Helvetii Bestiary

[UnBaed 8951]

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

Helvetii Bestiary

By Lady Margaux Renée Ostrovich-Helvets

 

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A vampire disguised as a familiar being prevented entry from its victim’s home.

 

Vampire; Vampyre - Strigoi - Blood Drinker

A creature of the night which must feed off from the living in order to sustain themselves, primarily drinking the blood of descendants and in some cases cattle.

 

Weaknesses: Silver, aurum, white oak and ash stakes, garlic, holy water, sunlight, rivers

 

A vampire is a creature that had once been a descendant, though had died and returned to our mortal realm with a deadly thirst for the blood of the living; forever cursed to pursue the essence of life that they had once possessed and lost.  Every fortnight they are compelled to hunt for blood, though can be known to kill more often for their own pleasure.  They often appear as normal descendants, though descriptions of their traits have varied from various tales of Orenian and Haeseni folklore; ranging from pale and gaunt complexions to bloated and ruddy - making it difficult to spot one easily, unless they reveal their true forms.

 

There are three forms a vampire may take; masked, beastly, and spiritual shape.

 

Masked Form

The most difficult form to discover a vampire with, for they have the ability to display themselves as if they were a common and healthy descendant; however, there are still traits of a vampire to be found for the most observant.  Their fingernails may appear claw-like, which are commonly to be seen if a vampire has gone without feeding for a long duration; before they are to feed or single out a victim to prey upon, their eyes may glow faintly while having a hardened, malicious, and piercing look of hunger; lastly, the canines within their mouth may be more pointed than an ordinary descendants.  It is written, however, in various folktales that vampires possess the ability to extend the length of their fangs at will, for when they feed or wish to blend in.

 

“The last I recall seeing of the strigoi was his kissing his hand to me, with a red light of triumph in his eyes, and a smile that Iblees himself might be proud of.”

Jonathan Harper, 1502

 [Bram Stoker]

 

Beastly Form

A horrific and near maddening sight to see, and not one that many survive to describe to others.  A vampire may drop their disguise at will to transform into a shape that embodies their dark nature, which is rumored to be a beastly appearance.  In more ancient accounts of vampiric encounters within humanity, they have been described to be tall in stature though lean and sinewy; bat-like ears protrude from their head and stout, curled noses are centered upon their grotesque, grey countenances.  Their fangs grow in size and devilish wings may even emerge from their backs, where they may take flight into the night.

 

An account taken from the city of Aldersberg of Axios describes an attack of vampires in their beastly forms in the city’s tavern.  The chaos erupted from the encounter caused a fire to destroy the edifice and damage the neighboring buildings, leaving a number of people dead or injured.

 

Spiritual Shape

When needing to travel more discreetly and unnoticed, a vampire may transform themselves into a small creature that may even be described as a familiar.  It is often a creature that can take flight, such as a bat or even a raven; however, it is possible for a vampire to project themselves through other means.  If a vampire is to focus their energies while conducting a dark ritual, their spirit may be projected at a location of their choosing to communicate or even pass their influence upon a victim.  In this near-spectral state, they can appear as a shadow of themself, a fog, a swarm of insects, or may only just be spotted through the reflection of mirrors.

 

A frost witch’s incorporeal projection floating over snow-covered streets in the night, hunting for an unfortunate drunkard to feast upon.

 

Frost Witch; Ice Maiden - Man Eater

Monstrous women with icy hearts and power over frost and snow, though with a terrible hunger for the flesh of men.

 

Weaknesses: Aurum, fire, salt, spicy foods, holy water and symbols

 

A frost witch is a woman that has given up her humanity [sometimes unwillingly] for wicked powers of ice and snow.  They are the starkness of a winter storm, the cold that lulls its victims into an eternal sleep as it fastens itself to them in order to sap the life from their bodies.  Beneath their facades that are youthful and enticing maidens lies a ferocious and bitter hag of ice that is ready to lurch itself toward their only prey; men.

 

There is nothing that a frost witch may crave and detest more than men; they view them only as an opportunity for a meal, though don’t go mistaking my words as some coy writing to hint for a sinful night.  A frost witch eats and thrives off of the flesh of a man, and is likely to think them useless otherwise.

