecs are fast hardy creatures. They are able to live in many places that their natural enemies cannot. However theor numbers are kept in check by a genetic disease called Hannescon's Disease. It is unknown how many Goennecs carry the disease as it is a recessive gene so one can carry it without it affecting them. The disease only shows in Goennecs that inherit the gene from both parents.
Negative effects
all may not be present
misshapen ears
stumpy or lack of horns
enlarged oral features
hoof and paw deformities
lack of tail
lack of mane consistency
blindness
deafness
weak immune systems
occasionally defective or nonfunctional internal organs
inability to stand, walk, run
smaller, but still proportional
Obviously, Goennecs born with this disease do not last very long in the wild, but when born into captivity, they can live as long as any other healthy Goennec. However, they do require a much higher level of care.
Fortunately, there are a few positive effects.
Increased intelligence
inability to feel anger
sturdy bone structure
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Behavior
Goennecs are omnivores, but behave much more like prey animals, grazing for much of the nutrients in their diet, but supplementing with small rodents, fish, and insects.
They are herd animals and enjoy the company of others, preferably other goennecs, but they are compatible most other friendly species as well. They do not feel comfortable with many predators around if there are no other herders to gather with.
Mothers will dig borrows for their young and if the herd is in the progress of a migration, young goennecs will be hidden in bushes during periods of rest.
Their first instinct is to flee rather than fight, but some males can be daring enough to attempt fighting off even large canines and felines, though even the bravest have an inset fear towards Bears.
because they originated from a certain sitting sheep, they have a tendancy to sit upon friends as a friendly/teasing gesture.
Males are Rams, females are ewes, and young goennecs are kids.
The mating season is known as the ‘Siv’. It takes place from late summer to late Autumn or Early winter. Most goennecs will, like most herd ungulates, mate once and move on, but only for a limited time. Eventually, each will find a partner to pair with permanently.
They live in a complex hierarchy consisting of six tiers, or levels
Tier 1: Prime
At the head of the herd is the leader Goennec, called the Prime by research circles. Typically, the Prime is the strongest male, though particularly clever, strong and dominating female leaders have been recorded. The Prime protects the herd from predators and rouge Goennecs, challenging any unwelcome visitors to the herd’s lands, or giving the command to run when the invader is too large. It is also his or her job to keep order in the herd, resolving small and large conflicts alike. The Prime may be assisted by his or her primary mate in this responsibility. Rarely, two Goennecs- be they siblings or mates- will lead jointly. In this situation, one Goennec is usually an Affected, while the other is mentally challenged but physically endowed.
Tier 2: Prince
The next strongest male Goennec is called the Prince, because his duty is similar to that of human princes. In return for getting first pick of mate during the season, called a siv, and being next in line to take the Prime’ place in case of death or weakness, he has to round up the herd when danger approaches, giving the leader(s) time and space to challenge any adversaries as well as becoming a second line of defense against the herd. The Prince must be prepared to give his life, if needed. In times of distress, he must also lead a group of strong herdmates into battle over disputed land.
Tier 3: Elders
Elders of the herd are well respected among the herd. Although they have no leadership in the herd, they are often referred to for wisdom and counsel. Any goennec who is unfit to fight will often be grouped with them, not always just the old. Many times Affected goennecs will be put into this group for extra care and, because of their increased intelligence, advice.
Tier 4: Soldiers
The next group of Goennecs is the young and strong males and females, called the soldiers. The males are the next-highest competitors to the Prince. The females are usually the most sought-after during the siv, because of their strength and promising genes. They follow the Prince into battle, and are the remainder of the herd’s third line of defense, in the case that the leader(s) and Prince fall.
Tier 5: Peasants
The rest of the mature part of the herd is composed of the weaker females, highly functioning Affected, and occasionally, a less desirable male. These are usually referred to as “Peasants” in the writings of researchers, because they are almost the lowest in the pecking order, and are often the least attractive. They do not fight, for the most part, though some females may violently reject a male during the siv by bucking, kicking, biting and head-butting.
Tier 6: Kids
Lastly, the very young reside in their own tier, because they have yet to show any aspects of strength, and the fact that they have yet to be able to survive without constant care from others. Goennecs usually do not stay in this tier for too long, as they usually show signs of strength or weakness by the time they are old enough to begin play-fighting and establishing dominance over others.
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