Best mythical creature to use as livestock?












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Imagine a world where all the magical and fantastical creatures that exist in mythology or folklore actually exist. Everything from dragons, griffins, goblins, harpies, trolls, etc. - they can taken from any history or culture, and assume that the ecosystem has evolved to accept them all.



In that world, which fantastical creature would be the most likely candidate to be domesticated and used by humans as livestock? What would be a fantasy world's equivalent of cows and sheep?



Mythical creatures rooted in folklore are preferred, but modern fantasy variations are also acceptable. Bonus for any lesser known mythical creatures suggested.










share|improve this question









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  • 3




    $begingroup$
    "What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    3 hours ago






  • 2




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    Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
    $endgroup$
    – Logan R. Kearsley
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
    $endgroup$
    – Arkenstein XII
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    2 hours ago






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    1 hour ago
















7












$begingroup$


Imagine a world where all the magical and fantastical creatures that exist in mythology or folklore actually exist. Everything from dragons, griffins, goblins, harpies, trolls, etc. - they can taken from any history or culture, and assume that the ecosystem has evolved to accept them all.



In that world, which fantastical creature would be the most likely candidate to be domesticated and used by humans as livestock? What would be a fantasy world's equivalent of cows and sheep?



Mythical creatures rooted in folklore are preferred, but modern fantasy variations are also acceptable. Bonus for any lesser known mythical creatures suggested.










share|improve this question









$endgroup$








  • 3




    $begingroup$
    "What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    3 hours ago






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
    $endgroup$
    – Logan R. Kearsley
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
    $endgroup$
    – Arkenstein XII
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    2 hours ago






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    1 hour ago














7












7








7


3



$begingroup$


Imagine a world where all the magical and fantastical creatures that exist in mythology or folklore actually exist. Everything from dragons, griffins, goblins, harpies, trolls, etc. - they can taken from any history or culture, and assume that the ecosystem has evolved to accept them all.



In that world, which fantastical creature would be the most likely candidate to be domesticated and used by humans as livestock? What would be a fantasy world's equivalent of cows and sheep?



Mythical creatures rooted in folklore are preferred, but modern fantasy variations are also acceptable. Bonus for any lesser known mythical creatures suggested.










share|improve this question









$endgroup$




Imagine a world where all the magical and fantastical creatures that exist in mythology or folklore actually exist. Everything from dragons, griffins, goblins, harpies, trolls, etc. - they can taken from any history or culture, and assume that the ecosystem has evolved to accept them all.



In that world, which fantastical creature would be the most likely candidate to be domesticated and used by humans as livestock? What would be a fantasy world's equivalent of cows and sheep?



Mythical creatures rooted in folklore are preferred, but modern fantasy variations are also acceptable. Bonus for any lesser known mythical creatures suggested.







fantasy-races mythical-creatures domestication low-fantasy livestock






share|improve this question













share|improve this question











share|improve this question




share|improve this question










asked 4 hours ago









CSNCSN

13116




13116








  • 3




    $begingroup$
    "What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    3 hours ago






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
    $endgroup$
    – Logan R. Kearsley
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
    $endgroup$
    – Arkenstein XII
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    2 hours ago






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    1 hour ago














  • 3




    $begingroup$
    "What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    3 hours ago






  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
    $endgroup$
    – Logan R. Kearsley
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
    $endgroup$
    – Arkenstein XII
    3 hours ago










  • $begingroup$
    @ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    2 hours ago






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
    $endgroup$
    – JBH
    1 hour ago








3




3




$begingroup$
"What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
$endgroup$
– JBH
3 hours ago




$begingroup$
"What is the best X?" questions are frequently closed if you do not avoid being primarily opinion-based, which you haven't. Every fantasy creature has be described, used, redefined, reused, over and over. (a) You must specifically define the physiological characteristics of the creatures you want us to evaluate. (b) You must define the specific aspects of "livestock" in consideration (food source? transport? etc.). (c) You must explain how you will judge the (or what makes a) best answer.
$endgroup$
– JBH
3 hours ago




2




2




$begingroup$
Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
$endgroup$
– Logan R. Kearsley
3 hours ago




$begingroup$
Would you accept the Shmoo (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo) as a mythical creature?
$endgroup$
– Logan R. Kearsley
3 hours ago












$begingroup$
@JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
3 hours ago




$begingroup$
@JBH When it comes to animal domestication, there are very specific attributes that make a species viable or not, so I would argue that there is a best answer to this question which could be given by someone who specialises in that field.
$endgroup$
– Arkenstein XII
3 hours ago












$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago




$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, who specializes in the domestication of mythical creatures? A mythical creature would have those attributes by definition of the author.
$endgroup$
– JBH
2 hours ago




1




1




$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
$endgroup$
– JBH
1 hour ago




$begingroup$
@ArkensteinXII, you have a point. (*sigh*) I wish the OP was online. Without his/her clarifications, we're guessing as to intent. After all, who but the OP can assume any such trait belongs to a dragon, a pixie, or a leprechaun? All these creatures have been defined by so many authors in so many ways that we're forced to make assumptions. Blech.
$endgroup$
– JBH
1 hour ago










9 Answers
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Perfectly Normal Beast



Source: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (mostly harmless).



Location: Lamuella, Anhondo Plain



Food benefit: Arthur Dent makes their meat into a rather nice sandwich, and for it he become's "Sandwich Maker" to the people of Lamuella. Some actually call him "Bob's only Begotten Sandwich Maker" which should be a testament to the quality of the sandwich which is made from the meat of the Perfectly Normal Beast. Arthur claims that it is a bit like a cow.



Mysterious property: They migrate in an unexplained way twice a year on the planet of Lamuella before disappearing completely into oblivion.



Old Thrashbarg calls them "Perfectly Normal" Saying that "they come from where they come from, and they go to where they go to, and it's all Bob's will, so it's all perfectly normal".



"Who's "Bob"?"... "Don't ask."



Spoiler: They go to the Domain of "The King", which is apparently their true home.






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    The Hydra



    It would probably be a real bitch to tame. But the reward for doing so is awesome: an essentially infinite supply of hydra heads that grow back near instantly.



