Ankheg: Commonly found across Eberron, Ankhegs are found on ever continent except Frostfell. In Khorvaire they are found within the Talenta Plains where they are considered a scourge by the halflings. The Talenta Ankheg is renowned as a dangerous beast, but more often then not it scavenges its food from the larger predators that roams the plains. It is netorious for killing and devouring live stock, which the halflings herd. Most of the time the halflings will move camp when Ankhegs appear as they are extremely dangerous even to their dinosaur mounts. They will take careful measure to ensure that the Ankhegs do not follow by killing and leaving several carcasses on the trail.
A desert more variety lives in the Wasting Plains and Menechtarun desert of Xen'drik. It lives in this inhospitipal climate, only coming above ground during heavy rains or at night. The creature is known as the Nightstalker Ankheg because of its viscousness and its dark black coloring. The creature is normally no larger then the Talenta Ankheg, but is known to group up to 14 feet in length. Also the creature has a more predatory nature then the scavenging cousin of Khorvaire.
The largest and rarest variety is found on the continent of Argonessen and is refered to as the Chromatic Ankheg, and inhabits the plains east of the Great Barrier mountian chain. They measure up to 30 feet long and feast on anything they are able to capture. The Chromatic Ankheg gets its name from the "chameleonesque" scales which are vibrant and change color as they move. Only 1 of these creatures has ever been captured and its remains can be seen in the Morgrave University.
It is unknown about the Sarlonan Ankheg, but an Inspired Lord visiting Morgrave has commented on a similar, yet much smaller, creature to the Chromatic Ankheg used by a race known as the Dromites as gaurds animals.
Aranea: (collaberated w/ Rechan) Once, the Demon Wastes was a vibrant forest of the likes of the Eldeen. However, the fell magic of the fiends had sapped the land of its very life to fuel their evil powers, turning the land into a blighted desert. The magic that used also left interesting side effects on the things that had survived. The Aranea are one such case.
After the power of the fiends fell over a few monstrous spiders as the vibrant forests of the Wastes dried up, and the creatures fled beneath the surface into Khyber to find food, the magic of the demons mixed with the natural mutative nature of the Dragon Below. It bred in generation after generation a touch of magic, that continued until the spiders reached sentience. Once they had become self-aware, they looked around Khyber, and longed for teh world above. And so they eventually emerged in the Eldeen, and continued to live.
But their magic was still there, and over time, they experimented with it, changing themselves slowly, breeding and breeding as the unique gifts developed, and over time, the once-vermin manifested the power of mimicry, changing their shape.
Claims have been made that the Aranea not only inhabbit the forests of the Eldeen Reaches, but other realms as well. It seems that the taint of the fiends was once great and powerful. In Khorvaire they are also believed to inhabbit Q'barra, some islands in Lhazaar, the Shadow Marches, and Droaam.
Aranea have also been spotted in other realms as well, ranging from Sarlona to Xen'drik. Many of those from Sarlona have long been tossed to the 4 winds by the Inspired, and now inhabbit the jungles of Argonessen and Xen'drik. The Aranea are rare, and almost each coven or group of such beings seems to be different, and many have strange powers, unlike others races. It is unkown if this is because of their demonic taint or if it is from years of evolving in some of the most hostile lands.
Assassin Vine: The Assassin Vine, or Giant Strangler is common only in the jungles of Xen'drik. Several different varieties exist, and a rare version is said to exist within the King's Forest of Breland.
This strange plant as been observed and documented, the largest and strangest version is known as the Giant Strangler is of immense size and is coated in a contact poison. The plant its poison to incapacitate victims to strangle them.
The King's Assassin found on Khorvaire is very similar in all repects to the common Assassin Vine of Xen'drik. The only difference between the two is the King's Assassin is actually a flowering plant, with beautiful flowers. These flowers actually "bloom" when touched, but react violently after the blooming. They release a sweet scent into the air when blooming and the vines directly after lunge forward choking the victim.
Athach: These creatures are very similar in mind and attitude as the Hill Giants of Xen'drik and southern Khorvaire. Beyond this the similarities stop. The Athach is rarely seen in Xen'drik, and even more so in Khorvaire. It is unknown to the origins of this species, but these hulking brutes are believed to be some attempt long ago by a Daelkyr to tranform the giants. A journel by an adventurer was recovered some 10 years ago detailing a massive battle between several hill giants and a pair of Athatch in the jungles of Xen'drik. The adventurer noted that the giants who had quite obviously seen her party ignored them and instead battled the two much larger and powerful Athach. The note detailed that during the battle the Hill Gaints would rant on calling the Athach "Tainted Ones" in the giant tongue.
Lord Ashborn, an exiled fire gaint, gave an audience with a man who discovered the journel and told him, that the Athach were mostly unknown to the giants until some 3000 years ago, when they began to appear from deep beneath the earth. But Ashborn also said those could be just the ramblings of superstitous minds at work, because the legend seems to come from the Hill Giants.
Don't have my book with me (And for some reason the SRD doesn't have Carrion Crawlers!?) but I'd like to see Carrion Crawlers and Cloakers done. It would be interesting if either of these were not created by the Daelkyr, as every aberration seems to have been.
The Khorvaire Basilisks, is the most common variety but stories of large ones growing to 12 feet in length and weighing more then 2000 lbs are known. There seem to be three variety that inhabbit the lands. The largest of the Khorvaire breeds, the Scimitar Basilisk, is found in the Blade Desert. These creatures are seen as walking nightmare, and even the Gnoll usually take great steps to avoid such creatures.
Another common variety is the Khyber Basilisk, which seems to be the originating species. It is seen throughout the realm of Khyber, but only seen above ground in Droaam. In Droaam they are frequented as gaurd animals and usually fitted with special helmets that cover their face, so that normal beings have nothing to fear. These Basilisk are not much different from the Scimitar Basilisk but do not seem to grow to the large size that the Scimitar Basilisk does.
The most unusual of the Basilisk is the amphibous basilisk found in the Shadow Marches. This is the rarest of the breeds and only one has ever been captured. The creature appears like a normal basilisk except for several strange changes. This Basilisk is one of the smallest varieties of Basilisk, and its body is more streamlined then the other varieties. It lives only in deep swamps and never comes on to land, except to lay eggs. Its 6 legs have actually formed into flippers and its head is more crocodilian. Its tail and even formed a powerful flipper at the end which it uses to help propel itself through the water.
Xen'drik too has Basilisk. The most common is the Khyber Basilisk that is also found on Khorvaire, but another variety, the Menechtarun Basilisk (Abyssal Greater Basilisk). This creature is only found in the eastern portion of the Menechtuarun desert, between the Sun Pillars and Fangs of Argarak. They are the most powerful variety and most dangerous of all basilisk, and in someways seen as the most removed variety. The creature has more developed jaws and measures 12-15 feet in length. It also seems likely that the creature is more intelligent then other Basilisk. This creature has never been captured and no remains have ever been brought forth, but the person who detailed the experience and took notes on the beast is quite renowned in the area and is considered to be aburptly honest on his observations.
Behir: Not much is known about these rare and majestic creatures. They are very similar to dragons, both in mannerisms and physical appearance. Even like dragons, Behir's grow when they age, and come in many different colors, but their are also many differences between the Behir and Dragons. The Behir are an isolatated species that inhabbits a four corners of Eberron. They tend to shy away from other races and prefer to live in the wilds, where they live simple lives. Until recently it was presumed that the Behir was unintelligent, no more smatter then a lion or Tyrannosaurus.
Supposedly an unknown adventurer though has spread the rumor that he was taken in by an ancient Behir deep in the Demon Wastes. He said that the Behir helped him escape the clutches of a pack of savage barbarians. This Behir told him that all Behir are the bastard children of Eberron and Syberis's blood. That during ancient wars the Dragons fought the fiends, and the Behir only protected Eberron. The Behir cared not for either side of the conflict until the Rajahs turned on them. Once this happened the Behir fought alongside the Dragons, but because of their delay to the fight the Dragon's ostrasized them. This explains why stories of Dragons and Behirs battling in titanic clashes have been persistant throughout the years. Within the last year as well, a Behir Druid actually helped a group of adventurers escape the jungles of Xen'drik while being attacked. It seems that the Behir, of Khorvaire and Xen'drik atleast, have a more outgoing and friendly nature then originally presumed.
Many Behir now, to avoid conflict with the dragons, and some say to seek revenge, have actually delved into the depths of Khyber where they carve out an existance. Unlike the Behir above ground, these Behir are more violent and chaotic, probably due to the inhospitable realm in which they live. It is said that these Behir are rarely seen, but much more common then those that live above ground. It is unknown why they never surface but their really is no difference between the two, and so they are pressumed to be the same species.
Blink Dog: (Posted by Rechan) Blink dogs are native to the Talenta plains and the Blade desert. The Talenta leave the blink dogs alone for the most part, however they consider the ability to sneak up on a blink dog and touch it before it can disappear to be a milestone in a scout's capabilities. The Valenar, on the other hand, consider killing blink dogs a great honor to kill one (usually requiring one to two swift blows otherwise the dog will disappear) to be a statement of being with one of the great ancestors, one of fast, precise death, and to wear the pelt of a blink dog is a grand status symbol.
However, House Vandalis reportedly owns one Blink Dog kennel, as they make great hunting dogs (able to teleport around prey, truelly confusing most wild species), as well as when bred with normal dogs, manage to retain the hatred of displacer beasts.
Interestingly, there is a species that is believed to be a cousin of the blink dog, found in Frostfell. They do not retain the ability to "blink" or teleport, but instead have an innate "Blur" (as per the spell), which helps them blend better with the snowstorms that rage across the continent.
(mine) Another species of Blink Dog, native to Sarlona, has been fully domesticated since the rise of Riedra. Unlike common Blink Dogs of Khorvaire these hounds are psionic in nature, and used as gaurd animals. They also seem to be slightly larger (5-7 HD) then the more common Khorvaire breed.
Also in the western reaches of Khorvair the Vvarrak's Hound, a large and powerful breed, is considered sacred by the Orcs that follow the druidic traditions. It is considered a great dishonor among them to hunt down a Blink Dog and kill it. Legend persist among these tribes that Vvarraak created them to help in their battles against the Daelkyr.
don't worry I will try and change some of the stuff up. Remember not all aberrations where created by the Daelkyr (aboleth's for instance). Now I will say most of them will be, but the carrion crawler doesn't seem like the aberration to have been created by the Daelkyr.
The only thing I can think of for the Daelkyr to create them would be for efficiency as opposed to art. During the war with the Goblinoids, the Daelkyr likely had a lot of dead bodies. And, since you can't do anything after the body's dead, they created carrion crawlers as basically a garbage disposal. But that's very unsatisfying.
any other comments you guys, any suggestions what do you'll think?
The Behir got chopped off of your post, or were you going to fill that in next?
I'm not planning on doing many outsiders or elementals, I'll be stickin to Eberron only, although I will place some native outsiders. I'll finish up the MMs and then move on from there.
I like what you have here very much. Thinking ecologies through is vital...
In general, I agree with you about the presence of outsiders, though I think a few work well in Eberron. I recently wrote up the Vargouille for Mournland. The MM says that they derive from Carceri; I decided that the creature was a byproduct of the Day of Mourning and instead of bat-wings, I decided that the victim's ears mutated into fleshy wings, thus enabling flight. I also decided that when the Vargouille detaches from the body of the infected victim, the spinal column goes with it. From a distance, the creatures look like bats with wings. This particular creature makes sense as one of the dread horrors of Mournland since they create more of their kind like a curse. I don't mean to jump the gun, but I thought I'd share since sometimes the ecological shifts means adjusting the physiological aspects of the creature as well.
any other comments you guys, any suggestions what do you'll think?
Finally sat down to read these - I like them a lot! My favorite part is the "variant" version. Here's some I thought of (skipped a few to let someone more creative get/some didn't fit (Belker, anyone?)). Wish I had my 2e MM at my apartment - for all the great that is the 3e MM, they sure skimped on the ecology of the monsters.
Blink Dog. Blink dogs are native to the Talenta plains and the Blade desert. The Talenta leave the blink dogs alone for the most part, however they consider the ability to sneak up on a blink dog and touch it before it can disappear to be a milestone in a scout's capabilities. The Valenar, on the other hand, consider killing blink dogs a great honor to kill one (usually requiring one to two swift blows otherwise the dog will disappear) to be a statement of being with one of the great ancestors, one of fast, precise death, and to wear the pelt of a blink dog is a grand status symbol.
However, House Vandalis reportedly owns one Blink Dog kennel, as they make great hunting dogs (able to teleport around prey, truelly confusing most wild species), as well as when bred with normal dogs, manage to retain the hatred of displacer beasts.
Interestingly, there is a species that is believed to be a cousin of the blink dog, found in Frostfell. They do not retain the ability to "blink" or teleport, but instead have an innate "Blur" (as per the spell), which helps them blend better with the snowstorms that rage across the continent.
Chimera. Chimera are an old species, harkening back to the time before Dragons had gained their full sentience. Chimera were the result of near-feral dragons who, finding no draconic mate when breeding season came, took to interbreeding with animals. The chimera itself resulted from animal interbreeding in mountain regions rich with Eberron dragonshards. Once the dragons gained their full mental state, they saw the bastardized creature that was the Chimera, and learned the lesson of being more selective with their breeding. Dragons are greatly embarassed by the existance of the species, and consider any mention of them to be akin to bringing up an imbred, mentally-challenged relative. They consider it a great insult, to say the least.
Almost all Chimera can be found on Argonessen and Frostfell (with more in Frostfell, as White dragons were the biggest culprit of Chimera creation, since they were the last to reach full sentience). Every time a continent has become civilized over most of it's population, Dragons run a campaign of genocide to eradicate the species from the continent in order to hide their dirty secret from mortals - but the legends of the magical beast has remained in myths with the Dhakanni, Lizardfolk, Giants, and humans of Sarlona, but all that remain are fossils. Still, the Chimera will remain on Argonessen as a constant reminder.
Cockatrice. The Cockatrice originated in Xen'Drik - the first mage and his apprentices to propagate the Transmute Flesh to Rock spell created the birds as an experiment, and considered them fine pets and guardians. Somehow, the birds managed to escape into the wilds of the jungles, and due to their innate defense mechanism, have managed to carve out a small niche within that dangerous region, lasting long after the fall of the Giants.
Then, on an expedition, adventurers stumbled across the creatures and - after losing half their team, then returning with mages to revive them - reported the discovery, and House Vandalis showed great interest in them. Bringing some specimens over, the House began breeding them, not just as guardians, but also for their eggs, considered a delicacy (if a bit grainy, as the breeders joke). The House has also sold quite a few to Droaam, where the birds have ended up as pets for Medusas, and basilisks are considered to find them quite delicious.
May I throw a note down on the Cockatrice, that they seem to actually be conected to Khyber and the Medusa somehow (a creature connected to the Daelkyr, but I link them and other monsters of this sort more to Khyber for the most part). Read up on the Droaam and Daask for more information, and to better help. I had to rewrite the Basilisk one when I remembered there was info mentioning them in the ECS.
PS: Don't take offense to anything I say, like I said I'm pretty picky on the ecologies. Some of them I like, but most seem like cop outs, you did a good job overall though, and I'm gonna refrense yours for the Blink Dog. The Chimera I may rework though.
The largest Bulete on Khorvaire ever killed has its head actually stuffed and mantled in the throne room of King Boranel. The creature was so large that Boranel, that upon returning with the beast Boranel had to behead it, as its body would've taken up a large portion of court. King Boranel has claimed that he killed the beast with one mighty blow from his bow, but it is highly doubted.
The Karnnathi Bullete is somewhat different from others. It is said that the necromantic magic used to create their zombie and skeleton soldiers tainted the Bullette that have been known to feed on them.
Carrion Crawler: As Khyber is lord of fiends and aberrations it is know wonder that it has spawned these creatures. It is unknown if they are native to Eberron, or some half attempt by the Daelkyr. It is presumed though that the Carrion Crawler is the spawn of Khyber itself and has been roaming the depths of Khyber for thousands of years. The first note of the Carrion Crawlers was discovered in a document in Xen'drik where a giant had the misfortune of losing his slaves. The giant noted that he found a large worm-like creature in the depths of a cavern where he had left his elf slaves. The giant was shocked to find that all his slaves had been devoured or partially devoured by several of the creatures. He killed one of them and scared the others. He took the creature with him when he reported the situation, it seems he wanted to be compinsated by the rulers for his loss. Later the giant was hanged for treason it appears. Throughout history these creatures have existed in large numbers, there are numerous varieties that seem to exist.
The most famous type, the Spinetingler Carrion Crawler, which is covered in large spines, several inches in length, that are effective in detering attackers. Not only that but the spines carry the same paralyzing toxin, and they can launch them up to 60 feet away with amazing accurracy.
Chimera: A beast out of place, this creature has been documented since the dawn of time. As the Daelkyr created many aberrations, the Chimera to is a created race, but not by the Daelkyr. During the great war between the dragons and Rajahs, the Chimera came into being. This beast was said to have been created by a mad Rajah in an attempt to mock the dragons. The creature is considered a horrible beast by dragons, and usually killed outright. Extremely rare these creatures are only found within very remote locations. Infact not a single one has been killed in over 100 years. The creatures inhabbit every continent in Eberron, but it seems that they are most common in the Frostfell and Sarlona.
Dragons commonly dispose of the creatures in Argonessen where they seem to be extremely rare. It is also said that in some ancient fortress of the fiends deep within Khyber a pride of massive Chimera gaurd the gates and only let those who bear "The Mark" pass. Although rare the Chimera is found in Khorvaire with some frequency west of the Eldeen Reaches, but other then that it is rarely seen, and even then usually but a solitary creature.
Chuul: From the realm of Madness these creatures came. Unlike others from that realm the Chuul where not created by the Daelkyr lords. They however where minions to the Daelkyr and served in the war against the Orcs and Dhakaani. Today the Chuul seem to show no signs of allegience and seem to care little for the Lords of Madness. Instead they live a wild and chaotic exitence roaming the seas south of Khorvaire. They are found mainly near Shargon's Teeth, where some have attempted to live among the Sauhgin as gods. They have moved into the swamps and rivers of southern Khorvaire, as well as those of northern Xen'drik. Aerenal has had its encounters with these beasts as well. It seems that they are expanding to new seas and lands every year, claiming more and more territory. For the most part though they can still only be found with any frequency in the previously stated regions.
... Man, looking at the old rules, it's amazing how far we've come.
Cockatrice: The cockatrice is a creature that was once nothing more then a common bird. Their origin seems to date back thousands of years. The first record of any cockatrice seems to have the creatures being bred by the Medusa. The record states that the giants discovered a conclave of Medusa held up deep beneath the earth where they had been using them as pets. Today three varieties are known to exist.
The most powerful Cockatrice, known as the Giant Cockatrice inhabits the realm of Xen'drik. These large birds are the size of full grown men, and it seems that they where actually bred by the giants, using magic to increase their growth. They where reportedly used in the great war that the giants fought as shock troops. To wade in and turn their enemies to stone. Unlike many Cockatrice this bird seems to be very colorful and vibrant, as far as the males go. It has beautiful gold, silver, and copper colored feathers, and its tail is also covered in the same scintilating feathers.
The other two varieties are more closely related. The first is the most common and is found in Droamm and deep within the earth. This Cockatrice is commonly reffered to as the Keeper's Bird. The name comes from a myth that those turned to stone by the Cockatrice cannot let their spirit flee to Dolurrh, and it is forever trapped within the stone statues.
