Poroniec

Biology

Magic is omnipresent within the world, but not all of it is benign. Curses affect many, and contrary to popular belief they do not strike just the wicked. Our words and actions can have unforeseen effects and even the truly innocent can become a victim of them. The origins of the poroniec, also called botchlings, is a sad tale. There are many reasons a child may be abandoned, ranging from famine, illegimate relationships or worse. The utter abandonment and complete absence of love can mark such a small body for powerful dark magic. Other undead find themselves naturally drawn to the botchling, particularly when its feelings flare up.

Intelligence and Social Behavior

Botchlings show no intelligence beyond a feverish craving for parental love, which is reflected in its feeding habits. A botchling will emerge from its lair at night to lurk by the bedside of an expectant mother, draining her strength and that of her unborn progeny as she sleeps. A woman thus beleaguered first suffers from troubling dreams, then fever, delirium and a general weakening of the flesh. After a few such nights she is enfeebled and unable to defend herself – it is then the botchling attacks directly, sinking its long, sharp fangs into her body and drinking her blood until mother and fetus perish together.

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