 

Despite their threat, they are very rare to ever encounter; many individuals go on living without even knowing of their existence.  Though, should one be one to cling to caution, there are some subtleties of these ice maidens that can be kept watch for;
 

• Minty or chilled breaths
• Prespires easily
• Favorable of the cold
• Clear distaste for Canonism and men

 

A froswitch is capable of masking their icy countenances with illusory spells and enchantments, which makes them masters at deceivery and wit; such is all relied upon for their survival, afterall.  In addition with their illusions, they are capable of centering their magical focus upon a victim to alter their perspective on reality and to better confuse their prey.

 

In the 15th and 16th century in the primary kingdoms of men, many witch burnings had occurred due to a wild paranoia of frost witches having integrated into society; thousands of innocent women and sorceresses had been burned at the stake due to such erratic suspicions.  In the modern day of the 17th century, such practices have grown to be wildly unpopular and uncommon in the Empire.  The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, however, still clings to such radical traditions; King Heinrik Karl had attempted to wrongfully burn his own aunt at the stake for his paranoia of witches in 1817.

 

Unicorns; Licorne 

A rare and pure white horse that has a singular horn protruding from its head, which is believed to have magical properties.

 

Hardly much of a threat, though pursued often by prominent hunters wishing to display their talents in trapping the untrappable.  A unicorn is known to be a wise and elusive creature, known only to be drawn toward young maidens for wariness of corruption from any other individual; it is the young woman’s purity and untampered virtue and honor that attracts this noble steed.  

 

It has been rumored that Saint Catherine of Felsen’s chosen steed was a unicorn, which had been drawn toward her holy displays of integrity and chastity.

 

A unicorn’s horn is one of the most prized trophies for a huntsman to acquire for its highly unique magical qualities which some writings have communicated beliefs that holy blessings reside in the horn.  Common traits that a unicorn’s horn possesses are curing the effects of poison and disease, or even to lessen the effects of age for those that would drink water that had once touched the horn; however, all abilities are said to become dulled or ineffective within the horn should the unicorn perish.

 

A troll depicted in the moonlight, peering over the tops of trees and over a quiet Ruskan farmstead.

 

Trolls; Giants - Rockmen

Old creatures of the land, who are believed to have been birthed from the mountains; found commonly in northern Almaris.

 

Trolls don’t often pose as much of a threat, unless they are provoked; otherwise they may be viewed as oversized pests to common folk rather than a life-threatening danger; their grievances often being stealing from farmsteads to prevent passage on bridges in exchange for food or entertainment.  

 

It is not often wise to encourage conflict with a troll, due to their high endurance and immense strength--as well as having the height and width reminiscent of a cottage or larger.  One would require siege weaponry to properly handle a violent troll, though it is highly urged that any other peaceful route be taken in dealing with a troll before resorting to forceful means due to the risk of devastation.

 

The flesh of trolls vary, from being soft, furred, or even hardened like stone while even bearing the likeness to rocks and boulders.  Their steps are thunderous and send soft tremors through the earth and heavy prints upon the ground; despite their near-destructive sizes, the personal characteristics of trolls are often gentle and near childlike.  Their diets are primarily vegan, though their appetites are monstrous which is a primary factor in their interactions with the descendents in recent years.

 

Unfortunately, such interactions have stirred conflict between the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the trolls after the former had mistakenly destroyed the source of food for the trolls.  Conflict had begun in the earlier 1810s and still continues as of the published date of this text in 1828.

 

Gnomes; Pixies - Fairymen - Halfdwed

Tricksters of the woodlands, who enjoy loafing around, stealing treats, and pulling pranks.

 

The origin of gnomes remains uncertain; some believe them to be residual products of druidcraft; invaders from the realm of fae; a subrace of dwarves and halfmen; or even children of mushrooms and fungi.  They are similar to trolls in being pests, though are less of a physical threat due to their miniscule sizes; however, that isn’t to make them any less of an annoyance to one’s abode.

