Marsh Stalkers
Þrínic: Arekre /aːrɛkhrɛː/
Kröþic: Arehre /aɾɛɾ̥ɛː/
Þamtic: Úlikep /ulɪːkhɛːph/
Þiðic: Þ'ofjein /θʼɔːfɥeiːn/
Marsh stalkers are large semi-aquatic, carnivorous mammals and apex predators of the Kvaral Marsh that covers much of Þöton Peninsula in the eastern Southlands, where they occupy a similar niche as crocodiles in Örkraz across the sea to the north. The are the largest species in a family of other amphibious mammals known as water stalkers, most of which are either found in lakes and rivers around the peninsula or along the southlandic coast, with similar ecological roles as otters and sea otters, respectively.
The water stalkers' terrestrial ancestors were around before Örkraz and the Southlands split, after which the ökrazic species were supplanted by crocodiles as the continent's climate became warmer while conversely the southlandic ones adapted to life in the sea and swamp to avoid competition with Musk Bears on land.
The þrínic name arekre means 'ambusher'.
Þamtic: Úlikep /ulɪːkhɛːph/
Marsh stalkers are large semi-aquatic, carnivorous mammals and apex predators of the Kvaral Marsh that covers much of Þöton Peninsula in the eastern Southlands, where they occupy a similar niche as crocodiles in Örkraz across the sea to the north. The are the largest species in a family of other amphibious mammals known as water stalkers, most of which are either found in lakes and rivers around the peninsula or along the southlandic coast, with similar ecological roles as otters and sea otters, respectively.
The water stalkers' terrestrial ancestors were around before Örkraz and the Southlands split, after which the ökrazic species were supplanted by crocodiles as the continent's climate became warmer while conversely the southlandic ones adapted to life in the sea and swamp to avoid competition with Musk Bears on land.
The þrínic name arekre means 'ambusher'.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Marsh stalkers look similar to our world's ambulocetus and other early whales, though adapted to subantarctic environment, with a somewhat crocodile-like body plan, including large head with powerful jaws, the eyes, ears and nostrils being all positioned on the top of the head, and relatively short legs that make the creature a powerful swimmer but merely able to crawl on land. However, unlike crocodiles, marsh stalkers are able to chew their food and their way of swimming is like that of an otter.
While their hearing is mainly adapted to underwater environment, the animal makes up for it by being sensitive to vibrations when resting on land, which is one of the main reason they avoid urban environment.
While their hearing is mainly adapted to underwater environment, the animal makes up for it by being sensitive to vibrations when resting on land, which is one of the main reason they avoid urban environment.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The creature's main diet are sea goats, several species of large fish, water stalkers, and the occasional unlucky person, domesticated Giant Rats or sheep, caught by catching them by surprise before being dragged underwater.
The kröþans believe the animals to be sacred to Gólra, god of the sea, and tattoos depicting stylized images of marsh stalkers are common in hopes of appeasing them.
Cultural Significance
Marsh stalkers are feared by the people inhabiting the Kvaral Marsh, namely the goblin Kröþans and elven Þamtans and Þiðans, and are often featured in local folklore. Many stories of strange monsters emerging from the swamp are probably based on encounters with these creatures, particularly during the Kvaralean Wars fought between new þamtans and kröþans for control over the region, during which a number of warriors from both sides were dragged into the depths by marsh stalkers, especially during twilight and nighttime.The kröþans believe the animals to be sacred to Gólra, god of the sea, and tattoos depicting stylized images of marsh stalkers are common in hopes of appeasing them.
Origin/Ancestry
Kvaral Marsh
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The coat is mottled grey, making the animal often mistaken for a rock from a distance when resting on land
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