Walruses

La. "valkohampaiset merikoirat", sing. " valkohampainen merikoira"

While technically a member of the seal family, the walrus is differentiated by its enormous invory tusks. It is a large, but very shy animal, and retreats to the water if threatened.

Walruses of Forodwaith
The walrus is one of the animals favored by both the Ystävät Talven and southern-based hunters. Its thick hide makes excellent armor, while its ivory tusks can weigh up to 10 lbs apiece. The great layer of fat beneath its hide is a source of lamp oil and tallow.

Walruses do not congegrate in huge colonies as other seals, but gather in groups of a hundred or less upon the ice-floes and isolated beaches of Forochel's bay. They are non-aggressive, preferring to flee to the safety of water than standing to fight. During the mating season, bulls hold contests of strength among themselves, but are unlikely to bother passers-by unless deliberately provoked.

Seal-hunters often refer to a walrus simply as hammas (La. "tooth", pl. "hampaat"), which may cause some confusion to anyone unfamiliar with the slang.