The other is found in the plains of Sarlona, it is quite common and said to have been brought their years ago by Lhazaar herself. The Inspired take great pains in trying to remove the creatures, but have come to the conclusion that it is next to impossible. Commonly the rebels of Adar capture the birds and will release them into Riedran garrisons.
The strangest of the breeds is known as the Nautilis Darkmantle, which actually hides within a specialized shell. The creature's shell takes on the shape and formation of stactites where it hangs from the ceilings looking for prey. The creature also has a special defense mechanism for when things go bad. The creature will spray a black vapour into the air, which is highly acidic, and usually causes temporary blindness.
Delver: Only one of these creatures has ever been documented, and even those records cannot be confirmed. The Delver as it has been dubbed is a massive creature that burrows beneath the earth. The documents on these behemoths claim that they where once a natural creature of Eberron, probably some sort of burrowing slug. But when the Daelkyr where sealed beneath the earth they discovered these gentle giant slugs and transformed them into some sort of alien beast. It also claims that even today the creatures are usually transient and passive, only fighting to defend themselves, but their burrowing ability can be quite dangerous seeing as they could move upwards within the earth and accedently collapse buildings and creating sink holes.
Derro: The Derro seem to have once been dwarves, but over the centuries have been changed and mutated into a small and psychotic race. They are only found deep beneath the surface in the the realm of Noludrun(?), where it is believed they are a faction of the lost clan of dwarves. The Derro (whose name means "Mad Blood"), seem to live in small groups, cults that worship madness and dispair. Some have been known to be cannibals, and it is quite common for them to sacrifice outsiders that have been caught within their realm. The Derro constantly hide in the shadows of Duergar estates, and attempt to corrupt and defile the Duergar. However claims persist that the Derro are building a city to their god, one filled with twisting tunnels and unspeakable horrors. Further claims exists that the Derro of Noldrun are not the only Derro to exists. That their are others that did not make the journy when the dwarves came to Khorvaire.
Destrachan: It is unknown what spawned these beast, or infact if they came with the Daelkyr, but the Destrachan was once used as a living close range artillery against the Dhakaani. Today these beast roam the darkness and are usually solitary creatures, but it is believed that many of them are still held in the shattered armies of the Daelkyr. Destrachan are dangerous and powerful creatures, and many varieties exist.
One was captured in the Demon Wastes by a Silver Flame Templar. The creature seemed to have been twisted by the delving land scape there, and this has led to the belief that maybe Destrachans true origins are bound to those of Khyber itself, and not just the Daelkyr. But either way, two things are commonly known about Destrachan, one they are inherrently evil, and two that they are inherrently dangerous.
Digester: The Digester is a strange creature only native to the darkest jungles of Xen'drik. Little has ever been discovered about the creatures, as they has very effective offensive capabilities. It is known that they never live in groups with more then 6 creatures, and usually only the largest ones are really solitary creatures.
Displacer Beast: The Displacer Beast is one of the most majestic creatures known. The creature inhabbited many of they hillside regions of Khorvaire, roaming in small pride where their numbers are greatest. In many places the creature has been hunted to extinction, and has been pushed into close by wooded areas. They are highly intelligent for animals, and in some of the more wild areas it is commonly rumored that they are man eaters. In Khorvaire two varieties exist, and one is believe to be linked to the massive "Pack Lord" breed of Xen'drik. Pack Lords have been known to sprout up within the realm of Khorvaire but it is extremely rare.
The most common is seen throughout Khorvaire in the hill country, but another breed exist in the mountainous regions, usually near forests. This breed is commonly called the Drhaaran a goblin word for "Mountain Shadow". They are slightly larger then the more common Displacer Beast, but not nearly the size of the Pack Lord. They are also solitary hunters, and rarely in groups larger then 2 or 3.
Rumors persist of another breed native to Khorvaire that inhabits the canyons of the Demon Waste. They say the creature is as large as the Drhaaran, but has a coat of crimson fur, striped with black, and that it has strange magical abilities that other Displacer Beasts do not have (Half-fiend Displacer Beasts).
The rare and elusive Pack Lord of Xen'drik. Common Displacer Beast inhabit the realm of Xen'drik to, and it is commonly believed that they are to thank for these creatures, but no proof has confirmed this. The Pack Lord is the largest variety of Displacer Beast in all of Eberron, measuring over 20 feet long. It is usually a solitary hunter, but commonly mates with the more common Displacer Beast. In prides where Pack Lords are found, only females are found, other then the Pack Lord himself. It is unknown why this bred only has males that differ from the rest, but it is known that these males are some of the most powerful creatures in the Jungles of Xen'drik.
Dragon Turtle: A sailor's worst nightmare, the Dragon Turtle inhabbits all the seas of Khorvaire, but preffers the more temperate waters. They are seen as one of the most dangerous beings in the sea, but it is not unknown for them to try and remove dangerous predators within their territory. It is unkown why, but Dragon Turtles and True Dragons seem to dislike each other, they will never fight to the death, but stories among the Seren barbarians tell of titanic battles at sea between the two. The Dragon Turtles are also considered pirates by nature, who will stop ships and demand tribute for passing through their realm. The creatures are also said to be quite found of pearls, and have been known to excort ships out of their territory in exchange for several pearls.
Dragonne: This nocturnal predator stalks many lands. In Khorvaire they inhabbit eastern hill country and the Blade Desert. They have even been known to roam the plains of Talenta from time to time. They seem to avoid contact with humanoids, and preffer to live far from civiliztion. They are however extremely territorial and in the Blade Desert constant conflicts between the Valenar and the Dragonne have occured. More often then not the creature hunt livestock if available and this has led to bounties on the creatures within the Five Nations. In the plains the Halflings usually avoid any territory known to have been staked out by the beast. In the west many orc tribes have sought protection by living in the realm of a Dragonne. They quite often leave offering of food and never taking more then what they need from their realms.
Another breed seems to inhabbit the jungles and swamps of Khorvaire and Aerenal. This Dragonne, commonly reffered to as the "Dragirre", is less lion-like and more tigger-like. Its scales are coppery and have "stripes" of black scales that line its body.
Another breed of Dragonne inhabbits the vast deserts of Sarlona and are considered one of the greatest threats by the Inspired. It also seems to be a great honor among the Riedran lords to have slayed and killed such a beasts. The rocky foothills of Riedra and Adar are said to be home to the largest and most dangerous Dragonne, an Adar monk once said, "A Khorvaire Dragonne is a house cat compared to the beasts that I have seen."
Forests that contain a dryad that have also been tainted by the warping magic of the Daelkyr, are too close to the prisons of the Rajahs, or are sites of great atrocities, where much blood has sank into the roots of trees has spawned dark dryads. These fey are reflections of the pollution that has corrupted the forest itself, and they are fickle, unforgiving beings who have been known to use their influence over the forest to cause travelers to lose their way, not find food, and ultimately starve, as well as bring great wrath itself down onto the heads of those that would dare defile the forests they reside in, resulting in the untimely ends of many loggers and miners.
An interesting phenomena has also been noticed by House Cannith. If a Livewood tree has a dryad bound to it, and that tree is then used as the wooden component of warforged, the Dryad is bound to the 'forged. This connection with the soul of the forge forces a powerful bond between the pair, as the Dryad sees the 'forged as her tree, and the 'forged sees the Dryad as a facet to his own soul.
Duergar: The Duergar, as they are known, are found deep beneath the Mror Holds. This group of Dwarves are sullen and mean spirited and claim to be the lost clan, Noldrun. Over the years they have been corrupted by the taint of the Daelkyr, gaining strange psionic powers. Unlike the Derro who are also members of this lost clan the Duergar detest the Daelkyr who ruined them. They seek vengence and have no wish to return to the surface. Very few Duergar have even seen the surface, and even fewwer still have returned to it permanently. They are born and live in a world of madness and war, and give little about anything other then their vendette against the Lords of Madness. The Duergar regard the Derro as traitors and the other dwarves as simplitons who ignore the danger beneath them.
It is claimed that other Duergar dwell within Khyber. These are groups that made the journey from the Frostfell but where detered or lost. They developed independently of the known Duergar and have widely different cultures.
Eagle, Giant: These splendid and intelligent avains inhabbit many regions of Eberron. Most well known is the Silver Giant Eagle that roams the temperate and warm mountains of eatern Khorvaire. These large birds of prey are admired for their grace and beauty. They are some of the largest giant eagles seen in Eberron. They get their name from their silvery feathers that decorate the inner wing. It is believed that when hunting for prey they actually blind them with sunlight from the feathers.
In the most remote lake and river country, as well as colder coastal regions, of Khorvaire their is the grandoius Skyfisher Giant Eagle. This grand bird has lightly blue feathers, trimmed in white. The most striking feature is the stark white feathers that cover it head and neck, and run down its back in a straigt line. It seems that these birds are actually native to the coastal regions of the Frostfell, as many of them move their in the summer to roost. This has led to many of the birds spreading across Eberron and the Skyfisher can be seen the northern coastal regions of Sarlona. But it does not seem to be quite as common as it is here in Khorvaire.
Aerenal's Giant Eagle is one of the oddest looking of the Giant Eagles. It roams the island nation of Aerenal. The bird is pitch black in color, and commonly known as the Death Eagle, as it has white feathers on its head that sometimes form the shape of a skull. The bird is rare and elusive and has little to do with humanoids. It is rumored that the bird is a man eater, and this is why the elves do not allow unaccompanied men to their nation.
Ethereal Filcher: It is said that the Daelkyr are the devourers of worlds, and that their conquest has not only led them to the realm of Eberron, but others as well. The Ethereal Filcher seems to be the twisted and augmented remains of such a conquest. When the Daelkyr came and waged their war in Khorvaire thousands of years ago, the Ethereal Filcher came with them. It is unknown where exactly the Ethereal Filcher came from, but many speculate on this. Today however today the Ethereal Filcher is no more a minion of the Daelkyr then a common citizen of Sharn. It seems these simple minded creatures, really have very little intrest in the plots of the Daelkyr and they roam freely doing as they wish. However many are still said to be under the lure and control of their darksides. These rumors point out that larger, more powerful, varieties of Ethereal Filchers exist, many inhabbiting the realm of Khyber itself.
Ettercap: This abomination seems to be the creation of the Daelkyr. They are found in many of the southern forests of Khorvaire, as well as roaming strange fungal forests of Khyber. These creatures are ambush predators who are very skilled in their tactics. They usually live in small groups which have the ability to work well with each other.
It is also believed that they are the creation of the giants, or their enemy during a great war. This is explained by the fact that they are also quite common within the jungles of Xen'drik. The ones that inhabbit this forbidden land though have been known to grow to greater sizes, some as large as hill giants. But this is rare, and these claims have also been made about the Khorvaire Ettercap.
Both theories on the origin of this creature could be true though. Perhaps the giants created the original creature which would most likely be larger and more powerful. When the Daelkyr came they discovered the race and used their magic to expand on it, giving it spider like features and making it smaller so that it would be better suited for their war against the Dhakaani. After all, giant ambush predators cannot move into position against well prepared foes.
Ettin: The Giants of Xen'drik were masters of magic, much like the dragons. The Ettin is believed to have been an experiment of theirs, one that may have been considered blasphemy even by the giants. The Ettin is only found in the land of Xen'drik, and even there it is rare and elusive. They two seem to know their shame and live lives of solitude with little or no contact with intelligent beings. Ettins usually react violently to such encounters and there has never been a report to suggest otherwise.
Some information suggest that the Ettin is not actually native to Xen'drik though. A scholar, Marixus Eboran of Aundair, claims to have seen Ettins inhabbiting the realm of Argonessen. He suggest that the giants are actually the creation of the dragons. That they where once normal giants, but the dragons warped them with their ancient magic. It seems unlikely, but he further claims that these Ettin are more social creatures then the one on Xen'drik. That he saw one who appeared to be a chieftain making an offering at a large cave opening, which he suspects was home to one of Argonessen's wyrms.
Gargoyle: The Gargoyle is a creature that dates back to godless times. The church of the Soveriegn Host believe that the first gargoyles was created by the Shadow. The Cults of the Dragon Below and the Church of the Silver Flame claim that the first gargoyles were created by fiendish souls trapped within Khyber shards who gave live to the very earth they where trapped in. Either way the Gargoyle has managed to make its way across Eberron, mostly inhabbiting realms where they may hide.
Most gargoyles are of the common variety, but there does seem to be some division among the species. The largest live in the mountains of Adar, usually inhabbiting ruined temples and lost monastaries, these gargoyles possess a strange abilities not like other gargoyles (large pherenic gargoyle).
Another more foul and violent breed seems to dwell within the most tainted of areas, the Mournelands and the Demon Wastes. These creatures have a more beastial appearance and strange powers (Fiendish Gargoyles). They are similar to large and powerful Gargoyles that dwell in the deepest regions of Khyber, but not quite as powerful (Large Half-fiend Gargoyles).
Ghouls & Ghasts Ghouls have existed since the rise of the humans. These creatures are believed to be the risen dead of cannibal humans. Many Blood of Vol cults seem to give rise to Ghouls, and many of their clerics usually become Ghast. Ghast are normally only found in Khorvaire, but it seems they have also been found among other continents as well. They are said to be priest who have partaken in blood rites and cannibalistic rituals. It is unknown if these myths are true but many people believe so. An aqautic ghouls, known as Lacedons, are found on deserted islands or ships where the crew turned to cannibalism to feed. When the offenders of this great sin die they usually become ghouls, but only the most foulest of beings ever truelly turn into a ghast.
Gibbering Mouther: The Gibbering Mouther is said to be the creation of the Daelkyr. Little is known or understood of these maddened creature, but what is known is they are completely and utterly dangerous. They constantly mumble incoherrently when stalking prey, and seem to have a simple intelligence. They are rarely seen above ground, and usually this is only near openings in the earth. Tales persist of large Gibbering Mouthers that are worshipped in the Shadow Marches as living testiments to the will of Khyber.
Girallon: The Girallon is a savage and violent beast found in the jungles of Xen'drik and Q'barra. Several have been captured and are on display in traveling carnivals. The most famous features the rare "Silverfang" a powerful girallon that stands some 20 feet tall. Unlike many Girallons this one seems to be peaceful and a special Vadalis house member is constantly kept on hand to appease the beast. Little is known about their social structure or habbits. They are known as dangerous predators, and have a distinct hatred of the giants, who it seems they see as compotition. The largest Garillon's are known to inhabbit mountainous terrain, and all of them seem to live in small groups, with no more then 10 members (including children).
Gnolls & Flinds: The Gnolls have been scattered across Khorvaire, long before man set foot upon its shores. During the days of the ancient Dhakaani empire the goblinoid legions advanced in all directions. They conquered lands with unseen fury and for the most part were unhindered in most of their goals. In the east, in the Blade Desert and the lands just north and south of there, they discovered a savage race of beings, Gnolls. The goblinoids at first where weary of these savages as they where tougher then orcs, and possessed an unnatural savagry. The Dhakaani lore states that they first thought the Gnolls where some sort of demon that took the form of a hybrid hyena. The gnolls mostly kept to the darkness, hunting and fighting on their terms, and as such this increased the Dhakaani's fears of the creatures. But like all things the Dhakaani simply pushed on, as the empire waits for no goblin. For years the Gnolls pillaged and raided the goblinoid encampements mostly unhindered. Once the Dhakaani overcame their fears the Gnolls quickly fell into disarray. Had it not been for the Tairnadal the gnolls might have actually been wiped out by the Dhakaani who grew annoyed by their antics. Rather then kill and enslave them, the Dhakaani made a deal with the multitude of tribes. They told the Gnolls that if they fought with the Dhakaani and helped them in their battles they would be rewarded with riches and freedom. The failing Gnoll tribes gladly excepted and they helped battle the Tainadal, striking at them for the Dhakaani when the had the truce with Valenar. Then the Tairnadal left, and the Dhakaani made a deal with more tribes, sending them to the west to help deal with the orcs that they had been fighting for centuries by now. The Gnolls once again, wishing to gain their wealth and glory turned to the west, scattering themselves across southern Khorvaire.
The Gnolls prospered and regained their numbers, many were lost, but the strong and powerful grew in the next generations. The Gnolls had no empire of their own, no one leader, but they where a force to be recognized. Their numbers had grown and they where fearless, these gnolls became known as Flind. The Flind are the prime of Gnoll heritage, they where the top of the pecking order. The Gnolls of today did not exist back in those days, for they came later in life, and only now is the Flind returning to its people.
Then the Daelkyr came, the beings who smashed the empire to pieces, and scattered their foes to the wind. The Daelkyr desimated the Gnolls in their attacks. Many Gnolls fled and hid in the wake of madness that wrought the lands of Khorvaire. It is said the last Dhakaani emporer cursed the Gnolls to be what they are today. Cowardly, decieving, and unloyal; only a Flind may command the Gnolls with any true ability and trust. Unfortunately, or more likely fortunately, the Flinds are rare, and few Gnolls contain enough of their previous ancestry to sire a Flind. That is not to say Flind no longer exist, but to say they are rare. It is even known that a Flind is more likely to sire another, but not likely enough to even make it a 1 in 4 chance.
on the Aranea, the Five Nations book puts a sizable population in aundair. Can't think of anything as to their genesis but i've been borrowing heavily on the tales of Anansi. Perhaps the Aranea have great love of stories, are brilliant tricksters and devoted to the traveler.
just puttin it out there
I really want this to be a group project because no one person, or gaming group has the true vision of Eberron. We all see different things and stuff we like about the setting, for instance I like the mystery, but the action is 10 times better.
Drake
[email=twelvedrunkenmonkeyz@hotmail.com]twelvedrunkenmonkeyz[/email]
Giant Strangler
Drake
After the power of the fiends fell over a few monstrous spiders as the vibrant forests of the Wastes dried up, and the creatures fled beneath the surface into Khyber to find food, the magic of the demons mixed with the natural mutative nature of the Dragon Below. It bred in generation after generation a touch of magic, that continued until the spiders reached sentience. Once they had become self-aware, they looked around Khyber, and longed for teh world above. And so they eventually emerged in the Eldeen, and continued to live.
But their magic was still there, and over time, they experimented with it, changing themselves slowly, breeding and breeding as the unique gifts developed, and over time, the once-vermin manifested the power of mimicry, changing their shape.
Dryad: The Dryad is said to be the physical manifestation of the soul of a forest, brought to life by a touch of Thelandis. Old Seelie love ballads tell of a great druid who fell in love with an awakened tree. One day, a powerful, elusive fey witnessed the love expressed between the tree and the druid that it blessed the union of the two, marrying their souls. Since then, many forests are blessed with a single Dryad, that while is tied to one tree, is the presonification of the entire forest. If her tree dies, the soul of the forest too withers, plunging the forest into a place where anything could come in.
Forests that contain a dryad that have also been tainted by the warping magic of the Daelkyr, are too close to the prisons of the Rajahs, or are sites of great atrocities, where much blood has sank into the roots of trees has spawned dark dryads. These fey are reflections of the pollution that has corrupted the forest itself, and they are fickle, unforgiving beings who have been known to use their influence over the forest to cause travelers to lose their way, not find food, and ultimately starve, as well as bring great wrath itself down onto the heads of those that would dare defile the forests they reside in, resulting in the untimely ends of many loggers and miners.