    (There's probably other mythical creatures with similarly fantastical regeneration/multiplicative abilities, perhaps ones that are less dangerous, but the hydra's the first that came to mind.)






    share|improve this answer











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      Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
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      – Tim B
      2 hours ago








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      Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
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      – Thorne
      1 hour ago






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      The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
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      – Thorne
      1 hour ago



















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    Though it is extremely dangerous, if a Hydra were domesticated (or held in captivity successfully), it does provide enough meat to feed virtually any size population. If you cut off one head, two more grow back immediately, so the Hydra only increases in total head count. Presumably, there is some amount of Hydra neck which also comes with each head, from which several good sized Hydra steaks can be cut. I'd imagine the meat would be a bit like crocodile; probably about halfway between chicken and fish. Obviously, Hydra farming is not for the faint of heart, but considering how much high quality meat could be harvested from a single Hydra in a very short time, it would certainly be worth it.



    Griffons and Hippogriffs are obvious candidates for domesticated riding beasts. The ability to fly with a passenger is a pretty good reason to use them.



    Medieval Europe and Japan both had lots of stories about domestic fey which would hide around a peasant hut and (in return for small amounts of food left out for it) would do work that benefited the peasants, like repairing furniture or buildings or reaping a field in the night. Certainly no mythology-derived economy would be complete without worker fey.



    Dragons are always interesting, not so much as something that is likely to be domesticated, but potentially as something which might be partnered with. Most myths have dragons being as intelligent as humans, and certainly in Western myths, they could often belt out fire hotter than that produced by any forge. The natural outcome of that might be a dragon-powered blast furnace that can produce alloys unavailable anywhere else. Obviously, the dragon would have to benefit from this arrangement, so there would have to be a quid-pro-quo of something they want in return for a few hours blowing into a big stone tower.



    Will-o-wisps or pixies kept in jars may be useful sources of light in a pre-electrical setting. Maybe they can be fed with honey, or something equally cheap (though the tales of will-o-wisps usually imply that they "feed" on the dead souls of poor fools who follow their lights into a bog and die).



    There are many, many more possibilities...






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      Of course, a serious economical evaluation—what is the most profitable creature to use as livestock?—should consider feeding and well-being costs specific to the species, which may vary wildly for the same creature in different traditions (something like creature X in tradition Y only mates once per millenium, but in tradition Z it mates on every blue Moon)



      Option 1: The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs assuming you can clone it or get it to reproduce in in some other way and it qualifies as a mythical creature (which arguably does).



      Option 2: Unicorns. They can provide both transportation and food. Their horns purify water and have several medical properties, including serving as antipoison. Their tails and blood also have magical properties.






      share|improve this answer











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      • 1




        $begingroup$
        Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
        $endgroup$
        – Thorne
        1 hour ago



















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      The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary



      An odd Northern European tale says there's a plant that grows in asia with sheep as its fruit. The sheep are very much alive, so it's not all plant - they walk around and graze the grass, attached to the plant by an umbilical cord. The plant and sheep die when the grass runs out, but I suppose you could keep feeding them more grass and get by.



      The advantages? You don't have to support livestock except to feed them, which are usually harder to raise than plants and jack up your prices. You don't have to tame them, or watch them carefully so they don't wander away, worry about legendary enclosures for legendary creatures, etc. You just plant, tend, make sure the Big Bad Wolf stays on the appropriate side of your fence, and prune in season!



      You'll even get the wool as a bonus. Livestock are good for more than just meat you know!



      (In fairness about obscurity: it was at the top of a Wikipedia page. But who doesn't wish mutton grew on trees?)






      share|improve this answer









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        Humans



        (And other humanoids such as elves, orcs etc.)



        Outrageous, you say? Wait until I'm done.



        It may seem a little evil and inhuman to raise intelligent, sentient beings for food and leather. That's clearly not enough, so use the polymorph spell to make it proper and a lot evil by turning them into actual livestock! And then you can turn them into whatever beast suits your economic needs at the moment.



        Advantage over other alternatives: besides having the right cattle for the right time, you solve problems related to POW's, overpopulation, crowded prisons and dissidency, all in one go.






        share|improve this answer









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        • $begingroup$
          Well, we found the evil emperor...
          $endgroup$
          – Arkenstein XII
          1 hour ago










        • $begingroup$
          Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
          $endgroup$
          – Arkenstein XII
          1 hour ago






        • 3




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          @ArkensteinXII Slaughtering them? You monster! Don't kill them for meat, take some chunks here and there and use healing to keep your cash cow alive
          $endgroup$
          – Renan
          1 hour ago



















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        The perfect creature



        The Sæhrímnir is from Norse mythology




        "In Norse mythology, Sæhrímnir is the creature killed and eaten every
        night by the Æsir and einherjar. The cook of the gods, Andhrímnir, is
        responsible for the slaughter of Sæhrímnir and its preparation in the
        cauldron Eldhrímnir. After Sæhrímnir is eaten, the beast is brought
        back to life again to provide sustenance for the following day."




        Basically it's a pig that comes back to life






        share|improve this answer









        $endgroup$









        • 1




          $begingroup$
          +1 for infinite bacon
          $endgroup$
          – JAQFrost
          54 mins ago



















        0












        $begingroup$

        Dragons



        Of the several varieties of dragons, farming can be greatly adantaged by replacing traditional oxen, cattle or ass with farm dragons to pull the harvest and sowing machines. Agriculture can most definitely be benefited by flying serpants and pest control is an assured, hence minimal crop damage.



        Clearing corn feilds would also be a sinch given a few fire breathers and most dragons are friendly like cattle but can be ridden like horses. There are several more obvious advantages that I'll best leave to your imagination.





        share








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          A Cockatrice might pass for a decent farm animal. It is part chicken, which means it probably tasted good. They also lay sizable eggs, which can serve as an additional source of protein.






          share|improve this answer








          New contributor




          SciFiGuy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.






          $endgroup$













          • $begingroup$
            Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
            $endgroup$
            – JBH
            3 hours ago










          • $begingroup$
            Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
            $endgroup$
            – SciFiGuy
            3 hours ago








          • 2




            $begingroup$
            The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
            $endgroup$
            – JBH
            3 hours ago










          • $begingroup$
            @SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
            $endgroup$
            – theREALyumdub
            1 hour ago












          • $begingroup$
            I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
            $endgroup$
            – Renan
            1 hour ago











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          9 Answers
          9






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          oldest

          votes








          9 Answers
          9






          active

          oldest

          votes









          active

          oldest

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          active

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          5












          $begingroup$

          Perfectly Normal Beast



          Source: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (mostly harmless).



