Vendarja (animal)
RAN OUT OF TIME SORRY PATRONS COMING SOON XOXOXO
Locals say that the illusive vendarja were once the rulers of ancient Kalathipsomi, but concentrated effort from the Marcher Anti-Magi and the Aversarians who later replaced them drove them to the very edges of civilization. The effort to do so was a long and gruelling century long affair, only aided because of the possibility that vendarjas do not breed and that their population is possibly static. The truth of this is one of many unknowns about the beasts, almost every single facet of their existence yet another mystery that scholars and monster-hunters have tried to divine for centuries.
They say ancient villagers would leave children out for the vendarja's taking as sacrifice, the beasts for unknown reason desiring youths and even apparently understanding human speech. What they do with the children is likewise unknown, as every time hunters have tracked down their lair there has not been a single trace of the youths, not even bones, not even if the vendarja had taken them only minutes prior.
Reports also claim that they carry a possibly human level intelligence, and seem to possess a deep and horrible cruelty and hatred of mankind. Hubris has led to them 'ruling' many villages offering tribute, but their hunger always takes over their pride, and eventually they always take and feed until none remain to give them homage. While none even know if they are a mutant, a species of animal, or physical manifestations of spirits, some have theorized that they do not actually need to eat. Instead, it appears as if the beasts somehow feed off... fear itself. To be hunted is their pleasure, for they almost always turn the hunt back around and devour those who chase them. It also means that our preparations have been esoteric and increasingly intricate at the Magi, MAGINAME's, suggestion.
MAGINAME has prepared us as well as MAGISHEHE could. Before us in the clearing is a bound and screaming child with the signs of sacrifice. MAGISHEHE tells us that the illusion is the best we can expect, and that the vendarja should be fooled that the bound goat is a young boy until it gets close enough for us to be ambushed. Worst still, I know that it is pitch darkness out of our tunnel. The beast only takes its tribute precisely at midnight, not a moment before or after.
"Once we arrive," MAGINAME states, "You will need to act with haste. If the beast gets the chance to ambush us, then this hunt will be over. Strike fast the moment you see it, strike for its heart, and do not let it get away no matter what you do. If you're brave and fast, then we'll survive." As MAGISHEHE finishes, the light from their hands dims away and they stop quietly tunneling through the underground with their spells. MAGISHEHE is silent before telling us MAGISHEHE feels its presence...