An interesting phenomena has also been noticed by House Cannith. If a Livewood tree has a dryad bound to it, and that tree is then used as the wooden component of warforged, the Dryad is bound to the 'forged. This connection with the soul of the forge forces a powerful bond between the pair, as the Dryad sees the 'forged as her tree, and the 'forged sees the Dryad as a facet to his own soul.
Right now I'm gonna give props and thanxs to you Rechan with your help on this thread, and Flame Drake for his help with the creation of the subposts, Ecologies Adaptation. Later on I may redo the thread when it is finished, putting it in complete order, with links to the Ecologies Adaptation. You guys kick tons of ***, thanx.
A strange creature very similar to the Gorgon, and usually called a False Gorgon or Mountain Gorgon, inhabits the mountainous of Khorvaire and Xen'drik. This Gorgon is not quite as powerful as the ones native to Sarlona, they are smaller in size, no larger then a man, and it seems that their petrification is only temporary (of course if something happens while you are petrified that is a different story). It usually last no more then several minutes, before it turns back.
Another type of Gorgon inhabbits the Frostfell, commonly it is reffered to as the Icetomb gorgon. This Gorgon does not petrify its victims, but inteads freezes them in a layer of ice. It is also netoriously larger then the true Gorgon. Reaching lengths of up to 20 feet or more. These creatures though seem to be exceedingly rare, and one has yet to be brought back alive, or even in one piece for that matter.
Gray Render: This powerful creatures seem to date back to ancient times when the giants ruled the lands. It is unknown if the myth is true, but the Gray Renderer as we known it, actually comes from Khorvaire. It seems that long ago before the rise of the Orc nations, that a colony of giants attempted to enslave them, as they did the elves. One of the Orc tribes is said to have given itself to free the others. Usings some primitive ritual they managed to transform into powerful beasts that would protect their bretheren and fight the giant defilers. It seems that their maybe some trueth to this as orcs and Gray Renders rarely fight, and the largest and most powerful of these beast live in western Khorvaire.
It seems that they once had great numbers, but several thousand years ago their species fell in decline. It is believed that these behemoth beast actually fought against the Daelkyr and suffered a horrible fate. The few Gray Renders that live on today inhabbit the Shadow Marches and western Droaam. Some claim that a massive Gray Render of untold preportions inhabbits the forestes of the western Eldeen Reaches. The locals call this Gray Render, Kzagaagar or Thorn. He is said to have been seriously injured by a rakashasa while defending a druid, and the Great Pine actually saved him with a ritual giving him a plant-like appearance. Many people claim to have seen Thorn, or his kin, but no evidence of such a creature truely exists.
Grick: These miscreant creatures are a horror to behold. They where obvisouly created by the Daelkyr, and there seems to be three species of Grick. The two most common are the Khyber Grick, and the Darguun Grick. Both species seem to be related, but the Hobgoblins over the years have learned to stunt their growth and turn them against their masters.
The common Grick is usually found towards the surface of Khyber where it stalks prey and can grow to large proportions, where as the Darguun Grick (commonly reffered to as the Ha'ashkul) is actually smaller but just as dangerous. The Ha'ashkul never grows more then 8 feet in length and has many of the powers of the common Grick. The difference is the Ha'ashkuul has the ability to sense other aberrations and seems to preffer the flesh of aberrations to other creatures. Also they have an uncanny ability to bypass their natural resistance to weapons and attacks, not to mention they have another ability that the Daelkyr minions find horrible. The Ha'ashkul have the ability to regenerate damage quickly, which is only overcomed by acid and fire. Another capability it has is that it can grab and hold onto opponents fairly well and rend their flesh.
The third variety seems to be one of the latest creations of the Daelkyr. The creature has never been encountered, but tales among the drow of Xen'drik speak of these Grick. They have yet to be named, but the Drow claim that this Grick is larger then most, and it mingles and breeds with common Grick to hide itself. It grows to massive lengths, up to 15 feet, and what makes it so dangerous are its innate abilities. The creature has psionic abilities, and not only that but it seems to prefer spell casters of any sort to normal prey. In light of this the creature has been dubbed the Spellbane Grick. Even some giants have claimed to encounter it and even they preffer to flee once it is known.
Griffon: Griffons are a flighty breed of creature that roams the skies of Eberron. They can be seen on every continent, and only a handful of species exist.
The smallest, and one of the oddest Griffons, known as Pygmy Griffons, are no larger then a man. These strange Griffons are known for their beautiful grey and black hides and feathers, and inhabbit the jungles of Xen'drik. They are pack hunters, much like lions and unlike many griffons are not solitary hunters. These griffons are exotic and many have been trapped by House Vadalis in an attempt to breed them as arial gaurd dogs if you will.
Another Griffon, called the Seren Griffon, seems to be a draconic in nature. It has vibrant scale-like feathers and draconic legs. They inhabbit Argonessen, but get their name from their roosting ground the Seren Island. These are also some of the largest Griffons to date, and one unique ability is their violent shriek which can shatter stone. Other then when roosting they have completely solitary lives, and are even territorial during this period, which happens during the fall every year.
In the Fangs of Argarak mountains of Xen'drik a semi-intelligent species of Griffon lives. It is believed that some angelic power has transformed these once majestic creatures. They are known for their beautiful white coats and sky blue feathers. These griffons are said to be noble creatures, and it is claimed that they have helped more then one explorer in need.
Grimlock: Grimlock are a widely spread race, in Khyber. It is said that they are almost as numerous as humans. The Grimlock are savage though and no true society of them exists. Lore dating back to the Giants actually speaks of the Grimlocks. From the statements made the Grimlocks can actually trace their lineage back to the days when fiends ruled the world. It is believed that the Grimlocks where once a surface race, powerful and strong, but fled into the darkness from the cataclysmic war that took place on the surface. They have lived in this state for thousands of years, and developed into a completely different species. Many Grimlocks worship the Dragon Below or the Dark Six. They are a war-like race, and completely nomadic.
Those that worship the Dragon Below are some of the most organized and powerful tribes. The tribes are renowned hunters, and it is considered a great success to kill your foe and feast on his flesh. Unlike many races the Grimlocks share no family bonds or fealty towards one another, only the strong rule. They grow up in a violent and deadly society, where once you can walk you are to fend for yourself, which usually means you are last to eat. It is claimed that ancient ruins once built by the Grimlock exist, but few have ever delved this deep into Khyber just to see.
Good job Rechan I'll copy and post them on the front (I'm freak for order). I like those, especially the Half-fiend Dryad. Another reason I'm glad to have help on this, is it give us the ability to have fresh and new ideas. I read over some of the ones I've done it and its like I'm just repeating myself. If I have one more creature spawned for Khyber I'm going to become a member of the Cult of the Dragon Below.
Haw. Well, pretty much when it comes to creatures, you have only a few options:
1) The Daelkyr created it.
2) The Rajahs created it.
3) The Giants created it.
4) The Dragons created it.
5) Khyber created it.
6) Humanoids created it.
7) The Quori created it.
8) The Mournlands created it.
9) It's a natural occuring creature*.
*natural meaning developed without outward influence, but it may have been influenced by say, a Manifest zone.
You know what I mean. It really helps when I read your stuff to. I was stumped with the Chimera and then I read yours, and it got me to thinking. Same with the Giant Cockatrice of Xen'drik. I read yours and started thinking. Well seeing as it already claims that the Cockatrice are creations of the Daelkyr (that is common knowledge, I would believe, those in the know, know better), why not have the giant tinker with one. So know we have the Giant Cockatrice of Xen'drik. The ones I find difficult are the humanoids. For instance with the Gnolls and Flinds, what is there history? Did they just roam around Khorvaire like lost puppy dogs, while the Dhakaani ruled the continent and where kicking arse on the elves and orcs? I mean come on, they had to be doing something?
Some of the outsiders, other then those in the MM really, I'll be posting as well. I've been putting some thought into, and many of the creatures of Carceri can actually be native outsiders. I mean heck Khyber is one big prison after all. But that's for future reference once this thread get pushed hardcore.
The ones I find difficult are the humanoids. For instance with the Gnolls and Flinds, what is there history? Did they just roam around Khorvaire like lost puppy dogs, while the Dhakaani ruled the continent and where kicking arse on the elves and orcs? I mean come on, they had to be doing something?
Not every humanoid needs a noble, powerful history. Eberron has few Barbarians (in the traditional sense). It's like the lizardfolk in Q'barra - they never had a magnificent, powerful culture that got shattered. They may have honestly been uneducated unwashed critters. Everything doesn't need to be Eberronized.
Also I'll probably be editing some of my post to delete the messages and just post the Ecologies. peace out.
Harpys: Harpys have long existed in Eberron. Myths date back mellinia and there true origin is lost to us. There are 2 origins that many claime and evidence points to both directions.
The first theory is that the Harpys where women gathered up from the lesser races (most likely humans, elves, hobgoblins, and orcs), these women were turned against their people by the rakashasa's, and as payment for their betrayal they where cursed. The magic that had once made them beatiful and charasmatic, was now used to turn them into hideos fiend-like beings. The evidence for this belief is found in the many fiendish and half-fiendish harpies that inhabbit the realm of the Demon Wastes and the mountains of Q'barra. This belief has mostly been upheld until recently. It is also further suggested by the Harpys fear of dragons and the land of Argonessen as well.
The other theory suggest that the Harpy is a magical creation of the giants. Created from elf slaves, of course the elves discourage this theory and consider it a vast insult. The evidence of this is a strange breed of harpy that inhabbits Xen'drik's mountainous regions. These Harpy's (Spellwarped Harpys) have strange powers.
Adventurers have claimed of Harpy conclaves that exist in the realm of Khyber, these claims suggest that they are the same common Harpy that has spread across Khorvaire and Xen'drik. Most Harpys seem to be of the normal variety but some mutations do exists.
Hippogriff: Much like the Griffon, the Hippogriff has existed for thousands of years. They originate from the lands of Sarlona, where it is said that a wizard had bred them, as they are much easier to care for then Griffons. The Hippogriff is not native to Khorvaire, but was brought here by the imigrant humans. It has successfully bred and been well kept for in Khorvaire. Different breeds exists, but none are very different from the other, with the exception of the Vidalis Hippogriff. These special bred Hippogriffs, grow to larger sizes, and are always War trained animals.
Hydra: The Hydra is a well known beast, scattered accross with the lands of Eberron. It is claimed that the first Hydra was created by a Rajah or Daelkyr who captured several young dragons, and bound them into one body. Many different varieties exist, inhabbiting Khorvaire, Frostfell, Xen'drik, and even Argonessen.
Most scholars in the know doubt that the Daelkyr created the creature, but one species seems to show that they had their hand in its creation. This subspecies only exist in Khyber, and the theory persist because of its appearance and strange abilities. Its heads are nothing more then squid-like maws, a mass of tentacles centered around razor sharp parrot-like beaks (Half-illithid Hydra). It possesses an immunity to most weapons (DR 5/byeshk), and has similar powers to that of a Mind Flayer. They are commonly called Hydrallithids or Hyrdraliths. Few samples, or cadavars have been brought back of the creature for study, so little is really known of the beast.
Another stunning variety of the creature can be found on Argonessen. These large and powerful hydras, grow to large proportions, and seem to be infused with draconic blood or magic (Advanced Draconic or Half-dragon Hydra). These beast are feared, only the most powerful dragons even attempt at challenging these creatures, and even then the battles can go either way. The Hydragon as it has been dubbed is known for its multi-colored hide of chromatic and metalic scales.
Kraken: The Lords of the Deep are an ancient race, who has been on Eberron since the rise of Dragons and Fiends. The Krakens are one of the most legendary beasts of Eberron, for thousands of years they tormented and plundered the seas. They are a widely diverse species with numerous rumored subspecies and rare speciemens.
Two different legends persist on the creation of these beasts, both of which are viable. The first school of thought is more commonly excepted in Khorvaire. That in the days of yore, when the gods where creating the races, in the Sea of Rage, the Fury blessed massive squids with the gift of sentience. He told them to strike out and take from those that lived upon the surface if they dared to tresspass in their realm. This explains the creatures highwayman-like mentallity, and their hording nature.
The other myth is more darker and it is widely believed even though little evidence is their to back it up. The myth states that an ancient race that lived deep beneath the water's surface known only as Aboleths, created the Krakens. The legends claim that the Krakens where originally used to gaurd their lairs and treasures, and over the years, the magical energies that the Aboleths used changed the Kraken into an intelligent species. Few scholars know the true origins of this creator race, and no bodies of it have ever been recovered. This legend seems to come from ancient Dwarven legends, and can be found in the reciting of their journey to Khorvaire.
Krenshar: Wild and dangerous, the Krenshar inhabbits many forests and jungles of Eberron. These strange creatures are said to have been created by wild magics that changed local creatures into their present state. The Krenshar inhabbits every continent of Eberron, and many varieties exists. From the common Krenshar to the Deathfang of Aerenal, these creatures are widely respected by local beings.
The most commonly seen Krenshar inhabbits the forests of Khorvaire, Xen'drik, and Argonessen. Several subspecies exists among them, but the differences are merely size and appearance.
The magic of the deathless that infuses the realm of Aerenal has long warped these Krenshar into almost completely different beast. Rumors suggest that the first deathless helped this breed along its way to deter vistors from making their own stops on their shores. The Deathfang (Half-vampire Krenshar) is considered one of the most dangerous Krenshar species, as it has strange powers. It is unknown, but the Aerenal claim the deathless created it as a mockery of vampires, claiming that such undead are nothing more then savage animals.
The Snowcoat Krenshar of Frostfell seems to be one of the largest varieties of Krenshar found. These creatures are known for their massive daggersized fangs and beautiful ivory coats. The only speciemen of this Krenshar ever caught is stuffed and can be seen in Fairhaven at the Wayfinder Foundation.
The most intelligent of Krenshar by far is the Sarlonan Krenshar. This desert cat is renowned at is hunting tactics and its ability to bring down powerful game. It doesn't help matters that the creature has poisonous claws with which it strikes with to bring down its game, and a number of other strange abilities as well. The Sarlonan Krenshar is commonly known as the Kl'rieonn, or Dune Cat, and several of these beast have been given to the king of Q'barra as a gift from the Riedran lords. The most striking feature of this cat is its large manes that are on the males.
Hows that? It's my first attempt, so go easy on me :D
Dragonlover
See ecology is simple. First think world wide, the most common version, usually, will be the one found in the books, and the originating species. The what you do is narrow the view of what lands it is found in. In this case you put the common species in the Whispering Woods. Ok where is it also found if anywhere? In these locations are they the same as the common type? The more inhospitable the ecology in that region is, the more specialized the creature will become. Also in certain regions where ancient powerful beings or have lived if the creature exists there you may want to think about experimentation and breeding. Did these powerful beings ever use the creature for any purposes? If so did they experiment on it, specializing the creatures further?
The Grick is a prime example of how I have done this. The common Grick is found throughout Khyber. But two sub-species exist. The Ha'ashkul and the Spellbane Grick. The Ha'ashkul was experimented on by the Dhakaani, to turn the Daelkyr's own minion against them. They bred the creature in a way to make it very effective against aberration, and small enough where they are more easily controled.
The Spellbane Grick however is a further modification by the Daelkyr on the Grick. In this case they have modified it to battle the reminents of an overtly magic dominated society. These Grick are breed to "feed" on magic users, even more dangerous, the Daelkyr bred them to appear and look like normal Grick and even hide among them (suggesting greater intelligence Flame).
So keep up the good work and you are more then welcome to help out.
Dragonlover
Today the Kuo-toa can mainly be found, in the realm of Khyber, beneath southern Sarlona, the far western and northwestern reaches of Xen'drik, including the Kapaerian Island. The Kuo-toa are a dark and brooding people, and they are just as emperialistic now as they where thousands of years ago. Today they have managed to build city-states, and thankfully have yet to be united under one banner. They are unscrupolous beings as well, and many of their founders began their city-states near or within manifestation zones to some of the most horrid places (Shavarath, Mabar, etc).
Lamia: Rakshasa's where not the only fiends who where born from Khyber. Where the Rakshasa's where the generals and leaders during the Fiend-Dragon Wars, the Lamia where the shock troops. When the Rajah's where bound by the Flame that Binds, the Lamia's fled into the most inhospitibal climates. Today they can be found in the Demon Wastes, the deserts of Sarlona, and Menechtarun desert of Xen'drik. Many of the creatures breed with fiends, producing some of foulest offspring in creation. They are savage and vile beings, who usually respond with violence. Lamia fear dragons and their minions though, and one who is skilled in the arts of deception could probably frighten them off with the right wording. The largest numer of Lamia can be found in Menechtarun, where they feel safe from the dragon's wrath. Here they wonder about commiting whatever acts they wish without rancor.
Lammasu: The Lammasu is as rare as the Couatls, and few have ever seen a living speciemen. Rumors have said that Lammasu orginate from Argonessen, and that a pride has staken claim in the Blade Desert of Khorvaire. The Lammasu's origins date back to the Fiend-Dragon Wars, where they much like the Couatl's fought side by side with the dragons. The Lammasu do not truely consider the dragons their allies, but where quite found of the great feathered serpents. Lammasu commonly strike out territory and more often then not, will stay gone for long periods of time. This is one reason that many have never seen the creature, for it is very nomadic and rare. They are known to travel as far as other continents in persuit of enemies, and that nothing short of death will usually stop them.
Locathah: The Locathah where once a nation settled between the Barren Sea and the Sea of Lost Souls. They where not the nomadic and peaceful people of today, they where savage and violent. Their kingdom was ruled by priest-kings who where ultimately powerful, and eventually turned to sacrificing their own people to appease their dark gods. At this point the Locathah changed, they realised the error of their ways, but their leaders did not wish to vanquish this power they had. There was a revolt and many of the rulers and thier allies fled the destruction. The Locathah have long forgotten this, and they claim that the ruins nestled between the Barren Sea and Sea of Lost Souls has long been cursed. Today they are nomadic and nature oriented race who is scattered along those two seas. Constant battles between them and the Sahuagin are inevitable, but without the numbers, or the thirst for blood of the Sahuagin, the Locathah usually fight only to flee or make their way through. This has led to some tribes of Locathah being scattered near regions dominated by Sahuagin, cut off from their breatheren. Oddly enough it is said that mutant Sahuagin are created by the offspring of Locathah and Sahuagin parents.
Manticore: The Manticore is one of the most successful species in all of Eberron. The Manticore is not native to the lands of Khorvaire, and actually comes from Sarlona. The Khorvaire breed, commonly called Lhazaar's Manticore, has also made its way to Xen'drik, Aerenal, and even Aerenal.
The Sarlonan Manticore (Phrenic Manticore)is the most dangerous breed of the beast and possibly the most intelligent. It has powerful psionic powers, which are rare in the inbred manticores of Sarlona. Infact the Sarlonan Manticore actually has a full mane and a more lionesque body, and is considered a quite strikingly beautiful animal.
The Lhazaar Manticore is commonly found across Khorvaire. It is still a rare sight, but can be found accross the continent. It is uncommon in Aerenal, Lhazaar Principalities, Xen'drik, the Jungle of Scimitars (Valenar), the King's Forest (Breland). However, it is quite common in Basura Swamp (Q'barra), the entirety of the Shadow Marches, southwestern Droaam (The Watching Woods and west), Torlaac Moor & The Khraal (Darguun).
Several other species exist within these regions, and a species of fiendish Manticore inhabbits the canyons of the Demon Wastes.
