Borekapeshk (BOHR-kah-pə-shk)

The borekapeshk is a large, worm-like creature, often found in the Umbral Plains.   Their appearance is a unique one, and their form quite recognizable. They have a similar appearance to a worm, albeit much larger, and with legs. Their legs are made of a chitinous material and are usually an off-white color. While the upper leg is attached in the more conventional way, the mid-to-lower leg is instead linked by a massive muscle capable of tightening and pulling back enough to be able to launch the creature up to about 1.2x its length. When moving normally, it uses a much less powerful launch. Their exterior is made of a leathery carapace, with a "tail" tapering gently before ending rather abruptly. At the front of their bodies lies a mouth, filled haphazardly with sharp teeth made of keratin. Above this lies their antennae, which protrude a fair distance from the head, and are evolved for the express purpose of being enveloped in the soil at the top of the tunnels. With this unique evolutionary tactic, they can sense vibrations from much further away, at the cost of not being able to sense nearby vibrations as well. Adults have been known to grow as large as 45m, but it is entirely possible for one to grow larger. Their diameter (around the mouth) is about two thirds of their length.   They live in the Umbral Plains. Or, more accurately, they live under the Umbral Plains. They are troglophiles, or creatures who prefer subterranean life, but can survive on the surface. There are a few major reasons as to why they don't spend more time than they need to up there. A) The borekapeshk anatomy supports a life of ambush tactics, utilizing large leaps to consume prey, if not whole, then enough to kill. B) The borekapeshk digestive system is relatively unrefined for meat, as the food it more often consumes is iron-rich dirt. The result is a digestive system refined to take only what it needs, and no more. C) The large, relatively exposed muscles on the legs can be easily severed or rendered inoperable, facilitating a need to stay out of the way of any such threats. D) The primary method of locomotion (that being short "hops" or lunges) is mostly ineffective, especially on rocky, sandy, or hilly terrain. E) The lack of eyesight, instead utilizing sensory antennae, results in almost blind fumbling about on land. It can be quite fun to watch, from a distance.     As for the borekapeshk's diet, it will eat anything that dares enter its territory, or "range". This range can extend hundreds to thousands of feet, usually depending on the creatures size. Interestingly enough, borekapeshk often eat each other, usually upon defeating one in a territorial "dispute", but occasionally whenever another dies. The most common foods for the borekapesk are slimes, gallax, [bovine wip], and occasionally giants and stray Lumines.   Smaller borekapeshk tend to form small groups, or colonies, from creatures in the relative vicinity of one another. It is likely that they do this to protect themselves from larger, more powerful borekapeshk, although this protection is not always guarantied.   Borekapeshk dig long, winding tunnels, solely for the purpose of (mostly) unrestricted travel and the ability ambush surface creatures. The tunnels can extend miles, in random, spontaneous directions. It would be very easy to become lost in one. Most tunnels are used only once, and as such typically collapse shortly after use.   Giants who live in the Umbral Plains have all but mastered a method of hunting these beasts. Utilizing a form of bait, whether it be a slime, a rock, or even a giant, a borekapeshk is drawn to the surface. Then, the borekapeshk, having now exposed its vulnerable self, is instead ambushed by the giant hunting party. Firstly, they target the exposed muscle. Severing them leaves the borekapeshk unable to do more than squirm. Then, they pierce to thick carapace, which requires a great deal of physical force, and a sharp object (usually a knife or spear). Occasionally, the giants will instead attempt to pierce the carapace from the softer insides, by way of mouth. This can prove dangerous, and even deadly at times, but is much easier than piercing from the outside. Once a sufficient hole has been made, the carapace is skinned to be made into leather, and the corpse (or sometimes alive body) is brought to camp, cut, and roasted, providing a delicious meal, feeding 20 or so giants fully.