Nuckelavee

Basic Information

Anatomy

No tales describe what form the Nuckelavee takes when in the sea, but its appearance on land has been recounted in graphic detail. The Nuckelavee has a man's torso attached to a horse's back as if it were a rider. The male torso has no legs, but its arms can reach the ground from its position on top of the equine body, the legs of which have fin like appendages. The torso has a large head that rolls back and forth, with large curved horns and a skull like face. Its eyes burn with like a low flame but with intense hatred of all living things within its humanoid sockets. The equine head has an enormous gaping mouth that exudes a pungent, toxic vapor, and a single giant eye like a burning red flame. A particularly gruesome detail is that the Nuckelavee has no skin; black blood courses through yellow veins, and the pale sinews and powerful muscles are visible as a pulsating mass. The Nuckelavee's breath was thought to wilt crops and sicken livestock, and it was considered responsible for epidemics and drought.

Genetics and Reproduction

Unknown, believed to appear spontaneously near treacherous coastlines or in brackish swamplands. Where there is a good chance of waterborne fatality due to drowning or some other heinous death in salinated water, there is a chance a Nuckelavee to be capable of spawning there.

Growth Rate & Stages

Unknown. Typically only found in their large adult forms, life cycle and growth is utterly unknown.

Ecology and Habitats

Found near coastlines and swamps though it is unclear what their purpose in the local ecosystem is. Some scholars speculate that the presence of a Feywild Crossing, Shadowfell Crossing, or both may be related to the presence of a Nuckelavee.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Unknown. Apparently is has no need for sustenance of any kind, it just enjoys hunting and killing anyone near its lair for some sense of pleasure.

Biological Cycle

Unknown. Their disturbing appearance suggests they are organic in nature, however when one is slain the body quickly decomposes into sand, mud, and salt water.

Behaviour

Clearly some level above animal intelligence, but are utterly sadistic in their murderous desires to kill any form of life that comes near their lair. Both beasts and humanoids alike fall victim to its predations.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Darkvision capable of seeing beyond the average humanoid's capability, but not infallible.

Conservation Status

Hunt and kill on sight as all Dark Fey should be under the Order of the Light's decree.

Geographic Distribution

• The Feywild
• The Freelands
• The Shadowfell