Medusa: (by Keith Baker) Check here. Here is the jist of it though:
Stories credit this daelkyr with the creation of the medusas, basilisks, and all other creatures with the power to turn flesh to stone. The medusas of Droaam deny having any ties to the daelkyr, and they are not aberrations. But the records of the Gatekeepers clearly show that medusas fought on the side of the daelkyr in the battle for Cazhaak Draal; whether they were creations of Orlassk or simply its slaves is open to debate.
(for those that use the Aventi from Mealstrom) The Merfolk also inhabbit underwater ruins which are populated by the Aventi, who revere the less common Merfolk. The Merfolk are seen as chosen by Belinor to lead their people, helping them recover from the distruction of their kingdom. Although still nomadic, many have taken it upon themselves to help their kinsmen. The Merfolk look to the Aventi as a parent does to its children, and try to guide their ways. Like the nomadic Merfolk these to commonly worship Belinor, but it is not uncommon to find them worshiping other gods of the Soveriegn Host.
Mimic: The mimic was created by the Daelkyr. Little is known about the odd creatures other then myth and legend. The common belief is that they seem to have been created as a living trap to combat the Dhakaani. Usually sent out to penetrate the defenses of their enemies, before a true force was to come. The mimic, is also believed to have just been a beast from Xoriat, that the Daelkyr have managed to control. This would make sense, seeing as Mimics really had little to do with teh Daelkyr, and they are just as likely to attack their minions, as they are their enemies. The Mimic is one of the oddest creatures seen, as it can mimic many inanimate shapes, but lacks the ability to transform into living creatures.
Another belief shared by dopplegangers and changlings alike is that the mimic was created by the Traveler. The myth states that several dopplegangers began to worship him in awe, and every time they commited any act it was in his name. To teach these over zealous fools a lesson he changed them, never allowing them to take the shape of a living creature. For this many dopplegangers and changlings see them as cursed and tainted beings, that were unable to live up to the true edicts of the Traveler.
Minotaur: (inspired by Rechan) Khyber spawned many creatures, and many creatures are believed to be their creation, but the Minotaur is not a true spawn of Khyber. Long ago the Minotaurs where a fierce race of warriors, very different from what they are today. They where once a surface dwelling race of powerful humanoids, who where fanaticaly devoted to a bull god. It is unknown where they came from or who cursed them, but the story ends with them being cast into the shadows of Khyber and being changed into the beings they are today. Some say the Traveler did it, others say the Dragons or the Giants, and some even claim the Rakshasas, but no one knows for sure. What is known is that they are wide spread and have encompassed many regions of Eberron. In Khorvaire with the rise of Droaam many have risen to the surface and become more civilized then their former selves.
Stories of powerful Minotaur warriors are now told, and their prowess as combatants is truely recognized. Several Minotaur names are commonly heard, although not all are believed.
Whitemane (Barbarian 5/Ranger 4 2-wpn fighting) of Xen'drik lives deep within the mountains hunting all who intrude into his domain. He is renowned among a handful of Minotaur clans that dwell within the mountains, and many warriors have sworn fielty to him. These clans are one of the few minotaur societies known, they live within the upper eschalons(?) of Khyber where they hunt any intruder, regardless if they came from above or below. They are extremely violent to outsiders but will meet peacefully at the edge of their realms.
Tusk (Half-fiend Barbarian 3 Carrion Tribe Chief) is one of the most feared beings among the Carrion Tribe, his foul temperment and chaotic nature has led him to be chosen as a great chieftain. Tusk is completely devoid of fear and commonly runs into battle at the frontline of his forces. It is said that Tusk is just as ruthless to his men as he is towards enemies and he can easily be sighted by the pair of massive gore stained tusks he keeps strapped to his back.
Tales from the Shadow Marches speak of a female Minotaur who is known as Pale Eyes (Wiz ?/Druid ?/Arcane Hierophant 1), because of her blindness. Pale Eyes is a renowned orator and is gifted in both arcane and divine magic, and it is said that she gained this skill from a Dusk Hag, who blinded her in exchange for the skill. Many orcs avoid the minotaur claiming she is a witch, but some have sought her out in an attempt to gain help. It is said that a powerful bull protects her.
Mohrg: The first Mohrgs date back to the age of Giants and the age of Monsters. Little is known about who or what created the first Morhgs, but several beliefs exist. Some point that the Rakashasa's corrupted some of the most violent and dangerous giants, using their gifts of manipulation to turn them against their kin. When killed they would send other agents to turn the giant into a Morhg and let it loose on its bretheren once again. Another claim states not the origins, but uses of Morhgs that the giants used them to control rebellous or down right revolting communities.
Also several small clans of Dhakaani, although not fond of the idea, turned to necromancy to defeat the Daelkyr. These clans are the same clans that developed the magic of the Bonedrinkers and worse. The Morhg where one of the first successful attempts in creating powerful undead to fight against their foe. The Dhakaani turned to their population of criminals and vagabonds, and discovered that the hate burried deep within the psyche of murderers and mad men bore to a powerful creature. The ancient Dhakaani began at that time to set the punishment for murder was to be harsh and deadly, but would allow the transgressor to make ammends to their empire, they where to become Morhgs. Today's Dhakaani see the Mohrg and the other undead as a nessecary evil that has long out lived its usefullness, especially seeing as they gaurd the sacred ruins that they wish to reclaim. However, the Dhakaani still do practice this ritual, especially for those Dhakaani who unjustly murder other Dhakaani.
Some Drow tribes that practice the ancient necromantic religion of the elves also create Mohrgs. These rights are very similar to those practiced by the Blood of Vol. The ritual begins where a member of the tribe (or church) is given a weapon and sent to kill a helpless victim, usually strapped to an alter. The victim is usually an outsider, but sometimes the followings dictate that the weak should sacrifice so that the strong should live. Both participant (at least in the Drow's case) know what is to happen, and only the victim is usually unwilling (the victim is usually chosen by a 'lottery'). After the victim is slain, the Drow entomb the "murderer" in a small wooden casket and leave him/her for dead. The casket is usually filled with the entrails and organs of the victim, and the casket smeared with honey to attract insects such as ants. After a few days the Drow return to "cleanse" the spirit leaving only the Mohrg behind. They flood the casket a special concotion of what is believed to basically be unholy water. The body (still left in the casket) is then taken to the ruins or burrial site where it is supposed to gaurd. Many Drow that come from these tribes find it an honor to be chosen to become a Mohrg and protect a sacred site. (Inspired by Rechan)
Mummy: Many different forms of mummification has been reported from all over Eberron. Some of these are natural and unintentional, but the creation of undead mummies is usually intentional and more rare. The Blood of Vol practices the oldest rituals of mummification, while certain tribes of Drow in Xen'drik practice a similar method. The ancient Dhakaani also created these undead as well. Some orcs that where not given proper burrials and where burried within peat bogs to mummified and rose up as Mummies. The most ancient mummies are found in Argonessen and Xen'drik, and these are the remains of Dragons and Giants.
Naga: (inspired by DragonLover) Spawned from Khyber the Naga where one of the first creatures of Eberron. They appeared towards the end of the Dragon-Fiend wars, and truely took no place in the conflict.
It is said that the first Nagas, Water Nagas, although niether inherrently evil or selfish, saw no need to joining a losing battle, and instead turned to their own devices. The Naga's became lore keeper of various sorts. Many turned to nature oddly enough, although they usually kept to the darker side, while others dabbled in the arcane arts. Today they inhabit the many rivers and streams, as well as the Ten Seas of Eberron. Many of them are said to contain ancient knowledge of the mystical arts, which has commonly led them to be sought out. Water Naga's are also usually skilled in the druidic traditions and it is not uncommon for one to have levels in the class.
Two other species are actually closely related and they tie into the few Naga's who did join in the Dragon-Fiend Wars. The Gaurdian Naga is the second oldest species of Naga, and they where given special powers by the dragons to gaurd and protect entrances to Khyber, as well as locations within Khyber. At first they where vigilant, but many fell into dispair, as the whispers of the Rakshasa's began to weaken them over time, and so the Dark Naga where born. The Dark Naga commonly kill and replace the Gaurdian Naga's whenever they get the chance, and today the Dark Naga is believed to outnumber the Gaurdian Nagas. The two spiecies are completly intoxicated with violence towards one another. The Gaurdian Naga's are commonly known to be practitioners of divine magic, as are the Dark Nagas. The Gaurdian Naga's typically worship Syberis, while the Dark Naga's Khyber. Also of the Gaurdians many actually have dragon blood in their veins and some are actually the children of Dragon parentage.
But one breed shows a different path then the others, Spirit Nagas. They seem to be a more recent jump in the evelutionary chain, and are only found near or within Khyber. The Spirit Naga are said to have originated from eggs, that was raised by Daelkyr minions, they did little to change them, but the Spirit Naga, unlike other Naga have little regard towards the natural order of things. They are the some of the foulest and most inherrently evil creatures, many of them even lead cults of the Dragon Below. Spirit Nagas are one of the most numerous species of Naga today, but few are actually seen of them. Their population is steady, and much is to be feared if these fiends are left unchecked.
I would like to assure everyone who reads this thread (which it seems to be taking off), that I want peoples input, I want to hear other peoples ideas. Yes I'll repost everyone's ideas, but this is only because I plan on reposting this thread later on with all the monsters and such in a very orderly fashion, to make it easier for DMs and players alike.
Ogre: Ogres have inhabbited Khorvaire and to a lesser extent Xen'drik. The origins of the ogre are believed that they are actually native to Khorvaire, and distant cousins to the giants that once ruled Xen'drik. Ancient text describe that the giants enslaved many ogres and brought them from Khorvaire and led them to Xen'drik, which is how they are still there. These beings have always been savage and violent race, one who is more then capable of throughing it weight around. Many scholars believe that the ogres are the discendents of giants/orc prodigy. That thousands of years before the rise of the giants empire(s) that some giants had been stranded on Khorvaire. With little other choice they bred with the orcs, which led to the Ogre. This is also believed since the giant word, Ogre, can be translated into a dozen similar words that all loosely mean "mutt".
Ogre Mage: The Ogre Mage is one of the most dangerous creatures native to Khorvaire. They are rare, and usually the leaders of Ogre tribes, Ogre Magi are considered a very intelligent race. That being said, the origins of the Ogre Mage actually can be traced to the ancient empire(s) of the giants. Text and hieroglyphs dictate that the giants experimented on the ogres of Khorvaire with magic. After generations the race breed true, even when coupled with an ordinary Ogre. Many of these dastardly creations where actually taken back to Khorvaire, and gave rise to the Ogre Mage. The Ogre Mage of Khorvaire only represents a small percentage of the native ogre populations (maybe 5-10%), where as the Ogre Mage of Xen'drik represents a much larger percentage of the population when compared to its Ogres (25-30%).
Otyugh: The Otyugh is another one of the natural denzens of Xoriat that came to Khorvaire. These creatures are disgusting horrid beast that will devour anything, and are commonly contaminated with disease. Due to their origins the Daelkyr have experimented on the creature creating numerous different subspecies. However, the most wretched breed, seems to be the creation of the Dhakaani.
The Lifeleech Otyugh is believed to have been created by Dhakaani wizardry. They have the innate ability to syphon off magical healing. They where sent into waves of Daelkyr to wound and infect as many as they could before the Dhakaani would come to battle. These Otyugh where very effective, so much so that even the minions of the Daelkyr used them as well. The most frightening thing of the Lifeleech is that it appears as a normal Otyugh, with no difference, so thier is no way to identify one until it is to late.
Owl, Giant:
Owlbear: Owlbears originate within several realms, but mostly found within Khorvaire. Scholars hypothesize that the Owlbear's origins date back to the days when the goblinoids and orcs where just begining to rise up. The Owlbear was originally found near what are now known as manifestation zones. The zones in particular that helped breed these beast where linked with Xoriat. This can be seen in the multitude of subspecies within Khorvaire alone. At least 10 species exists, from the Pygmy Owlbear of the Talenta Plains, to the flying Firehide Owlbear of the Demon Wastes, to the strange and hidious Vulrhaar'khraal of Dargun. The most common owlbear of course can be found in the numerous woodlands of Khorvaire, and even the jungles of Xen'drik, Aerenal, and Argonessen.
Of all the species the Vulrhaar'khraal is the strangest of the breed, and lives in the Khraal of Darguun. These creatures are renowned for their foul temper and agressiveness. Unlike other Owlbears this one is completely devoid of fur or feathers, and is covered in a nasty green warty hide. Its arms are incredibly long and have the ability to extend furthers then what would be first suggested when seen. It is also unnaturally gaunt, and its ribs and spine can be easily be seen. Killing one of these creatures is considered a badge of honor by the goblinoids of Darguun, but the fear of its territory and tenacity of its viscousness is enough to keep many out.
Mohrg: The first Mohrgs date back to the age of Giants and the age of Monsters. The first Mohrgs where created by the giants, who then passed on this ability to the elves, that later founded the necromantic elven traditions (Blood of Vol). Also several small clans of Dhakaani, although not fond of the idea, turned to necromancy to defeat the Daelkyr. These clans are the same clans that developed the magic of the Bonedrinkers and worse. Today's Dhakaani see the Mohrg and the other undead as a nessecary evil that has long out lived its usefullness, especially seeing as they gaurd the sacred ruins that they wish to reclaim. Some Drow tribes that practice the ancient necromantic religion of the elves also create mohrgs.
I think this kinda takes away the essence of the Mohrg. The description you offer up could very well fit any undead creature. However, Mohrgs are a particular example because these creatures are generated from murders who were stopped mid-crime, when they still wanted to kill. So, instead of just saying "These groups just go BAM! You're a mohrg, now protect this stuff!" how about:
Mohrg: Murder is one of the oldest crimes. And when a murderer is stopped prematurely, one of the oldest forms of undead rise: the mohrg. The first to take advantage of this phenomena were the Dhakanni. Goblinoids who felt the need to kill their own in cold blood in the dead of night, for no purpose but the joy of killing, were seen as corruptors of the Goblinoid idea of honor. After discovering the nature of these disgraced, executed beings coming back, the goblins used the mohrg curse as a boon and punishment: after executing the offending killer, his corpse was bound to sacred sites, forcing him to be an undying guardian, not out of respect for the site or his heritage, but because he could be trusted to kill anything that came close out of a desire to kill.
The Blood of Vol, possibly inspired by the Dhakanni, or coming to a similar idea from observing the phenomena, began an aggressive campaign to capture repeat killers in order to harness the mohrg. But rather than bind the creature as a guard, the cult co-opted the mohrgs as secret enforcers, the beings often ending up as assassins or members of strike teams employed by the Emerald Claw. The fact that the Emerald Claw pursues murderers with this particular tenacity wins them points with Karnathi government/law enforcement, and the populace.
The most common is that the blood of Syberis fell to Eberron and touched a small group of beautiful white horses. From this wings sprouted from their back, and a world not quite percieved by their animal minds was now open to them.
Another belief is that a warrior battled a demon ages ago (most accounts place this time period around the rise of the Dhakaani), but had no mount to ride in on. He prayed for many days to Balinor to grace him with a faithful steed, and Balinor did. He gave the young knight a pair of magnificant Pegasi(?). After the battle the warrior attempted to keep the beautiful duo and claim them for his own. Soon he was bucked from his chairiot and fell to his death.
Claims have also arisen that the another breed of Pegusi exists, a demon-like beast that is as horrible as the common Pegusi are enchanting. No one has even claimed to has seen one in thousands of years.
On another note, House Vadalis has bred a strange and unusually creature known as the Alicorn. It does not exist in nature, but the creature is a cross between Pegasi and Unicorns. It bare many traits of both creatures, the horn and body of a unicorn, and the wings and head of a Pegasus. Many scholars claim that such a creature is abhorent and against nature to breed, for if Belinor wanted such a thing he would've made it himself.
Phantom Fungus: This elusive creature is widely feared by commoners for its innate ability to strike at targets and remain unseen. Many adventurers have learned that these semi-intelligent fungi are mostly overrated, although still dangerous. Not much is known about these creature, because well, they are constantly under the effects of some supernatural ability that causes them to stay invisible, even while attacking. These beasts have been studied somewhat though. It seems that they are nothing more then a strange fungal growth, which actually grows in many underground regions.
Phase Spider: The Phase Spider is a large and dangerous beast that inhabbits the hillsides of Sarlona and Khorvaire, and now the jungles of Xen'drik. These creatures are highly evolved and intelligent arachnids, and have learned to follow their prey. The creatures came to Khorvaire with the second wave of Sarlonan immigrants, and to Xen'drik it came with explorers. This has made the Phase Spider one of the most hated creatures around, but little can be done to challenge its progress.
It is known that the original breed of Phase Spider comes from the hillcountry of Sarlona, where they are a native species. They are also the largest and most dangerous of their kind, growing to great size, almost twice that of an ogre. It is claimed that over the years now the Sarlonan Mindharrower has developed other unussual powers. This massive arachnid is a solitary hunter, capable of bringing down large and dangerous predators. It is renown for its intelligents, and many claim that it can read your mind.
The Phase Spider of Khorvaire is smaller, but just as dangerous, making up for its size by numbers. These Phase Spiders are quite the nuisence, and have now spread to Xen'drik. On Khorvaire they are fairly uncommon, and when found they are always in groups. Solitary Phase Spiders are usually die killed, and this has led to somewhat of a population control. The Xen'drik Phase spider is very much like the Khorvaire variety, and only diffence in appearance has changed. It is believed that given the time this will lead to a completely new subspecies as well.
Phasm: (by Dragonlover) The origin of the Phasm is often (rather predictably) credited to the Daelkyr. However, some legends show that the creation of this race is actually due to the influence of the Traveller. Once there was a changeling who grew bored of his limited natural gift for transformation, and so began to pursue other methods of changing his body. He studied transmutation with the finest sages of the era and took to nature to understand the path of the druid, but still he wasn't satisfied. In desperation, he prayed to the Traveller that he might know all forms, and the Traveller granted his wish, but at the expense of one single form that he might know as his own. Truly it is said to beware the gifts of the Traveller...
Pseudodragons: The False Dragon as it also known as, Pseudodragons are strange creatures. They are rare outside of Argonessen, and commonly only inhabbit the oldest woods. The do inhabbit every continent and their appearance varies widely, but they are all similar creatures. In Argonessen they actually live in large numbers, some "flocks" are said to have 100 or more Pseudodragons in their ranks. These creatures are highly prized by wizards for both companions and experimentation. Many commoners believe that the Psuedodragon is an animal because it lacks the ability to speak, however it is as intelligent as an adult human and has quite a remarkable ability to communicate, telepathy.
Phasm- The origin of the Phasm is often (rather predictably) credited to the Daelkyr. However, some legends show that the creation of this race is actually due to the influence of the Traveller. Once there was a changeling who grew bored of his limited natural gift for transformation, and so began to pursue other methods of changing his body. He studied transmutation with the finest sages of the era and took to nature to understand the path of the druid, but still he wasn't satisfied. In desperation, he prayed to the Traveller that he might know all forms, and the Traveller granted his wish, but at the expense of one single form that he might know as his own. Truly it is said to beware the gifts of the Traveller...
Hows that?
Dragonlover
1) The Daelkyr created it.
2) The Rajahs created it.
3) The Giants created it.
4) The Dragons created it.
5) Khyber created it.
6) Humanoids created it.
7) The Quori created it.
8) The Mournlands created it.
9) It's a natural occuring creature*.
