"Is it a bear?
What filchin' bear 'as got horns?
Yeah but, its big. Look at it there, its standing up!
Shush, we're get atch ya deer-bear
What in the light? It's..It's... looking this way.
Aye, methinks we'd better run" - Last words of two Aubrege' serfs.
Description
Vendi'Koen, or Vendik are large, bipedal creatures that can reach 1.5 paces in height (9m). While their body type somewhat resembles a tall, lanky orc, what differentiates them is that they are covered in thick, waxy fur. Often it is said that the fur smells strongly of a wet dog that ate rotten eggs. Noted archivists recommend that hunters, treasure seekers, and explorers traveling away from civilization travel downwind immediately upon smelling that scent.
The Vendi'Koen tend to be very territorial, and if one sights you, it will chases you over several horizons (up to 15-20 km). This is another reason why travelers stick to established roads, as the terrors that lurk in the deep places of Tir Eriad often result in many individuals, including whole hunting parties going missing.
In Battle
Juvenile Vendi'Koen are often very physical in battle, and attack with aggressive wide swings, coupled by swift movements with its long legs designed to take it out of the reach of polearms (it is recommended to use primarily polearms against the Vendik as swords, axes and maces have difficult doing substantial damage to their thick, shaggy hides. Some Vendik use rudimentary weapons in combat, such as large clubs, hammers, and axes. They can often be seen using an odd-halberd like instrument that is counter-weighted on the bottom, enabling them to spin and attack with this weapon due in part to their prodigious strength.
Vendik are not known to wear manufactured armor, but sometimes will wear pieces crudely fashioned of natural materials, such as hide or bone. These brutes are typically some of the oldest Vendik, and some have been reported to possess special elemental powers (more likely a factor of their observers being scared to death). Some scholars theorize that Vendik may actually be a seminal race of giants, but this is not supported by any evidence, especially given that the Vendiks have none of the refinement shown by giant civilizations of old.
Culture
Individually, the Vendi'Koen appear to maintain a very primitive culture, forming what appear to be family units for short times and then splitting off and isolating themselves. It is unknown whether these family units coalesce at all, but occasionally a former cave or dwelling of a Vendik may be found withh crudely fashioned figurines. What is very well known and communicated is that Vendik will often place effigies in visible locations along the edge of what they consider "their" territory. Travelers who miss these effigies may find themselves in dire straits, but no less than those who seek to vandalize the symbols.
All attempts to communicate with the Vendi'Koen have resulted in failure and (usually) fatalities.
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