BUILD YOUR OWN WORLD Like what you see? Become the Master of your own Universe!

The Beastiary of Kermoria, or, The Monsternomicon

The Monsternomicon is a collection of my personal observations and experiences with the creatures that inhabit the world. As a master cartographer, explorer, and monster hunter, I have travelled far and wide to document and study these beings, from the towering giants of the Jagged Iron Mountains to the mysterious denizens of The Underdark.

My hope is that this tome serves as a guide to those who wish to venture into the unknown, to aid in their understanding of the creatures they may encounter. But make no mistake, this is not a comprehensive guide, as the world is vast and there are still many mysteries to uncover.
  I caution those who would use this book as a definitive source, for every creature has its own quirks and nuances, and no two encounters are ever the same. But I offer this work as a starting point, a glimpse into the fascinating and often dangerous world of the creatures that roam our world.
  So read on, if you dare, and join me on a journey through the Monsternomicon.

Aboleth

  The Aboleth is a vile creature that dwells deep beneath the surface of the water. It resembles a giant, bloated fish with tentacles sprouting from its head, and it possesses a powerful psychic ability that it uses to control the minds of others.
  I first encountered an Aboleth while exploring a series of underground caves beneath a remote island in Qi'Reshalia. As I swam through the dark waters, I suddenly felt a strange pressure in my mind, as though something was trying to take control of my thoughts. I quickly realized that I was in the presence of an Aboleth, and I knew that I had to get out of the water before it could ensnare me.
  In my years of travelling, I have encountered many creatures that seek to do harm to those around them, but the Aboleth is unique in its ability to manipulate the very thoughts of its victims. It is a creature to be feared and avoided at all costs.
"Never underestimate the power of the mind, for the Aboleth wields it like a weapon. Stay vigilant and be wary of its insidious influence."

Ankheg

  As I trudged through the fields outside of town, I felt the earth tremble beneath me. Suddenly, a huge insect-like creature burst from the ground, its mandibles clacking furiously. It was an ankheg, and it was hungry.
  "I've encountered ankhegs before, but this one was especially aggressive. Its chitinous armor was too tough for my arrows to penetrate, and its acid spray nearly blinded me. If you see one of these burrowing beasts, your best bet is to run."

Basilisk

I have encountered a Basilisk in the forests of southern Zoluren. It is a fearsome creature, with a body like a large lizard and the ability to turn its prey to stone with a single gaze. Its eyes are its deadliest weapon and I would advise anyone who happens upon one to avoid its gaze at all costs. The Basilisk has an impressive sense of smell, which it uses to track prey, and its scales are tough and almost impenetrable. Though it is not particularly fast, it is tenacious and will pursue its prey relentlessly. I have heard of brave adventurers attempting to capture or kill a Basilisk, but the risk of being turned to stone is simply too great.
 

Bulette



The Bulette, also known as the Landshark, is a fearsome predator that tunnels through the earth with incredible speed. I once witnessed a Bulette burst from the ground beneath a caravan in the Gemfire Mountains, its razor-sharp teeth and claws tearing apart the wooden carts and their occupants. Its tough hide is nearly impervious to conventional weapons, and its appetite for flesh is insatiable. Despite its ferocity, the Bulette is not a particularly intelligent creature, relying on its brute strength and sharp senses to hunt. I would not recommend facing a Bulette alone, and even a group of well-armed adventurers should approach with extreme caution.
  "The Bulette is a nightmare made flesh. The ground trembles beneath your feet, and before you know it, the earth opens up and out comes this monstrous killing machine. It's like something out of a horror story."

Doppelganger


As I was travelling through the Drakweald Forest, I came across what I thought was a fellow traveller. We greeted each other and made small talk, but there was something off about the person. They seemed to mimic my gestures and mannerisms a little too perfectly. It wasn't until they tried to steal my belongings that I realized it was a doppelganger, a creature capable of taking on the form and memories of those it encounters. I managed to fend it off with a well-placed strike to its head, but I shudder to think of what could have happened if I hadn't been paying attention.

"Never trust someone who seems a little too familiar. They might just be a doppelganger waiting to strike."

Displacer Beast



The displacer beast is a creature shrouded in mystery and confusion. Its appearance is that of a large panther, but it has six long and tentacle-like appendages protruding from its shoulders. These appendages can contort and twist in impossible ways, making the creature appear to be in two places at once, hence its name. My encounters with the displacer beast have been few and far between, and I have found them to be elusive and unpredictable creatures. They have an otherworldly intelligence that seems to make them acutely aware of their surroundings and any potential threats.
  Despite their seemingly feral appearance, the displacer beast is a highly intelligent predator that utilizes its abilities to outmaneuver its prey. They are known to hunt in packs, using their illusions to confuse and ambush their targets.
  I have heard tales of the displacer beast being tamed and used as a mount, but I caution against such practices. These creatures are not meant to be domesticated and their wild instincts can never be fully tamed.
  "The displacer beast is a creature that defies the laws of nature. I have never encountered a more cunning and elusive predator in all my travels."