*natural meaning developed without outward influence, but it may have been influenced by say, a Manifest zone.
10) The Traveler did it.
I really like most of these.
Remorhaz: (inspired by Dragonlover) The Remorhaz is one of the behemoths of icy north and south. They even inhabbit some of the regions of northern Khorvaire and southern Xen'drik and Argonessen. Only one species is known to exist, but it is rumored that the Brelish have had a hand in the creation of a smaller subspecies. The largest of these massive insectile predators are found deep within Frostfell and Everice. Stories of Remorhaz as large as the oldest dragons have been told.
Roc: The rare and powerful Roc is considered a majestic creature. Although their realm varies widely, and they span the whole of Eberron, Sarlona boast the largest numbers of these beasts. At least half of the population of such creatures nestle within its realms. Only a few thousand of these creatures are known to exit, and the sighting of one is considered a great omen. Majority of the time Rocs live roost on coast lines, and range for miles, hunting large game, such as whales. Oddly enough to is that their are many subspecies of the creatures, all of which are able to breed with one another. The most famous is the rare Chaos Roc of Xen'drik, and only rare sightings of the creatures have revealed their existance. Only a handful of these creatures are believed to exist.
Roper: The Roper is commonly believed to have been created by the Daelkyr, but the truth betold they are not. The Daelkyr did however take an active hand in the creatures and have spawned two subspecies. Nothing is truely known of the creatures origins, in myths or legends, the creatures are truely an enigma.
The common Roper is an ambush predator, and although it shows signs of intelligence this can many times be overriden by instinct. Although believed to be a minion of the Daelkyr the common Roper isn't, infact the Roper is just as likely to feed on the Daelkyr's minions as it is a lost adventurer. This has led to a conflict between the two, one that the Roper is likely to lose if it escalates any further.
Two other known subspecies are said to exists, the Urophion and the Prismatic Roper, both specifically created by the Daelkyr. Both of which have been bred in particular ways for them to be useful.
The rare Urophion is only found near ruins or encampments held specifically by Mind Flayers. The Urophion is one of the most dangerous and intelligent species of Ropers. They possess innate psychic abilities, as well as the ability to suck the strength from their victims. The Urophion is a complete minion of the Illithid, and only they possess the breeding secrets to these creatures.
The Prismatic Roper it seems was breed to be a better ambush predator, and more easily controlled then the common Roper. Like the Urophion the Prismatic Roper is commonly found near Daelkyr enclaves, although they have been noted in the wilds of Khyber. These ropers have the ability to change the color of their skin and do not have the stagmite shape of common Ropers. This mesmeric ability to change their color is usually how they open up combat, for two purposes. One, in the darkness the strange ability sheds small colorful lights that are easily seen, alerting other minions. The other is that it has the ability to enchant its foes, so that it may move in for the kill.
Rust Monster: This strange aberration is the creation of the Daelkyr. They are believed to have been spawned from tiny metal tick-like creatures that can be found in the Shadow Marches. These metal baned creatures where commonly released against the Dhakaani forces to completely destroy their weapons and armor. Hard to control even by the Daelkyr though, as the creatures would even turn on their masters to get at the metal. They are truely a voracious creature, which led the Daelkyr to abandon them. They know roam many regions of Khyber, mines, and underground ruins, commonly seeking out food and metal. The Rust Monster can substain on living prey, but it seems that their life span is actually extended by devouring ore. The older and more well "fed" a Rust Monster is the more matellic its hide gets, and the larger they can grow. Some of the largest and most ancient Rust Monsters have been said to have hides that look like rusted adamantine.
There are numerous subspecies that dwell on Eberron, but one in particular is quite commonly spoken of, the War Ruster. This Rust Monster has been bred for combat by House Vadalis for combat against Warforged. They are far more dangerous then common Rust Monsters, and look very different. The spokesmen of House Vadalis claims that he crossbred several breeds of the creature to come up with these results. They saw little action in combat, and it seems that only the Reachers ever purchased any for the battle. These Rust Monsters have 6 inch spikes that cover their hide, as well as powerful mandibles capable of tearing down a man in a single bite. Also the creature possess a breath weapon capable of corroding metal rather then antenea. They are the nightmare of Warforged armies, so much so that the Warforged where known to stay back when War Rusters where seen.
Sahuagin: In days of old, when the lesser races first began to mount their kingdoms. The Sahuagin did such a thing. They claim their empire spanned all of the waters surrounding Khorvaire and northern Xen'drik, but there is little proof of this. However evidence does show that at one time the Sahuagin of Shargons Teeth and the area surrounding present day northern Xen'drik at one time did have an empire, but long before the humans rose up. Their ruins are dated at the time when the giants held their empire, but only the last 300 years of their reign. The exact date is unknown but some cataclysmic event, possibly the one that destroyed Xen'drik, also leveled their kingdom.
It is unknown who ruled this group of savages, but it is doubtful that the Sahuagin did. Many of their ruins dictate the image of a fish like beast with tentacles and three pupil-less eyes. The rare Sahuagin that hold true to their ancient traditions worship these idols, and their cults have some similarities to the fiendish worshipping Cults of the Dragon Below. However most Sahuagin have abandoned these beliefs and worship gods similar to the Fury or the Mockery.
Satyr: need help
Remorhaz- The remorhaz is very rare, as it is the result of a red and white dragon mating and laying the eggs in an area containing manifest zones to both Risia and Fernia. As a result, they are encountered in Frostfell for the most part, and it is rumoured that some were created by a secret Brelish facility in the Graywall mountains, where a linked manifest zone occurs.
Dragons consider the remorhaz an abomination and will kill them on sight, as they represent a corruption of the nobility of dragonkind. As such, the Lords of Dust would dearly love to know how to create them, in order to taunt the dragons further.
I think the facility is Brelish and in the Graywalls anyway, I don't have 5N to hand right now.
Dragonlover
Dragonlover
Infact, in Stormreach and Q'barra, both with large populations of Sea Cats, hold a yearly hunt as the Sea Cats near their shores. The rules vary from season to season and place to place, but the one who catches the largest Sea Cat is usually the winner. Another rule that seems to be the mainstay of the sport is they may only be killed in the water, which gives them quite the fighting chance. The number of Sea Cat's caught from these annual hunts is usually enough to cover a season or two of the delicacy. In summer and spring the hunt is always held in Q'barra, where as Stormreach holds its event in fall and winter. Regardless both hunts give way to great celebrations.
The Orcs of the Shadow Marches only actively hunt them, and even then they will usually take already dead Sea Cats before hunting them, never taking more then 2 or 3 adults all year. Also they never chase the Sea Cats into the water, and will only hunt them while on land. If the Sea Cat even makes it to the water they will usually let it go without harm.
Shadows: Shadows are one of the foulest of undead, and considered one of the greatest banes to the Church of the Soveriegn Host. Legend states that Shadows where spawned from the Shadow of Aureon itself. But the Shadow had no way to give these stillborn nightmares any form of life, so he turned to the Keeper and sought his own way to create them. The Keeper was said to carry the souls of the dead and when asked provided them to the Shadow. The Church of the Silver Flame claims that the Shadows where spawned from fiends who have long been imprisoned within Khyber. That they used their tainted spirit to corrupt others, even from their imprisonment. The followers of the Path of Light to have their own beliefs, but they commonly refuse to comment on such things.
However one cleric, whose name needn't be mentioned, said that, "Shadows are but a figment of a nightmare come to Eberron." What the cleric meant by this is unknown, but it seems to fit the Il-Yanah typical proverbs.
Shambling Mound: (inspired by Dragonlover) These hideous plants seem to be the creation of a mad druids. History seem to dictate that first oldest Shambling Mound was created by an Orc Druid who went mad while battling the Daelkyr. It seems that the Shambling Mound was created in a similar fashion all across Eberron. Years later, in Sarlona, thousands of years before Lhazaar led people to Khorvaire, it is said that a human druid created Shambling Mounds to protect sacred areas of a great forest. In Xen'drik the creature seems to have actually been created by a renegade group of drow long ago. In many cases the legend always seems to state that the Druid who created these plants was driven by madness to protect the woodlands. In either case the Shambling Mound remains to this present day, stalking the wilds where they live and grow.
Shield Gaurdian: Before there where warforged, the creation of the Shield Gaurdians became a common thing. Today however the Shield Gaurdian although powerful, is considered an antiquetty from a bygone era. Since the signing of the Treaty of Thronehold, which outlawed the ownership of warforged, some nobles have invested in Shield Gaurdians.
However, a new form of Shield Gaurdian has begun to appear, at the side of Riedran Nobles. These Shield Gaurdians are much different though, and use psionics rather then magic. It is also said that such beings are actually alive and bound with a strange ancient magic called Incarnum as well.
They are powerful beings but, few and far between. Lady Iashtara, a Riedran Noble, actually has two such gaurdians, both of which are said to be able to read peoples minds on command.
Schocker Lizard: These creatures are native to southern Khorvaire, Aerenal, Argonessen, and Xen'drik. It is unknown who specifically created them, but their origins seem to be tied to either the dragons or the giants, or both. It seems that long ago the Shocker Lizard was nothing more then a mundane lizard, but magical experiments altered them in a facinating way. The manipulation done by the dragons or giants thousands of years ago, has also manipulated the creatures into a mutable species, one that easily takes on the characteristics of nearby manifestation zones. The common Shocker Lizard is found on all 4 continents (and subcontinents), but a handful of unique subspecies have been noted.
The largest of the Shocker Lizards can be found in the Shadow Marches and Q'barra. Both species have developed into predators that commonly grow up to 12 feet long, and live in groups of 3-5 members. They have been dubbed Lightening Lizards for the powerful jolt of electricity that they can dish out.
The Argonessen and Xen'drik breeds seem to be closely related, both growing no more then several feet in length. This breed is more common in Argonessen and can be found in the wilds there, while the breed in Xen'drik seems to inhabbit the ancient ruins. These Shocker Lizards have gained notariaty for their ability to absorb magic which pushes them and fuels their electric abilities, making it even more dangerous. The only difference between the two breeds is that the Xen'drik variety possess the innate ability to change the color of its skin allowing it to blend in with its surroundings.
Last but not least, the Platinum Shocker Lizard is the rarest of the breeds. It is found only in Aerenal and seems to have taken on the traits of the manifestation zones. This Shocker Lizard is the smallest subspecies, never growing more then 2-3 feet in length, and usually only measuring 1 & 1/2 feet. They are positively one of the most unique creatures in all of Eberron. Unlike normal Shocker Lizards who use electricity to bring down their prey, the Platinum Shocker Lizard uses a bolt of Positive Energy, litterally healing its prey to death. This has made the creature very valuable and House Vadalis and Jorasco have both placed bounties on live speciemens, but the removal of the Platinum Shocker Lizard is forbidden, and only a handful of the creatures have made it off of the subcontinent. The creature gets its name from its platinum colored scales, and the males usually have golden stripes and crests.
Skum: Long ago many Sahaugin where under the rule of ancient beings, known as Aboleths. When the empire of the Aboleths fell, they took their minions with them. Within Khyber numerous underground lakes, streams, and seas; and here the Aboleth built a new empire. Some Aboleth encountered the Locathah, and over the years, many encountered the Kou-toa, and here is where the origin of the Skum is found. Through specialized breeding, as well as magical manipulation, the skum where created from these three races. The Skum are the elite warriors of the Aboleth though, and they only make up a fraction of an Aboleth's servants. The Skum are usually sent out as slavers, because of their brutal nature, the Aboleths have learned that mixxing them with common slaves can led to violent outbreaks and decimation to their holdings. Because of the Skums mutable nature, many variants are believed to exist. The most common actually have mutations similar to those of the Sahuagin, while other have more severe mutations brought about by nearby manifestation zones.
Spectre:
Sphinx: The Sphinx is an ancient race, but not one that is natural. They were created long ago, by the Dragons, as gaurdians and protectors of their graveyards. Many different species of the sphinx evolved due to their multiple creators. Because only one species of the Sphinx is able to bear children, this has slowly led the race to die down, and it now seems to be at a relatively stable population. It is claimed however that the giants also took a hand in further augmenting this race, creating even more subspecies.
Today many Sphinx have taken to the winds going where they wish, and only a few even remember their original purpose. Still many of these creatures reside and lair in the numerous deserts of Eberron, the more secluded the better. Usually though they will reside in one place and travel great distances to find something that intrigues their intresets.
Spider Eaters: Spider Eaters are a strange insectile predator that inhabbits the lush rainforests of Xen'drik. There are a handful of different subspecies, but many of them share very similar characteristics. The Spider Eaters seem to be the creation of the Giants, from long ago. It seems that the deeper one delves into the regions of Xen'drik the larger more powerful varieties of Spider Eaters exist. Little is known about the creatures other then this, and few on Khorvaire have even heard of such a beast.
However, rumors persist that another breed lives within Khyber. Commonly known as the Phantom Spider Eaters, they are extremely rare, but no less dangerous. They possess a strange abilities, that are quite unique. The creature gets its name from its pale blue exoskeleton.
Orlasskis the master of stone. Stories credit this daelkyr with the creation of the medusas, basilisks, and all other creatures with the power to turn flesh to stone. The medusas of Droaam deny having any ties to the daelkyr, and they are not aberrations. But the records of the Gatekeepers clearly show that medusas fought on the side of the daelkyr in the battle for Cazhaak Draal; whether they were creations of Orlassk or simply its slaves is open to debate. Orlassk's citadel is said to be formed of living stone -- a giant gargoyle that prowls the depths of Khyber.
I like the suggestion that the Daelkyr didn't exactly create the Medusa, but instead they were co-opted as slaves. They likely worshipped the Lord of Stone, as he was more powerful, could duplicate their abilities, and had uses for them. From there came basilisks and cockatrices.
PS: I was a little under the weather today, so I didn't get anything done. I'll try and pick up the pace tommarrow. Peace.
Stirge: The Stirge has been a bane on Eberron since the dawn of time. Commonly reffered to as Mosqitto Dragons, these creatures are a true danger and nuiscence. Today the creatures can be found in virtually every realm across the whole of Eberron. They are native to every continent, even the Frostfell.
These creatures are also highly mutable, commonly taking on characteristics of any nearby manifestation zones, which has led to numerous subspecies. These subspecies vary widely, from the massive Goliath Stirge of Sarlona, to the filth covered Rajah Stirge of the Demonwastes. Each subspecies has specialized abilities that have allowed it to survive effectively in their enviroments.
The Goliath Stirge of Sarlona is easily the size of a man, and is a solitary hunter. It usually brings down big game, but attacks on humans are not unknown. Little is known about this Stirge, but one that was stuffed was donated as part of a collection to the lord of New Galifar.
The Rajah Stirge of the Demon Waste is the largest of its subspecies (several versions of this breed exist), and is known for its deadly flocks. The Rajah Stirge unlike other Stirge commonly attack even dead prey, eating whatever liqufied remains have formed. Although known as the Rajah Stirge, its name is actually a joke made by orc tribesmen that live within the region.
The most unusual of the Stirges is known as the Wayfinder's Stirge. These Stirge are land and sea dwellers. The inhabbit the coastal rim of the Frostfells and primarily feed on fish and aquatic mammals. They hunt in packs, but because they breath air, spend alot of time on land. Their wings are actually flippers and their feet are short and ill formed for walking on. This creature is also one of the oddest in appearance, other then the strange shape of their flippers or their extended probiscis(?) they look much like penguins.
Tendriculos:
Treant: The first Treants are said to have been inhabitants of Thalenis, but it is believed that many of them actually came into being near manifestation zones as well. Treants are secretive and commonly keep to themselves. They have existed in Eberron since the Age of Dragons. Although many subspecies of Treant exist, they all share the same characteristic with each other. One of the strangest things, is the druid ability to awaken creatures, including plants. Many consider awakened trees to be the same as Treants, mostly because they share very many similairities. Oalain is the best known of the awakened trees, and is commonly confused with being a Treant. On Khorvaire he is considered the oldest, and possibly the most powerful, of all the Treants. However, it is believed that in Thelanis and other less inhabbited regions of Khorvaire, older and far more powerful Treants/Awakened Trees exist. These ancient beings usually inhabbit the most reclusive forests and areas, rarely communicating with anyone. In Khorvaire, Eldeen is believed to have the largest population of Treants, but because of their ability to blend in with their surroundings there is little back this. Treants inhabbit many regions of Eberron, and the only place they are not found is on Frostfell or Everice.
Triton:
Troglodyte: Troglodytes can be found all across and beneath Khorvaire, in the realm of Khyber. They are believed be the decendents of Lizardfolk, who fled the wrath of the Dhakaani and Orc nations. They are renowned hunters and live in tribal like communities, many of which actually band together with local Kobold tribes. The Troglodytes have developed a unique ability to drive off or sicken their prey with a strong musky scent. This ability is very handy, and is one of the few things that has kept them from destruction. Few creatures are even willing to prey on them, only turning to them when other food has been driven out.
A small tribe of Troglodytes is said to actually hide beneath Sharaat (Sharn), using its tunnels and sewers as a means of travel. These Troglodytes are believed to be descendents of slave stock, and they are one of the most dangerous tribes in Khorvaire. They seem to worship a strange goddess of Disease, Plagues, and Undeath. It is unknown if this is some new religion or some sort of twisted Blood of Vol philosophy.
PS: still sick, not happy with what I wrote sorry.
Dragonlover
Unicorn:
Vargouille: These creatures are native to many planar realms, including Eberron. Debates on the origins of these creatures has continued for centuries, and will probably always remain a mystery. These planar nightmares are believed to be native to Shavarath, where they can be found wandering the battlefields for wounded victims. However it is also believed that the Vargouille are the creation of the Dragons, or in some way their origins on Eberron can be tied to the dragons. Deep within Khyber the Vargouille inhabbit only regions near where powerful beings have been imprisoned for thousands of years. It is believed that the Vargouille actually feds on the imprisoned life force of such beings, constantly keeping them at a weakened state. Vargouille are considered a nessecary bane and seem to have unique properties when it comes to imprisonment magic. Spells and rituals for imprisoning or binding creatures, using Vargouille components, are thought to be more potent then when using normal components.
Wight:
Will-o'-Wisp: (inspired by Rockrodent) The Mournelands, and regions like them, have spawned numerous strange creatures, and the Will-o'-Wisp is no different. It is unknow in the exact prossess that one is spawned, but many have learned to beware the strange lights in the Mournlands. However Will-o'-Wisp are not just found here, claims by adventurers state that regions of Khyber, in a state similar to the Mournlands, contain these creatures as well. It is believed that they are spawned from the mixture of an unruly spirit and magic, but no evidence can be found to support this. The only other known location these creatures inhabbit within Khorvaire is the Shadow Marches. But, these creatures all seem to be only nocturnal, and are believed to float up from the bottom of underground caverns and areas.
Winter Wolf: (with help from Lord Yy)The Winter Wolf is a strange species, two species exist, and evidence suggest that neither one is truely related to the other. The smaller more common variety of Winter Wolf inhabbits the most northern and southern regions of Eberron, excluding the Frostfell. These wolves live in to the natural order of Eberron, hibernating the warmer months, and becoming active in the colder less hospitable times. These wolves fearsome and capable hunters, usually killing any prey that comes within their feeding time, and without hesitations.
The Frostfell Winter Wolf is a different story, these creatures are active year round, and are much larger then the more common variety. To make matters worse these creatures possess more cold oriented capabilities then the common winter wolves. They are some of the most fearsome hunters in all of Eberron, roaming in packs of up to 12 members, each one almost the size of a horse, even the young are the size of a full grown common Winter Wolf.
