{WIP} Mythical Creature Index: Volume #1 - "Common" Edition

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The world that Xandra and it's neighboring kingdoms is one filled to the brim with creatures of ancient and mystical roots, those of which had been long seeded since before the time of man itself. Before great castle walls and the bustling of people upon cobblestone streets in the towns, there was the deep wilds, unfathomable caverns, and endless sky; home to great beasts of old, both with benevolent and malicious intent.

Volume #1 of the Mythical Creature Index discusses Xandra's native and most common of creatures, all recorded in these precious pages of history and myth by the most reliable and diligent of royal scholars that have made it their life's work to preserve the memory and knowledge of these fantastical beings.


Chapter #1: Creatures of Malevolence

Harpies:
The Harpies have the form of a bird with a human female face; often agents of punishment they abducted people and tortured them on their way to their dark domain, and often employed by high nobility as instruments for the punishment of the guilty. They steal food from their victims, their name meaning 'snatchers' and is thus very appropriate for the acts they carry out. To some cultures, they are dispatched by the Gods to snatch away people and things from the earth; sudden and mysterious disappearances were often attributed to them back in the old days. They are commonly seen as disgusting, cruel and terrifying monsters that are always ravenously hungry, and will do everything in their power to sate their insatiable appetites. Commonly found in forsaken ruins and abandoned villages, but also can be seen caged in the dungeons of castles and noble households as tools of torture.
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The Ghouls:
Banished to the Badlands once long ago by the combined efforts of the kings of old, Ghouls have only just recently begun to make their appearance back in the outlying territories of the kingdoms; terrorizing villages with their savage and merciless behavior and tendencies to attack whatever they do not consider one of their own. Some rumors whispered disdainfully speak of a connection to the new rule of the king of Xandra and the return of the monstrous Ghouls, while others speak of another, darker force lurking in the shadows of the unknown.. somehow having found a way to control these mindless beasts to bear their will and strike fear and weakness within the people. It is wise to not travel after the sun has set if one resides within a remote village, or on their own, lest you find yourself in grave danger of ambush by a horde of ravenous Ghouls.
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Chapter #2: Creatures of Benevolence/Neutrality

The Mountainous Brute:
As big and as strong as they are, Brutes will frequently stand up to most predators that are within its capabilities to fight. Fiercely powerful and made almost entirely out of bulk and muscle, males are highly territorial with one another and may occasionally get into some serious scuffles if the hierarchy is challenged within the herd. Their legs are built for climbing steep and dangerous mountains that they call their home, and are herbivorous in nature. The Brute has a strong and clear roar which is often used to warn, locate, and as a mating call. Their extended crown and horns allows them to intimidate and strike smaller predators. Their colors and patterns vaguely mimic and camouflage themselves among the large fields of heather that make up much of their diet, and the stronger the color, the greater the chances that they will earn a mate. Domestically, Brute's are ideal defenders of cattle from potential predators and are dedicated workers when it comes to being used to pull large and heavy carriages as well as plowing fields once they are properly trained from a young age, since it is very difficult to train a fully grown adult due to its unpredictable temperament.
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Hexagoats:
Hexagoats are often raised by those that reside within more mountainous regions as the ideal mounts for travelling. With robust and limber limbs, six strong, these creatures are capable of climbing cliffs so steep and craggy where not many other beasts can easily follow without risking their lives by accidentally losing their grip and plummeting down to their deaths. While a little ornery at times, Hexagoats are incredibly loyal mounts and enthusiastically take on heavy loads of belongings in addition to the weight of their rider in stride with little hindrance. One can often tell where a wild Hexagoat herd may be lingering by the abrupt and striking echo of their large, curved horns smashing against each other in competitive duels, but those that are raised domestically periodically have their horns dulled to lower the risk of them injuring each other during such practices.
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Chimerans:
As hulking and muscular as these giants may be, Chimerans are by far one of the most docile species found within many kingdoms throughout the region. Bred for work, mounts, cattle, hide, and consumption, Chimerans are commonplace throughout all walks of life and can be seen peacefully grazing on whatever speck or sliver of green that they can get their soft velvety lips on. Due to their horns' capability of growing so long at an almost alarmingly quick rate as they reach their adult stages of life, many shepherds practice cutting them down to a reasonable length and selling their sturdy horns on the market; they can be used for a variety of different crafts, depending on the quality and age. In large herds, one may even find a male Mountainous Brute among their populous as a guardian because of how well the two species tolerate and intermingle with one another.
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