Yrkki was known by locals as a "bonewight" (or "Jotunfiend") who preyed on travelers crossing a bridge over a chasm on the Wight Road as it passed north through the Bone Peninsula.[1] In reality, he was a bonewright, tasked ages ago by the Jaghut to guard the way north against the T'lan Imass.[2]
- "Set in stone to ward the way, spirit guardians await the day. "
- ―Fisher
In his full appearance, Yrkki was a gigantic "four man-heights" tall and constructed of all manner of bones--human, animal, giant, and dragon.[3] His head was a dragon skull whose eyes glowed with "deep ocean-blue flames" and he had a booming basso voice.[4] When he wasn't dealing with travelers, his bones lay scattered and buried around the bridge. His bridge was constructed only from the bone and sinew of the T'lan Imass, at his own request.[5]
Yrkki treated Icebloods as equals,[6] but all other travelers had to pay a price to cross his bridge. He requested the bones of one in three of each group that attempted to cross, although he was willing to negotiate with unusual travelers.[7]
In Assail
Yrkki confronted the overland raiding group of Marshal Teal, Enguf the Broad, Malle of Gris, Fisher kel Tath, and Jethiss as they tried to cross his bridge. When they balked at paying the bone price, Yrkki agreed to take only Jethiss in their place. The amnesiac Andii agreed under the condition that Yrkki would tell him his real name. Fisher also agreed to stay. Yrkki grasped them both in his hands and left them in a cave deep in the chasm where they discovered Coots and Badlands. The four climbed out of the chasm and were confronted by Yrkki before he was driven off by Jethiss's magic.
Later, Yrkki confronted a band of Kerluhm T'lan Imass who were attempting to pass north over his bridge. In the fight that followed, Yrkki was destroyed and his bridge collapsed into the chasm.[8]