Shadowspawn

Shadowspawn are creatures that no one wants to be near. After coming in contact with a shadowspawn you might feel anywhere from needing a nap to dead. These creatures feed off of your magical energy and if they take too much it begins to effect how you feel. The magic they take can never be replenished unless the shadowspawn is killed. They feed off of animals and humans. 
Once fed from you they can take your form but in a twisted way. They look like you from first glance but after more of a look you begin to notice differences. They are leaner than you are, it appears like a permanent shadow has been cast over them, and if they step into a show they completely disappear.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Shadowspawn when not in the form of a creature are very lean, lanky looking shadows. They can take on any form but most of the time look like a darker shadow like of the creature they are replicating. They also are leaner than the original creature they copy though it would take knowledge about the local fauna to tell the difference.

Genetics and Reproduction

They are born from mystical powers that aren't completely understood. Most likely happening when someone's magical power has an outburst pushing more magic into the world.

Growth Rate & Stages

When first created shadowspawn are not able to take on the appearance of other creatures until they have fed off of magic from the creature. New shadowspawn have to take in more magic from the creature unlike older shadowspawn. Older shadowspawn can eventually collect enough magic from an area that the creature was for a long period of time.

Ecology and Habitats

Shadowspawn are mostly found in the cave system of Shadowfel but can also be found in the forests and swamps above ground. Ones found in the cave systems tend to be more recently created and therefore weaker; while shadowspawn found above ground are older and stronger. Shadowspawn feel safer in the caves where there are more shadows to sink into.

Dietary Needs and Habits

This species feeds off of others' magic. It can take a little at a time and feed often or take a large feeding potentially killing the creature it feeds on. To get closer to potential food sources it often mimics a creature that is not uncommon to see in the environment; bats and rats in the cave system, deer and foxes above ground.

Biological Cycle

Shadowspawn tend to stay in the cave systems during the warmer months of the year when the sun is more likely to show through the perpetual twilight that falls on Shadowfel.

Behaviour

Shadowspawn can't manipulate shadows in the same way that people can but are able to hide within shadows that already exist and making the shadow feel darker.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

These creatures see very well in the dark and shadows and have the ability to transform into other creatures. During bright light it is unable to see and during twilight it's vision is similar to dim-vision.

Conservation Status

This species is seen as a pest and is not wanted but very difficult to kill. There are not protections for it's survival.

Geographic Distribution

• Shadowfel