the Rift


The Anduin Valleys [WIP]

Wilibald Posts: 44
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Stallion :: Equine :: 14.0 hh :: 8 years
Sarah
#1
* not finished *

THE ANDUIN VALLEYS


BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Anduin Valleys is a blanket term for several valleys in the Anduin Mountains where Wilibald originates from. The ponies (‘Anduin ponies’) that live there are a nomadic group out of necessity and their home and characteristics are based off of J.R.R. Tolkien's work, specifically the Hobbits and the Shire.

LAND INFORMATION
The Anduin Valley chain is composed of 7 different valleys within the mountains - some easily acceptable and others slightly treacherous through the mountain paths. The ponies that live in these herds are very sure-footed and cautious so accidents are rare.

Greenlawn Valley
The Little Dell
Blackforest Dale
Westmarch Hollow
Whitefoot’s Vale
  • Named for the Whitefoot River that widens when it reaches this valley.
Cloverhill Valley
Lower Cloverhill

HERD/RESIDENT INFORMATION
There are 3 herds that live in the Anduin Valleys: Stoor, Harfoot and Fallohide Herds. There are a few differences between the herds but generally they are quite similar, as demonstrated below.

General Characteristics of Anduin Ponies
  • Anduin Ponies have a combination of different breed stock in their lines, not all of which are present in each family (Icelandic, Haflinger, Caspian, Fell, Shetland, and Highland breeds are all common and can be present in any amount of mix)
  • browns, chestnuts, and bays are the most common colours found
  • palominos and blacks are rare and considered 'odd'
  • little to no white markings (face markings more common than leg markings, nothing wider than a stripe)
  • no greys, paints, duns, buckskins, appaloosa patters, etc
  • heights are generally between 10hh and 14hh. Tallest Anduin Pony was 14.3hh
  • maintain a shaggy coat almost all year round, with males having longer hair than females
  • mature a little more slowly than their larger cousins - Anduin Ponies generally reach maturity and start breeding when they are 10 years old (more about this can be found below in the Culture section)

Characteristics of the Stoor Herd
  • shorter and chubbier of the herds
  • no one over 12 hh

Characteristics of the Fallohide Herd
  • more instances of palominos and lighter chestnuts than the other herds


Characteristics of the Harfoot Herd
  • more instances of bays and darker colours than the other herds

Common Personality Traits
  • although each Anduin Pony is an individual, there are a few personality traits that seem to pop up more often
  • curiosity is generally considered a sin. Don't ask questions, don't go looking for trouble.

CULTURE INFORMATION
  • no magic, no gods
  • getting sick or injured is more or less a death sentence depending on the severity. None of the Anduin ponies are healers. This is an accepted part of the culture, and those that are sick or injured will leave the herd and create a ‘dying nest’ and wait for the inevitable or for the infliction to pass. Inspired by the dying holes from Madagascar 2
  • The herds travel separately but mingle a every autumn for coupling in Lower Cloverhill and then once every few years for other festivals
  • the Anduin Ponies take a 'don't bother us, we won't bother you' approach to everything. They are shy around taller horses and anyone that is strange-looking. Visitors to the Valleys are not common and most have never seen anyone that was not an Anduin Pony
  • traditions are very important, there are several festivals throughout the year that they gather to celebrate
  • it is common for Anduin Ponies to experience a little rebellious stage between the ages of 5-9, before they fully mature and settle down. It is during this time that many will travel, giving into the sin of curiosity


CHARACTERS FROM THE ANDUIN VALLEYS
Wilibald from the Fallohide Herd



Anyone is welcome to create a character from here! Friends, relatives, strangers, childhood rivals, anything! All I ask is that you follow the information above. If you want some help or have any questions, you can reach me on either Wilibald’s or Alysanne’s account :)


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