The Bestiary of Khorinis IV

Volume IV: Exotic Creatures

Few creatures command as much respect among seasoned hunters as the swampshark. With no natural enemies in its mostly uncharted habitats, this beast reaches lengths of up to five meters, and combines insatiable hunger with the ability to move its serpentine body on land as well as in water. The massive quadruple jaws are lined with hook-shaped teeth that are built to tear and shred flesh as well as bones.

The greatest challenge for those encountering a swampshark, however, lies in its exoskeleton. Most attempts to harvest trophies end in torn skins and shattered chitin plates - a loss of valuable spoils that proper knowledge can prevent.

The key lies in understanding the interplay of the shark's protective layers: its hide is fused with the exoskeleton, thereby forming a complex structure. Conventional skinning methods inevitably damage one or both layers.

Several trials suggest that these layers can be separated by precise knowledge of their natural seams, particularly around the jaws where the tension of the skin is weaker. Such knowledge is of great value, since both the leathery skin and the chitin plates retain their properties long after being harvested.