Quillboar
"The Mundanes believe they invented guns. Quillboars invented them long before them." - Celyddon Rosser, author of Enchanted Fauna
The quillboar, also known as the pistol boar or gunshot boar, is a relative of the wild boar. Various sub-species are found all throughout Europe and Asia, including the British Isles, as well as North Africa.
Description
Quillboars are smaller in size compared to wild boars, with an average height of 50-60 centimeters at the shoulder. They have stripes that run along their bodies. Unlike in wild boars, where the stripes disappear as they reach adulthood, in quillboars, these stripes become more prominent. Sharp spikes run along their backs, resembling porcupine quills but shorter. Most species of quillboar lack tusks.
Habitat and Behaviour
Quillboars inhabit regions where wild boars are found, sharing a similar diet of roots, tubers, and foraged vegetation. However, unlike their larger relatives, they are known for their more timid nature, often retreating rather than engaging in confrontations.
Magic Abilities
These fascinating creatures possess a unique defense mechanism in the form of sharp spikes that run along their backs, which serve as a protective barrier against predators. When threatened, quillboars can channel their magical abilities to create small explosions, detaching their quills and launching them towards their attackers with remarkable accuracy. The explosive release of quills produces a sound reminiscent of rapid pistol shots, which has earned them their colloquial name.
Uses in Magic
Due to their magical capabilities and unique appearance, quillboars hold significance in various magical practices and rituals. Their quills are valued as magical components, sought after for their potent enchantment properties.
Conservation
In terms of conservation, quillboars are considered a species of least concern. Their population remains stable, thanks to their innate ability to adapt to diverse environments and their elusive nature, which provides them with natural protection from overhunting and habitat loss.
Trivia
- Quillboars are a typical prey for Cŵn Annwn. The smart canines will provoke a quillboar and use their speed to avoid getting spiked. Once the boar is "out of ammo", they will quickly take it down.
- A quillboar's spines will constantly regrow and replace old spines. Spines that are too old will fall out and quickly dissolve.
- Should a quillboar completely deplete its spines, it will gorge itself and then retreat. The quills are made from keratin, and its typical diet is ideal for producing keratin. Once it's in retreat, the quillboar will remain hidden as much as possible until a sufficient part of quills has regrown. This takes an amazingly short time, only around 10-15 days. After which, the quillboar will gorge itself again to reach its normal weight.