 

Gnomes are schemers and tricksters, masters of wit in pulling the worst of pranks that one could suffer for their own amusement or through spite.  They will switch up the spices within one’s home, hide a boot or sock when you shall require it in the morning, or even slip a hot coal under your blanket as you lay in bed.  Their tricks can go from harmless to destructive quite easily, though such risks are hardly ever a gnome’s concern, especially if they grow a disliking to their victim.  It is not impossible to perish from a supposed accident from a gnome’s misdeeds.

 

To ward gnomes away from your home, keep an owl totem perched upon your roof or on a visible branch that is viewable; such a predator of the sky is the bane to the pixy-men and would surely scare them off.  In Haeseni folklore, however, it is tradition to prepare meals where an extra plate or bowl may be served.  It is meant as an offering to any gnomes that might sneak into their abode in the dark of night, to then receive mercy in pranks for their gift of food.

 

Gnome sightings have thinned out immensely over the years, the last public presence of a gnome had been within New Reza in the Ekaterinburg Palace of Arcas; the gnomefolk presented themselves to the Crown amidst court to ask for favors for their kin, though spoke only in rhymes and riddles.

 

A hunting party encountering a feral beastman in the woodlands of Cathalon.

 

Werewolf; Beastmen - Wolfmen - Werebeast

A man that may transform into a horrific beast at will, though rumored to lose control of their abilities when a full moon looms above; they crave the hearts of descendants for their meals while in their beastly states.

 

Weaknesses: Bronze, aurum, loud noises, holy water and symbols, wolfsbane 

 

The origins of werewolves differ greatly between various pieces of folklore in cultures; they are rumored to have come from the fae realm of the druidfolk; to be the product of beastiality; a miscreation of an alchemical ritual influenced with a chaotic and otherworldly power; or simply that they have existed within our realm as long as descendants had.  Either way, a werewolf is a rare creature to ever encounter in one’s life; leaving many to wonder if their existence is true.

 

Despite the clever guises beastmen may don to live in society as normal men, there are aspects of their being that simply cannot be hidden through glamorous enchantments, spells, or mannerisms.  Such is their smell, oft reeking like a wet dog; canines and other animals may even act skittish around them, especially during or around a full moon.  The disguised bodies of the beastmen may mask their furry and beastial appearances, they cannot fully suppress such a strong trait; meaning a werebeast may have hairy bodies and wolfish features.  Behavioral patterns are rather bold and stubborn, with active and near-dangerous lifestyles filled with adrenaline.

 

A sighting of a supposed werebeast has occurred in the Duchy of Cathalon in the Holy Orenian Empire; farmers around the Cheval Hall Estate and the township of Redenford have shared rumor and tale of an oversized ratman which prowls the woodlands in the night.  Such rumors and tales have brought up question of beastmen’s relation to the catmen, or Kharajyr, due to their rather bestialand varying appearances; it’s entirely possible that a simple merchant of the feline bloodline had been mistaken for an oversized vermin due to the struggles of Luciensburg to the South.  Other rumors mention the creature is sickly, as if it were a catman with mange. 

 

Marshland sirens swimming amongst fragrant lily pads.

 

Mermaid; Sirens - Sea Maidens - Water Nymphs

Fair maidens who reside in saltwater and freshwater environments, who bear powerful magical abilities and a deadly and entrapping beauty that is the cause of hundreds of sailors’ deaths.

 

Weaknesses: Fishnets, oil, fire, deafmen, drawn to shiny objects 

 

Beautiful women who walk in the dreams of sailors, and rule over their nightmares.  Slick and smooth skin is accompanied by ever long and flowing hair of silk, yet their red lips curl back to reveal mouths filled with teeth akin to a piranha.  The color of a siren's skin ranges from murky greys, to dark blues and greens of the sea.  The eyes of a mermaid are larger than normal for a descendant and shine as waves do in the sunlight; however, a mermaid may alter her appearance to whoever their alluring songs touch the ears of.  While charmed, a victim (commonly a man) may see the mermaid for a beautiful woman that suits his fancy rather than a web-fingered and fin-tailed creature of the currents.

 

“I see a lily on thy brow; With anguish moist and fever-dew; And on thy cheeks a fading rose; Fast withereth too.”

