Musk Bears
Kmúþic: Okmós Jenre-am /ɔkhmouːs jɛːnrɛʔaːm/
Gnapic: Rótólp ɾouthouːlph~ɾouthouːl̥ph
Musk bears1 are the largest predators in the Southlands, the southern continent of Borgalor, which despite their somewhat ursine appearance are actually descended from shrew-like creatures similar to the ones found on the continent of Örkraz. They are found throughout the northern and western Southlands, particularly the region of Rúþría and the northern Larsis Mountains, though the rúþrían population has declined over the last couple of centuries due to habitat loss and being seen as pests.
Musk bears1 are the largest predators in the Southlands, the southern continent of Borgalor, which despite their somewhat ursine appearance are actually descended from shrew-like creatures similar to the ones found on the continent of Örkraz. They are found throughout the northern and western Southlands, particularly the region of Rúþría and the northern Larsis Mountains, though the rúþrían population has declined over the last couple of centuries due to habitat loss and being seen as pests.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Musk bears are large animals, about the size of our world's asian black bear and a have similarly keen sense of smell, shaggy fur and plantigrade stance, but have a comparatively longer snout and tail, smaller teeth and weaker bite, the latter which is due to them relying on their toxic saliva to take down prey. The teeth themselves are red due iron pigment in the enamel, a trait they share with related carnivores and omnivores on the continent.
Musk bears are mostly covered in shaggy fur, with somewhat shorter hairs on the head and tail, and give off a strong odor, hence the name, often likened to rotten eggs.
Musk bears are mostly covered in shaggy fur, with somewhat shorter hairs on the head and tail, and give off a strong odor, hence the name, often likened to rotten eggs.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Musk bears mostly feed on the various species of pigeons found throughout the Southlands, particularly the larger flightless ones, along with fish, Sea Goats, Amphitheres and, more recently, livestock.
Additional Information
Social Structure
They are solitary creatures for the most part, aside from mothers with pups. Musk bears use their strong scent to mark their territories, and only tolerate each others presence when there's plenty of food, such as when a whale or sea serpent carcass washes up on shore.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Trolls traditionally hunt musk bears for their meat and hides, the latter which is used to carrying goods and babies in, and doing so is often followed by a ritual purification ceremony, as many tribes believe the animals to be either unclean or can potentially attract foul beings that cause misfortune to the community.
The various peoples who have settled along the southlandic coast have a generally negative attitude towards musk bears, as not only do the animals have a tendency to attack people and livestock or steal food such as dried fish, particularly during winter, but their furs, while warm, are of little value due to the lingering odor and the meat is considered an acquired taste at best.
The various peoples who have settled along the southlandic coast have a generally negative attitude towards musk bears, as not only do the animals have a tendency to attack people and livestock or steal food such as dried fish, particularly during winter, but their furs, while warm, are of little value due to the lingering odor and the meat is considered an acquired taste at best.
1Original icelandic: þefbirnir, singular: þefbjörn.
Musk bear by Lappalingur
Origin/Ancestry
Southlands
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Their fur is of various shades of brown depending on the region, with darker feet, paler head and dark markings around the eyes and neck
Red-tooth (West Númra)
Stinkard (South Númra)
Stink beast (Arikróa)
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