Akin to the Roe Deer (Fiara) of Eriador, the Dappled Deer (S."Aras taithin") was small, hardy, and pugnacious creature. Only the stags fought, but they were exceptionally skiddish and aggressive, especially in spring. They usually employed their tough horns, which could effectively penetrate mail.
Nocturnal creatures, Dappled Deer browsed for food at night. They fed on shrubs and broadleafed trees. During breeding season, males marked their territory by scratching the bark off trees.
The Dúnadan Rangers had frequently used this trait to their advantage by disguising their own trail markings as Deer scratches. Only the Rangers understood the subtle differences.
References[]
- Retrieved from Realms of Arda; original reference: [ICE MERP 2012]