Tredecimosian Beastiary

Shadowkin

Within the realm of Penumbris are a multitude of demons and Devils. However, these beings are generally found within the infernal city, Caligavit; which lies in the deepest depths of this realm. Besides the infernal beings which reside in Caligavit, there are many creatures which are aligned with the element of darkness, and reside within the shadowy expanse of the realm beyond the city. Among these creatures detailed below are Abysswalkers, Blackblazers, Bleak Men, Darkstalkers, The Everdim, Hellhounds, Nightmares, Nyxine, Slithershades, Tarn Mala, Trihounds, Umbrahulks, and Wendigos.

Abysswalkers are dark red in coloration, with very long legs and spikes coming out of their head at various angles. They are nomadic, striding leisurely from location to location. When hunting, they will emit a low pitched whine to attract prey. Once the prey is spotted, the Abysswalker will simply jump over to the prey and squash it with their feet.

Blackblazers are creatures of shifting, black and blue flames which take on different forms depending on the situation presented. When hunting, they will disguise themselves as a normally colored campfire and lie in wait of prey. When their prey stops to rest and warm up, the Blackblazer will assume the form of an enormous fiery skull of its usual coloration, and devour the unfortunate being entirely with one vicious chomp.

Bleak Men are tall, thin humanoids with paper-white flesh, elongated limbs, and no face. They generally appear in some form of formal attire, ranging from a regular suit and tie, to pinstripe, to actual royalty-based clothing. These strange creatures will occasionally be found in forests in other realms, psychically latching onto their prey. Once the prey has been selected, the unfortunate being will have nightmares of the Bleak Man for weeks; until the Bleak Man comes to get them. When the Bleak Man does come for its prey, it will sprout long, writhing tendrils from its back; which it can use to impale the prey and drain them of their lifeforce.

Darkstalkers are six foot tall, reptilian creatures with indigo skin and neon green eyes. They have razor sharp talons which are generally up to a foot long. When hunting, they will blend in with the surrounding darkness until their prey appears within pouncing distance. The aforementioned pouncing distance is roughly 10 feet upward and 40 feet ahead. By the time one sees the green, lizardlike eyes staring unblinkingly at them, it is generally too late already.

The Everdim are dark grey creatures which emit a very low light around them. They resemble a twisted copy of a Gray Herald, with boney wings sprouting from their backs. The Everdim seek to absorb as much light as possible. It is said that if an Everdim can absorb enough light, they will ascend to the form of a Gloam Giant.

Hellhounds, contrary to their naming and popular belief, are not actually demons at all. These creatures appear as large, black, shaggy dog creatures which have features resembling a cross between a Great Dane and a wolf. Their eyes are black as well, and their matted manes emit a smoky haze at all times, as if constantly smoldering. Hellhounds are vicious and generally feral, although they have a great affinity for demonkind, who often keep them as pets and guard dogs; though generally the latter is a job given by lesser demons who have no status, power, or finance for actual demon guards.

Nightmares are equestrian creatures which are wreathed in flame. Their fur is black as coal, their eyes red as blood, and their hooves have horseshoes made of basalt and black iron. These creatures, as the name suggests, can invade dreams. The Nightmare is incredibly intelligent, and despite being able to communicate verbally, they can do so telepathically. When a Nightmare invades one's dreams, they gallop to the deepest reaches of their subconscious; where they begin consuming the dream from within, absorbing the memories and tainting the dreamscape, turning it into the creature's very namesake. It is believed that if a Nightmare consumes enough dreams from the Awakened Races and Humans, they will become something more; though nobody is quite sure what, exactly.

Nyxine are often referred to as "Sleep Paralysis Demons", though in fact, they are not demons at all. The Nyxine appears as a tall, gangly, vaguely humanoid being of jet black, bumpy skin. The Nyxine head varies between each one. A nocturnal species, when they slip out of Penumbris, they stalk into the homes of the sleeping in the dead of night. Despite their appearance, they are generally docile. If left undisturbed, they will simply collect a few odds and ends, such as a single sock, or a few pairs of underwear; and leave. If someone wakes and sees them, however, the Nyxine's passive aura will paralyze the waker and induce fear in most. The Nyxine will be alerted, and stare down the waker until they fall asleep again, or otherwise give up on pursuing the Nyxine in any fashion.

Slithershades are long, snake like creatures made of a mass of writhing shadow. They can talk, and often trick others into deals they regret. Their reasoning is unknown, especially since nobody can seem to figure out their diet.

Tarn Mala, or Evil Clowns, are twisted creatures which appear as a fat man with colorful clothing and a painted face. Although they may smile innocently, this is but a ruse. The Tarn Mala will use its innocent funnyman act to lower the guard of its victim. Once the Clown has separated its prey from the group, they will unhinge their jaw much in the fashion of a large snake. Their arms will stretch and wrap around the ankles of its victim, and feed it upside-down into the outstretched mouth, swallowing it whole.

Trihounds are considered to be a mutation of the more common Hellhound, one found with three heads. In addition to this, they can grow even larger by far than a Hellhound, upwards of 10 feet tall by six feet long and four feet wide. The most ferocious of these Trihounds is Cerberus, a 50 foot tall Trihound which guards the blazing gates to the infernal city, Caligavit.

Umbrahulks are immense, bipedal creatures which have onyx black skin, four massive arms reaching five feet long, two legs just as bulky and long, and a face of scarred flesh and sharp teeth. The Umbrahulk will use its arms and legs to skitter along walls and ceilings, surprisingly quiet and agile despite their sheer mass. They reside often in the deeper subterranean reaches of caves of other realms, and when unsuspecting prey walks into their lair, the Umbrahulk will drop down from the ceiling near their prey, leering at them with angry, yellow eyes. This staredown can actually paralyze most it centers on with primal, acute fear. Once the Umbrahulk reaches its prey, it will take one limb in each massive, gnarled hand; and quarter them on the spot.

Wendigos are an intriguing creature in that they are not spawned within Penumbris naturally, but in fact are the result of a horrific transformation from man to beast. While metahumans seem to be unaffected by this curse; if a Human eats too much Flesh of The Fellows (Also known as Longpig, or human flesh), especially outside of necessity, they are themselves consumed by a burning hunger and twisted visage. The Human will transform over a week, into a Wendigo. The Wendigo appears as a burly chested, yet slim-limbed, pale grey creature with a batlike nose and beady red eyes. They are expert hunters of Humans; able to mimic the cries of women and small children, and gifted with preternatural speed, strength, agility, smell, and hearing. While the Wendigo enjoys the hunt, they also enjoy fresh meat, and do not feed very often. As a result, they often knock unconscious the third victim each week to keep stored away until such a time that the Wendigo must feed once more.