The Creature Compendium
If you're reading this, it means you've found my in-progress research covering the fantastical creatures I've encountered in my years as a traveling artist. Each page covered here details everything I know regarding these odd beings and beasts, and is subject to change as new discoveries unfold. Be warned, although the means to encounter these creatures may be explained below, it is not recommend you attempt such actions on your own, lest you face the consequences...
*This page is dedicated to an active worldbuilding project, and everything detailed is a work of fiction
Basic Guide to Classifications
1. Fae: Naturally occurring creatures with a variety of dispositions and appearances, but always composed of non-animal materials such as Chitin or Plant-like cells. They can be of varying levels of intelligence, but do not organize themselves to the same societal levels as humans do.
2. Blights: Creatures that are cast against another individual with the intent to cause harm. They can be summoned via magic, or simply be a situational title for Fae or other beings that have been hired or called to harm another. Blights are always associated with Ill Intent.
3. Familiars: Reciprocal to Blights, these are creatures that are cast for an individual, aiding them in some way. Like Blights, they can be existing beings called upon in a certain way, or temporary summons. Familiars are always associated with Beneficial Intent.
4. Amalgams: Amalgams are almost always horrific spectacles. They are creatures born from ill-fated natural events or mishaps of magic. They are usually generated from accidental transformation of a living being or carcass, but rarely are made with purpose. All Amalgam must be Cured or Killed, they cannot die a natural death.
5. Deia: Deia are immortal beings of magic that controls aspects of nature, life, and death. A Deia is to be revered and/or feared, and must often be appeased with ritualistic behaviors. Deia are NOT human specific, nor should they be confused with our idea of a God or gods. They are not derived from a belief system, though religious tendencies often develop around their influence.
6. Civilized: The Civilized refers to any species with human-like intelligence and social characteristics. They are a collective of beings that share a culture, a community, and intelligence comparable to the expectation we have for humanity itself. They are sentient and collective beyond a level that the Fae are capable of, but not so powerful or influential to be considered Deia.
Levels of Threat: Minor/Major
Minor: Minor beings are those that pose little threat to humanity. They may have the full capability of killing a human, but they do not have an intrinsic need to do so
Major: Major beings are those that pose a direct threat to the lives of humans. They are not only capable of causing harm, but also maintain either a hatred for humanity, or a reason to target humans as prey.
THE FAE
The Harpinhallow
Classification: Minor Fae
Locale: Mountains
Harpinhallow are a species of sentient non-humanoid Fae found most often in captivity. Although they thrive naturally in the southeastern mountains they call home, their musical and song-like native tongue drives many into a life as an enslaved entertainer for the Civilized.
While they may play the guise of songbird when trapped, at heart they yearn for freedom. The only cases of human fatalities to these Fae are those who try to cage them and force their songs. I have no sympathy for those fools, for I would resort to violence too if caged like a dog. For that reason, these Fae maintain the class of Minor.
BLIGHTS
Ariston the Chained Cavalier
Classification: Major Blight
Ariston is a blight summoned from the slaughter of a chain bound horse using a spear. The summoner must carve the target(s) full name into the horse's hooves for his effect to take place, and then burn all the remains with the spear in place.
Upon summoning, Ariston will systematically hunt each of the targets listed, generating a mask that can be wore by the summoner to impersonate the target.
Unfortunately, wearing said mask also marks the person as one to be slaughtered by Ariston so long as its worn, limiting their use.
Failing to designate targets before summoning will have a similar effect.
FAMILIARS
Candle Cats
Classification: Minor Familiar
Candle Cats are small familiars summoned with an offering of phosphorous and sulfur accompanied by a small incantation and clap.
While these familiars can technically be bound to many materials, candles are their ideal housing due to the ready source of wax for their consumption and string for them to stay entertained.
They're known for the ability to release small amounts of heat and light from their fur, which provides the summoner or target the benefit of feeling warm and happy!
AMALGAM
Ignatris
Classification: Minor Amalgam
Ignatris are generated occasionally from the false burning of a woman at the stake. Its unknown what exactly triggers their formation, but jewelry appear to be integral to the process.
Ignatris appear as bipedal, multi-mouthed feminine aviary beasts with burned hands. Their two to five mouths constantly speak a cacophony of sounds, resembling their name prior to burning.
Largely misunderstood, Ignatris actually pose no harm to humans, but are often killed to recovered the jewelry held within their burned hands.
DEIA
Nievkyr
Classification: Minor Deia
A being of vast importance to the Drakyr of the north, Nievkyr is the guardian of candles, winter storms, and evergreen forests. Its appearance is akin to that of a great elk, antlers adorned with endlessly dripping candles lit by fires that even the strongest wind cannot extinguish.
Its movement is said to bring the first snowfall of the year, formed from the drippings of its many candles. Its attitude determines the severity of the north's cold winds. Because of this, the Drakyr people work hard to properly appease the being.