Worg: The worg is a mutation of the wolf species, and their kind can be found across the whole of Eberron. Many breeds of the creatures exist, but the common Worg has developed on every continent. These mutations have either died out or still live to this day, the original Sarlonan Worg is long died out, yet the Inspired have actually begun to purchase Khorvaire Worg breeding them as beast of war.
In Khorvaire the Worgs where bred by Orcs who used them as hunting dogs, and beast of war, to take down their prey and foes. The three species of Khorvaire Worg, commonly known as the Orc Hound, all come from these hounds, even the Sarlonan Worg is a decendent of this species.
The Frostfell Worg is actually a half-breed, it seems that long ago these creatures bred with Blink Dogs that also lived on their continent. This subspecies is actually one of the most dangerous, as it has an innate Blur ability which it uses.
In Xen'drik the Worg, known as Mhax'un'rhor Worgs are some of the largest and most dangerous creatures. It seems that the giants of old experimented on them, giving them strange powers, and unlike other Worgs these creatures are covered in hard reptilian scales.
Work on this later or tomarrow.
Wyvern:
Yrthak:
Ok so there is the Monster Manuel. Once all these empty entries have been filled I will be moving on to the MMII, Frostburn, Sandstorm, and Mealstrom. Any help right now would be much appreciated as I am almost completely out of ideas.
Dragonlover
Damnit, I don't have any of those books. I thought I had MMII, but it's vanished. Ah well, more cash for WotC.
Dragonlover
Aint' that the truth.
Ok I still haven't done jack maybe some feedback and what not will get the gears grindin. Sorry for the delays, but I've had a serious cold, and I had to get stitches in my finger last night. So typing this week will be a pain, but I'll get it done.
1. These are the remainder of thieves who have stumble dinto the hands of strong daelkyrover the ages, twisted in a husk of many worlds into the form we now see.
or
2. These creatures were created during the day of mourning. Petty thieves across the land of cyre were changed by the magical energiues unleashed that day. They were not killed, but their essence was split betwee the ethereal and material planes causing them to be able to exist on either, and shift between the two.
Either situation could be the reality, but it is not know.
How ever what is known is that these little buggers annoy the heck out of artificers. Artificers are the EF's candy store. Some reports even claim that these aberrations eat dragon shards as a snack. Due to their inclined nature of stealing anythign a few have become staple annoyances in the major cities of Khorvaire. Especially in Sharn. Many a theft has been pinned on a local mugger, when indeed the local ethereal filcher is to blame.
Over the years some have found ways of making deals with filchers simply by exchanging one prettier item fr anothe rint he filchers horde of missmatched items. Adventurers should be wary of a Ethereal filcher shoard how ever. The constant laten magic in the pile of magical odds and ends leads to the eventual creation of ragamuffins(mm2) the filcher doesnt seem to mind so much, as long as the ragamuffin doesnt leave. Filchers do hate chasing down their rightfully stolen loot.
sorry its so long.. just seeme dlike the natural end of EF's in eberron since it has so much piddly magic in its big towns.
KAMIKAZE!
Keep it up!
If so thanks and I (as well as others) appreciate it. This thread is no small matter and is a pretty big task, I'm actually suprised to see the number of views and the ammount that has been done so far. Peace out yall.
Not to bad K(F)C. I've been thinking of the Ethereal Filcher and have an idea on it. I especially like how you connected them to the Raggamoffyns(?) from MMII. I'll actually be posting this monday some of what I've come up with, so you guys be prepared. I've especially been thinking of the Ethereal Filcher, which I will post tonight.
thank you for the praise... i figured id contribute somewhere isnce i like eberron, and this seemed to be ana pt way of putting in my own two cents.
And Im also glad you liked my creature connection. It seemd liek the two made a good pairing, an almost symbiotic relationship in a way
Kamikaze
out.Abiel:
Ash Rats: The Ash Rat is native only to Khorvaire, and it is believed to have been created as a practical joke by House Vadalis. When the War of the Mark ended, as the story goes, two friends both of which where students at Arcanix, where renowned for their practical jokes. One a member of House Vadalis, the other Cannith. It is said that the House Vadalis member created a pack of these creatures, to spook the house Cannith student, who was deathly afraid of rats. After a few years of experimenting, with both success and failure, he put his plan in action, placing the rats in a forge where the Cannith student was working. The student noticed the smoke billowing inside the room and paniced to fix the problem, when he noticed that a dozen or so rats where the source he fled the room in a hurry. Since that day Ash Rats have bred at amazing rates, pressumably because of the specialized breeding they under went. House Vadalis even still breeds the creatures, and offers a small fee to capture and remove wild Ash Rats (an Ash Rat cost 20 gp as a pet).
Today it is a ritual among good friends of House Cannith, that work in the forges, to give each other a pet Ash Rat. More often though among them the Ash Rats are bought in small groups and given as part of a ceremony for those who have proven themselves to the house, and to inter-house politics.
Asperi: The Asperi is a specialized mountain horse bred by House Vadalis long ago. Although rare, some wild herds do exist, and it is said that House Vadalis learned the secret to breeding these creatures, from a tome found in Xen'drik. These horses are highly valued for their innate ability to fly on gusts of wind, and for their exceptional beauty. So hard is it to breed and train these creatures that few pure breds can be found and House Vadalis charges no less then 9000 gp for a trained adult Asperi. One strange fact, is a brewery in Sharn, Ahlieczar Balsh, owns the largest privately owned collection of Asperi.
Automotons: Automotons, 200 years ago, where penacle of House Cannith. These creations actually helped led to the development of the Warforged. Long ago House Cannith where good at making Homunculi, Golems, and other unintelligent constructs. However at one point, one House Cannith elite turned to a different way of creating constructs. He used clockwork mechanisms, powered by shadow magic. For years, even today, the automotons are considered some of the greatest inventions, and they are still used today for mining. Today there are four types of Automotons, the two most common are the Pulverizer and the Hammerer, which are the original to models developed. The other two models are the Shoveler, and the Loader.
The Shoveler is one of the newest models and is known for its four arms, each one ending in a sharp adamantine shovel. The Shoveler is also one of the larger Automotons, used to clear out excesive amounts of dirt and rock, using its shoveled arms.
The rarest and newest type of Automoton is the Loader. Unlike the others, the Loader is not even vaguely humanoid, infact it has a more insectile like appearance. The Loaders come in two sizes, the more common Mini-Loader, which is used inside of mines and other areas where dirt needs to be carried out. The other is the massive Goliath Loader. The Goliath Loader is the size of an ogre and is used to hual large amounts of soil. Goliath Loarders are used to transport soil from the mines to other locations. Unlike the other Automotons the Loaders are completely defenseless, and the Goliath Loader never leaves without an small contengent of gaurds.
Banshee: The Banshee is a rare, yet deadly ghost. The creation of these creatures is commonly linked to mass destruction, and many Banshee can be found in Xen'drik and the Mournlands. Other locations are known to be inhabbited by Banshees, but these are unique circumstances and events that have transpired to create them. The most dangerous of the banshees are those who where once giants that died during the cataclysm that shook the foundation of their continent.
(rules change: use the Ghost Template for creating Banshee's, but use the Special Abilities and Qualities of the Banshee instead).
Blood Ape: These strange magical apes are found only on the continent of Argonessen. Said to have been created through the powerful magics of the Dragons, Blood Apes have rarely been seen. Only a handful have ever been killed or captured, and little is truelly known about them. Despite their name they are believed to be omnivores, but primarily feed on plants, which make up the bulk of their diet. Extremely territorial, Blood Apes are not to be taken lightly, their massive size, and the ability of males to grow to even larger proportions has caused many deaths. Other then the Alpha male, these creatures are naturally shy, and will usually leave the area until it is safe, which usually results in the death of whatever desturbed their habitat. Blood Apes are named as such for their crimson coats of fur, which is highly prized in Khorvaire markets.
Boogle:
Bogun:
Bone Naga:
Braxat:
Dragonlover
The Catoblepas is not a natural occuring beast, and without questions its origins are tied to the Daelkyr. Like so many artificial species the Catoblepas spawns numerous mutations and strange breeds, usually caused by manifestation zones.
The strangest of the Catoblepas breeds is a subspecies of the smaller Khyber Catoblepas, known as the Hydroblepas. The most noticeable difference is the numerous heads of the creature, usually 3-4 heads, and has a more slender body. Also unlike the other Catoblepas that have a regular hunting schedule, the Khyber Catoblepas will often eat meat is available, so actually seem to prefer it. Many scholars believe that the Hydroblepas was spawned from crossbreeding somehow with hydras. However many doubt this, because the Hydroblepas does not share any other characteristic with the Hydra.
Cloaked Ape: (by Dragonlover & I) The Cloaked Ape is a rare breed of ape that inhabbits the tropical forests of both Xen'drik, the southern Khorvaire, and Aerenal. The breed seems to originate from either Aerenal or Xen'drik, but has yet to be determined. The common Cloaked Ape is native to both southern Khorvaire and Xen'drik, and their are three subspecies known.
The famous Banshee Cloaked Ape of Aerenal is one of the strangest of the breeds. It has strange innate abilities that allow it to evade predators, and it hunts using a sonic screeching attack that stuns its prey.
The Giant Cloaked Ape of Xen'drik is the largest of the breeds, and is larger then a common ape. It is also one of the rarest breeds of Cloaked Ape to exist, and only a handful of sighting have been made.
In the King's Forest, another subspecies, the Regal Cloaked Ape can be found. Of all the Cloaked Apes this one seems to be the most well known. These Cloaked Apes are known for their beautiful coats, which have colorful patterns on their "cloaks", which are jokingly reffered to as "their coat of arms". This subspecies also is know for its unique ability to use prismatic spray on foes who have attacked it.
Clockwork Horror: The Giants where masters of the mystical arts at one time, especially at artificing, and the Clockwork Horrors are a testiment to that skill. The few remains of such creatures where actually brought to the Wayfinder's Guild, with tales of them.
The adventurer claims that ruins from the Age of Giants, where actually filled with these automated creations. They constantly mined out ore and left the adventures be, until they began to inspect deeper within the ruins. To their utter amazement the creatures acted in unison, and had it not been for utter luck they probably would not have escaped. They found little about how the creatures where created, however, they did discover that the giants did manufacture them, and they where the downfall of the giants in that region. It seems that giants from neighbor cities actually guarded the area until the complete collapse of their civilization.
Corollax: The Corollax is one of the most beautiful birds in Eberron. They commonly inhabbit Aerenal, but many flocks do migrate to northeast Xen'drik and southwestern Khorvaire. These birds are highly prized for their beautiful appearance and singing, Q'barra actually sells the birds on a regular basis to vistors.
And, Im not trying to be nit-picky, but in the Treant section it says that Oalian is the oldest known treant. Again, not to be nit-picky, but I think he's an awakened great-pine. Similar, I know, but still kinda off.
Darktentacles:
Deathbringer: The Deathbringers are elite undead created by the giants of old, they were used to battle the invading hordes of Dal Qouri. After the war had ended though, the intelligent undead, sought to turn on their masters creating more havoc and destruction. Some believe that the Deathbringers with their rallied forces are the true cause of the Dragons destroying the kingdoms of the giants. These undead behemoths are extremely rare, as many of them where destroyed in the rage of dragonfire, yet some did survive the cataclysm. The weakened giant empires unable to crush the Deathbringers completely, sealed them away in fear of retribution for their defeat at the hands of the dragons.
Desmodu: (colaberated with Dragonlover) Few have ever seen the Desmodu, and little is known about them, mainly because they inhabbit the realm of Argonessen. What is known is that they are related to the more common Nycter of Argonessen, and both seem to share similar cultures to the Seren. The Desmodu, like the Nycter and Seren, are dragon worshippers and live in a tribal society. THe Desmodu, however live a more warlike life and their inherent goal is to guard and protect the lands of Argonessen. Many claim that this "asignment" was given to them by the dragons themselves. The Desmodu are primarily a subterrainian race, but over the years, some have moved to the surface dominating the Nycter tribes. These mixed tribes are extremely warlike, possibly even more so then the Khyber dwelling Desmodu tribes. Desmodu commonly guard ancient ruins beneath Argonessen.
The only peaceful contact with a Desmodu was made by a young adventurer from house Vadalis. This person had inadvertently helped a severly wounded War Bat from deaths door, and the Desmodu chieftain who owned it offered the young adventurer a substantial reward that was turned down (appearently they where not interested in Nycter mates). This however further enhanced the relationship between them and this tribe, the adventurer claims that every few years, they return to the tribe with tales of the outside world, and for trade goods of great value.
Dragon, Gem: Little is truly known of the Dragons, other then they claim to have been spawned from the blood of Syberis millions of years ago. Of the dragons, 14 true breeds exist, 9 of which are mainly found on Eberron. The other 5 true breeds wander the planes, and it said that they are the oldest of the true dragons, these are the Gem Dragons. In the ancient days when the 9 common dragons where young the Gem Dragons where old, and had inhabbited Eberron for 2 or 3 generations. Many of them though noticed the other planes, and had begun to leave Eberron in mass. The Gem Dragons took it upon themselves to protect their kin and even today, many guard planar boundries and tears. Infact during the Qouri and Daelkyr Wars, several Gem Dragons had join in the fighting, but over the years, where changed to the common dragons.
Although not as outright powerful as the other dragon species, the Gem Dragons, are able to manifest powerful psionic abilities, as well as spell like abilities. For thousands of years though, the 9 common dragons used the Gem Dragons as independent negotiators for their affairs, as well as information brokers on the planar realms. Gem Dragons though are rare on Eberron, and few people know of their existance.
Ethereal Doppelganger: Throughout history the Doppelganger has been hunted, for the fear of their innate abilities. The Ethereal Doppelganger is said to have originated from a large group of Doppelgangers that actually resided in Sarlona, using their skills as assassins, spies, and power brokers. Unfortunately the Inspired came to Sarlona, and the rise of Riedra was their downfall. These Doppelgangers where hunted even more so then a common doppelganger, and many of them fled to the Ethereal Plane. Over the years their bodies have changed, and many of them don't even remember the past events where they where hunted by the Inspired. Infact many of them don't even recall their past experiences with each other, and commonly view another Ethereal Doppelganger as an enemy.
Famine Spirit:
Felldrakes: The most common legend of the origins of the felldrake stem from when man first rose up from his status of tribal society, he did so with his faith placed in the Soveriegn Host. It is said that man's faithfulness to the gods was awarded with these creatures. However this myth has recently been debunct by incursions into Argonessen and Sarlona.
In Argonessen more primative Felldrakes, who are far less intelligent then the ones on Khorvaire. The Sarlonan Felldrake seems to be less intelligent then the Khorvaire breed, but superior to the savages of Argonessen. Today Felldrakes can only be seen in the largest temples to the Soveriegn Host, and near embasies to Riedra. The Church of the Soveriegn Host infact has even laid claims of heresy against a number of Inspired for their treatment Felldrakes, as if they where some mere pet.
(Khorvaire Felldrakes, should all get a +4 divine Intelligence Modifier, Argonessen Felldrakes should have between a Int of 2 or 3)
Fiendwurm:
Fihyr:
Firbolg: When the giants began to rise to power in Xen'drik, many of them resented the discarding of the old ways. Of these giants, many fled to new lands or planes entirely, however many of these groups died out over time. One group though, who moved to Lamannia, did not die out, and these giants are known as the Firbolg. These powerful giants live in loose knit, hunter/gatherer society roaming their new home. Unlike the giants of Xen'drik the Firbolg did not develop the powerful magics like those of Eberron. These giants built strong ties to the realm, and practice strong druidic traditions. The Firbolg are a widely diverse group of people, with each clan having its own set of laws, however they all share one thing in common. Over the years the news of the fate that befell their kin has spread, and many of the Firbolg regret not returning in time to help their brethren see the error in their ways.
Fire Bat:
Fomorian: At the fall of the giant's empires, great magic the likes of which Eberron has not seen since the Dragon-Fiend Wars was released. In this flash of powerful magics many giants died, some where spared, and of those that where spared great autrocities where commited. Through inbreeding and cannabilism the Fomorian was born, his body twisted and contorted to unnatural shapes, many of which are not benificial. These giants lurk in some of the most remote regions of Xen'drik, and many giants regard them as a cursed and afflicted people. Of all the giants the Fomorians are one of the most violent and dangerous, for their mutated nature has also led them to be highly influenced by magics. It is not uncommon for a Fomorian to develop strange abilities or powers, ones that the others in their tribes do not possess. The common giants of Xen'drik fear the Fomorians for one reason, the Fomorians are a completely male race, and to procreate they commonly kidnap women from neighboring tribes. To the Fomorians women are a status symbol or an object, one that says to other Fomorians "Look and fear me, for I have taken a mate."
(please no hate messages because this seems sexist or anything like that, its just something I came up with that I thought would be kewl).
Abeil- These so-called bee people are found scattered across Xen'drik, residing in towering hives. Each hive is highly expansionist, but this is kept in check by the mutable time and geography of the land. They were created by the backlash of energies from the destruction of the giant's portal to Dal Quor, and as such despise the giants for the corruption of their elven forms, and despise drow and elves for keeping said form.
Boggle- These scavengers were formed from a halfling tribe living in the vicinity of a Daelkyr prison. Overspill from the Husk of Many Worlds caused the corruption of the halfling into the form they hold today.
Bogun- These were created as the side project of a Cannith artificier living in the Eldeen Reaches while he harvested wood to make warforged. The druids of the area, intrigued by his homonculi, asked for such a creation more in tune with the natural world, and the bogun was created. They are found as druidic companions throughout the Reaches, as tales of them spread.
Bone Naga- Bone Naga are undead creations of the Dark Naga. After a Dark Naga kills a Guardian Naga, it sometimes raises the enemy as a Bone Naga under it's control and uses it in it's nefarious schemes. One of their favourite torments is to allow the Bone Naga full knowledge of what is occuring and force it to kill another Guardian Naga.
Braxat- These muderous creatures are very rare, sighted either in Khyber or in the treacherous Endworld Mountains. Most attempts to capture one have resulted in death for the entire hunting party, but a hunting expedition led by the renowned Boroman ir'Dayne recovered a partial corpse comprising of the head, torso and one arm. Study of this remnant revealed that the creature had undergone partial ceremorphosis, placing the blame for it's creation squarely at the feet of the illithids.
Cloaked Ape- These omnivorous apes inhabit Aerenal, swinging and gliding through the treetops in family groups. Due to the many Irian manifest zones on the continent they have developed the abilty to heal swiftly, and their blood is used as a component in the creation of Deathless.
Crimson Death- These undead were created by a Cult of the Dragon Below as a method of abducting sacrificial victims without being caught. However, with the destruction of the cult the crimson deaths were left to roam the Marches, abducting and killing as they please.
Deathbringer- The few deathbringers that exist in Eberron come from one of two sources- Vol and the Karrnathi Count Vedim ir'Omik. Vol plans to use them to lead troops when she eventually declares war upon the world, while the Karrns intend to use them as shock troops.
Famine Spirit- These creatures are a freak of undeath, created when a devout follower of The Devourer is raised as a ghoul. They burn with the need to eat, but will not consume undead.
