Askavir
Description
An immense raptor with an extraordinary wingspan of nearly ninety feet and talons marking it as a being of divine origin. Its silhouette casts a vast shadow over the landscape. Possesses intelligence and agency surpassing typical animal behavior.
The name "Askavir" comes from the Lammat dialect spoken by the Kurael of Ulmira's Step. When alive, it appeared rarely -- at most once per month -- seen in silhouette against the clouds or moon. Its presence inspired awe and fear but it rarely attacked the Step directly. Rumored to have been the familiar of the Veiled God Tlellic.
Divine Connection
The Askavir is tied to Tlellic, the god of predation. Its purpose involves finding and delivering specific individuals under divine mandates connected to greater cosmic forces.
Abilities
- Flight with 90-foot wingspan
- Communication through Nature's Tongue
- Divine mandate to capture specific individuals
- Powerful wing beats that shake structures
- Talons capable of lifting humanoids
- Splendor magic emanating from heart
Combat Behavior
- Swoops to capture targets
- Can lift and drop victims from height
- Bites can bisect a humanoid
- Wing beats create environmental hazards
- Heart contains overwhelming Splendor magic
Key Events
- Captured Jamal and Draz, dropping them on separate peaks
- Shook rope bridge with wing beats
- Attacked Verrow's Span, capturing refugees
- Tethered by Sylvie's magic, crashed onto ledge
- Shot in eye by Draz
- Set ablaze by Sylvie's Fireball
- Died thrashing in the plaza
Remains & Value
- Heart: Potent Splendor magic, overwhelming to siphon
- Eggs: Valuable, sought by Borek and Dimmers
- Ink: Demanded by Borek
- Claws: Heyou forged a dagger from one
- Eyes: Sylvie took them for her bag
- Bones: Draz's kinfolk to tend them
GM Notes
Though dead, the Askavir's remains hold significant value and power. Its connection to Tlellic means its death may have divine consequences.
The heart's Splendor magic was too overwhelming for Sylvie to siphon—it may require special circumstances or preparation to utilize. Heyou absorbed a portion, gaining holy power.
Guardian Beast
Description
A purple, multi-eyed, feline-like demon tethered to a Glowing Tree. Features a Giant Collar with a broken chain indicating prior connection to a Sacred Tree. Produces gray, extremely cold viscous fluid.
Abilities
- Unnatural intellect and calculated hostility
- Tactical repositioning during combat
- Grappling ability to ensnare targets from distance
- Held Blessed Branch in its mouth
Combat Behavior
- Behaves with calculated hostility toward intruders
- Intelligent repositioning complicates opponents' strategies
- Can grapple from unexpected distances
- Responses to Nature's Tongue were hostile
Origin
Appears to be a corrupted or summoned being, bound to protect the Sacred Tree. The broken chain on its collar suggests it was once more securely tethered.
Key Events
- Discovered at Glowing Tree holding Blessed Branch
- Draz attempted communication via Nature's Tongue—received hostility
- Goblin Envoy proposed alliance against it
- Party used Explosive Barrels in assault
- Draz fired arrow at barrels, freeing beast from tether
- Sustained severe injuries from explosions
- Jamal crushed its paw with warhammer
- Heyou decapitated it with daggers
- Sarru took damage from its attack
Aftermath
- Party discovered burnt and regrown Sacred Tree
- Found Giant Collar with broken chain
- Raised questions about what bound the Guardian to the tree
GM Notes
The Guardian was bound to the Sacred Tree by forces connected to Caranthalis. Its death (and the subsequent destruction of the tree by goblins) angered Kelun and the divine powers.
The cold viscous fluid and multi-eyed appearance suggest Umbra corruption or demonic origin.
Stonewraith
Description
A ten-foot-tall creature that emerges from stone walls. Connected to ancient technology and supernatural elements.
Abilities
- Emerges from solid stone
- Resistance to conventional weaponry (arrows pushed back)
- Subsonic attacks that disrupt environment
- Can knock opponents off perches
- Causes falling rocks
- Retaliation against ranged attacks
Combat Behavior
- Attacks produce deep subsonic rumbles
- Can target multiple enemies through environmental effects
- Conventional weapons are largely ineffective
Communication
Can respond to peaceful approach. Sylvie approached with open hands and received attentive response.
Ancient Connection
The spirit within a Stonewraith can temporarily inhabit other beings. One possessed Heyou, revealing:
- It had roamed the area for thirty years
- Warned about the Guardian of the Glowing Tree
- Connected to a magical relay system
Encounters
- Draz's arrow was pushed back by its defenses
- Subsonic attack caused falling rocks damaging Draz
- Heyou was temporarily possessed, learning vital information
GM Notes
Stonewraiths appear to be guardians or observers connected to ancient systems. They're not necessarily hostile if approached correctly, but will defend against perceived threats.
Their connection to Heyou (who recognized it as ancient tech) suggests clanks and Stonewraiths may share origins.