Mudsdale (Mudbray)
Protequus pedesluto
Overview
Mudsdale has long been one of the most reliable domesticated pokémon. Their ability to haul heavy loads long distances made them essential for traders, farmers, and construction workers until the invention of the internal combustion engine. Their numbers declined precipitously after fast-moving machines that didn't need to graze or rest took over the roles they once held. Fondness for the breed, especially in the old holdings of the Galarian Empire, saved the species and have kept it going strong.
Mudsdale are the quintessential pack pokémon. They can drag up to six tons of weight on their own or ten when working in a pair. Their drawbacks are that they are slower than the average human's walking speed, they are not allowed on all trails, and some mudsdale struggle to climb steep inclines. The most common breed in Alola, the northland mudsdale, is adept at climbing but not all breeds are. Not all mudsdale in Alola are northlands.
Their docility, strength, and friendliness make mudsdale an excellent pokémon for trainers. Those looking for a pack pokémon or ground-type should strongly consider adding one to their team.
Physiology
Both stages are classified as pure ground-types. As a domesticated pokémon some scholars argue for a secondary normal-typing. Mudsdale are not particularly resistant to ghost attacks and prefer to use fighting moves to normal ones. As such it is unlikely the Department of Agriculture reconsiders their ruling.
Mudbray are small and sturdy equine pokémon. Outside of their mane, lower legs, and tail they have very little fur. Most of mudbray's skin is rather pale. To combat sunburn they take frequent mud or dirt baths to keep their skin covered.
Most equines are built for quick escapes. Mudbray and mudsdale are not. Their lungs are large but not well suited for short term exertions. The line's legs are often caked in dried mud to provide a form of armor against attacks and the sun. Their bones are dense and stocky. Most peculiarly, mudsdale can relax individual muscle groups or portions of their brain in sets. They do not need to fall completely asleep for several days. All of this makes mudbray and mudsdale incredibly good at hauling weight long distances, but poor sprinters. When they must fight they rely on their strong muscles, sturdy skeleton, and thick skin to protect them. Terrakinesis can trip up opponents. Once they have fallen to the ground mudsdale will mercilessly kick their would-be-predator to death.
Mudsdale are much larger than mudbray but have most of the same adaptations. In addition to their mane several distinct strands of hair fall down over the face. These will inevitably become caked in mud, letting mudsdale later use the dried earth as an impromptu shield for attacks on their head or neck. The mud that dries on their leg fur increases the weight of their kicks.
Mudsdale can grow to be six feet tall at the withers and weigh up to 2200 pounds clean or 2500 pounds with the dried mud on their body factored in. They live an average of ten years in the wild and twenty-five in captivity.
Behavior
Alola's mudsdale herds range in size from over thirty individuals to less than five depending on habitat fragmentation, trainer capture, predation, and available food. The smallest herds consist of a mated pair and their mudbray. The largest consist of multiple pairs and their offspring. A handful of bachelor herds have also been documented, usually made up of one or two sets of brothers.
Mudsdale prefer to live near mud. This leads to a preference towards areas with water and loose soil. Semi-arid grasslands near streams or ponds are ideal. The largest herds are found in Poni Island National Park and along the slopes of Blush Mountain. The Ula'Ula herds usually move into the mountains during the rainy season when the usually arid edge of the desert experiences enough rain to form mud. During the dry season they move to the wetter lowlands.
Smaller populations can be found in central Akala. Most of these mudsdale have captive ancestors within two generations. Some of the Poni Island mudsdale herds have been feral for nearly two centuries.
Mudsdale are vulnerable to sunburns if there is no mud present. If there is no natural mud they have some ability to make their own. Mudsdale's saliva can mix with dirt to form an artificial mud. Mothers will often lick it onto their offspring each morning. Mudsdale can also rip out grasses and churn the earth in order to create suitable mud pits. Some older Mudsdale can even use their terrakinesis well enough to create a clay basin beneath the pit so no water is lost. This helps preserve the mud last longer when water is scarce.
Mudsdale were bred for colder climates than Alola. As a result they spend most of their day resting in the shade or wallowing in mud to stay cool. During the early morning and late evening they graze on whatever they can find. Feral mudsdale are known for destroying crops to get at foods with the energy they need. Mudsdale are particularly fond of ripping out root vegetables to eat. Even captive mudsdale on farms must be watched to make sure they do not eat the crops.
Wild mudsdale are fairly docile and will seldom bother humans or other herbivores. They can quickly form a brutal collective defense against any predators that approach, even those that do not usually attack mudsdale. Even the Commonwealth's apex predators usually give mudsdale a wide berth. The durability, size, and power make attacks unwise. Even fast carnivores that could get in and kill a mudbray unimpeded can have difficulties dragging their prey away before the mudsdale attack.
