Brahmin are one of the most important mutated species that emerged in the post-nuclear world. Descended from the Indian brahman cattle variant imported to the Uk for crossbreeding purposes, they developed two heads as a result of irradiation. These toasty brown critters were quickly adopted by survivors as the most versatile and capable livestock animal in the wastes. Their major advantage is the fact that while ornery, they are actually easy to manage with as little as a pointy stick.

The reason is simple. Brahmin are universally useful. Living ones can be used to pull carts, cars, plows, provide milk (that's terrifyingly different, yet similar to modern milk), provide efficient fertilizer and fuel for fires, hair for weaving and When slaughtered, they become even more useful as a source of meat, leather, bones, tails and even fat for soap making. They also don't need much to survive, as they can go without water for extended periods of time and can subsist on whatever weeds they find in the arid wasteland, digesting them in eight-compartment stomachs.

These advantages made them the cornerstone of many a post-nuclear economy, most notably the New Republic, whose vast brahmin herds are the driving force of its industry and the influence of the powerful brahmin barons. By extension, they also fuel the economy of parasites, such as Fools-Hope during the 2240s, when cattle rustling brought much needed income to the crime families of the city.

Biology

Brahmin are mutated cattle with two heads. In addition to twice as many heads, they also have eight stomach compartments, males have four testicles, and females have enlarged udders. They have lost much of their hair, leaving their skin a toasted brown, orange, or pink color, and attack by head-butting or trying to gore someone with their horns.

Brahmin meat is delicious - if only when compared to other sources of food. Brahmin are a source of milk that is like modern day milk, yet strangely different, it has been said to help heal radiation poisoning.

Wild brahmin can forage for themselves, and they can be found across the wastes, gathered into small herds, wandering here and there, munching on the dirty weeds scattered throughout the desert. Fortunately for the ecology of the wasteland (and the survival of their species), brahmin can go for long periods of time without water - they don't need much to survive. They have a strong sense of smell, and they don't hesitate to stomp over most wasteland predators that threaten them or their calves.

Occasionally, a brahmin is born with a single head - essentially, a regular cow. Ironically, these single-headed brahmin are referred to as "mutated" brahmin, and some doubt their existence.