          Location: Lamuella, Anhondo Plain



          Food benefit: Arthur Dent makes their meat into a rather nice sandwich, and for it he become's "Sandwich Maker" to the people of Lamuella. Some actually call him "Bob's only Begotten Sandwich Maker" which should be a testament to the quality of the sandwich which is made from the meat of the Perfectly Normal Beast. Arthur claims that it is a bit like a cow.



          Mysterious property: They migrate in an unexplained way twice a year on the planet of Lamuella before disappearing completely into oblivion.



          Old Thrashbarg calls them "Perfectly Normal" Saying that "they come from where they come from, and they go to where they go to, and it's all Bob's will, so it's all perfectly normal".



          "Who's "Bob"?"... "Don't ask."



          Spoiler: They go to the Domain of "The King", which is apparently their true home.






          share|improve this answer









          $endgroup$


















            5












            $begingroup$

            Perfectly Normal Beast



            Source: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (mostly harmless).



            Location: Lamuella, Anhondo Plain



            Food benefit: Arthur Dent makes their meat into a rather nice sandwich, and for it he become's "Sandwich Maker" to the people of Lamuella. Some actually call him "Bob's only Begotten Sandwich Maker" which should be a testament to the quality of the sandwich which is made from the meat of the Perfectly Normal Beast. Arthur claims that it is a bit like a cow.



            Mysterious property: They migrate in an unexplained way twice a year on the planet of Lamuella before disappearing completely into oblivion.



            Old Thrashbarg calls them "Perfectly Normal" Saying that "they come from where they come from, and they go to where they go to, and it's all Bob's will, so it's all perfectly normal".



            "Who's "Bob"?"... "Don't ask."



            Spoiler: They go to the Domain of "The King", which is apparently their true home.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$
















              5












              5








              5





              $begingroup$

              Perfectly Normal Beast



              Source: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (mostly harmless).



              Location: Lamuella, Anhondo Plain



              Food benefit: Arthur Dent makes their meat into a rather nice sandwich, and for it he become's "Sandwich Maker" to the people of Lamuella. Some actually call him "Bob's only Begotten Sandwich Maker" which should be a testament to the quality of the sandwich which is made from the meat of the Perfectly Normal Beast. Arthur claims that it is a bit like a cow.



              Mysterious property: They migrate in an unexplained way twice a year on the planet of Lamuella before disappearing completely into oblivion.



              Old Thrashbarg calls them "Perfectly Normal" Saying that "they come from where they come from, and they go to where they go to, and it's all Bob's will, so it's all perfectly normal".



              "Who's "Bob"?"... "Don't ask."



              Spoiler: They go to the Domain of "The King", which is apparently their true home.






              share|improve this answer









              $endgroup$



              Perfectly Normal Beast



              Source: Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy (mostly harmless).



              Location: Lamuella, Anhondo Plain



              Food benefit: Arthur Dent makes their meat into a rather nice sandwich, and for it he become's "Sandwich Maker" to the people of Lamuella. Some actually call him "Bob's only Begotten Sandwich Maker" which should be a testament to the quality of the sandwich which is made from the meat of the Perfectly Normal Beast. Arthur claims that it is a bit like a cow.



              Mysterious property: They migrate in an unexplained way twice a year on the planet of Lamuella before disappearing completely into oblivion.



              Old Thrashbarg calls them "Perfectly Normal" Saying that "they come from where they come from, and they go to where they go to, and it's all Bob's will, so it's all perfectly normal".



              "Who's "Bob"?"... "Don't ask."



              Spoiler: They go to the Domain of "The King", which is apparently their true home.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered 3 hours ago









              MathaddictMathaddict

              4,372532




              4,372532























                  2












                  $begingroup$

                  The Hydra



                  It would probably be a real bitch to tame. But the reward for doing so is awesome: an essentially infinite supply of hydra heads that grow back near instantly.



                  (There's probably other mythical creatures with similarly fantastical regeneration/multiplicative abilities, perhaps ones that are less dangerous, but the hydra's the first that came to mind.)






                  share|improve this answer











                  $endgroup$













                  • $begingroup$
                    Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
                    $endgroup$
                    – Tim B
                    2 hours ago








                  • 1




                    $begingroup$
                    Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
                    $endgroup$
                    – Thorne
                    1 hour ago






                  • 1




                    $begingroup$
                    The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
                    $endgroup$
                    – Thorne
                    1 hour ago
















                  2












                  $begingroup$

                  The Hydra



                  It would probably be a real bitch to tame. But the reward for doing so is awesome: an essentially infinite supply of hydra heads that grow back near instantly.



                  (There's probably other mythical creatures with similarly fantastical regeneration/multiplicative abilities, perhaps ones that are less dangerous, but the hydra's the first that came to mind.)






                  share|improve this answer











                  $endgroup$













                  • $begingroup$
                    Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
                    $endgroup$
                    – Tim B
                    2 hours ago








                  • 1




                    $begingroup$
                    Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
                    $endgroup$
                    – Thorne
                    1 hour ago






                  • 1




                    $begingroup$
                    The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
                    $endgroup$
                    – Thorne
                    1 hour ago














                  2












                  2








                  2





                  $begingroup$

                  The Hydra



                  It would probably be a real bitch to tame. But the reward for doing so is awesome: an essentially infinite supply of hydra heads that grow back near instantly.



                  (There's probably other mythical creatures with similarly fantastical regeneration/multiplicative abilities, perhaps ones that are less dangerous, but the hydra's the first that came to mind.)






                  share|improve this answer











                  $endgroup$



                  The Hydra



                  It would probably be a real bitch to tame. But the reward for doing so is awesome: an essentially infinite supply of hydra heads that grow back near instantly.