Herds do not seem to be hierarchal. Older individuals may command more respect but are not unquestionably obeyed. Jockeying for dominance is rare, with competition being limited to displays of strength during mating season.
Husbandry
Mudsdale are a domesticated species. This makes them gentle, obedient, and good at carrying loads behind them or on their back. It also means they have been selectively bred into their modern form, leading to drawbacks that most wild species would not have.
The biggest drawback mudsdale have are their dietary requirements. Adults need up to 25,000 calories a day. A quarter of these calories should come from fat. This requirement can be met by pouring vegetable oil on their food. Mudsdale do not like the taste of vegetable oil. If oil is used as a cheap fat source it should be poured over favored foods like potatoes and alfalfa. Nuts are more expensive, especially in bulk, but are a good natural fat source. The bulk of the diet can be made up of hay after fat, vitamin, and protein needs are met. Mudsdale will not refuse meat but it should not be the core of their diet.
Water is another major issue in mudsdale care. The breed used in Alola was initially raised to handle the temperatures of northern Galar. Alola is considerably warmer than northern Galar. As a result, mudsdale will need a great deal of drinking water to offset the losses from sweating. Water should be offered at least hourly when on the trail. If the mudsdale is made to work during the afternoon or in direct sunlight it should be provided every half hour.
Mudsdale are destructive grazers that are rarely allowed to forage on the trail or in other Commonwealth or federal lands. Much of their pack load may be made up of their own food and water.
The line's favorite toy by far are mud pits. The ideal mud pit is big enough to roll and sit in. Mudsdale will spend most of their day in the mud if allowed to do so. Air conditioned or shaded space make good alternatives. Mudsdale tend to dislike pokéballs but they can be used to prevent overheating when no other option is available. Mudsdale that must stay in the sun all day should either be coated in mud or given a layer of sunblock. Most commercial sunscreens will do the trick. Sunscreen should be reapplied every hour to prevent losses from sweat. Mud lasts longer and makes the pokémon more comfortable.
When they are not sleeping or wallowing mudsdale (and especially mudbray) like to be near their trainer. Some can be housebroken enough to be allowed indoors if the floors are durable enough. They will still leave muddy tracks wherever they go. This cannot be trained out. Air conditioned barns help make environments both trainer and pokémon can be comfortable in during the day. Walks at sunrise and sunset can also reinforce the trainer-pokémon bond.
Mudsdale are generally tolerant of all teammates. Mudbray are skittish around large predators but are otherwise fine. If a mudsdale and her child are on a team the mother may lash out at predators she had no problem with before. Be careful handling team dynamics after a mudsdale gives birth, handling every reintroduction with all the caution of an initial introduction. Immediately withdraw the other pokémon if the mudsdale shows any signs of aggression.
Illness
The most common illness seen in mudsdale is sunburn. The symptoms are much the same in the horses as in humans: pink or red skin that is hot to the touch and very sensitive. If a mudsdale is burned give it some time off from hauling loads. Let the pokémon relax in the shade with access to cool water. Aloe can soothe the pain from a sunburn. Mild burns can have mud put over them immediately to prevent them from worsening and reduce exposure to the air. Worse ones, especially those that are blistering, should be kept clean to prevent pain and infection.
Most highly specialized domesticated breeds have some genetic health problems. For mudsdale the main issue is chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL). The illness manifests as increasing swelling of the lower legs, eventually making it painful or impossible to move. The swollen area can also become infected and spread illness throughout the body. CPL is not instantly lethal. In specimens with the illness the hair in the region should be kept short to allow for regular monitoring. The mud should also be washed off for inspection every one to two days. Topical treatments and regular cleaning can keep the illness from progressing. In early cases high-intensity treatments such as blissey eggs may be able to temporarily end all symptoms. Because the disease is genetic it will eventually return. There is no known cure for CPL.
Evolution
Mudbray flash evolve after becoming sufficiently strong. This can occur with time but is greatly accelerated by training. As a result many mudbray are eager to fight and carry packages in the hopes that it will make them stronger. Pet mudbray can take up to two years to evolve. Pack mudbray usually take twelve to fifteen months. Frequent battlers can evolve in as little as eight months.
Battle
Mudsdale are slow, sturdy, and reasonably strong. They are not so strong or capable of healing that they can act as walls in their own right at the highest levels of competitive battling. What they are fairly good at is wallbreaking. Many physical walls are rock- or steel-types even slower than mudsdale. The horse can weather their hits long enough to get close and deal with their opponent with brutal high horsepower attacks. Those that are slightly faster can be tripped up by bulldoze. In the meantime, mudsdale can set stealth rocks of their own. Mudsdale are held back not only by their speed but by their power. Their kicks are certainly impressive, but some bulky threats are just too durable for them. Steelix and tyranitar are the main obstacles for mudsdale. The species also greatly struggles to aim airborne stone edges or to keep track of fliers, leaving them unable to do much against birds except set stealth rocks.
