KASAKIR

Length: 1.33 m Width: 0.73 m Height: 0.64 m
Weight: 111.13 kg Speed: Unknown
Habitat: Caves and harsh mountain environments.
Anatomical Features: Quadruped of exceptional musculature with a nearly non-existent neck. Spine has a hinge-like joint midway down its length which allows for a sideways snapping range in excess of 240 degrees (approximate). Oblique muscles are pleated, folding beneath one another rapidly as the opposite extends.
Feeding Habits: Omnivore. Known to hunt for sport as well as sustenance. Attacks are especially ruthless.

“Kasakir” (the Death Bringer) is synonymous with wild, gnashing death and will immediately put all who hear its utterance on heightened vigilance…or sheer terror. They can typically be found dwelling in the mountainous regions and other “hard surfaces” (such as caves). Kasakir are not the largest nor the outwardly most intimidating animal, but is uniformly considered the apex predator in virtually any environment in which it finds itself. The only place it cedes this position is in deep water, where its muscleclature and dense, nearly unbreakable skeleton becomes a liability. There is a story told to all Monc children of a pack of Kasakir attacking and successfully killing a Shimmer Serpent to imprint the virtues of caution at an early age.

The “hinge” in its spine, unique of any vertebrate, is likely a development from its preferred mountain dwelling. Observations of Kasakir on the hunt show their pack tactics similar to those of a flat-terrain scenario with the group attacking from all sides without regard for the actual slant of the hillside they may be standing on. The rapid side-to-side action allows them to inflict great damage, as well as defending against would-be attackers. Their broad paws and thick ankles give them unprecedented stability, virtually removing the need to engage in a “vertical fight.”

Kasakir are beyond wild. They are categorically “insane” by animal standards with very little logic beyond that which they feel at the moment (excepting instinctive cooperative pack hunts). Their position in the animal pyramid and most fleeing at their approach leaves no need for “logic” in its classical sense.

We ran into a pack of Kasakir on a cartography mission to the western border of the Hamtakoon Ridge. That the Kasakir…five in all…were able to avoid detection by our scouts (two People and a Monc) was amazing unto itself. That they killed two before their presence was known- staggering. Our party was fortunate to be just above the Fescanwa River (the largest in the region). Their speed on the angled mountainside was shocking. They moved as if a large cat on a perfectly flat surface with footing as sure as tiny lizards. Our warrior escorts acted quickly, driving all our pack animals over the small cliff and into the water below. One drowned with its full burden of supplies, but the others successfully made it to shore with us close behind. A Kasakir lost its footing and also plummeted into the river and sank as if made of stone. The others retreated, instinctively knowing they could not pursue us. That two of our brothers were their next meal saddened us, but we were reminded that death facing down a Kasakir was considered honorable. More so if outnumbered and in order to save others.
The lesson learned that day was never forgotten, and it is in our personal judgment that a pack of these monsters could indeed take a Shimmer Serpent.
Most disturbing are rumors that Erebos keeps these beasts as personal pets. That…is something we’d not mind staying an urban legend in these parts.