                  (There's probably other mythical creatures with similarly fantastical regeneration/multiplicative abilities, perhaps ones that are less dangerous, but the hydra's the first that came to mind.)







                  share|improve this answer














                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited 2 hours ago

























                  answered 2 hours ago









                  GeneGene

                  85217




                  85217












                  • $begingroup$
                    Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
                    $endgroup$
                    – Tim B
                    2 hours ago








                  • 1




                    $begingroup$
                    Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
                    $endgroup$
                    – Thorne
                    1 hour ago






                  • 1




                    $begingroup$
                    The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
                    $endgroup$
                    – Thorne
                    1 hour ago


















                  • $begingroup$
                    Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
                    $endgroup$
                    – Tim B
                    2 hours ago








                  • 1




                    $begingroup$
                    Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
                    $endgroup$
                    – Thorne
                    1 hour ago






                  • 1




                    $begingroup$
                    The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
                    $endgroup$
                    – Thorne
                    1 hour ago
















                  $begingroup$
                  Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
                  $endgroup$
                  – Tim B
                  2 hours ago






                  $begingroup$
                  Trolls are the obvious other choice, I doubt they taste good though. This was my obvious first thought too though :)
                  $endgroup$
                  – Tim B
                  2 hours ago






                  1




                  1




                  $begingroup$
                  Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
                  $endgroup$
                  – Thorne
                  1 hour ago




                  $begingroup$
                  Wasn't the hydra's blood poisonous?
                  $endgroup$
                  – Thorne
                  1 hour ago




                  1




                  1




                  $begingroup$
                  The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
                  $endgroup$
                  – Thorne
                  1 hour ago




                  $begingroup$
                  The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine .... Heracles would later use arrows dipped in the Hydra's poisonous blood to kill other foes during his remaining labors, such as Stymphalian Birds
                  $endgroup$
                  – Thorne
                  1 hour ago











                  2












                  $begingroup$

                  Though it is extremely dangerous, if a Hydra were domesticated (or held in captivity successfully), it does provide enough meat to feed virtually any size population. If you cut off one head, two more grow back immediately, so the Hydra only increases in total head count. Presumably, there is some amount of Hydra neck which also comes with each head, from which several good sized Hydra steaks can be cut. I'd imagine the meat would be a bit like crocodile; probably about halfway between chicken and fish. Obviously, Hydra farming is not for the faint of heart, but considering how much high quality meat could be harvested from a single Hydra in a very short time, it would certainly be worth it.



                  Griffons and Hippogriffs are obvious candidates for domesticated riding beasts. The ability to fly with a passenger is a pretty good reason to use them.



                  Medieval Europe and Japan both had lots of stories about domestic fey which would hide around a peasant hut and (in return for small amounts of food left out for it) would do work that benefited the peasants, like repairing furniture or buildings or reaping a field in the night. Certainly no mythology-derived economy would be complete without worker fey.



                  Dragons are always interesting, not so much as something that is likely to be domesticated, but potentially as something which might be partnered with. Most myths have dragons being as intelligent as humans, and certainly in Western myths, they could often belt out fire hotter than that produced by any forge. The natural outcome of that might be a dragon-powered blast furnace that can produce alloys unavailable anywhere else. Obviously, the dragon would have to benefit from this arrangement, so there would have to be a quid-pro-quo of something they want in return for a few hours blowing into a big stone tower.



                  Will-o-wisps or pixies kept in jars may be useful sources of light in a pre-electrical setting. Maybe they can be fed with honey, or something equally cheap (though the tales of will-o-wisps usually imply that they "feed" on the dead souls of poor fools who follow their lights into a bog and die).



                  There are many, many more possibilities...






                  share|improve this answer









                  $endgroup$


















                    2












                    $begingroup$

                    Though it is extremely dangerous, if a Hydra were domesticated (or held in captivity successfully), it does provide enough meat to feed virtually any size population. If you cut off one head, two more grow back immediately, so the Hydra only increases in total head count. Presumably, there is some amount of Hydra neck which also comes with each head, from which several good sized Hydra steaks can be cut. I'd imagine the meat would be a bit like crocodile; probably about halfway between chicken and fish. Obviously, Hydra farming is not for the faint of heart, but considering how much high quality meat could be harvested from a single Hydra in a very short time, it would certainly be worth it.



                    Griffons and Hippogriffs are obvious candidates for domesticated riding beasts. The ability to fly with a passenger is a pretty good reason to use them.



                    Medieval Europe and Japan both had lots of stories about domestic fey which would hide around a peasant hut and (in return for small amounts of food left out for it) would do work that benefited the peasants, like repairing furniture or buildings or reaping a field in the night. Certainly no mythology-derived economy would be complete without worker fey.



                    Dragons are always interesting, not so much as something that is likely to be domesticated, but potentially as something which might be partnered with. Most myths have dragons being as intelligent as humans, and certainly in Western myths, they could often belt out fire hotter than that produced by any forge. The natural outcome of that might be a dragon-powered blast furnace that can produce alloys unavailable anywhere else. Obviously, the dragon would have to benefit from this arrangement, so there would have to be a quid-pro-quo of something they want in return for a few hours blowing into a big stone tower.



                    Will-o-wisps or pixies kept in jars may be useful sources of light in a pre-electrical setting. Maybe they can be fed with honey, or something equally cheap (though the tales of will-o-wisps usually imply that they "feed" on the dead souls of poor fools who follow their lights into a bog and die).



                    There are many, many more possibilities...






                    share|improve this answer









                    $endgroup$
















                      2












                      2








                      2





                      $begingroup$

                      Though it is extremely dangerous, if a Hydra were domesticated (or held in captivity successfully), it does provide enough meat to feed virtually any size population. If you cut off one head, two more grow back immediately, so the Hydra only increases in total head count. Presumably, there is some amount of Hydra neck which also comes with each head, from which several good sized Hydra steaks can be cut. I'd imagine the meat would be a bit like crocodile; probably about halfway between chicken and fish. Obviously, Hydra farming is not for the faint of heart, but considering how much high quality meat could be harvested from a single Hydra in a very short time, it would certainly be worth it.



                      Griffons and Hippogriffs are obvious candidates for domesticated riding beasts. The ability to fly with a passenger is a pretty good reason to use them.



                      Medieval Europe and Japan both had lots of stories about domestic fey which would hide around a peasant hut and (in return for small amounts of food left out for it) would do work that benefited the peasants, like repairing furniture or buildings or reaping a field in the night. Certainly no mythology-derived economy would be complete without worker fey.



                      Dragons are always interesting, not so much as something that is likely to be domesticated, but potentially as something which might be partnered with. Most myths have dragons being as intelligent as humans, and certainly in Western myths, they could often belt out fire hotter than that produced by any forge. The natural outcome of that might be a dragon-powered blast furnace that can produce alloys unavailable anywhere else. Obviously, the dragon would have to benefit from this arrangement, so there would have to be a quid-pro-quo of something they want in return for a few hours blowing into a big stone tower.



                      Will-o-wisps or pixies kept in jars may be useful sources of light in a pre-electrical setting. Maybe they can be fed with honey, or something equally cheap (though the tales of will-o-wisps usually imply that they "feed" on the dead souls of poor fools who follow their lights into a bog and die).



