Pack animals for forests

My setting takes place in a densely forested continent, with huge trees and rushing rivers. The problem is that this forest stretches on for thousands of miles, only occasionally punctuated by some ancient ruins. The forest is also populated by 'Keepers', who are sort of like overenthusiastic Ents: They will ferociously attack anyone who they perceive to bear ill will towards the trees.

Now, due to the nature of this forest, most of the countries of my setting aren't really countries - They're more like gigantic cities, usually built in such a way that they don't have to mess around too much with the forests (i.e. built tall, or underground, or into a mountainside). Unfortunately, the forest also means that traveling between one city to another would be extremely difficult, especially on foot.

So, to alleviate this issue somewhat, I'm thinking of introducing some kind of pack animal to setting, preferably something that can be ridden. Unfortunately, I'm not sure exactly what would work best: I'm toying with the idea of some kind of ram.

In summary, what ride-able pack animal would work best in a densely forested area?

Edit: Keepers do not attack wildlife that simply eat parts of trees, because they do no real harm and mean no real harm. They do take offense to animals who actively uproot/destroy trees though - hence why there are none of those creatures left.

posted about 9 years ago

Feaurie Vladskovitz‭

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