If you find yourself the target of a Narkhul, you'd better get your prayers in quick before its large teeth sink into you. — Hajar Stoutsong, renowed explorer and chronicler.
Appearance
Narkhuls are large predatory animals of the cat family. They stand out amongst their kin by their two large fore-fangs that hook down from their upper jaw. Adults can grow up to eight feet in length. Narkhuls are also distinctive amongst the feline species by having larger front legs and as a result can reach almost six feet from paws to the top of their haunches.
Their size can often lull its prey into a false sense of security, thinking they have managed to climb out of reach of its deadly claws. However, the strong front legs of the Narkhul provide it with the pulling power to ascend the mountainous regions it can live in. Those forelegs are surprisingly dexterous, able to latch onto small outcroppings.
Narkhuls are covered in grey and white fur. Unlike most of the creatures in the colder climates their fur is not particularly long, but it is densely packed to provide the same insulating properties.
Males are typically larger but females are usually lither and so are just as dangerous.
Location
Narkhuls are typically found in the colder mountainous regions of the Kingdom of Gonde and across the continent of Essidon. Whilst mostly found in the mountains, finding Narkhuls in the lowlands of those locations is not uncommon.
Narkhul Society
Narkhuls live in small family units. Narkhuls mate for life and will raise any cubs together. The female will give birth to only one or two babies and will raise them from their first day all the way until adulthood - when they can hunt for themselves and will search for a mate of their own.
The size of a male's fangs is seen as a draw to potential females.
Eytmology
The name Narkhul comes from the Dwarven language and roughly translates to 'Cruel Tooth', after the two large fangs it is known for. Nar is the dwarven word for Tooth. Khul is used as various adjectives that spread across the spectrum of cruel, mean or harsh (as seen in the Aldenian Dwarven capital city Khul Boldir - 'harsh stone')
Uses of Narkhuls
Narkhul fangs are well known for their supposed medicinal properties, but this has never been confirmed to actually work. As a result most Narkhul fangs that enter civilised societies (and some uncivilised) end up in ornamental fashions. As only the most seasoned adventurers can take on a Narkhul and live, these can only be scavenged from already deceased Narkhuls and thus are incredibly rare, but for those desperate to acquire such an item, large bounties can be laid down for anyone to try their luck.
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