                      There are many, many more possibilities...






                      share|improve this answer









                      $endgroup$



                      Though it is extremely dangerous, if a Hydra were domesticated (or held in captivity successfully), it does provide enough meat to feed virtually any size population. If you cut off one head, two more grow back immediately, so the Hydra only increases in total head count. Presumably, there is some amount of Hydra neck which also comes with each head, from which several good sized Hydra steaks can be cut. I'd imagine the meat would be a bit like crocodile; probably about halfway between chicken and fish. Obviously, Hydra farming is not for the faint of heart, but considering how much high quality meat could be harvested from a single Hydra in a very short time, it would certainly be worth it.



                      Griffons and Hippogriffs are obvious candidates for domesticated riding beasts. The ability to fly with a passenger is a pretty good reason to use them.



                      Medieval Europe and Japan both had lots of stories about domestic fey which would hide around a peasant hut and (in return for small amounts of food left out for it) would do work that benefited the peasants, like repairing furniture or buildings or reaping a field in the night. Certainly no mythology-derived economy would be complete without worker fey.



                      Dragons are always interesting, not so much as something that is likely to be domesticated, but potentially as something which might be partnered with. Most myths have dragons being as intelligent as humans, and certainly in Western myths, they could often belt out fire hotter than that produced by any forge. The natural outcome of that might be a dragon-powered blast furnace that can produce alloys unavailable anywhere else. Obviously, the dragon would have to benefit from this arrangement, so there would have to be a quid-pro-quo of something they want in return for a few hours blowing into a big stone tower.



                      Will-o-wisps or pixies kept in jars may be useful sources of light in a pre-electrical setting. Maybe they can be fed with honey, or something equally cheap (though the tales of will-o-wisps usually imply that they "feed" on the dead souls of poor fools who follow their lights into a bog and die).



                      There are many, many more possibilities...







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered 2 hours ago









                      JBiggsJBiggs

                      8,77811840




                      8,77811840























                          2












                          $begingroup$

                          Of course, a serious economical evaluation—what is the most profitable creature to use as livestock?—should consider feeding and well-being costs specific to the species, which may vary wildly for the same creature in different traditions (something like creature X in tradition Y only mates once per millenium, but in tradition Z it mates on every blue Moon)



                          Option 1: The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs assuming you can clone it or get it to reproduce in in some other way and it qualifies as a mythical creature (which arguably does).



                          Option 2: Unicorns. They can provide both transportation and food. Their horns purify water and have several medical properties, including serving as antipoison. Their tails and blood also have magical properties.






                          share|improve this answer











                          $endgroup$









                          • 1




                            $begingroup$
                            Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
                            $endgroup$
                            – Thorne
                            1 hour ago
















                          2












                          $begingroup$

                          Of course, a serious economical evaluation—what is the most profitable creature to use as livestock?—should consider feeding and well-being costs specific to the species, which may vary wildly for the same creature in different traditions (something like creature X in tradition Y only mates once per millenium, but in tradition Z it mates on every blue Moon)



                          Option 1: The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs assuming you can clone it or get it to reproduce in in some other way and it qualifies as a mythical creature (which arguably does).



                          Option 2: Unicorns. They can provide both transportation and food. Their horns purify water and have several medical properties, including serving as antipoison. Their tails and blood also have magical properties.






                          share|improve this answer











                          $endgroup$









                          • 1




                            $begingroup$
                            Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
                            $endgroup$
                            – Thorne
                            1 hour ago














                          2












                          2








                          2





                          $begingroup$

                          Of course, a serious economical evaluation—what is the most profitable creature to use as livestock?—should consider feeding and well-being costs specific to the species, which may vary wildly for the same creature in different traditions (something like creature X in tradition Y only mates once per millenium, but in tradition Z it mates on every blue Moon)



                          Option 1: The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs assuming you can clone it or get it to reproduce in in some other way and it qualifies as a mythical creature (which arguably does).



                          Option 2: Unicorns. They can provide both transportation and food. Their horns purify water and have several medical properties, including serving as antipoison. Their tails and blood also have magical properties.






                          share|improve this answer











                          $endgroup$



                          Of course, a serious economical evaluation—what is the most profitable creature to use as livestock?—should consider feeding and well-being costs specific to the species, which may vary wildly for the same creature in different traditions (something like creature X in tradition Y only mates once per millenium, but in tradition Z it mates on every blue Moon)



                          Option 1: The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs assuming you can clone it or get it to reproduce in in some other way and it qualifies as a mythical creature (which arguably does).



                          Option 2: Unicorns. They can provide both transportation and food. Their horns purify water and have several medical properties, including serving as antipoison. Their tails and blood also have magical properties.







                          share|improve this answer














                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer








                          edited 2 hours ago

























                          answered 2 hours ago









                          RafaelRafael

                          1,730615




                          1,730615








                          • 1




                            $begingroup$
                            Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
                            $endgroup$
                            – Thorne
                            1 hour ago














                          • 1




                            $begingroup$
                            Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
                            $endgroup$
                            – Thorne
                            1 hour ago








                          1




                          1




                          $begingroup$
                          Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
                          $endgroup$
                          – Thorne
                          1 hour ago




                          $begingroup$
                          Canned Unicorn meat thinkgeek.com/product/e5a7
                          $endgroup$
                          – Thorne
                          1 hour ago











                          2












                          $begingroup$

                          The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary



                          An odd Northern European tale says there's a plant that grows in asia with sheep as its fruit. The sheep are very much alive, so it's not all plant - they walk around and graze the grass, attached to the plant by an umbilical cord. The plant and sheep die when the grass runs out, but I suppose you could keep feeding them more grass and get by.



                          The advantages? You don't have to support livestock except to feed them, which are usually harder to raise than plants and jack up your prices. You don't have to tame them, or watch them carefully so they don't wander away, worry about legendary enclosures for legendary creatures, etc. You just plant, tend, make sure the Big Bad Wolf stays on the appropriate side of your fence, and prune in season!



                          You'll even get the wool as a bonus. Livestock are good for more than just meat you know!



                          (In fairness about obscurity: it was at the top of a Wikipedia page. But who doesn't wish mutton grew on trees?)






                          share|improve this answer









                          $endgroup$


















                            2












                            $begingroup$

                            The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary



                            An odd Northern European tale says there's a plant that grows in asia with sheep as its fruit. The sheep are very much alive, so it's not all plant - they walk around and graze the grass, attached to the plant by an umbilical cord. The plant and sheep die when the grass runs out, but I suppose you could keep feeding them more grass and get by.