A siren’s whisper to her victim, moments before he was saved from her clutches.

[La Belle Dame Sans Merci]

 

It is commonly said amongst sailors and fishermen that if a mermaid is to be caught in one’s net and spared, she may grant a wish in show of her gratitude to the one that would show her mercy.  In other stories, mermaids have been described to save the lives of maidens who’ve nearly drowned in the sea; a kiss is bestowed to them, which allows for them to breath under water until a new moon comes.  Yet women who are kissed by sirens are cursed with the fate of losing their first born to the sea.

 

A gaggle of sprites stalking through the brush in the light of the rising sun.

 

Woodland Faeries; Satyrs - Sprites - Fairies

Creatures of the wood, varying in sizes and shapes though, are often around the height of a child or dwarf.  As tricksy as gnomes are, though with far more malicious intent with their pranks and lessons - especially toward adults.

 

Weaknesses: Loud noises, wild sage, drawn to baby teeth

 

Critters and folk of the forests, believed to have invaded the realm of the descendents from the Fae world.  They are devilish and mischievous in nature, finding enjoyment in misfortune and exasperation through their pranks and tricks; though they are capable in forming relationships and deals with descendants if provided with enough praise to appease their immense egos.

 

Fairies have the power to turn themselves invisible at will, though they are often bold and run about unmasked in meadows and clearings during the hour of the sun rising and setting; dusk and dawn are when sprites are most active, further encouraging for parents to keep their children close and at home during such hours; if a child is to wander away during this period, they will be at risk of getting lost.

 

A sprite’s way of beckoning a child deeper and deeper into the brush is by growing a trail of wildflowers for them to follow.  It’s never the fairy’s intention for the child to starve and suffer from exposure to the elements; rather, it’s for the fairy to try and selfishly gain a new friend and playmate. Despite such innocent intent, a sprite’s influence is deadly and unwanted on any farmstead or village.

 

To ward away fairies from one’s home, it’s encouraged for windchimes to be hung around the property and for sage to be grown along the outskirts.  The noises of the chimes can be jarring and deafening to any sprite, and may even confuse them; the scent of sage is far too pungent for their liking. 

 

Alchemists often aim to trap and capture sprites, especially the smaller and more delicate breed of fairies known as tooth fairies - descended from the larger and crueler bone fairies which lurk in untended graveyards.  The wings of fairies have proven useful in various potion recipes, according to some texts; therefore, alchemists collect baby teeth to lure such fairies into their traps.

 

A nefarious ritual hosted the night of a solstice to summon hellish spirits into the realm.

 

Undead; Spectres - Ghouls - Necrophages - Ghosts

Lost spirits or souls brought back through dark magic to walk the realm of the descendants again, their forms vary from being incorporeal and mist-like to decayed and grotesque bodies.

 

Weaknesses: Fire, aurum, silver, holy water and symbols, enchanted objects 

 

Purpose is what tethers the soul of an undead to our realm, even when it’s meant to move on.  Unfinished business, lingering emotions of intensity, or a new objective bestowed upon them by whichever master has risen them from the grave.  In cases more than none, an undead is to be regarded with immense caution and wariness and ought to be purged near immediately.

 

There are various shapes an undead may take the form in, or return to our world as; that is incorporeal and the corporeal.

 

Incorporeal

The ghost of the manor, the pale figure in the window, the shadow in the corner of your eye, or the sudden chill in the air.  These are what the incorporeal undead are, spectres and spirits who became lost during their ascension or shunned as they attempted to cross through the veil between our world and the next.  The presence of most of these creatures are weak, though some spirits are strong enough to reveal themselves for extended periods of time; others are bold enough to try and walk the world as if they were alive again, though often with hidden and dubious intentions.

 

It is never wise to place trust in an undead, despite how they may display themselves; a loved one lost-now returned could very well be a facade worn by something far more malevolent with ill-intent.  Riots had erupted in the city of New Reza when members of the HRA had placed trust in such a spectre, which a number of the populace disagreed with.  In other cities, spirits are purged on sight for the risk they possess; however, it is believed that there may be other ways to purge a spectre with far less violent means, yet more risks come into play; the rituals highly depend on the ghost involved, making it difficult to provide helpful insight.

