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Description
Also known as Werehorses or Horse Folk, the Tikbalang are strange creatures descended from a clade of mammals called chalicotheres. While their ancestors were much larger and knuckle walked, the Tikbalang are closer in size to humans if a bit taller and are obligate bipeds, a massive deviation from the typical ungulate body plan only rivaled by cetaceans. They are highly intelligent for ungulates, more comparable to great apes and dolphins, with one species discovered to be sophont and are capable of communicating with humans.

Due to resembling an amalgamation of horses, ground sloths and humans, they alongside their more basal relatives were once thought to be some kind of Chimera, artificial hybrid creatures, before it was later discovered and informed by them directly, that they are purely natural creatures.

Like their ancestors, they fed mainly on leaves from deciduous trees either using their long arms and claws to pull down branches or climbing up sturdier branches to reach the more tender leaves higher up. While primarily leaf eaters, they also feed on fruits, nuts, bark and tubers from underground. Unlike other perissodactyls, the Tikbalang are omnivores, hunting down prey smaller than themselves, using their claws or handheld spears to dispatch them. This more varied diet, which included protein rich meat, was likely what fueled the development of a larger brain and greater intelligence.

Unlike most ungulate group structures, Tikbalang live in closely knit family groups more similar to that of great apes. Males are called Stallion Men, females are called Mare Wives, and their offspring are called Foalchildren. The lead male is the largest and is responsible for defending the group from most threats.

While their three fingered clawed hands do limit the kind of tools they can make, they can craft simple spears, axes and clothing. And while they may appear "primitive" they can utilize more advanced technology such as metal tools and weapons or aid in carrying heavy objects in human societies.

Like domesticated horses, Tikbalang come in a wide range of different color patterns, from brown, peach, white, black or golden, with stripes or spots patterns that vary from individual to individual

Description
Also known as Werehorses or Horse Folk, the Tikbalang are strange creatures descended from a clade of mammals called chalicotheres. While their ancestors were much larger and knuckle walked, the Tikbalang are closer in size to humans if a bit taller and are obligate bipeds, a massive deviation from the typical ungulate body plan only rivaled by cetaceans. They are highly intelligent for ungulates, more comparable to great apes and dolphins, with one species discovered to be sophont and are capable of communicating with humans.

Due to resembling an amalgamation of horses, ground sloths and humans, they alongside their more basal relatives were once thought to be some kind of Chimera, artificial hybrid creatures, before it was later discovered and informed by them directly, that they are purely natural creatures.

Like their ancestors, they fed mainly on leaves from deciduous trees either using their long arms and claws to pull down branches or climbing up sturdier branches to reach the more tender leaves higher up. While primarily leaf eaters, they also feed on fruits, nuts, bark and tubers from underground. Unlike other perissodactyls, the Tikbalang are omnivores, hunting down prey smaller than themselves, using their claws or handheld spears to dispatch them. This more varied diet, which included protein rich meat, was likely what fueled the development of a larger brain and greater intelligence.

Unlike most ungulate group structures, Tikbalang live in closely knit family groups more similar to that of great apes. Males are called Stallion Men, females are called Mare Wives, and their offspring are called Foalchildren. The lead male is the largest and is responsible for defending the group from most threats.

While their three fingered clawed hands do limit the kind of tools they can make, they can craft simple spears, axes and clothing. And while they may appear "primitive" they can utilize more advanced technology such as metal tools and weapons or aid in carrying heavy objects in human societies.

Like domesticated horses, Tikbalang come in a wide range of different color patterns, from brown, peach, white, black or golden, with stripes or spots patterns that vary from individual to individual