Akhlut

Overview

Akhlut are shapeshifting mammals native to the Storvhit arctic region, capable of transforming between aquatic sea creature and terrestrial land animal forms. They travel in packs and serve as mounts for expeditionary forces, able to traverse both ice pack and shoreline terrain.

Physical Characteristics

Aquatic Form

In aquatic form, Akhlut appear as sea mammals with smooth skin and fins for propulsion. They possess powerful snouts capable of breaking through ice pack with violent blows.

Terrestrial Form

Transformation from aquatic to terrestrial form involves gradual physical changes: the head becomes slimmer, smooth skin develops patches of bushy hair that turns into dense black and white fur, and fins extend into muscular legs with claws.

Behavior

Akhlut travel in packs, with all members transforming together when transitioning between environments. They can be guided and used as mounts, accepting riders in saddles and responding to direction from handlers.

Timeline

393 AC - Storvhit Expedition Transport

During the Storvhit expedition, an Akhlut pack served as mounts for transport across ice pack. Basira al-Arshad rode an Akhlut across the ice, enduring constant jolting as the creature broke through ice with violent blows from its snout.

When the pack reached shore, Basira dismounted and watched the transformation—smooth sea mammal skin gradually developing fur as fins became clawed legs. The entire pack transformed simultaneously from aquatic creatures to land mammals.

Relationships

• Basira al-Arshad: Rode Akhlut across ice pack, witnessed transformation (393 AC)
• Storvhit: Arctic region where Akhlut are native
• The Ouroboros: Airship whose route was being calculated after Akhlut transport