Lake Austin

Amid the frozen wastes known as “The Winter Spur”, on the Tokuno island of Isamu-Jima, a small archaeological expedition set out to uncover the secrets of a small ruin in the permafrost. From their assembled notes, we have determined that the party were set upon by a hitherto unknown species of ape. Sadly, it is certain that the unarmed diggers perished in the attacks. In attempting to locate the lost expedition, we ourselves were assaulted by these strange, upright apes. Casualties were heavy, and many valuable specimens were destroyed.

Several of my own observations have led me to surmise that these apes are intelligent, perhaps even sentient, albeit violent. Firstly, they seemed to be harboring precious metals, perhaps valuing them for their rarity or lustre. Secondly, they also hoarded various keepsakes of the destroyed diggers’ camp, almost as one would prize a trophy. Thirdly, the tattered notes from the recovered journals seem to theorize that the apes may be the owners of the skins and stone axes found at the dig.

In addition to my own notes Lady Thalia,  one of the volunteers in the search party, uncovered a strange, ape-like skull buried in a most particular fashion. While it is known that some species bury their dead to evade predators, it is my assertion that this skull was ceremonially prepared for interment.

It is therefore my recommendation that this matter be conferred to Lady Cygnus. I feel her expertise in anthropology would greatly advance the study and cataloging of these intelligent apes.

- Lars,

Royal Cryptozoologist.