Editing Sigil:Uragh (section)

== Herds and Torrak ==

The animal most closely associated with Uragh life is the '''[[Sigil:Torrak|Torrak]]''', a large plains antelope whose dangerous horns sweep distinctively backward from the head. The Uragh have herded Torrak for generations for meat, hides, milk, transport, and war, and they have developed riding animals tolerant of Uragh scent, voices, movement, and the deep vocalizations that frighten horses. A trained riding Torrak is valuable and requires considerable knowledge of the animal's temperament; Torrak are not docile creatures, and their horns provide a persuasive correction to anyone who treats them carelessly.

Foals are commonly raised close to the household, so Uragh children learn animal behavior early. Particular Torrak may become familiar and well-loved members of a family's daily life even though the herd also supplies food and material necessary for survival. The Uragh see no contradiction between affection for animals and dependence upon them. Herding requires intimate knowledge precisely because the animals matter so much.

Different households maintain different combinations of livestock according to country, season, wealth, tradition, and need. Herd management demands constant judgment. Too many animals can exhaust pasture; too few leave a household vulnerable. Water must be found, sick animals separated, breeding managed, predators watched, young protected, and grazing grounds allowed to recover. Movement therefore follows remembered patterns and present conditions rather than whim. The romantic notion that nomads simply wander wherever they please would strike most Uragh as an excellent way to become a dead nomad.

Horses occupy a peculiar place in Uragh relations with their Rhone neighbors because the Uragh do not ride them. Horses generally dislike Uragh scent and voices and can become difficult when approached by unfamiliar Uragh. This has generated centuries of jokes, of which the most widespread Rhone version claims that horses fear the Uragh because Uragh eat them. The usual Uragh response is that horses are correct. In practice, experienced Uragh travelers give unfamiliar horses space; frightening someone's valuable animal is a poor beginning to either trade or hospitality.