Lynchkankers

Lynchkankers are a fictional mammalian species from the fantasy setting of Eldmere. They are medium-sized carnivorans native to the temperate forests of the Ghalin island chain. Adults measure roughly 60–85 cm in body length, with a 40–60 cm tail, and weigh about 4–7 kg. Their fur is short and dense, typically brown and cream with stripes, and they have tufted ears and a long, ringed tail.

They are adaptable omnivores and skilled climbers. Diet includes small vertebrates, birds, insects, fruit, and berries. They are usually solitary or live in small family groups, communicating with a mix of vocalizations and scent marks. Breeding occurs in spring, with litters of two to three offspring; gestation runs about 60–65 days. Young stay with the mother for several months; wild lifespan is around 10–14 years.

In folklore and fiction, lynchkankers are depicted as cunning woodland figures, sometimes tricksters or guardians of forest secrets. They are considered an important component of forest ecosystems, helping control pests and disperse seeds. They are not widely domesticated, and their conservation status varies by region with habitat health and fragmentation affecting local populations.