Myrkr

Artist - Anna Podedwoma - Panterada Artstation.com

Myrkr, the Elders of the Forest, most feared and most revered of all forest creatures. The gods are said to have learned patience from the Myrkr. They feature in the folk lore of most of the sapient species across Valsgard. Usually as a teacher and protector figure. The largest and most ferocious of the forest cats, the Myrkr has few natural enemies.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Their stocky bone structure make them highly adept at climbing trees and extremely good swimmers. They stand 1.5 meters at the shoulder. Large muscular jaws, and long sharp teeth give the Myrkr a particularly devastating bite, strong enough to easily shatter bones. This allows them to hunt the large game of the forests and easily crack open the hard shells of river turtles.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Myrkr reach sexual maturity around two years of age in females, and three to four years of age in males. Mated pairs separate after mating, and the female is the sole parent. The litter is typically two to four cubs.

Growth Rate & Stages

Cubs will stay with the mother for up to two years before venturing out to form territories of their own. The average lifespan for a Myrkr is 15-18 years, however they have been known to life up to 30 years, making them one of the longest lived species in the forests. Earning them the nickname “Elder of the Forest”.

Ecology and Habitats

The habitat of the Myrkr occasionally includes the grasslands, and wetlands, however their primary habitat is in the dense forests, where they can use the thick plant cover to effectively stalk their prey. The Myrkr form a territory that becomes their hunting grounds, and are almost constantly on the move within that territory. The territories are known to be up to 10 leagues in diameter. The territories of individual Myrkr can overlap, however these cats stay away from each other during most of the year, with the exceptions of the mating season. Then they will expand their range, and begin roaring/vocalizing in order to locate one another more easily.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Myrkr are obligate carnivores, they only feed on meat. They are opportunistic, and thus have a wide variety of prey animals. Their main prey include, gandelk, bristlebacks, grimhogs, tapyr. They have been known to attack almost anything if other prey is scarce, humans and fey folk included, however that is exceedingly rare. They are known to be nocturnal, but their active periods focus more on the times around dusk and dawn.
The Myrkr is a stalk and ambush predator, prefering to remain hidden and wait for the opportune time to attack rather than to chase prey as soon as their paths cross. It is this characteristic that gained them the reputation of being the wisest and most patient of all the forests creatures. They are highly capable climbers and swimmers so, they are not limited as to the type of prey they pursue. Even though they can kill in water, on land, and in the trees, they prefer to only eat their prey off the ground, high in the limbs of the trees. Being stealthy animals, they dislike being exposed and vulnerable and avoid it at all costs.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Solitary

Domestication

Orphaned cubs found and raised by Humans or Fey folk, are known to form bonds similar to a pet, but they are never subservient. They always remain wild and autonomous.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Their furs are highly sought after for use as clothing and general status symbols. Shamans will wear entire skins, to emulate the Myrkr during specific rituals in reverence to the animal.

Average Intelligence

Highly intelligent, acute problem solvers.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Myrkr have developed an acute sense of smell, it is said that they can smell fresh blood for nearly league. They have a heightened sense of hearing, with sensitive ears that can swivel nearly 180 degrees, they can pinpoint sound with shocking accuracy. Their eyes are developed to function in low light and this sensitivity allows them to track the smallest movements in near complete darkness. This also causes their eyes to appear to glow, it is just the reflection of light, but it is no less fearsome. The Myrkr are ferocious predators and their mastery of their environment makes them highly feared and immensely respected.

Photo by Ash Edmonds - www.unsplash.com/photos/MZVH4joUAll

Lifespan

15-18 yrs (up to 30 yrs)

Average Height

1.5 meters at the shoulder

Average Weight

Males can weigh up to 175kg with females weighing on average 10-25% less.

Average Length

3 meters in length head to tail

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dark fur, appears to be full black, howver if you get close enough you can see the presence of irregular patterns of spots and stripes in dark blues and greys.