Keltirs of Elmoreden

Basics

Keltirs are medium-sized predators that inhabit various parts of Elmoreden.

Keltirs are omnivores, primarily feeding on carrion, though their diet is not exclusively scavenged meat. Generally, they do not pose a threat to humans, but if provoked or attacked, they can defend themselves aggressively, potentially causing serious injury or even death. Additionally, their presence can negatively impact populations of other animal and bird species.

Keltirs, members of the canidae family, are part of the animal kingdom. These predators are known for their bold and ruthless hunting behavior. However, when confronted by a larger predator, they typically flee and seek shelter.

MasterWork librarians embarked on a expedition across Elmoreden to study these creatures and deepen their understanding of their behaviour and habits.

---

Appearance

The keltir is a small animal, similar in general build to the wolf. Like all canines, keltir have a head, a body, four paws with claws and a shaggy tail.

The body length, excluding the tail, can reach up to 80 cm, while the tail may extend up to 25 cm. The height at the withers reaches 50 cm. The fur is predominantly grey, with the belly, chest, chin, muzzle, and inner sides of the limbs exhibiting a dull yellow colouration. Brown stripes are present along the back. The tail is directed downward and features a dull yellow hue with brown rings, with its tip also being brown. Sexual dimorphism is not pronounced, as males and females are indistinguishable in appearance.

The head features triangular ears, a small nose, yellow eyes, and a mouth with sharp fangs. The face has a black pattern resembling a mask. On the forehead, there is a distinctive yellow marking that visually resembles a third eye.

The scientists of the Elmoreden have identified 17 different types of keltirs. Despite the differences in names, all these keltirs have no distinct external features and look identical.

---

Habitat and species

---

---

---

---

---

---

Lifestyle and diet

Keltirs lead a solitary lifestyle, occasionally forming small family packs of 2 to 5 individuals.

Keltirs inhabit areas near small settlements. That is determined by the need to avoid encounters with dangerous predators in remote areas while staying far from large numbers of humanoids near major cities. Rural areas provide keltirs with opportunities to hunt wild prey and raid farmland.

The keltir's diet is varied but not abundant. When hunting alone, it preys on small birds and animals and often feeds on carrion. Among plant-based foods, it consumes berries and fruits. Thanks to its natural audacity, the keltir may raid poultry houses and farmlands while avoiding direct encounters with humanoids. In family packs, keltirs act cohesively: during a hunt, individuals drive their prey toward each other; together, they fend off other predators and scavengers to claim carcasses of already killed animals. A careless traveller may also fall victim to a keltir.

---

Keltir Hunting

Many villages in Elmoraden have declared a keltir hunt. The villagers share information about the keltir's habitats and exchange certain trophies obtained during the hunt for valuable rewards to travellers.

• Rockswell Lighthouse Keeper in Talking Island Village is preparing a secret ritual ceremony and asks travellers to get him some Fox Fur.

• Pixy Murika in the Elven Village is concerned about the decline in the animal and bird population in the Elven Forest. To restore balance, Murika requires the Predator's Fangs.
  • Fairies do not like strangers, and Murika is no exception. Only Elves can participate in the restoration of the forest.

• Nelsya Sentry in the Dark Elf Village conducts the initiation ceremony for the participants of the ritual hunt in honour of Shillien and gives out rewards to the winners.
  • The Shillien Hunt is only for Dark Elves. Nobody else is welcome.

• Bixon Marksman in Kamael Village is concerned about the growing keltir population, which in turn attracts large predators to the vicinity of the Village.
  • Bixon's activities are considered poaching and are banned on MasterWork.

• Bleaker Fishing Guild Member and other members of the Fishing Guild accept orders for the creation of Fishing Lures of all ranks. Sweet Fluid is required to create them, which drops from the bodies of slain keltirs.
  • The activities of the Fishing Guild are considered poaching and are banned on MasterWork.

• Newbie Helper gives away the Elmoreden World Map to newbie travellers. To get the Map, contact the Helper of your race and bring him some Keltir Fangs.
  • Due to the technological advancement of the Elmoreden Kingdom during Chronicle 3 Rise of Darkness, all travellers receive a world map for free without collecting Keltir Fangs.

• Every traveller can hunt keltirs on their own:
  • Butcher and skin the carcass of a slain keltir to obtain valuable resources
  • Carefully examine inside the keltir for Adena and jewellery. Keltirs are full of shiny objects.
  • Explore keltir dens. They often contain shirts, pants, shields and weapons of less fortunate hunters

---

Keltirs in Culture

Rituals of Goddess Shillien

Shilen's Hunt, also called the Wild Hunt, is a ritual observed in the Dark Elf Village, starting ten days before the Dark Mass dedicated to Shillien and Gran Kain. Its primary purpose is to gather sacrifices for the Black Mass, focused on obtaining Dark Bezoars — magical stones carried by the Chosen Shillien keltirs. A hunter collects 13 Dark Bezoars, earns the title of "Great Hunter", and receives gifts from the Abyssal Priests. Historically, this hunt served as a means to compel young Dark Elves to gather supplies for winter. In modern times, however, it has become a mere formality.

Sacrifices to Shillien, the Goddess of the Deep Seas, are performed on Talking Island, where some residents seek her blessing and protection for their sea voyages. In ancient times, a virgin was offered, but today, a doll with hair made from keltir wool is used instead. As the Church of Einhasad strictly forbids this ritual, it is carried out in secrecy.

---

Third Eye

The inhabitants of Elmoreden attribute various mythological and esoteric meanings to the third eye design on the keltir's forehead.

In the southern regions, secretive teaching holds that the third eye represents enlightenment and a profound perception of the world. These beliefs contradict the doctrines of the Holy Church of Einhasad and are spread in secrecy. According to these teachings, legends speak of a powerful dark wizard who resides in a shadowy citadel within a hidden dimension, sending his spies into our world in the form of enormous, floating eyes.

The Dark Elves see the pattern on the keltir's forehead as a harbinger of destruction, like the All-Seeing Eye of Shillien in the starry sky.

---

Idiomatic

The word "keltir" is often used as an insult among travellers, symbolizing cowardice and deceit. Throughout Elmoreden, conflicts of various kinds and scales are a common occurrence among those journeying across the land.

The phrase "Elder Prairie Keltir" is used to mock inexperienced travellers, implying that they belong in small villages rather than the wider world.

There is also a warning: do not confuse the Keltir with the Celtus. That can lead to unpleasant consequences.

---

Film

---

Credits

The following MasterWork Librarians took part in the expedition:

• Author of the article and editor-in-chief — Abyss Walker SubMarine
• Consultant and writer — Fortune Seeker Owlet
• Artist and writer — Dark Avenger of Marvel Cat

Special thanks to:

• Videographer and naturalist — Abyss Walker FocusDeath
• Translator — Judicator Tokomo

---