                            The advantages? You don't have to support livestock except to feed them, which are usually harder to raise than plants and jack up your prices. You don't have to tame them, or watch them carefully so they don't wander away, worry about legendary enclosures for legendary creatures, etc. You just plant, tend, make sure the Big Bad Wolf stays on the appropriate side of your fence, and prune in season!



                            You'll even get the wool as a bonus. Livestock are good for more than just meat you know!



                            (In fairness about obscurity: it was at the top of a Wikipedia page. But who doesn't wish mutton grew on trees?)






                            share|improve this answer









                            $endgroup$
















                              2












                              2








                              2





                              $begingroup$

                              The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary



                              An odd Northern European tale says there's a plant that grows in asia with sheep as its fruit. The sheep are very much alive, so it's not all plant - they walk around and graze the grass, attached to the plant by an umbilical cord. The plant and sheep die when the grass runs out, but I suppose you could keep feeding them more grass and get by.



                              The advantages? You don't have to support livestock except to feed them, which are usually harder to raise than plants and jack up your prices. You don't have to tame them, or watch them carefully so they don't wander away, worry about legendary enclosures for legendary creatures, etc. You just plant, tend, make sure the Big Bad Wolf stays on the appropriate side of your fence, and prune in season!



                              You'll even get the wool as a bonus. Livestock are good for more than just meat you know!



                              (In fairness about obscurity: it was at the top of a Wikipedia page. But who doesn't wish mutton grew on trees?)






                              share|improve this answer









                              $endgroup$



                              The Vegetable Lamb of Tartary



                              An odd Northern European tale says there's a plant that grows in asia with sheep as its fruit. The sheep are very much alive, so it's not all plant - they walk around and graze the grass, attached to the plant by an umbilical cord. The plant and sheep die when the grass runs out, but I suppose you could keep feeding them more grass and get by.



                              The advantages? You don't have to support livestock except to feed them, which are usually harder to raise than plants and jack up your prices. You don't have to tame them, or watch them carefully so they don't wander away, worry about legendary enclosures for legendary creatures, etc. You just plant, tend, make sure the Big Bad Wolf stays on the appropriate side of your fence, and prune in season!



                              You'll even get the wool as a bonus. Livestock are good for more than just meat you know!



                              (In fairness about obscurity: it was at the top of a Wikipedia page. But who doesn't wish mutton grew on trees?)







                              share|improve this answer












                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer










                              answered 1 hour ago









                              theREALyumdubtheREALyumdub

                              2928




                              2928























                                  1












                                  $begingroup$

                                  Humans



                                  (And other humanoids such as elves, orcs etc.)



                                  Outrageous, you say? Wait until I'm done.



                                  It may seem a little evil and inhuman to raise intelligent, sentient beings for food and leather. That's clearly not enough, so use the polymorph spell to make it proper and a lot evil by turning them into actual livestock! And then you can turn them into whatever beast suits your economic needs at the moment.



                                  Advantage over other alternatives: besides having the right cattle for the right time, you solve problems related to POW's, overpopulation, crowded prisons and dissidency, all in one go.






                                  share|improve this answer









                                  $endgroup$













                                  • $begingroup$
                                    Well, we found the evil emperor...
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Arkenstein XII
                                    1 hour ago










                                  • $begingroup$
                                    Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Arkenstein XII
                                    1 hour ago






                                  • 3




                                    $begingroup$
                                    @ArkensteinXII Slaughtering them? You monster! Don't kill them for meat, take some chunks here and there and use healing to keep your cash cow alive
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Renan
                                    1 hour ago
















                                  1












                                  $begingroup$

                                  Humans



                                  (And other humanoids such as elves, orcs etc.)



                                  Outrageous, you say? Wait until I'm done.



                                  It may seem a little evil and inhuman to raise intelligent, sentient beings for food and leather. That's clearly not enough, so use the polymorph spell to make it proper and a lot evil by turning them into actual livestock! And then you can turn them into whatever beast suits your economic needs at the moment.



                                  Advantage over other alternatives: besides having the right cattle for the right time, you solve problems related to POW's, overpopulation, crowded prisons and dissidency, all in one go.






                                  share|improve this answer









                                  $endgroup$













                                  • $begingroup$
                                    Well, we found the evil emperor...
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Arkenstein XII
                                    1 hour ago










                                  • $begingroup$
                                    Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Arkenstein XII
                                    1 hour ago






                                  • 3




                                    $begingroup$
                                    @ArkensteinXII Slaughtering them? You monster! Don't kill them for meat, take some chunks here and there and use healing to keep your cash cow alive
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Renan
                                    1 hour ago














                                  1












                                  1








                                  1





                                  $begingroup$

                                  Humans



                                  (And other humanoids such as elves, orcs etc.)



                                  Outrageous, you say? Wait until I'm done.



                                  It may seem a little evil and inhuman to raise intelligent, sentient beings for food and leather. That's clearly not enough, so use the polymorph spell to make it proper and a lot evil by turning them into actual livestock! And then you can turn them into whatever beast suits your economic needs at the moment.



                                  Advantage over other alternatives: besides having the right cattle for the right time, you solve problems related to POW's, overpopulation, crowded prisons and dissidency, all in one go.






                                  share|improve this answer









                                  $endgroup$



                                  Humans



                                  (And other humanoids such as elves, orcs etc.)



                                  Outrageous, you say? Wait until I'm done.



                                  It may seem a little evil and inhuman to raise intelligent, sentient beings for food and leather. That's clearly not enough, so use the polymorph spell to make it proper and a lot evil by turning them into actual livestock! And then you can turn them into whatever beast suits your economic needs at the moment.



                                  Advantage over other alternatives: besides having the right cattle for the right time, you solve problems related to POW's, overpopulation, crowded prisons and dissidency, all in one go.







