The kurudan is a beast of burden commonly found along mountain trails, in narrow valleys, around rural villages, and on inland caravan routes.
Shorter than a komashi, it has a stocky, muscular build that gives it extraordinary endurance. Its coarse, thick coat ranges from stone gray to dark brown. Its short, sturdy legs end in broad, flat hooves, ideal for navigating steep trails and crossing slippery or rocky terrain. Its long, furry ears move constantly, picking up every sound.
Tireless and dependable, kurudan are used to carry bulky loads and pull carts. They move at a slow but relentless pace and can travel long distances without frequent stops.
They are docile animals but wary of strangers. They grow attached to people who treat them with respect.
Their particular sensitivity to vibrations in the ground seems to allow them to detect landslides and earthquakes before they happen. For this reason, some merchants call them “guardians of the pass” and trust their instincts on the most dangerous journeys.
In some inland regions, people believe that a kurudan refusing to move any farther is warning of imminent danger. Ignoring its warning is considered reckless and, by some, a challenge to fate.
This creature belongs to the world of Myoo: