Creature of the Week

Creature of the Week - Yeti

Artwork by: Noemi Konkoly

Ecology

Introduction - The Yeti reside mostly in the frozen caves of the high mountain ranges. However, they are also seen on the frozen tundras when food is most plentiful. Their actual origins are a mystery, leading to much speculation. Theories range from a sub-branch of evolution to experiments by mages to create a hearty warrior well suited for winter combat. Local villages celebrate the Yeti as a divine being, the spirit of the mountain given tangible form.

Physical Observations - Yeti are massive bipedal humanoids that stand between 7'6”-9” feet tall, and can live to be 20 years old. They weigh in at 200-400 pounds of dense muscle, with a protective fat deposit over their necks and vital organs. They are omnivorous, though they favor a diet of meat. They have short curving claws and long canines designed to grab and hold frozen flesh. They also use these natural weapons to cut through the thick fur and blubber of their prey. Their feet are larger than a man's, but they are much broader to distribute their weight over loose snow. Yeti have long white hair to protect them from the elements. Their blue skin has only been observed by survivors. They communicate with a series of whistles and growls. Locals claim that the sound of a shrill winter wind is actually a Yeti's scream.

Social Observations - Yeti typically live in tribes of 3-5 members and their young. Tribes work together in all aspects of life from hunting to rearing young. Extremely violent or cruel yeti are cast out. These loners are the ones most likely to attack settlements or camps unprovoked.

Behavioral Observations – Nocturnal and with excellent night vision, they have a rudimentary skill with tools. They sometimes use large stones as weapons and to smash bones for the marrow. Favoring stealth in hunting, they use their white hair to blend in with their surroundings.

Inter Species Observations - Yeti typically avoid human contact, unless desperate or provoked. On very rare occasion they are seen hunting together with large wolves. Most creatures are seen as a food source. Attempts to tame and domesticate the Yeti have met with disastrous results, including death and massive collateral damage. In attempts to breed them as battle-stock they were as likely to turn on their trainers as their targets. Owning a Yeti is largely outlawed in civilized regions, though they are occasionally used in illegal gladiator rings in the frozen regions.

Creature of the Week - Arunai

Artwork by: Loneanimator

Ecology

Introduction - Many who pass onto the next life leave the material plane behind never to

return again. The greatest heroes are rarely given a choice upon the time of their death to pass on to the next life or to act as guardians of the cosmos. Those who choose the path of the protector become the Arunai. Arunai often wander the world in forms common to the area fulfilling the desires of the forces of good. Arunai are very judgmental and irritated by evil beings and behavior such as greed, undead, etc.

Physical Observations - The Arunai have no defined appearance, although according to mythology, they are most likely to look like humans in their original forms, but in larger height. The Arunai are a shape-shifting race and can mold themselves into many shapes and sizes. It is commonly believed that their favored appearance is either a Tall Bipedal Eagle-like Avian, a bipedal Crocodile-looking Reptile or most commonly a Tall Humanoid.

Social Observations – It is believed that the first arunai, who were wholly celestial in nature, were sent to the earth to teach man and as such the oldest language in the world is derived from the arunai's own common tongue.

Behavioral Observations - Arunai are protectors and teachers who have watched man grow throughout all the ages of this world and continue to do so while they fend off extra dimensional evils.

Inter Species Observations -Arunai cannot be tamed, they serve their deities and work to protect the material realm from the unseen threats that hide on the outer reaches of the ethereal dimensions.

Creature of the Week - Alphyn

Artwork by Gaspar Sabater

Ecology
Introduction - Alphyn are deceptively cunning. They are a magickal beast who take delight in collecting treasure, despite their intellect they lack an understanding of monetary values so a copper penny is worth just as much as a gold piece. To an alphyn treasure is treasure usually referred to as "shinies". As a species alphyn were created by the magi, Halyphan, as a means to collect funds and keep him entertained with their constant riddles.
Physical Observations - It is much like a tiger, but stockier and with tufts of hair covering its body, and also has a thick mane and long thin tongue. Another notable characteristic is its knotted tail similar to that of the griffin. It has a dragon's talons on its forelegs, while the hind legs are cloven like a goat's. An adaptable, generalist species, they are found in most types of habitats. Adult females are around 7.9 ft. long nose-to-tail and males average 6.7 ft., with overall ranges between 4.9 to 9.0 ft. nose to tail suggested for the species in general. Females typically weigh 115 to 220 lb., averaging 137 lb. Males typically weigh between 64 and 141 lb., averaging 93 lb. Life expectancy in the wild is reported at 18 to 23 years, and averages 16 to 20. 
Social Observations - Secretive and largely solitary by nature, the alphyn is properly considered both nocturnal and crepuscular, although sightings during daylight hours do occur. Only fathers and cubs live in groups, with adults meeting only to mate. 
Behavioral Observations - Alphyn have a manic enthusiasm similar to wanderlust. They are secretive and solitary and when encountered can be dangerous as elevated irritability is common along with behavior that seems on the surface to be the opposite of most wild animals. 
Inter Species Observations -Alphyn can be relatively civilized while they are planning what to do with their prey. The wail of the alphyn is known as a harbinger of war to superstitious peoples. Alphyn ranges rarely overlap with areas inhabited by humans. Attacks on humans are very rare, as prey recognition is a learned behavior and they do not generally recognize humans as prey. Their curiosity can satiate their lust for treasure and often they will abandon monetary gains if a person can outwit them at a game of riddles. They usually protect areas wherein those that have earned their respect reside.