Shoyinulkru

I heard one of those mainlanders call it a... camel bear ant? I have no divine clue what that even means. I can think of a better description - a fucking menace.

— Nowenkayet local

Shoyinulkru are a strange insectoid mammal, native to the valleys of Nowenkayet Island, in the eastern seas of Thurásin. Though many foreigners find them fascinating and strangely charming, the local Shyanhol people find them to be a terrifying menace, stalking the deep forests and attacking anyone foolish enough to wander alone.

Characteristics

Shoyinulkru resemble six-legged bears at first glance, with a familiar lumbering gait. Closer inspection, however, will show the narrow head and far longer neck that resembles some species of camel found in distant deserts, and a body that seems separated into three distinct, heavily furred sections, similar to an ant.
Their compound eyes also resemble an insect's, coming in various dark and faintly-iridescent colours. Fur comes in many shades, usually mottled browns and dark greys. Albino shoyinulkru have been spotted on occasion, though they tend to be hunted young due to being unable to stalk the woods as easily.
The strange beast is well known as an ambushing predator in the many forests and peaks of Nowenkayet, stalking the land with purpose and striking from out of nowhere. They are omnivorous, but favour meat leading into the colder months of the year, which they often spend in hibernation. Shoyinulkru rarely attack livestock, preferring food such as river fish and foraging mammals, but are well known as feared for attacking woodcutters, farmers, and wanderers.

Habitat

Shoyinulkru are solely found on Nowenkayet, specifically within its central valley, in the dense forested plains and peaks. A scattered few have been known to leave the valley and stalk the coastal regions, but the tall cliffs preventing fishing make this is far less common.
Families of shoyinulkru tend to live in dens, which can either be caves or sufficiently large tree hollows. These dens are fiercely guarded by their occupants, and any elf foolish enough to walk near one is likely to meet their sharp claws and vicious teeth.

Lifespan

30 years

Average Height

1.3 metres

Average Weight

350 - 700 kilograms

Average Length

2 metres

Geographic Distribution

• Nowenkayet Island

Display

Given their fearsome reputation, it is only natural that an entrepreneur would try and capture one to take and show to those on continental Thurásin. As far as anyone knows, this has only been attempted once, by Muhepásines businessman Urijo ses Hángxim. With the help of a half dozen locals, he entered one of the forests with a cage intended to hold the beast.
Neither he nor his party were ever seen again, though the cage was found with heavy dents and scratches on its iron bars, left discarded. No-one has tried to catch a living shoyinulkru since.

Overgrown Bones by SAVA86