Eldrazi Hound

  The Eldrazi Hound is a fearsome quadrupedal predator that roams the rugged terrain of the Dragon's Spine Mountains. It is roughly the size of a large wolf, but with a hulking, muscular build that makes it much more formidable.
  One of the most distinctive features of the Eldrazi Hound is its twisted, spiky fur that seems to radiate an otherworldly energy. Its eyes glow with a malevolent yellow light, and its jaws are lined with razor-sharp teeth that can tear through flesh and bone with ease.

Despite its ferocious appearance, the Eldrazi Hound is a cunning and patient hunter. It will stalk its prey for days, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When it does, it moves with lightning-fast speed, lunging at its target with a burst of incredible strength.
  One particularly harrowing encounter with an Eldrazi Hound left me with a deep respect for the creature's tenacity and cunning. I had been tracking a group of mountain goats through the rocky terrain when I heard the unmistakable growl of the hound behind me. I turned just in time to see it launch itself at me, jaws gaping wide. I managed to dodge out of the way, but the creature's momentum carried it past me and over the edge of a cliff. I heard its screams echo through the mountains as it fell to its death, but I knew that there were many more Eldrazi Hounds out there, waiting for their chance to strike.

Fangtongue


While exploring the Dragon's Spine Mountains, I encountered a vicious predator known as the Fangtongue. This quadrupedal monster is covered in thick fur, with a long, serpentine tongue that is coated in a paralyzing venom. Its razor-sharp teeth and claws make it a formidable foe, even for the most experienced monster hunters.
I first spotted the Fangtongue stalking a herd of mountain goats, using its tongue to sense their movements before attacking with lightning-fast speed. Despite its size, it was surprisingly agile, easily scaling the steep rocky terrain of the mountains.

The Fangtongue's venom is particularly potent, causing immediate paralysis in its victims. Fortunately, the venom does not seem to be fatal, and the effects wear off after a few hours. However, being paralyzed in the middle of a mountain range is not a desirable experience.

My advice to any adventurers who encounter a Fangtongue: Keep your distance and be prepared for a fierce battle. And, as always, carry an antidote for any poisons you may encounter on your travels.

Giant Spider


As I journeyed through the dense forests of Ilithi, I encountered the Giant Spider, an arachnid of truly terrifying proportions. Its hairy, eight-legged body is the size of a horse, and it moves with incredible speed and agility.
  The Giant Spider's venom is highly toxic, capable of incapacitating even the hardiest of adventurers. Its webs are incredibly strong, and can easily ensnare a fully grown man or woman. It is said that the Giant Spider likes to lay its eggs inside its prey, allowing the young spiders to hatch and feed on their host from the inside out.
  Despite its fearsome reputation, the Giant Spider is not without its weaknesses. Its multiple eyes make it highly sensitive to light, and a well-placed torch or lantern can drive it away. Additionally, its large size makes it vulnerable to attacks on its underbelly, where its exoskeleton is less thick.
  "Of all the creatures I've encountered in my travels, the Giant Spider is one of the most unsettling. Its presence sends shivers down my spine, and I cannot help but feel a sense of dread whenever I hear the skittering of its legs in the darkness."

Green Dragon


As I gazed upon the lush green forest before me, I had the misfortune of encountering a Green Dragon. It was a truly terrifying sight, with its scales shimmering in the sunlight, its piercing yellow eyes, and its wickedly sharp claws. But it was the dragon's breath that truly chilled me to the bone. A sickly green mist spewed forth, and I could feel it burning my skin and searing my lungs. I quickly realized that this was no ordinary dragon, but a creature of great cunning and malice.

The Green Dragon is not only a fierce and powerful predator, but also a master of deceit and manipulation. It uses its powers of persuasion and intimidation to bend weaker creatures to its will, and is known to set elaborate traps and ambushes for its prey. Its lairs are often hidden in the most remote and treacherous parts of the forest, and are guarded by a host of minions and traps.

In my encounter with the Green Dragon, I was lucky to escape with my life. As I retreated, I heard it laughing, and knew that it was already plotting its next move. As the great sage Almara once said, "To face a Green Dragon is to look into the very heart of evil."

Harpy



he harpy is a humanoid creature with a bird's body, wings, and talons for feet. Their upper bodies are often depicted as having the appearance of a beautiful woman with long hair, while their lower bodies are covered in feathers and resemble those of a bird of prey. They are often found in mountainous areas, perched atop high cliffs, and are known for their piercing cries.