 

Corporeal 

The hand which penetrates the dirt of a grave, the unnatural howls heard along the outskirts of a battlefield, the stench of decay which follows this predator; corporeal undead are rarely a friendly presence according to documented history.  Such creatures are almost believed to be myth due to how many decades have passed since their last sighting, or rather, any sighting that would be worthy of note.  Yet many in the continent of Almaris are being met with the unfortunate and cruel truth of their existence with the recent sightings of undead lurking in the western territories of Luciensburg - before its destruction.  

 

Former last major incidents involving corporeal undead include the destruction of the Westerlands, as well as the remnant battlefields of the Duke’s War in Vailor that were described to be infested with ghouls that feasted upon the countless numbers of corpses left behind.  These sorts of creatures are believed to only be brought upon the world through the power of dark spells and black rituals; commonly believed to be hosted during solstices.

 

 

OOC Comment:

The intention of this post is to encourage players to NOT base their character's knowledge on lore posts for various creatures and magics on the server; to instead try adapting to more logical and "misinformed" mindsets to welcome more dynamic RP between different player groups rather than allowing OOC feelings or knowledge to alter roleplay narrative.  I will track you down and smack your head if you try to compare this RP post to server lore, or don the "ackshually" mindset... 

 

[doreebear 601]

Nataliya Reza Wick sighed as she she read the bestiary, scratching her cheek as she perked a brow curiously. "Ah Margaux. what have you gotten yourself into. . ." though, the aging princess could not say much, for she had almost met just about every one of those creatures, whether she knew it, or was completely oblivious to it. 

[ronin_champloo 5951]

"Their biggest.. - Hah - weakness is that you mustn't go outside. They can't survive if they have nothing to eat."

 

A decrepit man muttered, opting to raise a hand to scratch the flaky skin that ran upon his neck. The elf's hair was slick with sweat and grease, a vibrant red band around his thinned locks.

 

"I won't be killed, my skin worn by these.. Darkspawn. Never."

[1_Language_1 1671]

53 minutes ago, UnBaed said:

  Riots had erupted in the city of New Reza when members of the HRA had placed trust in such a spectre

    "What do you mean they rioted? It was that priest that did all the screaming and throwing aurum at everyone in New Reza. I did my job and I looked over the children while the men were off fighting the inferi!" The specter, now disguised as 'Sadeeq', blinks wildly that someone is making him look worse. He believed that God was letting him remain as a ghost for some reason that had not been revealed to him yet... so he thusly waited alone, isolated by books. "I know many children that are grateful that my mere presence even scared off bad people... I didn't even have to do anything."

[Reckless Banzai Screamer 11594]

Father Paco nodded approvingly of the Helvetii Bestiary and makes plans to ask his big brain Helvets associate for a copy to add to Cardinal Odus' library - should he and his Lectorate ever find a proper new home FOR said library...

 

An Oyashiman alchemist becomes obsessed with this "Strigoi" section of the beastiary and reads it by luminosity potion late at night in his janky lab cart smelling of black powder and brimstone.

 

 

 

[Islamadon 4429]

A Lector makes a few additions to the the B E S T I A * C O N C L E C T I A after cross referencing the source provided.

[Mady 3037]

Annika Anastasija would sit curled up on the sofa in front of the fireplace within her room, the dim light setting an eerie presence within the room. On the bearskin rug, Anastasya and Andrei would be playing and reading through their bedtime stories, a new book amongst their pile. "Mamej?" Andrei would look up to her, bright blue eyes full of curiosity. "Are these monsters real?" And at that, a soft smile would set upon the Queen's lips. "Nie, of course niet little Ursa. Only within our dreams." Came her swift reply. The two children would return to their playing and Annika to her silence. Despite her answer, the woman knew her words to not be true, a chill running down her spine as she very well knew the horrors within the book were as real as her children before her.   

[Endovelicus 610]

"Yam nie half-dwed!" Cursed Odovacar the Dunnfolk gnome amidst his under-tree warren. 

[Kumoko600 90]

How do you become a Vampire? Sounds like fun.