The Agnak is one of the more misunderstood creatures native to Anarkand. At first sight, there is little about the species that suggests anything other than a violent predator. Its enormous mouth, rows of elongated teeth, heavily muscled body and almost perpetually wet appearance have earned it a reputation as a savage beast capable of tearing apart anything unfortunate enough to cross its path.


That reputation is largely undeserved.


Despite their terrifying appearance, Agnaks are generally passive, nervous and remarkably cautious creatures. A solitary Agnak will usually retreat rather than confront another animal, and even groups will often scatter when faced with something significantly larger or more threatening. Their behaviour becomes markedly different when several Agnaks gather together, however. A sufficiently large pack can become bold, territorial and surprisingly dangerous, particularly when they believe they have overwhelming numerical superiority.


ORIGINS

The true origins of the Agnak remain unknown. The species is believed to have existed around Villarakis for thousands of years, particularly along the country's remote western and southern outskirts, where damp lowlands, rocky coastlines and poorly travelled wilderness provide suitable habitat. Agnaks are rarely seen deep within settled areas, preferring abandoned ground, marshy terrain, coastal caves and overgrown valleys.


The most widely accepted theory is that the Agnak originated in the Anima Ocean, west of Villarakis.


According to this theory, their ancestors were marine organisms that gradually began exploiting the coastal environments surrounding Villarakis. Initially, these creatures may have ventured onto exposed shorelines for food before returning to the ocean. Over countless generations, increasingly effective adaptations allowed some populations to remain outside the water for longer periods.


This type of evolutionary transition is not entirely implausible within the broader biological history of Anarkand. Aquatic animals elsewhere have independently developed methods of surviving outside water, with changes to respiration, movement, skin and sensory systems allowing some species to exploit terrestrial environments.


What makes the Agnak unusual is how completely it appears to have embraced the land. Modern Agnaks are capable swimmers, but most populations spend the majority of their lives on solid ground. Their ancestors may therefore represent one of several ancient Anarkand species that crossed the boundary between ocean and land. There is, however, no definitive evidence proving this theory.


A particularly controversial theory proposes that the Agnak is far older than Villarakis itself. If true, this would mean the creature's ancestors could predate many of the modern borders and civilisations of Anarkand.


THE GREATEST DANGER


Everything changes when Agnaks gather in significant numbers. Agnaks are social animals and can form groups ranging from three or four individuals to several dozen. Small groups remain relatively cautious whereas large groups become much more confident. When a pack believes it substantially outnumbers a perceived threat, individual Agnaks begin moving closer together. They produce deep vocalisations, open their mouths and advance slowly towards the target.


The result can be terrifying.