Euskeru (ɛwskeɾu)

The euskeru (also sometimes called the royal-bear) is a marsupial mammal native to the southern and western coasts of the continent, from the Valley of Many Rivers to The Sisters and later on, introduced to Ligaru by settlers. Typically euskeru have a body length of between 50-80cm (19-31in) and a body mass of 8-30kg. Its coat is renowned for being particularly smooth, dense and fluffy; making a slightly portly appearance even more 'plump'.
Euskeru typically sport a grey-white colouration and a facial mask. Large and round eyes and ears are also common, as are a distinctive grey mane typically present on males. Euskeru often exhibit a small vestigial tail.
Notable to the euskeru is its highly social and friendly demeanor as well as its high intelligence. This has made it a favoured pet of much of the citizens and nobility of The Sisters region; earning it the moniker, the royal-bear.

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Behaviour

Posse Habitation

In the wild, euskeru are found living in large social groups, often grooming and forming a cohesive unit. These groups, known as a 'posse' share feeding and resting sites and even move into settlements of an evening, looting and stealing whatever found can be found. For this reason, euskeru are a tenacious and mischievous pest in some areas.
Females have also been seen with up to 3 young in their pounches at the same time, suggesting that reproduction is frequent and/or capable of producing several young at once. Nest sites for females have been found to be in either the trees or in burrows, depending on the availability of suitable forestry.

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Range

Typically found in expansive decidious and mixed forests, the euskeru have also extended their range into the šemidu mountains, where they are consistently come across by miners and explorers. The euskeru in this region also sport a more brownish and subdued colouration, potentially consisting of their own sub-species.
Elsewhere, euskeru have also expanded their range and can be found in much of the countryside, particularly near wooded river banks and even in some urban areas, where they are frequently accused of sneaking or even breaking into homes, stealing food and making their escape.

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Diet

Frequently found during both day and night times, esukeru are also capable of eating a wide variety of foods. These include fruits, seeds, bird eggs, nuts, some insects, amphibians and also fish; displaying a wide degree of omnivory. Euskeru have been seen to eat the fruit of the Tymelberry and also lick the honey of the Bar-Nezom as well. In captivity, crustaceans and bird eggs are seen as the preferred treats, with euskeru showing a voracious interest in these.

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Relationship With Other Species

In The Wild

A Forest-Wolf by Jurz

Due to their interest in bird eggs and their excellent climbing abilities, euskeru often come into conflict with birds which attempt to protect their nesting sites.
Euskeru also pose as prey for several other species however, forest wolves in particular frequently hunt euskeru, especially when their nesting sites are in burrows.

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In The Sisters

Euskeru have become a highly prized and favoured pet, notably with the nobility and elites of the principalities. In Latua for instance, princess Sadra of Latua is rarely ever seen without her trusty pet, Vada, either in her arms or tottering closely behind. Breeders often operate in key cities, selecting their stock for a high degree of friendliness and intelligence.
It is not unheard of for euskeru to feature in street performances and for locals to look after and feed any posses that reside in an area. Such areas are highly prized for wild euskeru groups, with towns even being prone to rival posse conflict for certain districts and streets.
Euskeru are nevertheless prized and valued in this region - their maternal tendency to carry several pups in their pouches resonates well with the matriarchal cultural mindset found there.

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In The Valley of Many Rivers

Quite a few Euskere reside in the towns of Novārkan Berkhumen and the southern towns of Zheidai, where they cause mild mischief and steal the locals' food, which doesn't earn them the best of reputations. Nevertheless, many still wish to have them as pets, having seen their high status over the mountains in The Sisters.

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On Ligaru

Euskeru were introduced alongside the first settlers from the east. The animals' stature as high prestige pets continued under the nobility of Eiska. When some managed to escape from their wealthy owners the fluffy Euskeru started to roam the lesser Eiska and marshy grassland. Here they faced near to no natural predators which made them pester the inhabiting farmers.
Outside Eiska and further land inwards, where there is less influence from the sisters, the animal has evolved a slightly thicker skin for the harsher winters. The fluffy fur here is used to make bedsheets and stylish winter hats.

Euskeru, the Royal Bear
Vada, the royal pet of Sadra of Latua by Jurz

Class	Monstrum
Clade	Marsupialiformes
Diet	Omnivory

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An atlas of the world, produced by the scholars of Breidhem.

Geographic Distribution

• Ligaru
• Valley of Many Rivers

In the winter, wild Euskeru take on an incredibly rotund and fluffy appearance, with their coat even becoming lighter; a prized commodity for winter clothing in much of their natural range. For unknown reasons, this does not occur with either the domesticated or mountainous varieties