Kostra Bear

And you know I'm tough as anything, I had to go investigate. So I creep through the forest toward the sound of fighting, and what do I see? A single kostra bear, battling two dragons! And winning! No, seriously. Clawing and biting at 'em like nothing else, the dragons billowing fire and smoke. One of 'em fled, but the other weren't so lucky. Good for me there was all that smoke, or that bear'ld've gotten me too!
— Local drunk, telling the truth for once

Kostra bears are fierce and powerful mammals, exclusively found in the valleys of central Thurásin. Aside from the various mortal races, their only known predator are large dragons.

Characteristics

Kostra bears are among the largest mammals in Tiyu Amara, and are very agile in spite of this. Males tend to be larger than female in all respects, but both are largest just before hibernation, during the cold winter months. Aside from size, one of the distinguishing features of a kostra bear versus other bears is their fur, which is patterned in stripes. These colours can be subtle, such as dark brown on brown, or as stark as black on white. They have 5 claws on each of their 4 feet, with those on their forelimbs being longer and sharper. They have sharp teeth and powerful jaws, strong enough to snap dragon bone.

Habitat and Prey

While bears can be found across Thurásin, Kostra bears are unique to the valleys and mountains that surround Lake Strelish at the centre of the continent. They are most common in the dense forests around the lake, especially in the countries of Pris Xüfonz and Ibza Xüfonz. When it comes time to hibernate, they tend to retreat further into the mountains to find caves, which is when they most often come into conflict with local dragons.
Kostra bears are omnivorous, and most commonly eat berries, pine cones, and other plants. Those who live near rivers or Lake Strelish itself will feast on its various fish species, but those further from water will still have their pick of deer. It is not unheard of for kostra bears to wander towards mortal settlements in search of livestock, and farmers will often guard their territory in groups during harvest.

Also known as

King bears

Lifespan

20 - 30 years

Average Height

1.4 - 1.8 metres

Average Weight

300 - 800 kg

Average Length

2.7 - 3.2 metres

Geographic Distribution

Thurásin

Dragon's Strength

While dragons are undeniably the most formidable creature in Thurásin, and likely Tiyu Amara as a whole, Kostra bears are not to be trifled with. Only the most skilled hunters would consider trying to fight an adult one on their own, and even they would think twice about attacking a mother and her cubs.
The strength of kostras, and their lack of other competition, regularly leads them to conflict with dragons who hunt in the same territory as them. Which side comes out on top depends on many factors, but that it is even up for debate confirms for many that kostra bears should not be fucked with.