Mudsdale are much more popular on the regional circuits where monsters such as tyranitar and steelix are less common. The overall lower power level also lets mudsdale tank attacks more reliably and even outspeed more threats. At lower levels there are more grounded electric-types for mudsdale to handle. In the highest echelons of competitive play vikavolt, magnezone, and rotom are by far the most common electric-types. Mudsdale cannot deal with any of them well.
The power level on the island challenge is lower than even the regional circuits. Mudsdale can realiably deal with most slow walls and even trip up faster grounded pokémon with bulldoze. They also do not need a particularly deep kit to function well. Stealth rock is useful for dealing with birds. Heavy slam or body press make for solid coverage options. Many mudsdale will even learn heavy slam naturally. High horsepower and bulldoze complete the most common set. Some trainers opt to run rest to increase durability. Mudsdale's unique brain makeup lets them keep more awareness while drowsy, but the further loss of speed and reaction times makes the strategy risky.
Mudbray are perfectly solid pokémon for the early stages of the island challenge. They are stalwart and determined battlers with enough physical strength and durability to come out on top against younger pokémon with limited movepools. The lack of ground-types in Alola also means they are not really competing for team slots. Their next best options either have esoteric care requirements (dugtrio, palossand, whiscash), are only found in harsh environments such as Poni Island or the Haina Valley, or are quite rare in the wild (swampert). None have the utility outside of battle than mudsdale do.
Acquisition
Feral mudbray and mudsdale can be found on Akala, Ula'Ula, and Poni. They are most common in semi-arid grasslands or agricultural areas. They can be captured from the wild and generally adjust well to human care. Attempting to catch a young mudbray may still invoke the wrath of the mother. Older mudbray will usually be parted with after a proving battle against the mudbray itself. Capture of a mudbray requires a Class I license. Mudsdale require a Class III.
The species can also be purchased relatively cheaply with a known pedigree and clean bill of health. This can reduce the chance of health scares, especially from CPL. Captive-born specimens also adjust better to trainers and are familiar with how to carry or drag a load. Some shelters may also have injured mudbray or mudsdale on hand that are no longer suitable for battling or heavy labor but will make good companions. Mudbray can be adopted or purchased with a Class I license; mudsdale require a Class II.
Breeding
Mudsdale form mated pairs. Males attempt to impress females through feats of strength such as moving large boulders or being able to knock another male to the ground. It is expected to help a downed opponent get back to his feat and these contests are rarely lethal. Being able to find or produce high quality mud is also a highly valued trait. Mated pairs forage and sleep together. They may wander off for a time to play with other members of the herd but they always find their way back together.
Mating typically takes place in early spring. After a four-month pregnancy the female will give birth to a single mudbray. Both parents take turns caring for the child, although the mother usually puts in more work in education while the father watches the mudbray while it plays. After about six months the mudbray begins to exercise more independence. It will still rarely leave its parents sight but it will spend more time interacting with other members of the herd. By the time it is a year old it will be mostly independent of its parents. Total independence occurs after evolution.
Mudsdale are rather easy to interbreed with other species and breeds due to their attraction to strength. They will happily mate with sufficiently strong rapidash, zebstrika, and other odd-toed ungulates such as rhyhorn. If both sides form a pair bond they should not be separated. If the other mate is not interested in a prolonged relationship with their mate the pair can be broken easily. In fact, not breaking the pair risks the mudsdale resorting to violence against their distant mate.
Relatives
Mudsdale were bred specifically for their labor. Faster breeds such as rapidash handled messaging duties and carried elite soldiers while mudsdale toiled in the fields and built the roads the rapidash ran on. The northland mudsdale are well adapted to hilly terrain. This makes them the preferred choice in mountainous Alola, even if the breed is stressed by heat. Belgian mudsdale are more heat tolerant but struggle to climb steep inclines.
The largest mudsdale are the Emperor's breed. These were developed to be giant horses of war designed to keep their riders high above the battlefield. In practice the breed suffered from serious health problems and were not fast enough to be effective on the front lines. Ironically, the breed is one of the most peaceful and will rarely bother to attack predators that get close. They are popular as pets and occasionally a trainer will attempt to use one in competitive matches. Invariably the breed proves to lack the dedication, temperament, and fortitude of a proper battler and the attempt is abandoned.
The most heat tolerant and lightest mudsdale are the Australian breed. These pokémon have lighter bones and wider hoofs designed to help them move on sand and loose soils. They are traditionally covered in cloths on desert journeys to keep the sun from burning them while also keeping them lighter than if they were coated in mud. The development of paved roads in the outback has reduced the breed's importance. A sizeable feral population remains around any water they can find in the range. Others have been crossbred with more traditional breeds like the northland and Belgian to produce heat-tolerant hybrids.