Of all the animal lords, Brother Ox is the most contemplative, and the least likely to act despite his great power. He stands over fifteen feet tall, is strong enough to crush boulders, and moves like grass in the wind. He smells faintly of musk and incense and wears simple, homespun clothing without embellishments or adornments. His only possession is a string of wooden prayer beads. If he ever had a name other than Brother Ox, no one living remembers it and Brother Ox himself isn't telling.

Endless Contemplation. Brother Ox lives atop the tallest mountain where the air is thin and bitter cold, filling his days with training, study, and contemplation to hone his physical and spiritual being. Despite the simple collection of books and scrolls he keeps, Brother Ox has gathered more knowledge than mortal scholars could dream. Chances are good that if a supplicant can reach Brother Ox, and convince him to help, there is almost no secret he can't uncover.

Enigmatic Guide. Despite his vast, potentially endless, well of knowledge, Brother Ox isn't motivated to hand these pearls of wisdom out to anyone who asks. However, he has accepted the presence of the occasional pilgrim, and rarely, takes a yakirian or other supplicant as a long-term student. Brother Ox is difficult to read and hasn't lost his composure in centuries. If a would-be knowledge-seeker can survive the mountain journey and successfully locate the monastery, it might have to wait weeks or even years for Brother Ox to acknowledge its presence. Then he moves only to set the supplicant on a series of strange, menial, dangerous, or perplexing tasks before granting a request.

Timeless Nature. Brother Ox doesn't require food, drink, or sleep.