Kawuk

Kawuk

(Creature)

Source: Tian Xia World Guide, pg(s). 231

Kawuk (pronounced KAA-wuuk) is an aquatic saurian kaiju local to the eponymous wetlands of Kawuk's Run within the territory of Valash Raj.

Appearance

Kawuk's long twisting body appears an amalgam of several creatures. Its dorsal sail and flat tail resemble those of a spinosaurus while the other fins are more piscine and its long snout is that of a gharial. Blotches of squirming flesh spot the kaiju's skin, continually growing and shedding into its spawn.

Ecology

Seen first by its colossal sail rising above the water's surface, Kawuk is typically found within the deep swamps of Kawuk's Run though its migrations occasionally take it to the Gray Gulf. Wherever it is, Kawuk targets structures and large ships while smaller developments and most mortals are ignored.

Spawn

The growths on Kawuk's body ceaselessly develop and shed into unnaturally aggressive juvenile spinosaurs known as Kawuk's Spawn. The insatiable offspring share Kawuk's hatred for buildings and boats.

Origin

Kawuk is thought to be a natural kaiju formed as the land's reaction to the ancient Jade Hegemon's geoengineering projects during the Age of Monsters. It ensures there always exist predators within the Run and prevents civilization from overextending into the wetlands.

Society

See also: Kawuk's Run

Though settlements large or centralized are nigh impossible within Kawuk's domain, inhabitants of Kawuk's Run have learned to adjust to, or even take advantage of, the kaiju's movements. Villages are limited to single-story buildings spread wide to avoid its attention. Bold fishers on one-man boats will often follow the kaiju, taking advantage of the displaced fish.

Because tax collectors and other officials of the Raj avoid Kawuk's Run, the lush wetlands provide a haven for bandits and others avoiding the law. The Raj's kaiju callers and army will only approach the swamp when absolutely necessary, often leaving adventurers as the only providers of justice in the region.

Veneration

For Kawuk's apparent protection of the wetlands, several cults within the Raj worship the kaiju. Bandits, hunters, and druids frequently venerate Kawuk.