Jerns

Jerns¹ are carnivorous ungulates found moustly in the southern and southeastern Vúrakesen Mountains in western Dragonía. They belong to a unique group of mammals native to Vorran Peninsula west of the mountains, and the only ones found outside that region.
The Þebels, a tribe of Útels inhabiting southwestern Ela'k Forest north of the mountains, believe jerns to be dangerous creatures associated with nature spirits. Descriptions vary wildly as few have actually seen a jern, but their calls -resembling a sharp cough- are known to many who visit the Jaarels living under the mountains.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Jerns are among the largest of their kind, about the size of a wolf but more gracile than the latter, with slender legs, long neck and tail. On each leg is a pair of hooves, similar to those on our world's camelids, which allow jerns to be as swift and sure-footed on rugged terrain as Júkner Goats, their main prey. Since they lack claws, they have a powerful bite and razor-sharp teeth to make up for it.
Jerns are covered in thick, waterproof fur, an adaptation to the frequent rains in Vúrakesen Mountains.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Jerns specialize in hunting júkner goats up in the mountains, though they're not averse to eating other animals or carcasses given the opportunity, especially when roaming the foothills on the edge of Jarrak Forest.

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¹Original icelandic: jernar, singular: jerni.

by Lappalingur

Origin/Ancestry

Vorran Peninsula

Conservation Status

Least concern

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Jerns are mostly grey with lighter underparts.

Geographic Distribution

• Vúrakesen Mountains