"I once encountered a harpy in the Dragon's Spine Mountains. Its screech was deafening, and its talons were as sharp as any blade. I managed to avoid its attacks, but I'll never forget the sound of its voice echoing through the mountain pass."

Harpy attacks can be quite dangerous due to their sharp talons and the fact that they often hunt in groups. They are known to use their piercing cries to disorient and distract their prey before swooping down to attack with their talons. Their wings allow them to fly and make them difficult to escape from.

Rust Monster


As I was traveling through the mines in the Himhineldar Shel Mountain Range, I came across a creature that I had never seen before. It was about the size of a large dog, with a long, slender body and sharp, rust-colored antennae protruding from its head. At first, I thought it was some sort of insect, but as it moved closer, I realized that it was something far more dangerous.
  This creature is known as a Rust Monster, and it is a fearsome foe for any adventurer who relies on metal weapons or armor. The antennae on its head emit a strange, magnetic field that can cause metal objects to rust and corrode almost instantly. If you're not careful, a Rust Monster can quickly strip you of your weapons, leaving you defenseless against its sharp mandibles.
  In my experience, the best way to defeat a Rust Monster is to use non-metallic weapons, such as wooden clubs or stone axes. If you do need to use metal weapons, be sure to keep them well-oiled and maintained to prevent them from rusting. And whatever you do, don't let a Rust Monster get too close to your armor!

Mimic


I have encountered many creatures in my travels, but few have left me feeling as betrayed as the mimic. These cunning creatures have the ability to shape shift into objects, making it difficult to tell friend from foe.

One particular instance I remember clearly was when I was exploring an abandoned fortress. I saw a chest in the corner of the room and, assuming it was just another loot cache, I went to investigate. As soon as I reached out to open it, the chest sprang to life and attempted to devour me!

Fortunately, I was able to fend it off with my trusty sword, but it was a close call. It is important to always be on guard when exploring unfamiliar areas and to keep an eye out for any suspicious-looking objects.

"One must always be cautious when dealing with objects that seem out of place. They could be hiding something far more dangerous than simple treasure."

Behemoth


I encountered a Behemoth while traveling through the mountains. It was a massive creature, easily twice the size of any other beast I had ever seen. Its hide was thick and nearly impenetrable, and its horns were sharp enough to pierce even the toughest armor. When it roared, the ground shook beneath my feet.
I barely escaped with my life after our encounter. Its strength was unbelievable, and it nearly crushed me with a single blow. I managed to dodge its attacks and eventually wear it down, but I would not recommend anyone to face this monster without great preparation and skill.
"I thought I was prepared for anything, but the Behemoth nearly proved me wrong. It's a force to be reckoned with, and one wrong move can mean certain death."

Owlbear



One of my favorite monsters to track and fight is the Owlbear. This fierce creature is a formidable foe, with the intelligence of an owl and the strength of a bear. Its razor-sharp claws and beak can shred through armor and flesh with ease.

I first encountered an Owlbear while traversing the dense forests of The Forgotten Coast. I remember feeling a sense of trepidation as I saw it lumbering towards me, a fierce look in its eyes. But I am never one to back down from a challenge, and I drew my sword, ready to engage in combat.
  The fight was long and grueling, with both of us sustaining heavy injuries. But in the end, I emerged victorious, and I felt a sense of pride in having defeated such a worthy adversary. From that day on, the Owlbear has become my favorite creature to hunt, and I have encountered many since that first battle.
I have come to respect and admire the Owlbear's strength and cunning, and I always approach each battle with caution and reverence. It is a thrill to face off against such a fierce and unpredictable foe, and I relish the challenge every time.

Afterword


Writing this Monsternomicon has been a thrilling journey for me. It allowed me to relive the many adventures I've had while traveling the world, encountering and studying the most incredible creatures in existence. Each entry is a memory of a dangerous encounter, a fierce battle, or a fascinating study of a creature's behavior.
It is my hope that this Monsternomicon inspires others to continue exploring the world, to seek out the unknown and the dangerous, and to always be willing to learn. The study of creatures, both mundane and magical, is a never-ending journey of discovery.
While I may have encountered some of the most dangerous creatures in existence, I can say without hesitation that they have taught me more than any book or mentor ever could. Through the study of monsters, I have learned to respect the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.
As I close this Monsternomicon, I am already planning my next journey, ready to discover and document even more creatures, and I can't wait to share those adventures with all who are willing to read.
Until then, may the winds of adventure take you to places beyond your wildest imagination.
A Fangtongue, hunting in it's habitat.
Type
Manual, Scientific
Medium
Paper
Authoring Date
220
Location
Signatories (Organizations)

Comments

Please Login in order to comment!