Shaghoul

Swampstalker, the Faceless, the Dark Sirens

The sun was hiding behind the old trees of this swamp for hours already, but it still kept getting darker by the minute. Anelle muttered a prayyer to Apac silently and glanced over to her little daughter sleeping on the cart besides her. The caravan leader had sworn they would have cleared the swamps before sunset and arrive at a save haven. For all Anelle knew, Duran's lost the way hours ago, judging by the state of whatever you want to call this muddy path.

A flicker of light in front of them caught her attention. Apparently her blame towards Duran was misplaced: In front of them a small group of people had set up camp amidst what looks like the burnt down ruins of a barn at the edge of the swamp. At least, she thought, they would be able to sleep on firm ground.

The travellers ahead of them greeted them friendly, inviting them to their fireplace. Already, Timor, a merchant in their carawan, started to offer some trades, while Anelle climbed off the wagon. One exceptionally handsome man in the middle of the group caught her eye, his smile radiant and his confidence clearly visible. She couldn't help herself and smile back at him, bareley noticing that the attention of most people was on this stranger.

Her little daughter next to her stirred and sleepily sat up. Anelle smiled at her beloved child, who now saw the stranger for the first time. "Mother," she whispered, "Why does this man have no face?"

Travellers near the coast or swamplines always have to be weary of an everpresent danger: The Shaghoul, often times also known as a Swampstalker, often prey on lone wanderers or small groups. They will lure them into the swamp, where they will do unspeakable things to them. The real danger is the fact, that the Shaghoul, though barely sapient, can transform its appearance to resemble a human.

A grown mortal usually will be easily charmed by the mysterious and mute stranger the Shaghoul turns into. Children however seem to instinctively distrust any Shaghoul. It does not help that many children disappear easily around a suspected Shaghoul's lair.

Hunting

The feast was entrancing, the music was perfect and Hagen could not remember having that much fun recently. With his youthful and metropolitain Trandit-Charme he entranced these backwood girls of Sevelang one after the other, leaving them wanting more after a breathtaking dance they never experienced before. He was in his element and the ladies were wax in his hands, Gazezu herself was on his side tonight.

But this one woman, he was dancing with - he was not sure, who was playing whom. She was beautiful and a single look of her left his heart pumping harder. So he did not object, when she took him by the hand and guided him outside into the garden. The night was beautiful, his company so fascinating - when he tried to ask for her name she just smiled mysteriously. Certainly not a girl like all the other! Her steps turned to the lake at the edge of the garden, suddenly increasing slightly.

Halfway through his stupor, Hagen thought, something was wrong. The passe dseveral beautiful spots to be undisturbed already - yet she now led him ino the unkempt parts of the garden. Hagen tried to let go of her hand, but her grip tightend more. His arm got pulled faster, nothing playful was in this anymore - the reached the egde of the lake and Hagen realized, she was going to jump.

A Shaghoul uses its ability to transform, to lure people next to watery areas. Being close to water, their power seems to strengthen. When a victim realizes something is off, they usually are allready able to overpower them.

They usually kill their victims by strangling them, but also case sof dorwning are known. Only after their victim is dead, the will tear into their flesh. Though they do have sharp claws, they avoid slashing wounds on anything living.

Basic Information

Anatomy

In their untransformed state, a Shaghoul roughly has the size and stature of an average human. Their arms however are clearly longer then a human's and usually very thin. Both hands and feet are sharp four digit claws.

They usually have black, long and matted hair falling down in front of their faces. Their skin is extremely pale on the upper body. The lower body is partially covered by a kind of skirt of scales.

A Shaghoul does not have visible pupils. Their eyes seem to be covered by a white membrane. Their teeth are sharp, two rowed and resemble those of a shark.

Genetics and Reproduction

Shaghouls hunt most actively when they are procuding or protecting their spawn. The bodies of the victims are used as nest and cover as well as sustenance for the young. It is unkown how Shaghoul actually reproduce.

Ecology and Habitats

Shaghouls are usually found in swamp areas as well as many reclusive beaches. They prefer warmer climates with plenty of vegetation to hide between.

You can encounter Shaghouls around the Ethorian Sea , specifically the coasts of Rathram and many swamps across the Ethoressian Lands, Baradolia and a few bogs in Sevelang.

Also several Islands of Bren reported various encounters with Shaghouls nesting withing lagoons.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Shaghoul hunt for both reproduction and sustenance. However they are obviously omnivors. There are cases known of Shaghoul in captivity living only off rotten vegetables for months. With these diets they turn more agressive though.
Shaghouls have a habit of accumulating storage. They cover the bodies of their victims with swamp plants and mud, slightly conversating them.

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Lifespan

5 to 7 years

Average Height

Between 1.6 to 1.7 meters

Average Weight

40kg to 55kg

Average Physique

Very slender with long, muscular but thin arms

Domestication

Not possible. Some living in captivity showing higher then average aggression.

Geographic Distribution

Coastal areas, swamps andbogs, in warm and moderate climates

Average Intelligence

Able to mimic behavior and emotions of sapient species, unable to talk but able to understand basic commands and tone of voice