Dactilantlers

The Dactilantler is a type of moose that possesses two seemingly simian hands instead of antlers. These hands, or handtlers possess the same properties and abilities as simian hands. 
== Handtlers ==
A Dactilantlers hands are similar in appearance to the hands of simians, but much larger. Each hand is usually larger than the animal's head and is able to turn in all directions. Each hand has an opposable thumb and far more digits, often more than ten and some older specimens have in excess of twenty "fingers" on each hand. The Dactilantler's antler-hands possess a dexterity and manipulative capability usually observed among simians. The intricate musculature and articulated joints allow for a wide range of motion, enabling the Dactilantler to grasp, manipulate, and interact with objects in a manner reminiscent of human hands.
The evolutionary advantages, if any, of this adaptation remain a subject of speculation. Some theorists suggest that the Dactilantler's antler-hands may serve as a form of mimicry, allowing them to blend seamlessly with their forest surroundings. By assuming the appearance of a tree or shrub, the Dactilantler may gain a tactical advantage in ambushing prey or avoiding predators.
The antler-hands serve as versatile tools for foraging, defense, or even communication within their social groups, highlighting the adaptive potential of this unique trait. 
== Behaviors ==
Observations of Dactilantlers in their natural environments have provided intriguing insights into their behavior and interactions. These creatures have been observed using their antler-hands to delicately manipulate objects, such as foraging for food or interacting with their surroundings. Remarkably, Dactilantlers have also been observed engaging in social behaviors, utilizing their antler-hands to communicate and establish dominance within their groups.
Dactilantlers, with their unique antler-hands, exhibit a range of fascinating behaviors that leverage this extraordinary adaptation. These behaviors include communication, foraging, and defense, showcasing the versatility of their peculiar antlers.
=== Communication ===
Dactilantlers employ their antler-hands as a means of communication within their social groups. Through intricate movements and gestures, they convey messages related to dominance, territory, and social bonding. The antler-hands serve as visual signals, facilitating effective communication between individuals.
=== Foraging ===
Dactilantlers utilize their antler-hands to manipulate objects and forage for food. With their dexterous fingers, they delicately grasp and manipulate vegetation, fruits, and other edible resources. The antler-hands enable precise and efficient foraging, allowing them to access nourishment in their forested habitats. They have been observed using their hands to pick fruits from trees, as well as digging into the ground for tubers and truffles with them.
=== Defense ===
When confronted with threats or territorial disputes, Dactilantlers rely on their antler-hands for defense. The antler-hands can be used to deliver swift and forceful strikes, providing a formidable means of defense against predators or rival individuals. The ability to wield their antler-hands in combat ensures their survival and dominance in their environment. A punch from a Dactilantlers hands is enough to kill or ward off predators and the hands are powerful enough to flip over laden carts and their horses.
== Relation to the other races ==
The pursuit of Dactilantlers required hunters to embark on perilous expeditions. Elaborate traps and ambushes weren't effective at ensnaring Actilantlers, due to their hands being able to remove any ropes or nets. These traps varied from concealed pitfalls lined with sharp stakes to snares designed to immobilize their powerful antler-hands. The hunting of Actilantlers was driven less than food or sport but by the desire to possess their off putting and powerful antler-hands. 
Dactilantlers are common symbols of heraldry, with the large outstretched hands being a common motif on shields.
The animal appears in many folk tales and legends telling of the animal strangling or poking out eyes with their fingers, but these behaviors haven't been observed in the wild. Their conflation to legends of the animal peering through open windows to steal babies and other doubtfully accurate behaviors make it the object of mysticism and rampant misinformation, such as their reputation for hunting orcas.
Category:Animals