                                  share|improve this answer












                                  share|improve this answer



                                  share|improve this answer










                                  answered 1 hour ago









                                  RenanRenan

                                  49.9k13115250




                                  49.9k13115250












                                  • $begingroup$
                                    Well, we found the evil emperor...
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Arkenstein XII
                                    1 hour ago










                                  • $begingroup$
                                    Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Arkenstein XII
                                    1 hour ago






                                  • 3




                                    $begingroup$
                                    @ArkensteinXII Slaughtering them? You monster! Don't kill them for meat, take some chunks here and there and use healing to keep your cash cow alive
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Renan
                                    1 hour ago


















                                  • $begingroup$
                                    Well, we found the evil emperor...
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Arkenstein XII
                                    1 hour ago










                                  • $begingroup$
                                    Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Arkenstein XII
                                    1 hour ago






                                  • 3




                                    $begingroup$
                                    @ArkensteinXII Slaughtering them? You monster! Don't kill them for meat, take some chunks here and there and use healing to keep your cash cow alive
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – Renan
                                    1 hour ago
















                                  $begingroup$
                                  Well, we found the evil emperor...
                                  $endgroup$
                                  – Arkenstein XII
                                  1 hour ago




                                  $begingroup$
                                  Well, we found the evil emperor...
                                  $endgroup$
                                  – Arkenstein XII
                                  1 hour ago












                                  $begingroup$
                                  Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
                                  $endgroup$
                                  – Arkenstein XII
                                  1 hour ago




                                  $begingroup$
                                  Oh, one problem though... When the creature drops to zero hit points the polymorph spell ends and the creature returns to its original form... so you wouldn't be able to slaughter them for resources...
                                  $endgroup$
                                  – Arkenstein XII
                                  1 hour ago




                                  3




                                  3




                                  $begingroup$
                                  @ArkensteinXII Slaughtering them? You monster! Don't kill them for meat, take some chunks here and there and use healing to keep your cash cow alive
                                  $endgroup$
                                  – Renan
                                  1 hour ago




                                  $begingroup$
                                  @ArkensteinXII Slaughtering them? You monster! Don't kill them for meat, take some chunks here and there and use healing to keep your cash cow alive
                                  $endgroup$
                                  – Renan
                                  1 hour ago











                                  1












                                  $begingroup$

                                  The perfect creature



                                  The Sæhrímnir is from Norse mythology




                                  "In Norse mythology, Sæhrímnir is the creature killed and eaten every
                                  night by the Æsir and einherjar. The cook of the gods, Andhrímnir, is
                                  responsible for the slaughter of Sæhrímnir and its preparation in the
                                  cauldron Eldhrímnir. After Sæhrímnir is eaten, the beast is brought
                                  back to life again to provide sustenance for the following day."




                                  Basically it's a pig that comes back to life






                                  share|improve this answer









                                  $endgroup$









                                  • 1




                                    $begingroup$
                                    +1 for infinite bacon
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – JAQFrost
                                    54 mins ago
















                                  1












                                  $begingroup$

                                  The perfect creature



                                  The Sæhrímnir is from Norse mythology




                                  "In Norse mythology, Sæhrímnir is the creature killed and eaten every
                                  night by the Æsir and einherjar. The cook of the gods, Andhrímnir, is
                                  responsible for the slaughter of Sæhrímnir and its preparation in the
                                  cauldron Eldhrímnir. After Sæhrímnir is eaten, the beast is brought
                                  back to life again to provide sustenance for the following day."




                                  Basically it's a pig that comes back to life






                                  share|improve this answer









                                  $endgroup$









                                  • 1




                                    $begingroup$
                                    +1 for infinite bacon
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – JAQFrost
                                    54 mins ago














                                  1












                                  1








                                  1





                                  $begingroup$

                                  The perfect creature



                                  The Sæhrímnir is from Norse mythology




                                  "In Norse mythology, Sæhrímnir is the creature killed and eaten every
                                  night by the Æsir and einherjar. The cook of the gods, Andhrímnir, is
                                  responsible for the slaughter of Sæhrímnir and its preparation in the
                                  cauldron Eldhrímnir. After Sæhrímnir is eaten, the beast is brought
                                  back to life again to provide sustenance for the following day."




                                  Basically it's a pig that comes back to life






                                  share|improve this answer









                                  $endgroup$



                                  The perfect creature



                                  The Sæhrímnir is from Norse mythology




                                  "In Norse mythology, Sæhrímnir is the creature killed and eaten every
                                  night by the Æsir and einherjar. The cook of the gods, Andhrímnir, is
                                  responsible for the slaughter of Sæhrímnir and its preparation in the
                                  cauldron Eldhrímnir. After Sæhrímnir is eaten, the beast is brought
                                  back to life again to provide sustenance for the following day."




                                  Basically it's a pig that comes back to life







                                  share|improve this answer












                                  share|improve this answer



                                  share|improve this answer










                                  answered 59 mins ago









                                  ThorneThorne

                                  16.9k42351




                                  16.9k42351








                                  • 1




                                    $begingroup$
                                    +1 for infinite bacon
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – JAQFrost
                                    54 mins ago














                                  • 1




                                    $begingroup$
                                    +1 for infinite bacon
                                    $endgroup$
                                    – JAQFrost
                                    54 mins ago








                                  1




                                  1




                                  $begingroup$
                                  +1 for infinite bacon
                                  $endgroup$
                                  – JAQFrost
                                  54 mins ago




                                  $begingroup$
                                  +1 for infinite bacon
                                  $endgroup$
                                  – JAQFrost
                                  54 mins ago











                                  0












                                  $begingroup$

                                  Dragons



                                  Of the several varieties of dragons, farming can be greatly adantaged by replacing traditional oxen, cattle or ass with farm dragons to pull the harvest and sowing machines. Agriculture can most definitely be benefited by flying serpants and pest control is an assured, hence minimal crop damage.



                                  Clearing corn feilds would also be a sinch given a few fire breathers and most dragons are friendly like cattle but can be ridden like horses. There are several more obvious advantages that I'll best leave to your imagination.





                                  share








                                  New contributor




                                  MisterGeeky is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                  Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                  $endgroup$


















                                    0












                                    $begingroup$

                                    Dragons



                                    Of the several varieties of dragons, farming can be greatly adantaged by replacing traditional oxen, cattle or ass with farm dragons to pull the harvest and sowing machines. Agriculture can most definitely be benefited by flying serpants and pest control is an assured, hence minimal crop damage.



                                    Clearing corn feilds would also be a sinch given a few fire breathers and most dragons are friendly like cattle but can be ridden like horses. There are several more obvious advantages that I'll best leave to your imagination.





