HABITAT: Brecilian Forest, Dalish Camps, Exalted Plains, Elvhen Ruins
COMPANION: More common for elves (yes)
MOUNT: More common for elves (yes)
SHAPESHIFT: Yes
RANGER CALL: Yes

No creature is more revered by the Dalish than the halla. No other animal has a god of its own. These white stags are much larger than ordinary deer, and the Dalish halla keepers carve their antlers as they grow, making them curve into intricate designs. In ancient times, these stags bore elven knights into combat, but since the fall of the Dales, they are used less as mounts and more to pull the aravels.
—Adara, halla-tender of the Ralaferin clan, to her apprentice

The common halla tend to be bigger than normal deer though not quite as big as a hart. Though they appear quite delicate in appearance they are strong and sturdy creatures capable of bearing a rider and pulling the dalish aravels. Their coats are varying shades of cream and off-white, their antlers varying from pale to dark grey. In the wild these halla are commonly found in woodlands and across open plains, though when travelling with the dalish they can of course be found anywhere.

Common Halla tend to have a gentle temperament, and in the wild they are more likely to flee when approached, but they are surprisingly stubborn creatures when caught. Very few non-dalish have managed to fully tame a halla for their own use.

» common (companion, mount, shapeshift, ranger call)
» found in woodlands and plains
» small, but sturdy enough to pull aravels and to ride
» intricate antlers, usually pale grey
» off-white colours
» gentle temperament but stubborn

Index

• Forest Halla
  
• Mountain Halla
  
• Desert Halla
  
• Wooly Halla
  

Forest Halla

A variation of the common halla that are bigger - more closely resembling a hart in size and girth - which are more often used for riders. Because of their size they are the choice of halla ridden into battle and were commonly used in ancient times by the Emerald Knights. Their coats are a mixture of pale colours like their common counterparts with some variations of brown.

These halla of the forest are more temperamental than their common brothers and sisters. Stubborn to the extreme and much more likely to charge at a perceived threat with the intention of skewering any poor creature caught in their path. They are harder to tame, aloof, and very picky about who they allow to ride them.

» common (companion, mount, shapeshift, ranger call)
» found in forests, though can be found in woodlands and plains
» large and sturdy, commonly ridden by warriors
» intricate antlers, usually pale grey and pale brown
» off-white colours, sometimes found in more neutral tones such as browns
» aloof, stubborn, more dangerous than the common halla

Mountain Halla

Bred for mountainous and rocky terrain, these halla are an in-between size that more closely resemble rams than deer. Their coats tend to be thick and more of an off-white to grey hue, and their antlers have evolved into short, goat-like horns. Despite their appearance they are surprisingly nimble and are capable of scouring incredibly steep rock faces.

Although they can be ridden and can pull smaller aravels they are commonly used as pack animals. Their personalities are close to the common halla; stubborn, skittish, but tend to have a more playful side to them.

» common (companion, mount, shapeshift, ranger call)
» found in rocky, mountainous area
» small to medium, similar to mountains goats
» small horns
» thick coats, off-white and grey hues
» stubborn, skittish, playful
» mostly used as pack animals but can pull smaller aravels

Desert Halla

More a halla of open, arid plains than actual sandy deserts. They are on the smaller side like their common cousins, their physique resembling more antelope features rather than deer. Their antlers spiral similar to a lesser kudu and their fur tends to be varying shades of tan and brown. It is also not uncommon to see pale stripes or spots.

Due to their slender size they are used more as pack animals and can pull smaller aravels but are not commonly ridden. They tend to be gentle creatures and are probably the most laid back of the halla.

» uncommon (companion, mount, shapeshift, ranger call)
» found in warm, dry climates
» small, resembling slender antelopes
» antlers straight and twist like a lesser kudu
» varying shades of tan and brown with pale stripes and speckles
» most laid back of the halla, but can be skittish

Wooly Halla

Found in the coldest places of Thedas, these magnificent halla are tall and sturdy, matching and sometimes out-growing the harts. Their fur is thick, a pale grey and off-white to help them blend into their snowy surroundings. Their horns do not twist like the common halla, resembling reindeer or caribou antlers instead.

Perhaps the proudest of the halla; these creatures are shrewd and don't do anything they don't want to do. They form strong bonds with those they trust and even when traveling with dalish still seem to be half wild. Like the forest halla they are more likely to stand their ground rather than run from danger.

» rare (companion, mount, shapeshift, ranger call)
» found in cold climates
» large and tall, similar in size to moose
» antlers resemble caribou or reindeer
» off-white colours
» half wild temperaments, but form strong bonds with those they trust