Kantikor
Species
Sentient Species
The Kantikor are among the most feared predators of Mallikai III, representing the apex of the planet’s ancient subterranean fauna. They roam the endless caverns of The Depths and occasionally venture into the Deep City Grottos to snatch unwary dwellers. Although such incursions are rare, they are violent and often fatal.
The name “Kantikor” originates from the Sluggo, who named them after the infamous off-world Bantikor. Despite the similarity in name, Kantikor are biologically unrelated. The shared nomenclature reflects fear, not lineage.
Biology
The Kantikor are enormous quadrupedal carnivores, combining the physical traits of a boar and a feline with adaptations unique to subterranean life.
Physical Traits
- Massive muscular frames, built for explosive bursts of speed
- Coarse, dense fur that resists abrasion from stone surfaces
- Powerful jaws and tusk-like incisors capable of crushing bone
- Reinforced shoulders and neck muscles for grappling prey
- Long, flexible spine allowing predatory leaps in low light
- Darkvision suited for total shadow environments
Male and female Kantikor are similar in size, though males tend to have more pronounced tusks and longer facial fur.
Size
Kantikor stand between **4 and 6 feet at the shoulder**, with bodies extending well over 10 feet in length when fully stretched.
Their weight ranges from 800 to 1,600 pounds depending on age, sex, and region.
Sensory Adaptations
- Highly acute hearing
- Vibration sensitivity comparable to some deep-dwelling mammals
- Strong olfactory detection
- Limited tolerance for bright light (causes distress and disorientation)
Light aversion keeps them deep within The Depths, except during rare incursions.
Behavior
The Kantikor are cunning predators with advanced hunting instincts and complex patterns of territorial movement.
Hunting Patterns
Kantikor primarily prey on:
- deep-dwelling mammals
- cavern invertebrates
- non-sentient remnants of Mallikai fauna
- poorly equipped explorers
- occasionally, lone Trolls
Kantikor avoid bright, sustained illumination, but dim ambient light does not stop them from attacking.
Territoriality
- mark territory using deep claw marks
- roar that echoes for kilometers
- defend dens aggressively
- avoid Troll nesting grounds unless starving
There are recorded battles between Trolls and Kantikor, suggesting mutual predation and longstanding ecological rivalry.
Interaction with Other Species
With Trolls
Kantikor and Trolls frequently clash over:
- food
- territory
- access to warm machinery
- abandoned equipment caches
Although Trolls can kill Kantikor, the reverse is equally true. Troll villages often hang rusted metal chimes to detect approaching Kantikor through vibrations.
With Deep City Grottos
Kantikor raids occur when:
- food becomes scarce
- environmental shifts push them upward
- seismic activity displaces dens
Victims are usually:
- lone workers
- unlit scavengers
- maintenance personnel without glowrods
Bright light repels them instantly.
With Surface Residents
Surface citizens rarely encounter Kantikor directly, but their existence is a persistent urban legend across Mallikai III.
Misidentification and Naming
Although named after the Bantikor, the Kantikor are:
- not genetically similar
- not interbreedable
- not from the same world or lineage
The shared name reflects:
- fear
- reputation
- cultural memory
Sluggo explorers reportedly exclaimed “Bantikor, but worse!” upon first sight, leading to the name sticking.
Ecology
Kantikor dens are found deep within:
- basalt caverns
- geothermal vents (non-molten)
- abandoned mining zones
- collapsed transit tunnels
They avoid:
- reactor light
- bright bioluminescence
- Troll encampments
Kantikor carcasses are almost never found due to rapid scavenging and subterranean decomposition.