Fiendwurm- These were created during the Dragon-Demon wars as a way of barreling through defenses to deliver swarms of troops. While these were mostly the smaller variety of demon such as vrocks and dretches, there were also larger fiendwurms used for the disgorging of demons such as balors, and while the dragons believe these larger ones were all destroyed, this has not been confirmed. Some of the smaller ones have escaped their bonds to the rajahs and roam Khyber, but many inhabit the palaces of the rajahs and the streets of Ashtakala.
Fihyr- Fihyrs are not the creation of the Daelkyr or the Quori, despite their appearance and abilities. Instead, they are the independent conglomeration of nightmares. They only form in areas where the whole population is under severe stress, such as a besieged city. Most do not survive the night of their creation, but others gain enough strength to wander until they are killed. Many were created during the Last War, and the surviving Great Fihyrs have gravitated to the area around the Mournland in particular, feeding off the despair the fog brings.
Fomorian- These malformed giants are possibly the most wretched remnant of the giant civilisation. Once as proud and nobly formed as their kin, centuries of inbreeding and barbarism has left them as cannabalistic, malformed tyrants with little to no aptitude for magic. However, as you would expect from such a race, they are very tough and seem to have a limited self healing ability. They inhabit the caves of Xen'drik in family groups where the strongest adult male is in charge, and women and chidren are treated as slaves.
I'm gonna stop there, inspiration is running a bit low now.
Dragonlover
Famine Spirit Famine Spirits, or "Glutton Ghouls" as they're more commonly known, are mercifully rare now, but have existed since the Age of Demons. The original Famine Spirits were created from members of the common races that had died of starvation due to the Fiend-Dragon war's destruction of the local ecosystems. These creatures were incredibly effective for clearing battlefields, since a single one could consume all but the largest dragons in less than a day. However, their all-consuming hunger made them incredibly difficult to control, and more than one powerful Fiend met its end at a Famine Spirit's jaws. VERY few specimens are alive today, and the only known example in Khorvaire is kept chained in one of the Blood of Vol's hidden necromantic laboratories, where some of the best and brightest attempt to unravel the secrets of its creation.
Anaxim (Epic Level Handbook) As of the time of this writing, there are only three animate Anaxii in the world. Two of these dwell in the Mournland, the failed attempts of the Godforged to build the body of their supposed "Construct Deity". The third, however, supposedly lives deep within the jungles of Xen'Drik, in the largest of the remaining ruins of the Giant civlization. The only person to have seen this thing and returned was a Gnomish adventurer who's name has been lost to the ages. According to the gnome's journal (dated 398 YK, or 600 years ago), he found "A giant, two-headed, thinking thing"(Huge Multiheaded Anaxim) deep within the cyclopean ruins of Xen'Drik. If the journal IS the truth, then this creature, known as INTERCAL(left head) and Orthogonal(right head), was in fact animate during the days of the Giant civilization, and was initially composed of multiple smaller entities that had to combine to share parts that had worn out and could no longer be replaced.
Bone Ooze The few documented instances of an encounter with a Bone Ooze have all been in sealed ruins that were later found to be tombs of Dhakaani generals. It is speculated that these things are related to Bonedrinkers in some way, since a large amount of the existing Bonedrinkers were originally created from Dhakaani goblinoids that underwent unorthodox and improper burials. The most popular theory is that if a Bonedrinker goes without feeding long enough, the weeping sores that are normally found on them will cover their body, and the white fluids that leak from them become the basis of a Bone Ooze. Due to the danger that the creature presents to an adventuring party, only Warforged are capable of getting anywhere near one without immense danger.
Spawn of Kyuss The greatest creations of the Necromancer known as Kyuss, these monsters dwell wherever he goes. Kyuss supposedly knows the location of each one of these creatures, and can percieve what it percieves at any given moment. Hence, he uses them largely to keep tabs on the Avolakia, who do not eat them out of sheer reverence for Kyuss.
Spell Weaver The Spell Weaver's natural habitat is unknown, but they can be found anywhere magical items are. Multiple theories persist about their origins, from them being natives of Kythri, to them being some distant cousin of the Illithid, to them actually being native to one of Eberron's moons. Since Spell Weavers are incapable of communicating vocally, and most Psions that attempted to make telepathic contact described the experience as "Having a really bad toothache in your brain", the only way to find anything about them is through their written language, which supports the theory of them being from Kythri and the one of them being created by the Daelkyr due to its insane complexity. The language consists of anywhere from several thousand to several hundred thousand characters, each of which has multiple meanings. This likely explains why the few notes written by Spell Weavers in common languages are rambling and disjointed.
The Spell Weavers are of interest to almost all the institutes of magical learning, mostly due to the chromatic disks they carry. These disks act as potent magical batteries, capable of storing enough magical energy to power a low-level wizard's full daily complement of spells and requiring no input of energy to recharge. If the secrets behind the creation and operation of these disks are revealed, there is no telling what sort of magical devices could become available, if not commonplace.
The Frost Salamander is believed to be a naturally occuring species, one that combines the physical abilities of both several reptilian beasts. It is believed that the Frost Salamander is a decendant of long lost reptile, cousin to both Basilisk and Shocker Lizards. This is further theorized that the Frost Salamander, developed special abilities that allowing it to harness the energy around it. It is believed that Frost Salamanders are able to survive, because they litterally absorb the warmth around them, which creates a warmth vacuum around them.
Galeb Duhr: The Galeb Duhr are a rare and recluse race, usually living unsubstantial lives. The Galeb Duhr were once common on Eberron, and are believed to be as old as the dragons themselves. Evidence supports that the Galeb Duhr fled Eberron during the great Dragon-Fiend Wars, and many of them where killed during the begining of this war. For the most part Galeb Duhr are extremely rare in Eberron, and have only recently returned (to them recently means the last 500 to a 1000 years). The greatest numbers of these creatures are found on Lamania and Thelanis. They are quite renown as observers, sometimes watching the same area for 10 to 20 years, before doing anything. Of all the cultures that have encountered the Galeb Duhr, they had the biggest impact on ancient halflings. Today large, primative, boulder-sized carvings of strange beings litter the Talenta Plains (infact Galeb Duhr is a Halfling word which means loosly means Big Head-Little Body), which they claim are the Galeb Duhr.
Gambol:
Gravorg:
Greenvise: This strange plant is believed to have been originally birthed in the realm of Aerenal or Argonessen. Today the plant can be seen in across most of Eberron. This plant can commonly be found in the lands of Q'barra, the Shadow Marches, Aerenal, Argonessen, and eastern Xen'drik.
There is only one subspecies of the plant known, and that is the Fanged Water Lilly of the Shadow Marches. Unlike the other Greenvises, this one seems to have adapted to a life in the swamp lands as an aquatic plant. The plant is known for its beauty as a large water lilly, which blends in with the common Vvaaraak's(?) Lilly of the region. It has a large irredecent blue, purple, or white blub, which hides its fangs. The "pad" that keeps the flower afloat is actually faily sturdy, and is usually about 6 inches thick at the smallest section, and usually has a spread of about 15 feet.
Grell: (this is not written by me completely, this is my point of view from what I have read in the various D&D books about Grell in Eberron).
Grimalkin:
Grizzly Mastodon: (by Lord Yy) The Grizzly Mastadon inhabits the Frostfell and the northernmost reaches of the Lhazaar Principalities, wherever snow covers the ground year-round. A single Grizzly Mastadon can feed a human tribe or Winter Wolf pack for several weeks, but are easily capable of overpowering the hunters unless encountered singly.
Durzagon (Half-fiend): While the Duergar do insist in waging a constant battle against the aberrations of the Daelkyr, they do not hold such a place of hatred in their heart for the fiends of Khyber. Many of the long lost brethren of the dwarves infact have even turned to the face of evil and asked for its strength. Many times these violent and truly evil Duergar become Priest of Khyber (fiend worshippers), or Warlocks, and many of these Duergar's children become the Durzagon. The fiendish taint that empowered their fathers and mothers to wage their unending war, changed them in ways they never could have imagined. Among the Duergar clans that have turned to the fiends for power Durzagon are considered nobility, and royalty, and to be given the up most respect.
I am a zoologist/ecologist and I have been inspired myself by the excellent Eberron setting to think about this sort of thing and its cool to see others thinking the same. I particularly liked the Chimera one - nice slant on a classic beast. Rakshasa's creating it to taunt the Dragons - brilliant!
I have been jotting notes down by region rather than by monster and hopefully when I have a bit more time I shall share some of my ideas. In the meantime though - don't stop!
Dragonlover
Grizzly Mastadon The Grizzly Mastadon inhabits the Frostfell and the northernmost reaches of the Lhazaar Principalities, wherever snow covers the ground year-round. A single Grizzly Mastadon can feed a human tribe or Winter Wolf pack for several weeks, but are easily capable of overpowering the hunters unless encountered singly.
Ok, I'm gonna post everything I've done for stuff after the Durzagon entry.
Hellfire Wyrms- These diabolical creatures are a cabal of red dragons who, for one reason or another sided with the rajahs in ancient times. Exposure to the rajahs has changed them physically, but they remain dragons and have no fiendish blood. There are only a few left, most having been hunted down by the true dragons since the war. The remainder travel Khorvaire, working in the background of the courts to foment dissension and strife, with the aim of restarting the Last War as a cover up for something much more sinister…
Jahi- This creature was originally created by the Cult of Forbearance, a Blood of Vol sect that believed that in order raise them selves in status and thus become undead, they should emulate their masters way of life in order to understand it. Thusly, there were members who wished to emulate vampires and would live without seeing the sun for months at a time, as well as refraining from indulging in pleasures of the flesh. Gradually, these repressed desires built up until the first jahi was born, which proceeded to bond to the most attractive cultist and use them to initiate a pleasure-cult instead. This incident was brought to the attention of the priests of the Blood, who went about creating jahi of their own and using them to both create havoc and gain converts.
Jermlaine-(By Lord_Yy, will add more later) Gremlins that turned up in Cannith forges during the War
Juggernaut- The juggernauts were created by House Cannith as mobile war platforms that could batter through walls, crush ground troops and also carry a few specialised troops (such as a pair of wizards). The juggernaut represents an early attempt at building a living construct, and as such has an array of spells that it can use. It is rumoured that larger juggernauts than those used in the Last War can be found in Xen’drik, created by the giants for purposes unknown.
Kopru-(with Lord_Yy) These are the descendents of a sahuagin tribe that was enslaved and then experimented on by aboleths. The aboleths created them to be guardians of their cities, so wherever aboleth ruins are, there will be kopru, whether there are aboleths or not. Because of this, the kopru are relatively unknown to surface dwellers, as aboleth cites are either at the bottom of the deepest parts of the sea or under the seas of Khyber. The kopru worship the aboleth as gods, and female clerics interpret the will of the aboleth and transmit it to the rest of the tribe. Any kopru who transgresses the will of the aboleth (male or female) is devoured ceremonially by the rest of the tribe. Due to the aboleths experimentation, mutations are common amongst the kopru, both in mind and body. This results in many kopru being naturally psionic, as well as many having grafts or strange blood (i.e. the pseudonatural template)
Thats as far as I've got.
Dragonlover
Hook Horror:
Ixitxachitl:
Jahi:: (By DL & Me) These creatures are rare, and few know of their existance, commonly associated with the Blood of Vol, their origins are much more sinister. The first of these creature's true origins are tied to the Qabalrin. In ancient days, when the fueds between the rival schools broke out, many became supressed and resentment grew rampant. Some of those that where never turned into vampires, or who where locked away never to be able to use their gift, became so mad with frustration that in death they became the first Jahi.
Today this creature is also commonly created by the Cult of Forbearance, a Blood of Vol sect that believed that in order raise them selves in status and thus become undead, they should emulate their masters way of life in order to understand it. Thusly, there were members who wished to emulate vampires and would live without seeing the sun for months at a time, as well as refraining from indulging in pleasures of the flesh. Gradually, these repressed desires build up until a Jahi was born, which proceeded to bond to the most attractive cultist and use them to initiate a pleasure-cult instead. This has brought yet another faction of the Blood of Vol, the Church of Madystarylor, is the only known temple dedicated to these sadomasochistic teachings of Vol.
This church is secretly located within the borders of Thrane, in Sigilstar no less. The cult is still very secretive, and the higher ups have no problem with secretly removing members who attempt to back out. Secretly the church is also funded by Diani ir'Wynarn, however she has no clue as to what she is truly funding. She has been made to believe that she is funding a extreme radical faction of either the Church of the Silver Flame or the Host of the Faithful. Believing that with her funding this will allow them to take some radical step that may discredit the Church. If she where to find out she would quickly send Dzarro Silvervein or Captian Malik to rectify the situation.
Jermlaine: During the first decade of the Last War, an Aundairian artificer named Henryk Jermlaine was contracted to develop magical defenses along Scion's Sound to prevent a Karrnathi invasion. The Aundairian military was concerned, probably rightly so, that they were at a disadvantage with Karrnath's strong ties to House Cannith and wanted to make show that they could compete with their neighbors as far as automation. The up-and-coming Jermlaine had already excelled at Arcanatrix and eagerly pursued the contract, visions of riches piling in his eyes. Ambitious, and more than a little vain, Jermlaine declared that he could accomplish the defenses more quickly if he worked alone with his homunculi and managed to convince the military to agree. Improving on previous designs, Jermlaine developed a specialized form of dedicated wright which excelled at making traps. Even Jermlaine himself was surprised at how quickly the new homonculi worked and he was able to complete the contract in a few short months.
Unfortunately, Jermlaine ran into some trouble when he tried to halt production. The wrights rebelled with a spiteful independence which the artificer had inadvertently created during his experimentation. A fight ensued in the laboratory, during which the artificer was knocked out from a discharging magical item and when he awoke, the wrights were gone. When the military learned about the accident, they confiscated Jermlaine's reward and put it instead toward a clean-up effort. The artificer died in poverty alone.
The homonculi, now spread throughout Khorvaire and grown feral, have become common nuisances in laboratories everywhere. Many are just mischief makers, but the original wrights still have the magewright training that Jermlaine gave them. Commoners have many names for them, such as jinxkin and banemidges, but most artificers still call them by their despised creators name: jermlaines.
Hook Horrors: During the Dhakaani-Daelkyr Wars, the goblinoids enlisted the aid of ogre mercenaries to help them. For the first few years of their implementation, the ogres proved extremely effective in overcoming the daelkyr monstrosities, simply powering through the cunning dolgaunts and illithids. However, the Dhakaani didn't count on the daelkyr innovation or their ability to adapt. After several ogre units were captured, the daelkyr unleashed powerful infantry of their own: the hook horrors. In a process similar to that which created dolgaunts from hobgoblins, hook horrors were made from ogres through torture and extensive surgery. Their large hooks enabled them to catch and rend through the goblinoid infantry and their blindsight proved especially effective when paired with illithid sorcerors casting darkness spells. Today, the hook horrors are outdated models as the daelkyr must rely more on subtlety than physical might. However, adventuring parties exploring the depths of Khyber have returned throughout the centuries with horrific stories of hook-handed monsters that ripped through their comrades... and the sinister figures that guide them from the shadows.
Ixitxachitl: Long ago, the ixitxachitl were created by aboleth mages to serve the will of the daelkyr. When the Lords of Xoriat were broken by the Gatekeepers, however, the aboleths, and their creations, were left adrift in the oceans of Eberron. Without the benefit of their masters' wills, the aboleths found the ixitchxachitl too much to handle and chased their slaves away to continue their plotting. Purposeless, many ixitxachitl wandered through the seas, and many wild individuals can be found throughout the Thunder Sea and the Sea of Rage. At least one group, however, settled into a community where they could defend themselves against other aquatic predators. Finding cavern systems to live in among the islands of the present-day Lazhaar Princepalities, the ixitxachitl waited for their chance at revenge. Their chance came centuries later with the arrival of Eranis d'Vol to the islands. The lich discovered the creatures soon after she established her new home and she convinced the ixitxachitl to ally with her. In exchange for their utter loyalty, Vol the lich granted some exemplary ixitxachitl a minor form of vampirism. The alliance between Vol and the ixitxachitl pre-dates even the establishment of the Blood of Vol traditions, though fewer know of it than realize the connection between the Blood and House of Vol. The ixitxachitl serve today as Vol's spies throughout the shipping waters of Khorvaire.
Jujalimus: Deriving its name from the elven phrase jujali molus or "eater of children," the jujalimus is a scourge across Xendric and even in isolated patches of Aerenal. When the dragons and elves together wiped out the House of Vol, immense amounts of necromantic energy was released into the jungles of each region and warped native baboons. Many elves believe the jujalimuses to be possessed by vengeful spirits of the Vol ancestors, angered at not given a proper burial. According to Aereni and Tairnadal tradition, jujalimuses which are killed will be reborn in the jungles again unless buried and blessed to assuage these spirits.
Because of their shapechanging abilities, the jujalimuses have proved nearly impossible to wipe out as they are generally indistinguishable from normal animals except through arcane means. Aereni officials also claim that the populations in Xendric somehow find their way to Aerenal after purges, though the exact method of such a journey is a mystery.
Leechwalker: These repulsive creatures are thought to be the result of mutated leeches from the Mournlands. There have been a number of sightings of leechwalkers attacking locations in Zilargo, Breland, and Karrnath, though sightings in the Shadow Marshes and the Eldeen Reaches have been reported too. Some naturalists consider such claims to prove that the leechwalkers are not native to the Mournland but instead were created by monstrous spellcasters in Droamm or dark forces lurking in the Demon Wastes. If true, there's no telling who is transporting the creatures to the Mournlands and for what dark purpose.
And I'm spent...
You are more then welcome to sign on. We are trying to divide up the monsters. If you have Msn hit me up under the same screen name. Anyways peace.
I really don't want to have to trawl through the next page to find this in a couple of days, so I'm gonna use a
.On topic (kinda), I'm gonna PM a WizO and see if this can be stickied.
Dragonlover
EDIT:- We're in! We're in the Important Threads post that is stickied at the top of the Eberron General forum! Thanks go to WizO Sith.
Dragonlover
Dragonlover
Jermlaine-
Juggernaut- The juggernauts were created by House Cannith as mobile war platforms that could batter through walls, crush ground troops and also carry a few specialised troops (such as a pair of wizards). The juggernaut represents an early attempt at building a living construct, and as such has an array of spells that it can use. It is rumoured that larger juggernauts than those used in the Last War can be found in Xen’drik, created by the giants for purposes unknown
Julajimus-
Kopru- (with Lord_Yy) These are the descendents of a sahuagin tribe that was enslaved and then experimented on by aboleths. The aboleths created them to be guardians of their cities, so wherever aboleth ruins are, there will be kopru, whether there are aboleths or not. Because of this, the kopru are relatively unknown to surface dwellers, as aboleth cites are either at the bottom of the deepest parts of the sea or under the seas of Khyber. The kopru worship the aboleth as gods, and female clerics interpret the will of the aboleth and transmit it to the rest of the tribe. Any kopru who transgresses the will of the aboleth (male or female) is devoured ceremonially by the rest of the tribe. Due to the aboleths experimentation, mutations are common amongst the kopru, both in mind and body. This results in many kopru being naturally psionic, as well as many having grafts or strange blood (i.e. the pseudonatural template)
Leechwalker-
Leviathan-
Linnorm-
I still need to collate what has and hasn't been done, but this is the next batch of headings.
Dragonlover
wherever a manifest zone exists. Like most Fey, they distrust the civilized races, and usually
only allow Druids to come close to them.
