The Whiteglass Skinwalkers

Created by the Carrote Bard and Uncle Kerm. Edited by Silva K.

Terror in the Night

The Kingdom of Whiteglass is known for having immeasurable amounts of creatures, both real and mythical, within its vast forests. The Skinwalker is one of the latter beings. A nocturnal beast, it steals away during the day to its burrows. When the moon rises, it stalks its prey through the night.

"You've never known fear until you've heard a Skinwalker screech. Those damned things can send the bravest souls running for the hills"

The Skinwalker, once it has found suitable prey, will call out to its intended victim. This is known as a "screech", as the call has been said to sound like a being in agony. This is meant to lure curious or concerned victims into a trap. Skinwalkers have only been known to hunt humans despite the abundance of other foods available, which as Inquisitor-Knights have discovered, would provide a better nutritional benefit to the beasts.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Skinwalker is a gaunt, pale beast. Its sickly frame is covered in a mangy fur. It has been reported that the Skinwalker has anywhere from four to six limbs. It is quadrupedal. Examination by the Knight-Inquisitors have found that Skinwalker bones are quite resilient, especially the skull and spinal column. The muscular system has been reported to be lean, but generally quite powerful for a being of that stature.

Genetics and Reproduction

It is currently unknown how the Skinwalker reproduces. However, it is known that Skinwalkers birth in litters of six to eight younglings.

Growth Rate & Stages

A Skinwalker is said to grow to adult size within eight to ten months. This transition sees a substantial height and length increase, the growth of fur, and the development of vocal chords.

Ecology and Habitats

The Skinwalker thrives in the deep woods of Whiteglass. It stalks the woods for unwary travelers, and serves as an apex predator of sorts.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Skinwalkers have been mythologized into the ultimate hunter of human beings. This is because no human has witnessed a Skinwalker feed or attempt to hunt any other types of meat. It has been noted that Skinwalkers would prefer to starve rather than take other sources of nourishment.

Biological Cycle

The Skinwalker has been reported to have thicker fur patterns during the winter months. This has been confirmed as true, and it has also been noted that the fur's pigmentation will also adapt with the changing of the seasons.

Additional Information

Domestication

Domestication is claimed to be possible, as some scholars of the Empire have noted. They refuse to share their methods with other nations, preferring to use them for their own devices. However, this method has proven to be imperfect, as the beasts have turned against their masters for little to no provocation.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Some peasants of Whiteglass claim that a Skinwalker's pelt is quite useful for winter clothing. The Empire utilizes "domestic" Skinwalkers to replace attack and guard dogs.

Facial characteristics

Skinwalkers are notably ugly. Their faces are quite skeletal, with a snout that stretches their skin to tight to their face.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Skinwalkers seem to be concentrated solely within the deep forest. With Whiteglass being the only nation with a large forested area, the Skinwalkers seem to be a problem only to them.

Average Intelligence

Skinwalkers are considered quite intelligent for ravenous beasts. They know how to lay traps, as well as timing. They "screech" at the right moment, it said, when they believe their prey is alone and vulnerable.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Skinwalkers have the ability to mimic human cries of pain and agony. This is meant to draw prey. Reportedly, the Skinwalker can also camouflage itself within deeply wooded areas. This has not been confirmed, and is contested by several scholars.

Scientific Name

iacentem venandi

Lifespan

Assumed to be Twelve to Fifteen years

Conservation Status

This species is considered a detriment to human expansion by the Whiteglass Forest Ministry. They have issued a 500 silver piece award for any hunter who would bring in a Skinwalker pelt. No measures are taken for its survival.

Average Height

Roughly 1.5 feet to 2 feet tall.

Average Weight

Roughly Ninety-Five to One Hundred Forty pounds.

Average Length

Roughly One to Four feet long

Average Physique

The Skinwalker appears to be quite gaunt and fragile. However, appearances are quite deceiving as an average adult Skinwalker can pin a man in his prime.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skinwalkers have been reported to have a greyish skin, covered in a patchy, ratty fur that shifts pigmentation based on the seasons. For Winter, the fur ranges from light brown to pure white. For Autumn and Spring, a dull brown. For the Summer a bright color that has yet to be identified by scholars, known only as "the Skinwalker's Glamor".