Apoc Elk

Many creatures of Apoc Earth began as predators and evolved to become super predators, unleashing a reign of terror across the globe. But these creatures must prey on something, besides unfortunate humans or L'na, and these leaps in evolution must in most cases be a reaction to help them further prey on other creatures. When one observes the Apoc Elk, one can clearly see why predators have changed in such drastic ways.

The Apoc Elk has more in common with the Megaloceros giganteus, commonly known as the Irish Elk of prehistoric times. Found on almost every continent in the Northern hemisphere, the Apoc Elk prefers alpine forests and deep valleys with plenty of food and cover. Size and color will vary according to habitat, but the standard size of an Apoc Elk is around 8 to 9 ft. tall at the shoulder, ranging 12 to 15 ft. tip to tail. Apoc Elk can weigh in at upwards of 4 tons. Their two foremost limbs have paws that are can employ basic manipulation skills, which allow the Elk to help reach higher branches and bend over small trees. There are rumors among the Churl tribes that the Elk can also use this paws to "grab" victims, but this largely discounted by High-bred as Churl ignorance.

Their six legs give them a run speed of roughly 50 mph. This speed cannot be maintained for long distances, but rather short and powerful sprints. Males and females both employ antlers for self defense and courtship. Besides possessing an extra set of legs, the Apoc Elk also suffers a Flux crystal growth, usually predominant on the antlers and tail. The tail is somewhat prehensile, and can function as a weapon in tight quarters. The source of this growth is as yet undetermined.

The Apoc Elk is primarily herbivorous, however can become omnivorous during their rutting season, needing more protein and energy for courtship. While it is not always seeking prey, the Apoc Elk remains an extremely violent creature. Fiercely territorial for an herbivore, the Apoc Elk will violently attack anything it perceives as a threat, which includes most creatures. Apoc Elks will attack with the least bit of provocation, and proceed to gore its opponent. Once started, the Elk will likely not stop attacking until either it or its victim dies.

When not in the rut, however, the Apoc Elk is a relatively solitary creature, living either alone or in small herds. The herds will form into very large herds during mating season to include hundreds or thousands of individuals. During this time, the Apoc Elk will become even more aggressive and hostile, and have leveled entire High-bred bases and Churl tribes in their rage. Because of this aggression, in the months leading up to the mating seasons (which is usually mid- to late Autumn), Churl tribes will often organize massive Elk hunts. This is beneficial for the Churl as it provides with much needed food and materials for the harsher winter months, and also thins the local Elk populations which have become increasingly larger. The Apoc Elk has no "natural" predator. It fills certain niches on several food chains, and preyed upon by various creatures. However, the Apoc Elk is notoriously difficult to take down. Far more ferocious than most of the predators of Apoc Earth, this creature should be avoided at all costs.

The Apoc Elk has become an interesting creature in Apoc Earth society. Many Churl tribes in Central Europe have come to venerate this creature as a totem beast, and fashion helms, shields and armor out of Apoc Elk skulls. There are rumors that Northern European High-breds have attempted to domesticate the species for a food source, but nothing has been confirmed. The NAU supposedly have trained special hunters to hunt these creatures and others for food sources and to help "secure" wilderness areas.

Tactics: The Apoc Elk attacks in a very straight forward manner. It will usually resort to a charge that can be devastating on all but the largest of creatures. If surrounded or cornered, the Apoc Elk will bite, thrash, and kick in a reckless fury until it or its opponents are dead. It should be noted that this creature is tenacious and no encounter is ever quick. If proper time is given, it is best to engage this creature at extremely long range and from a defended position.