Cavek
The cavek are colossal, herbivorous beasts native to the jungle planet of Eryn. Although the local inhabitants do not possess the terminology to describe them as such, they closely resemble prehistoric dinosaurs. As some of the largest and most formidable creatures on the planet, they are both feared and revered, serving as the ultimate prey for rylak hunters.
Biology and Appearance
Cavek are monstrous in size, easily standing one hundred feet tall and measuring two hundred feet long. They possess thick, gray, wrinkly skin akin to an elephant's, and walk on four long, single-jointed legs tipped with claws the size of swords. They have wide faces with inset eyes, and their mouths hang permanently open, baring massive scimitar-like teeth capable of ripping through trees and flesh alike.
Despite their massive size and intimidating weaponry, cavek are herbivores that graze in clearings. Surprisingly, they emit absolutely no scent, making them difficult to track by smell. Upon close inspection, their gray skin is actually covered in mysterious, barely visible patterns—whorls, lines, and pictograms painted or etched into their flesh, leading some to theorize they may possess an unspoken language or social code. When viewed through the magical soul-sight of a sakul bird, these patterns glow like brilliant, sorcerous runes.
Unlike many predators in the Wilds, cavek are social creatures that travel and graze in large herds.
Interaction with the Rylak
The rylak view the cavek as the ultimate test of strength. A successful cavek hunt can feed an entire pack for a month, while the harvested materials can last for a year. However, because the rylak value glory over efficiency, they traditionally attempt to kill cavek in single combat rather than working as a team. Because of this foolhardy tradition, cavek Hunts are incredibly deadly and claim the lives of many rylak warriors.
Key Events
Cariel's Revenge
Following her blinding and maiming, the ellr slave Cariel is stalked by a cavek in the Kalmansa Wilds. Just as the beast is about to pierce her chest with its claw, she reaches out and forcibly soulbinds it, saving her own life. Riding the cavek, she discovers that they live in herds—a fact unknown to the rylak. Cariel proceeds to enslave forty-five cavek, eventually sending twenty-four of them crashing through the village of Skallgr to brutally massacre her former captors.
Jascyn's Ascension
Years later, during a challenge for leadership of the Felgr pack, a stampede of fifteen cavek bears down on the village. Rather than fight them, the demisoul Jascyn runs out to meet the herd. He leaps onto the leg of the lead female cavek, a beast he names Varek, and successfully forms a peaceful souljoin with her. Through Varek, Jascyn pacifies the entire herd, halting the stampede just outside the village. Awed by this unprecedented display of mastery over the jungle, the rylak name Jascyn their new packleader.
The March on Kryptan Fortress
Under Jascyn's leadership, a herd of sixteen cavek agree to assist the unified army of ellr and rylak in their assault on Calarel's mountain stronghold. Serving as massive beasts of burden, the cavek carry hundreds of warriors on their wide backs, journeying rapidly through the jungle to the Dark Forest and eventually to the Kryptan Mountains. During the final battle, the cavek fight ferociously, using their massive hooves and razor-sharp teeth to smash the mind-controlled dragons. Following the battle, Jascyn attempts to release the surviving cavek back into the wild, but they choose to stay by his side, accepting him as part of their herd.
Notable Cavek
- Varek: The lead female cavek of the herd near Felgr. She forms a deep, willing souljoin with Jascyn, allowing him to ride her, and plays a crucial role in uniting the species of Eryn.