Beastkin

"Lola Lola, I want to hear a story!" the little girl said as her grandmother moved to leave the small bedroom.

"A story hmm? If you promise to stay quiet I don't see why not. What would you like to hear about?" the older woman asked. Noticing another pair of eyes watching her from beneath a bedsheet, she smiled in their direction. "Nafi, what do you think?"

"What are the Beastkin?" the young boy quietly replied, his soft voice carrying clear in the silence of the desert nights.

"Beastkin? I've never heard of those before! Are they some kinda scary monster? Ooooh tell me tell me!" the girl squealed, wide eyes darting back and forth between her little brother and grandma.

"Hush Samari, the rest of the family is trying to sleep." Easing herself onto the edge of Nafi's bed the woman raised a bushy eyebrow at her grandson, "Now then, where did you hear of such things?"

Shifting uncomfortably in his bed, Nafi answered her. "Astes said they saw one last night while they were on watch. They seemed scared."

"I see. Well then, listen close children. This is not a story you'll hear me tell often..."

Summary

The Beastkin are said the be Cres who have fallen under the magic thrall of a powerful Beast. Losing their identity and living only to serve their master's will, the Beastkin are no better than animals. The magic of the Beasts also twists their bodies, shaping them into a monstrous hybrid of Cres and Beast. They are supposedly terrifying in combat, with no care for their own safety, ripping and tearing at anything their master commands them to. Cres who venture too far into the wild on their own risk finding themselves a victim to this fate.

Historical Basis

The tale originates from the rare sightings of and interactions with the Kentri people, especially those among them who were contracted. Over the centuries these tales grew and warped into the old wives' tale of today. It is mostly used to scare children and is not taken seriously by most people.

Spread

As the Kentri roam far and wide, so too do the stories about them. While not a very common story in society, some Daisen do share this tale on their journeys. It is not uncommon to find small villages where the Beastkin are spoke of more often, and this is often is due to a contracted Kentri living not too far away.

Variations & Mutation

While primarily painting the Beastkin in a negative light, some few communities speak of Beastkin who saved lives and guided the lost back home. To them, the Beastkin are more akin to the mythical creatures spoken of in Prophet Mendai's stories; ancient, wise beings beyond mortal understanding. Those who have seen or interacted with one are thought to be blessed with good fortune.