A chirra is a heavy-coated pack animal, hardier than a mule for harsh, winter weather.
Biology and characteristics[]
The shoulder height is similar to a Companion, but the neck is so long it is head-height with a mounted human. It has large, round, dog-like, clawed feet with thick tufts of fur between toes that aid in walking across snow. Large, rabbit-like ears, set on top of the skull and fixed foward unlike a horse's. The chirra also has a rabbit-like face.[1]
The chirra have three layers of fur to protect them from winter. The outer layer is long, coarse, and fairly waterproof. The middle layer is short and less coarse than the outer layer. The inner layer is dense, soft, fine fur that is shed annually and keeps the chirra warm during the cold months. The underfur can be spun into wool and crafted into soft, fine garments.[2]
Companions enjoy traveling with chirras in the winter as the thick, warm fur and gentle dispositions make them excellent stablemates.
Being highly adapted for cold, chirras do not do well in warmer climates. Chirras used by Heralds are bred on a northern farm, as the Collegium is too warm during summer months.
Behavior and intelligence[]
Sweet-tempered and more intelligent than their mule counterparts, who will balk merely through stubborness, a chirra will only balk if there is something wrong. A chirra will also give signs it is overburdened by laying down until the load is lightened, though it is capable of carrying half its weight.
Chirras enjoy music and will join in whenever the opportunity arises. Rather than the main melody, they hum creative harmonic descants in the upper ranges. Though those who have heard them generally agree that chirras have lovely voices, their singing is sometimes described as eerie.
When Talia and Kris were snowed in with their chirras and played and sang songs, they were astonished when the chirras joined in. Few have ever heard them. Most Heralds and even their Companions do not believe that chirras really sing. It is widely believed to be an old wives' tale.
Appearances[]
- Arrow's Flight, Heralds of Valdemar, volume 2
- Intrigues, Collegium Chronicles, volume 2
- Magic's Price, Last Herald-Mage, volume 3
- Lady Cera Miniseries, The Valdemar Anthology series
"The wool was the finest of chirra underfur, the gown was expertly tailored, of a design that would not fall much out of fashion, ever, and green was a very, very hard color to dye."
References[]
- ↑ In real world terms, the chirra would most likely be compared to the South American llama, just a little smarter.
- ↑ Intrigues, as well as the Lady Cera Miniseries in The Valdemar Anthology series