Uqaluqtuq (u.qɑ.luq.tuq)

"Whenever we venture near water, remember that the Uqaluqtuq may be near, and be cautious." - Kylitak wisdom

The Uqaluqtuq is the most feared ocean predator in the Northern Region, particularly in the waters around the island of Kitlineq. It is a massive snake-like creature which lives in the ocean, but breathes air and can venture onto shore after its prey. Its most common prey are seals and sea lions, but it is also known to hunt sharks, dolphins, fish, otters, and humans.

An Enormous Threat

An adult Uqaluqtuq is massive, with some measuring nearly fifty feet long. Its head is particularly large, and often seems outsized compared to the rest of the body. Its skin is covered in scales, and it is capable of changing their color to blend into its surroundings. It will sometimes lie in shallow water and wait for prey to draw near, and it is almost impossible to spot before it strikes. Even when swimming, the beast is difficult to detect as it slides through the water towards its target.

A Venomous Bite

While it rarely matters with smaller prey like humans, the Uqaluqtuq does have a venomous bite. It typically only uses this when hunting whales, paralyzing them and allowing them to drown while ripping chunks of flesh away. Those who have survived exposure to the venom report that it is similar to be struck by lightning, with shooting pains and total paralysis. Among the Kimutaa Selkies of the Northwestern Region, it is believed that the Uqaluqtuq (which they call the Shaak' Náxw) is the result of a lightning bolt which struck the ocean surface and transformed into the great beast, and that the venom is actually a liquid form of lightning.

Agents of the Divine?

According to the Utari people, the Uqaluqtuq are the servants of the Kamuy, specifically Hoyau, the dragon lord of the waters around the Utari Islands. They believe these creatures (who they call the Korpunkuru-Oynpu), are to be avoided at all coasts, and that slaying one would offend Hoyau. In the rare cases where this has happened, the offending Utari is advised to make haste for waters beyond the reach of the Kamuy, and to never return.

Alternative Name

Korpunkuru-Oynpu
Shaak' Náxw

A River Menace

The Uqaluqtuq is capable of swimming up rivers in search of prey, especially when it is younger. The Kylitak have many stories of encountering one of these beasts far from the ocean, lying hidden in a river or stream before striking suddenly at a person on the bank. Their ability to camouflage themselves serves them well in this situation, and few ever spot the monster before it moves.

An Opportunity for the Bold and Crazy

The art of Alchemy requires many unusual ingredients, and there are those who travel the world to acquire them for sale. The venom of the Uqaluqtuq is one of the rarest and most valuable ingredients that can be obtained in the Physical Realm, and anyone who manages to procure some can sell it for a small fortune in Tarshish. This has created signficant interest in hunting the Uqaluqtuq, and every year adventurers travel north to try and bring one down. Notably, the supply of Uqaluqtuq venom has not been increased by these attempts, but the number of bold hunters has diminished quite a bit.