                                    share








                                    New contributor




                                    MisterGeeky is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                    Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                    $endgroup$
















                                      0












                                      0








                                      0





                                      $begingroup$

                                      Dragons



                                      Of the several varieties of dragons, farming can be greatly adantaged by replacing traditional oxen, cattle or ass with farm dragons to pull the harvest and sowing machines. Agriculture can most definitely be benefited by flying serpants and pest control is an assured, hence minimal crop damage.



                                      Clearing corn feilds would also be a sinch given a few fire breathers and most dragons are friendly like cattle but can be ridden like horses. There are several more obvious advantages that I'll best leave to your imagination.





                                      share








                                      New contributor




                                      MisterGeeky is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                      $endgroup$



                                      Dragons



                                      Of the several varieties of dragons, farming can be greatly adantaged by replacing traditional oxen, cattle or ass with farm dragons to pull the harvest and sowing machines. Agriculture can most definitely be benefited by flying serpants and pest control is an assured, hence minimal crop damage.



                                      Clearing corn feilds would also be a sinch given a few fire breathers and most dragons are friendly like cattle but can be ridden like horses. There are several more obvious advantages that I'll best leave to your imagination.






                                      share








                                      New contributor




                                      MisterGeeky is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.








                                      share


                                      share






                                      New contributor




                                      MisterGeeky is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                      answered 2 mins ago









                                      MisterGeekyMisterGeeky

                                      1012




                                      1012




                                      New contributor




                                      MisterGeeky is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.





                                      New contributor





                                      MisterGeeky is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                      MisterGeeky is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                          -1












                                          $begingroup$

                                          A Cockatrice might pass for a decent farm animal. It is part chicken, which means it probably tasted good. They also lay sizable eggs, which can serve as an additional source of protein.






                                          share|improve this answer








                                          New contributor




                                          SciFiGuy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                          Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                          $endgroup$













                                          • $begingroup$
                                            Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – JBH
                                            3 hours ago










                                          • $begingroup$
                                            Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – SciFiGuy
                                            3 hours ago








                                          • 2




                                            $begingroup$
                                            The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – JBH
                                            3 hours ago










                                          • $begingroup$
                                            @SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – theREALyumdub
                                            1 hour ago












                                          • $begingroup$
                                            I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Renan
                                            1 hour ago
















                                          -1












                                          $begingroup$

                                          A Cockatrice might pass for a decent farm animal. It is part chicken, which means it probably tasted good. They also lay sizable eggs, which can serve as an additional source of protein.






                                          share|improve this answer








                                          New contributor




                                          SciFiGuy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                          Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                          $endgroup$













                                          • $begingroup$
                                            Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – JBH
                                            3 hours ago










                                          • $begingroup$
                                            Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – SciFiGuy
                                            3 hours ago








                                          • 2




                                            $begingroup$
                                            The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – JBH
                                            3 hours ago










                                          • $begingroup$
                                            @SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – theREALyumdub
                                            1 hour ago












                                          • $begingroup$
                                            I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Renan
                                            1 hour ago














                                          -1












                                          -1








                                          -1





                                          $begingroup$

                                          A Cockatrice might pass for a decent farm animal. It is part chicken, which means it probably tasted good. They also lay sizable eggs, which can serve as an additional source of protein.






                                          share|improve this answer








                                          New contributor




                                          SciFiGuy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                          Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                          $endgroup$



                                          A Cockatrice might pass for a decent farm animal. It is part chicken, which means it probably tasted good. They also lay sizable eggs, which can serve as an additional source of protein.







                                          share|improve this answer








                                          New contributor




                                          SciFiGuy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                          Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                          share|improve this answer



                                          share|improve this answer






                                          New contributor




                                          SciFiGuy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                          Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                          answered 3 hours ago









                                          SciFiGuySciFiGuy

                                          5806




                                          5806




                                          New contributor




                                          SciFiGuy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                          Check out our Code of Conduct.





                                          New contributor





                                          SciFiGuy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                          Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                          SciFiGuy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                          Check out our Code of Conduct.












                                          • $begingroup$
                                            Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – JBH
                                            3 hours ago










                                          • $begingroup$
                                            Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – SciFiGuy
                                            3 hours ago








                                          • 2




                                            $begingroup$
                                            The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – JBH
                                            3 hours ago










                                          • $begingroup$
                                            @SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – theREALyumdub
                                            1 hour ago












                                          • $begingroup$
                                            I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Renan
                                            1 hour ago


















                                          • $begingroup$
                                            Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – JBH
                                            3 hours ago










                                          • $begingroup$
                                            Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – SciFiGuy
                                            3 hours ago








                                          • 2




                                            $begingroup$
                                            The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – JBH
                                            3 hours ago










                                          • $begingroup$
                                            @SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – theREALyumdub
                                            1 hour ago












                                          • $begingroup$
                                            I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Renan
                                            1 hour ago
















                                          $begingroup$
                                          Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – JBH
                                          3 hours ago




                                          $begingroup$
                                          Where do you find that Cockatrice's lay eggs? According to the Wiki page you link to, a cockatrice is the product of a cock's egg (an egg laid by a male chicken) incubated in a toad or a snake. Can you cite an authority that suggests the mythology of the Cockatrice included laying eggs?
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – JBH
                                          3 hours ago












                                          $begingroup$
                                          Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – SciFiGuy
                                          3 hours ago






                                          $begingroup$
                                          Here is a source that says cockatrice lay eggs. Cockatrice have to reproduce some way and only mammals give birth to live young generally. It stands to reason that since both dragons and chickens lay eggs that a cockatrice would to. biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/…
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – SciFiGuy
                                          3 hours ago






                                          2




                                          2




                                          $begingroup$
                                          The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – JBH
                                          3 hours ago




                                          $begingroup$
                                          The biblical cockatrice was most likely a snake - even that bible study link says that. Most snakes do lay eggs (even the Adder, which many think the biblical cockatrice refers to, although they're ovoviviparous). The biblical cockatrice is not the cockatrice of fantasy described by your Wiki link or, without clarification, what the OP intended.
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – JBH
                                          3 hours ago












                                          $begingroup$
                                          @SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – theREALyumdub
                                          1 hour ago






                                          $begingroup$
                                          @SciFiGuy They probably do lay eggs, but I'm not familiar with any bird-cockatrices in the bible, and the link also references the asp incorrectly (I believe that is a type of snake?)
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – theREALyumdub
                                          1 hour ago














                                          $begingroup$
                                          I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – Renan
                                          1 hour ago




                                          $begingroup$
                                          I think they're better as eatchdogs than as livedtock, just like geese.
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – Renan
                                          1 hour ago


















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