Lamia
Of the Lamia
In deserts and ruins shall ye findest a creature most fell and perilous, called Lamia. These are monstra prodigiosa, the upper parts of women, most fair and alluring to the eye, but from the middle downwards, they are as serpents, scaled and sinuous. However, Acrisimus related that some possesseth the bodies of fierce lionesses instead. Despite their form, their eyes are of a fiery red, burning with malice and sorcery.
Lamiae particularly enjoy to feast upon the flesh of the wise and learned. They sustaineth themselves through the drinking of human blood and the consumption of human flesh. Through arts magical, they possesseth great powers of illusion and suggestion, beguiling and ensorcelling those of weaker wits to do their bidding into deadly perils.
Never do they stray more than ten miles from their lair, dwelling ever in desolation and ruin for they delight in the gathering of knowledge arcane and history ancient, thus they be oft found in places of great eldritch power. Vast treasures do they hoard, with a particular fancy for gems and jewels, artifacts magical, and scrolls of lore arcane. These hoards be not by honest toil acquired but through the trickery and enchantment of men, scholars, and sages whom they entice, ensnare, and devour.
Though lamiae be fond of jewels and finery, they wear naught upon their bodies, finding no need for garments or adornment.
They revel in acts of wanton violence and malice, delighting in deceit and the capture of holy men: clerics, monks, and paladin warriors. A lamia's power is such that a single one can lay waste an entire retinue of soldiers, yet they shun fair combat, preferring to turn the tide through guile and sorcery before striking. In battle, they use their charmed thralls and fellow lamiae as shields, ever seeking to preserve their own life above all.
Acrisimus wrote that one wounded by the bite of a lamia is enthralled until he hears the lamia's death-screech. If he does not, he shall waste away unto death as he mourns the loss of his beloved.
These creatures understandeth all human and semi-human tongues, albeit they cannot speak our tongues. In mating, only by the union of a lamia with a male human can another lamia be brought forth.
In chaos and destruction doth they thrive, ever devoted to mayhem and disorder within their desolate dominions.
