Tväs

The Tväs, or "monster" in the Heldokðuir language, is a magnificent creature that roams the frigid wilderness of the High North, specifically within the rugged terrain of Farakt. Towering over its human counterparts, the Tväs is akin to a great white tiger, boasting an impressive size, with males reaching lengths of up to 12 feet and females slightly smaller. Its muscular build, enhanced by a thick, insulating coat of brilliant white fur, serves as camouflage against the snow-clad landscapes, and enables it to navigate the harsh, mountainous environment with unparalleled grace and agility.
Its most striking feature, however, are the bold black stripes that contrast vividly against its white coat. This distinctive pattern is unique to each individual, a feline fingerprint that carries a mythical significance for the Kingga people, who see the stripes as the marks of the mountain gods.

by midjourney

The Tväs is known for its keen senses and hunting prowess. Its large, piercing blue eyes have evolved to see clearly in the dim light of the Arctic winters, making it a highly effective nocturnal hunter. It primarily feeds on large ungulates and smaller mammals, but it's also known to prey on fish and birds.
Despite its fearsome reputation and formidable strength, the Tväs is regarded with reverence by the Kingga, seen not as a mere beast, but as a sacred creature, a symbol of their ancestral land and the raw, untamed power of nature. The hunt of a Tväs is a significant rite of passage, a dangerous test of courage and skill that binds the hunter with the hunted in a cycle of life and death. The skin of a hunted Tväs is worn as a mark of honor and social status, a testament to the hunter's bravery and the respect paid to this revered creature.