Stirpike

"“For the last 30 years, the standard reference books listed a 40-foot specimen captured in the Upper Reik near Loningbruck in 2467 as the largest known example of the species. Some scholars, like myself, have questioned the credibility of this, noting it as much larger than any other accurately reported Stirpike, but it seems the claim will never be disproved, as the skeleton, conveniently, was stolen. I’ve been trying to trace similar-sized creatures for most of my life now, but local claims of enormity soon diminish when I bring out my measuring stick."

- Terenz Gaubatz, Imperial Zoologist Society Member



The average length of the Stirpike is 10–14 feet, with females larger than the males. However, the upper limits of their size have been a subject of much debate, conjecture and misinformation.

Many people believe that various parts of an immature Stirpike, or pickerel, can cure a variety of seemingly unrelated ailments, including backache, Green Pox, impotence and the common cold. This is not a universally held belief.

Although the mottled, grey-green Stirpike has almost been wiped out in Stirland, it is still found in some lakes and rivers elsewhere in the Empire. It is one of the largest freshwater predators in the Old World, capable of reaching lengths of some 20 feet and weighing in at over 4,000 pounds. It eats anything foolish enough to cross its path, but its primary diet is a mixture of fish, eels, and leeches. Immature Stirpikes, called pickerels, are believed to have various medicinal qualities, and are much sought after.

Source

 * : Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition -- The WFRP Companion
 * : pg. 118
 * : pg. 119
 * : pg. 125

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