Bulettes

A commonly known and feared creature in the wilderness of Varda is known as the Bulette. A relentless predator perfectly adapted to life beneath the surface of the world. With a reinforced, scale-plated body and powerful limbs for digging, the Bulette can tunnel through both soil and solid rock with ease. Ambushing prey from below, these “landsharks” have a fierce reputation amongst the peoples of Varda.

Once thought to be an extinct relic of the deep past, Bulettes still thrive in remote regions where the land remains untamed. They pose a significant threat to settlements and livestock, with some hunting grounds rendered completely uninhabitable due to frequent attacks. However, their solitary nature limits their numbers, preventing them from becoming the dominant force of any ecosystem.

Anatomy

A typical adult Bulette measures between 10 to 12 feet in length and can stand as tall as 8 feet. Weighing around 1,500 to 2,000 pounds, they are an imposing force. Older specimens can grow even larger, with fossil records showing ancestors being almost double in size.

Having large, quadrupedal forms, the most distinctive feature of a Bulette is its head, which bears a striking resemblance to that of a shark. This has led scholars to believe some form of magical experimentation on sharks produced the first Bulettes. This theory has all but been dismissed, as study in to these creatures shows a clear link to ancient specimens.

Aside from its familiar shape, Bulettes are covered in thick, overlapping scales. This natural armour prevents many other creatures of the land from attacking a Bulette, and they are often the apex predator of their region.

Despite having keen eyesight adapted perfectly for seeing in the dark, Bulettes do not rely on their sight as their primary sense. Instead, they are able to sense vibrations through the ground. It has been evidenced that a Bulette can detect movement up to 300 feet away through loose soil.

Regional variations have been noted, with the shape of the head and the colouration of the Bulette varying slightly depending on where it is from. Some even show slight patterns adapted to their environment, but as the Bulette is both subterranean and an apex predator, there is debate on why this camouflage may be needed.

Behaviour

A Bulette roams a vast territory, although it typically does this through burrowing. Any surface disturbance within its domain will trigger an immediate attack, taking potential food by surprise as the Bulette seeks to ambush and consume its prey—often swallowing it whole.

Despite their nomadic tendencies, Bulettes will ave several hunting grounds in their territory. Only one or two of these will be used at a time, until the resources of the area are depleted. Some regions experience recurring Bulette attacks for decades, suggesting a generational return pattern.

Bulettes are apex ambush predators that consume massive amounts of food in a single feeding, allowing them to go weeks or even months without another meal. Their digestive systems can break down bone, hide, and even some minerals, ensuring maximum energy extraction from every kill.

Disputes between Bulettes can occur quite often, as they are solitary creatures that will aggressively defend their territory. These conflicts often end in death, with the victor claiming the region as its own. It is only in mating that Bulettes interact with their own kind.

Reproduction

Mating occurs roughly once a decade, with a single female Bulette producing a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. These eggs are buried deep underground, where they incubate for up to three years before hatching. Once the eggs have been laid, no further parental involvement occurs.

A newly hatched Bulette is already a capable hunter and roughly 1 to 2 feet in length. With a tough hide and natural burrowing instincts, it has few natural predators. However, adult Bulettes - including its own parents - are still a concern, as they will see the young as an easy meal.

A Bulette will live between 50 and 70 years, with the largest of their kind typically being the oldest.

Lifespan
50 - 70 years
Average Weight
1500 to 2000 lb
Average Length
10 - 12 ft
Average Height
8 ft
Type
Large Beast (disputed. Monstrosity)
Location
Areas of wilderness across Varda