Re: RuneQuest Daily, Thu, 01 Sep 1994

From: Sandy Petersen (sandyp@idcube.idsoftware.com)
Date: Thu 01 Sep 1994 - 08:41:28 EEST



Alex:
>Joerg and I can both claim to have cohabited, country-wise, with
>_Alces alces_

        really? What country? I know there's none in Scotland or mainland Germany.

>But _Cervus canadensis_ isn't _that_ much bigger, is it?

  1. it's not universally agreed to be a separate species from C. elaphus. One school of thought believes the two groups to be subspecies. And yes, it's quite a lot bigger. Ian Gorlick summarizes nicely: 450 kg for U.S./Canook version, 300 kg tops for European midget variety.

Ian G. also points out that moose cause Big Trouble up in canada, eating trailer-trucks and the like. Perhaps in the U.S., where the moose population must cohabit with a much denser human population, the moose have learned to be more skittish around people.

Unless stimulated to further action by needling beyond endurance, I plan to cease posting about the great Elk controversy.

Ian G.
> For those who think of burros as small, you should realize that the

>common burro is actually a dwarf variety of the wild ass. The wild
>ass masses in at almost 300kg, as big or bigger than the zebras.

        But zebras are rather small equines, compared to the domestic horse -- pony-sized -- 300 kg isn't that huge. Admittedly, even I knew the onagers were lots larger than the feral burros of the American southwest. But the small burros are more useful than big ones -- they eat less, are easier to care for, cost less, and can carry plenty. If you want a big pack animal, horses or oxen are better bets than large asses.

        Certainly small-time farmers in Tanisor would be better off with burros than onagers.

Morocanth defenses:

        A surprising number of people have come out in favor of pavise-type shields. I can't believe the Morocanth use these in a raid or mobile battle -- it would further hinder their already-limited mobility. However, portable interlocking pavises would be an excellent way to defend a small morocanth camp during daylight hours -- sort of like a Hussite wagon fortress. Efficient against arrows, and mounted enemies. If the enemies climb off their steeds to attack you, you can make a sally.



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