Classification: Mythical Beasts & Cryptids

Temporal Range: Ancient

Geographic Range: India

Diet: Carnivorous

Horde: Wild Beasts

The Crocotta, a terrifying blend of hyena, lion, and wolf, has been recounted in tales dating back to Ancient Greece. Hailing from India, it is described as a fierce beast that can crush men to death with its teeth. While you might be thinking “surely the fangs would tear you to pieces first,” there have been conflicting tales of the terrifying teeth of the Crocotta. While some claim it has fangs like a wolf, many reports have described bony stumps in its mouth that it uses to crush its prey.

Aside from that horrible detail, the Crocotta does get worse. This beast has the ability to mimic human speech. Yes, that does mean there are human words escaping past its bone-teeth. Another awful image. Most survivors have reported that the Crocotta mimicked someone they knew and trusted well, leading them astray and straight into the (stumpy) mouth of danger.

Some ancient scholars claim the Crocotta cannot be vanquished by human forged steel but we are yet to see any concrete evidence that they are impervious to harm. In the meantime, steer clear of its teeth at all costs, and if you hear a call that sounds like a loved one, perhaps send them a quick message before rushing off to investigate.

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