Surlokkar

The Surlokkar is a massive, fearsome creature that prowls the swamps and marshes of Helerin, particularly the notorious Festermere. Covered in layers of mud and swamp debris, this powerful predator is known for its relentless strength and stealth, making it one of the most dangerous creatures to inhabit these inhospitable regions.

Physical Appearance

Standing over 15 feet tall, the Surlokkar has a hulking, muscular body, partially obscured by thick layers of mud, rotting vegetation, and grime, which it uses as camouflage. Its skin, where visible, is tough and leathery, mottled in shades of dark green and brown. Long, powerful limbs end in sharp claws, ideal for tearing through undergrowth or crushing prey. Its face, barely distinguishable under the muck, features deep-set eyes that glow faintly, hinting at its predatory nature. The creature’s wide, gaping mouth is filled with jagged teeth capable of ripping through flesh and bone.

Habitat

Surlokkars are found in the darkest, most treacherous swamps and marshes of Helerin, primarily in the Festermere. These creatures prefer areas of dense vegetation and deep, stagnant waters, where they can remain hidden. The swamp provides ample cover, allowing the Surlokkar to ambush prey from beneath the water or under layers of muck.

Behaviour

Solitary and highly territorial, the Surlokkar is a cunning and patient hunter. It uses the swamp’s natural cover, waiting for hours beneath the surface or hidden in dense thickets before launching sudden, brutal attacks on anything that enters its territory. While slow-moving on land, the Surlokkar can move surprisingly fast in short bursts, relying on its brute strength to overpower its prey. The creature is also highly territorial, often leaving behind visible marks of destruction as a warning to others.

Geographic Distribution

Surlokkars are native to the Festermere swamps of Teros Major, with rare sightings in other similarly remote and swampy regions. They are typically found in areas with deep water and thick vegetation, where they can remain concealed. Each Surlokkar stakes a large territory and will fiercely defend it from intruders, both animal and human.

Interaction with People

Encounters with Surlokkars are rare but deadly. Known for their ferocity, these creatures are a nightmare for those who venture too close to their lairs. The layers of mud and debris that cover the Surlokkar act as natural camouflage, allowing it to blend into its swampy surroundings until it's too late for its victims to escape. People living near swamps have long told tales of these beasts, warning travelers to stay clear of the Festermere and other dangerous marshlands. Some settlements near the Festermere have been abandoned entirely, leaving the Surlokkars as the uncontested rulers of their murky domain.