Spectre Spectres are found in Mournlands & other areas where a great catastrophe
has occurred, such as conflagrations, floods, and the numerous military ransackings of the
Last War.. Most spectres begin their existence as normal ghosts, but are gradually
strengthened and warped by the negative, hateful energies that permeate these areas. The
fact that a Spectre is indistinguishable from a regular ghost has brought more than one
adventurer to its knees.
Tendriculous The Tendriculous originated in the Eldeen Reaches, created by Unseelie
fey who needed something to keep humans and other mortal creatures out of the Twilight
Demense. The creatures have since been exported to wherever they're needed, but an
Eldeen-native subspecies exists. These creatures, called "Flowering Reapers" are numerous
but rarely seen, able to disguise themselves as a glade of flowers that suddenly lurches up
out of the ground when nonfey, revealing the creature's main body, 4 vines, and a mouth
capable of swallowing a Warforged Titan whole.
Darktentacles Shadow Marches- Most of the scholars that study monstrous creatures
such as the Darktentacles automatically think that this creature is the creation of the
Aboleth, and in fact the progenitor species of this race was an Aboleth creation. However,
when the Daelkyr invasion came, some of these creatures found themselves in the
unfortunate company of Belshyyra, Lord of Eyes. The original species has rarely been seen,
the only examples having been specimens that washed up on shores in advanced states of
decomposition. The noted differences between this species and the common Darktentacles
is that the progenitor species' tentacles are largely featureless, except for one eye several
inches from the tentacle's tip. The tentacles themselves are also coated with a highly acidic
mucous capable of etching Adamantine.
Senmurvs are closely tied to couatls. Created by Syberis at the same time as the dragons, they fought alongside the couatls and the dragon during the age of demons. Despite being relatively weak, Senmurvs were very numerous before the end of the age of demons, most of them died fighting the rakashasa's however.
The remaing senmurvs usually spend their (incredibely long) lives fighting fiends indirectly by provinding help to good aligned adventurers and warriors of light. Some senmurvs have also been known to associate themselve with paladins affiliated with the church of the silver flame.
Rumors tell of a great concentration of senmurvs in Xen'drik's inland, explorers have reported being saved from rogue giants and drows by strange, multi-colored,winged wolves.
Argonessen has a small but prosperous senmurv population who usually live under the protection of a good dragon.
Anorther breed also exists in frostfell, called siurvs, this evil and corrupt breed was created by a revenge driven fiend long ago to anihilate the senmurvs who destroyed his demonic army. The siurvs however had other plans and fled to frostfell where they live only to hunt and kill. Siurvs look like senmurvs except for the coloration of their fur, wich is pure white, and of their eyes, wich are of a cold blue colour (Siurvs are usually Chaotic Evil and get smite good instead of the smite evil ability).
By the way, has anyone done the grell yet?
PLUS: How would anyone integrate the kythons from BOVD? I think they fit the ECS more than any other.
I've thought about making them the ultimate soldiers of Daelkyr but their bloodthirst made them turn on their creators and they now roam Khyber, killing everything they meet.
in Khorvaire, since the creature's penchant for petty theft and abilities to harry pursuers
and avoid capture make it very much of an annoyance. The origins of the creature strech
back to the last Daelkyr invasion, when a group of Gnomes fell into the clutches of a lesser
Daelkyr called Yynemmegh. Despite continual experimentation, the Daelkyr was simply unable
to make a decent combatant out of the gnomes, eventually giving up in frustration and
releasing the first Boggles out into the world. Despite the harsh treatment, modern-day
Boggles still treat him/her/it as a god, erecting small statues in its visage built of the stuff
that they steal.Boggles can be found wherever there is a city large enough not to notice a
few extra petty thefts, and that has enough abandoned or vacant houses that nobody
would notice their being there. Rumors abound of a Boggle community comprising over a
thousand members somewhere in the Undercity of Sharn, but nobody who's claimed to find it
has been able to lead anyone there. The creatures seem to have a sort of rivalry with
Ethereal Filchers, the two entering into "wars of aquisition" marked by rashes of petty thefts
if one seeks to make a home in the territory of the other. Anatomists bored or mentally
unstable enough to make studies of the anatomy of Daelkyr-spawned creatures have also
noticed nearly-identical biomagical structures that control the creatures magical modes of
transport, leading to theories that the two may have been created by the same Daelkyr, but
nobody takes such theories seriously.
Jermlaine : These creatures, commonly called "Gremlins", simply appeared in the
Cannith forges soon after the initial deployment of the first Warforged Titans. All that most
people know about them is that they are the veritable bane of artificers, architects and
engineers, living to dismantle and destroy things that were built or assembled, and the more
complex, the better. The actual origins of the creatures lie with the Ashbound Druids, who
initially created the creatures to sabotage the Cannith forges, seeking to halt the production
of weaponry. However, their efforts failed miserably, the worst that the Jermlaines could do
being the release of dozens upon dozens of rats into the forges, temporarily halting the
production of the Warforged Titans. Now they are little more than an annoyance, with most
creators of machinery and magical items eagerly willing to pay adventurers to wipe out an
infestation of the little creatures.
Leechwalker : The disgusting creatures known as the Leechwalkers are supposedly
native to the steaming jungles of Xen'Drik, likely a byproduct of the cataclysm that ended
the giant civilization. What is surprising about the species is that they are surprisingly quick
to adapt to any given environment, able to go from struggling to thriving in the space of a
few generations. As a result, dozens of subspecies have cropped up all over Xen'Drik, and
new ones are appearing on Khorvaire as the creature manages to somehow sneak aboard
Sharn-bound boats and airships. The most common subspecies is known as the Hive Walker,
(Gelatinous Leechwalker) its body more like a massive pile of individual leeches rather than a
single organism. Most other subspecies differ only in minor ways from the original species,
and serve as a baffling challenge to those who try to classify them.
Megalodon : The Megalodon is a mercifully rare creature found in tropical oceans
such as those surrounding Xen'Drik. Sahaguin worship the Megalodons as living aspects of
the Devourer, offering up dozens of prisoners as sacrifices to the creatures. The creatures
are something of a sticking point between travellers seeking to reach Xen'Drik and the
Sahaguin, since just about everyone OTHER than the Sahaguin would prefer that the
creatures weren't there, or at least didn't have their hunting grounds overlap some of the
most often-used routes between Khorvaire and Xen'Drik.
Moonrats : Moonrats are common to most large cities of Khorvaire, however their
existance is mostly spoken of by drunks and madmen and other folks nobody would believe.
While one would expect the creatures to have some sort of fantastic origin involving a lunar
conjuncture or deific influence, the truth is that the Moonrats gained their intelligence after
eating from the mysterious glowing trash-heaps of the many magical institutions of Sharn.
There are 13 tribes of Moonrats, 12 of which have their intellect tied to the phases of one
of Eberron's moons. The 13th tribe, however, is apparently bound to the vanished moon, and
as a result, each individual is born at a certain level of strength and intellect, and maintains
these throughout their lifespan. Often, two or more tribes temporarily band together to work
continually on a plan that would either take far too long to complete, or hinges on events
that would transpire when one tribe is at the nadir of its strength and intellect. Most of
these plans seem to centre on procuring food, however the intelligent members of the 13th
tribe seem to have their sights set a lot higher, quite possibly on total world conquest.
Lord Yy is backing up all the monsters into a Word document as I type this, in case any get lost during the update. I'm also gonna back them up to be on the safe side. Then once the new boards are up and any glitches have been ironed out, we'll check the state of this thread, repost anything needed, and try and kick it off again.
This would be made a lot easier if we had some help. Anyone who wants to pitch in can PM me their email and I'll add them to my MSN to make discussion easier. All you need is the MM2, a knowledge of Eberron and some imagination. Even if you only do one creature it'll be a great help, but please stay in the alphabetical order or it'll get too confusing.
Finally, I'd like to apologise to anyone who was following this thread and not participating. We tried to keep it going, but life happened. See you all after the update!
Dragonlover
Dragonlover
The other place marrashi can be found is the city of Graywall in Droaam. There, they were bred from gnoll and harpy slaves by the governor, the illithid Xor'chylic (Type changes to (Monstrous humanoid), subtype changes to (gnoll), no disease or taklif arrow). Xor'chylic uses these specially bred archers to bolster the flights of harpy guards around the city and outlying area. The first born of these marrashi was Kreggra (Ranger 3/Fighter 2), who commands her lessers with the threat of Xor'chylic himself.
Nimblewright: Seventy five years ago, Merrix d'Cannith was closer to the discovery of sentient constructs than anyone realized. Utilizing, perhaps too early, the schemas found in Xen'drik he fashioned a human-sized construct for a number of wealthy nobles. Arming them with a set of rapiers and christening his newest creations "nimblewrights", Merrix amazed his fellow nobles with his constructs' grace and intelligence. However, despite this step forward, his plans were flawed and the few nimblewrights that had been created rebelled against their owners. Most of the 400 were destroyed, but many survived the "Nimble Purge" and went into hiding. Today, rumors persist of golden, swashbuckling constructs leading warforged against the breathing races in and around the Mournlands.
Well, there's my first contribution, and hopefully not my last. This is a great DM's resource. Let me know what yunz think.
- WG
Dragonlover
Bye the way where are we at on MMII, what gaps have not been filled and I really have to say after lookin' over some of the stuff you 2 have done, good job. As well as the work done by Mephit James.
Giant Owl: The Giant Owls origins are an enigma, but one thing is known, they are not a naturally occurring species. Many theories have been suggested, and many off them all seem to be correct.
The main theory is that the dragons did create the first of the giant owls on Argonessen, with the giants learning to do the same as their civilization grew. When Vvaraak taught the orcs druidic magic, they to learned how to awaken the animals. Eventual House Vadalis saw how easy it was to train the Giant Owls, and began their own breeding experiments, creating a faster, hearty Giant Owl (known today as the Dragonmarked Owl). The Dragonmarked Owl is the most commonly known Giant Owl in Khorvaire, however other breeds of great numbers inhabbit every continent.
The Giant Snow Owl inhabbits the Frostfells, and Everice, and has a unique breath weapon, which it uses to stun its prey. The Nighteye Owl of Xen'drik is one of the smallest of the Giant Owls, but hunts at night, using innate shadow magics to conceal its precense. There are a multitude of other species as well, so many infact that it is pointless to list them all.
Satyr: Of all the fey that inhabbit Thelanis, the Satyr is one of the most oxymoronic creatures to live. Although Satyr are free spirited and possess an uncanny ability with dancing and music; Satyrs are the warriors of their people. Their physical capabilities allow them to make good warriors, as far as the fey go. Infact many Satyrs that die in battle do not merely pass away into nothingness, instead they become Cervidals(?, Celestial MMII); which also inhabbit their realm. Another strange thing about the Satyrs is their quickness to bond with any creature, producing offspring with strange qualities. This has produced a number of beings ranging from Half-elementals to Shadow Satyrs, to Half-fiend and Half-celestial breeds as well. This aspect Satyr mentality seems to stem from their chaotic and whimsical nature, but also by the instinct to protect. Satyrs are one of the strangest creatures of Eberrons history, and off all the races that Satyrs appreciate and accept, Orcs are at the top of their list.
Wight: Throughout history death cults have been there, usually hiding in the shadows of whatever culture they where spawned from. The ancient death cults of the Keeper from ancient Sarlona, spawned this undead; the Wight. Wights are netoriously viscous and evil, cunning as well, and although other races can become Wights, majority of them are human. No one is sure exactly how the first Wights where created, but it is assumed that they are the next step in ghoul "evolution". Unlike most undead, many Wights detest the Blood of Vol and other death cults, they prefer to do as they wish without regards to what others thing. Wights hold a special place in the fears of men, as it was them who created the foul undead. Today ruins in ancient Sarlona, are said to have some of the most ancient Wights in the world. However the Riedran ambassadors deny the existance of ancient undead filled ruins.
Yrthak: The Yrthak is a naturally developing species that only inhabbits the realm of Xen'drik. There are only a few subspecies, but by far the most common is the Highland Yrthak (MM version). There are at least 1 other known species.
The Lowland Yrthak, which is very small compaired to its larger cousin, and is no larger then a full grown ogre. The Lowland Yrthak, or Dwarf Yrthak, inhabits the wild jungles and valleys of Xen'drik and possess a great ability to manuever within the canopy of the trees. They are known for the strange patterns of green and shades of black that cover their body, hiding them even in flight from most prey or predators.
Bogun:
Braxat:
Fire Bat: The Fire Bat is one of the strangest creatures and many different origins can explain these beast. The most common belief is they are a native creature to Fernia, which is the most widely excepted theory. They inhabbit volcanos and deep recesses of Khyber near lava beds and streams. They are found in their greatest numbers on Fernia, which is why many believe they are native to the realm.
Hook Horror: Much like the Grell the Hook Horror is a creature shrouded in mystery. From what little evidence has been gathered on these elusive and deadly predators; the Hook Horror seems to be another creature from the realm of Xoriat.
It is unknown if this beast is a failed minion of the Daelkyr, or some naturally occuring fiend from that realm. It is more likely the later case with the Hook Horror, as it seems that they have never appeared in large numbers in ancient Eberron. However their numbers have increased, over the millenia; and many regions that have close ties to Xoriat hold great numbers of Hook Horrors.
Like many of the creatures tied to Xoriat and the Lords of Madness, the Hook Horror is an easily adaptable creature, with numerous sub-species.
The legendary Xra'chkune (shrah-ch-kOOn) is one such creature found on an expidition in Xen'drik. In the upper regions of Khyber the creature was killed after eliminated 2 scouting parties. The beast is the only one seen of its kind but potential rumors among natives of others creatures similar to it. The beast itself appeared as a tauric Hook Horror with the lower body of a giant beetle. Much like a turtle pulls in its head, the Xra'chkune was able to pull its upper torso inside the shell of its lower body.
Immoth: These enigmatic beings are creatures from the realm of Risia, but are found in a number of other planes, where frigid tempatures prevail. On Eberron they are quite fond of the deep reaches of the Frostfell, but more of their kind can actually be found on Everice. Little is truly known about the creatures and a future expedition is being mounted by a Kalashtar Psion, whose name is Thalanakhad.
Linnorm: Of all the draconic creatures on Eberron the Linnorms are the most ancient of the species, even more so then the so called "true dragons". The Linnorms are the ancestors of the ancient wyrms, and very very little is known about them other then ancient myths. No Linnorm has been seen or even heard of sense Lhazaar came to Khorvaire on her first trip.
What legends and myths have dug up, is unlike true dragons, Linnorms are closely tied to Eberron and Syberis, hence their draconic nature, yet very closely tied to the elements, and the world itself.
It is widely believed that the Linnorms mostly died off in the ancient Dragon-Fiend wars; and although many lived after that war, their numbers and diversity caused them to slowly die out. However rumors among dragons speak of ancient gaurdian creatures even more powerful then they that protect ancient sites held by the dragons.
Marrash: In the young days of Eberron when many of the young races were just learning to make tools and the Giants where begining to build their Empire, a tribe of savage gnolls commited dark and hienous acts. These ancient evils led to the creation of the first Marrashi. In the history of Eberron this was but a blink of the eye, and from what little history can be dug up during this period; the Marrashi were created by a powerful Rajah, who attempted to manipulate the Gnolls into freeing it.
Granting the Gnolls the power to spread plague and pestilence against their neighbors and other creatures the Rajah would transform the spirits of fallen Gnolls into Marrahi. As soon as the Chamber caught wind of this they laid down a storm of dragon's fire and put the Rajah back into its place.
The Marrashi still exist but are rare on Eberron, it seems that they have turned to other realms of influence and attempt to spread their ilk in those realms.
Leviathan:
Loxo:
Meenlock: These rare creatures are found only in Khorvaire, and even today little is known of their origins. It is widely excepted that they are one of the most successful creations of the Flesh Weaver, and believed to be the reason for his dismissal from the Twelve. The creatures have spanned accross the continent, and many large colonies have sprung up recently in Droamm and Breland. This has further led to speculation that they are the creation of the mad wizard.
Infact in Breland, specifically Sharn, these creatures have a bounty on their heads, and the city offers 10 gp for each corpse/head brought to the city gaurds. However few people actually claim this bounty, as many of the victims of the Meenlocks are the goblinoids, however 1 victim was the daughter of a minor landholder in Sharn over 50 yrs age. The landholder sold most of his holding to fund the bounty which has rarely been collected, and few even know of its existance.
Morgrave itself is also interested in the collection of live specimens, offering a much larger bounty (10 gp per HD). Morgrave claims that they are interested in the transmutation abilities of the Meenlock and wish to discover how this is possible. They believe that they maybe able to learn more beneficial applications of the creatures abilities, yet little research has actually been completed in the applications of the creatures abilities.
But, it is rumored there is another voice...a darker voice that very few can here. With this voice are the whispers of a corrupting force even within the flame. It is believed that his corrupting force is responsible for the creation of the fiendish Elementals known as Living Holocausts. These entropic elementals are few and far between. Most manifesting and growing from the channeled power of less then pure Priests of the Silver Flame. The corruption in thier hearts tainting thier command of the Silver Flame till they are consumed by the corruption the demon's whispers have sowed within them. But, this is not always the case. Sometimes a dedicated Exorcist finds the powers of the Silver Flame tainted by the dark spirits he so righteously fought. In either case the birth of a Living Holocaust always rouses the Knights of the Silver Flame into action. Finding the corruption of thier ideals manifesting itself in physical form a serious and disturbing threat.
Mudmaw:
Needlefolk:
Nethersight Mastiff:
Nightmare Beast:
Ok well maybe I need to expand on that with the Linnorms, I'm tryin' to give the feel that they are believed to be extinct and what few Linnorms are left are advanced. Currently we are in the Monster Manual II I'm not sure the Living Holocaust was in there, I think that's from MM III, which I don't plan on doing sense it has alot of the creatures already done.
Yeah, now, that I think of it....I think Living Holocaust is from Fiend Folio....
My mistake.
Myconid : Myconids are notable in that of all the inhabitants of the Khyber, they are the least hostile to travellers. While living in close proximity to some of the most dangerous creatures on the planet has made the Myconids understandably paranoid, visitors from the surface that can prove themselves not to be a threat to the Myconid colony are allowed to come and go as they please, and those that do something significant to benefit the colony can obtain limited services from the Myconids, and a safe place to rest and recover from other adventures in the Khyber.
Studies of Myconid biology state that these creatures were once a variety of innocuous, yet large fungus native to the areas of Khyber where the Daelkyr had been sealed. Over the centuries, they slowly transformed into the creatures they are today, and set out for a safer place the instant they could. The extent of speciation amongst the creature seems to be limited to changes in the number of fingers and toes, typically ranging from 3 to 9 on each hand, with either one or two thumbs. The occasional appearance of specimens with additional limbs is typically related to damage the specimen sustained during its infancy. On extremely rare occasions, a Myconid that sustained massive damage to its cap during infancy will actually grow someting resembling a second head (Multiheaded Myconid), however the growth has no discernable mental activity until the creature is at least 12 years old, at which point the second head awakes into sentience, albeit without any of the knowledge or memories possessed by the first.
Nimblewright : A Nimblewright is the pinnacle of Cannith construct technology. The Nimblewrights were originally created to serve as shock troopers in the Last War, and after years of research and development they were scheduled to be mass-produced and sent all over Khorvaire. However, just before the mass-production was set to begin, Merrix D'Cannith created the first Warforged. The Warforged provided all the benefits that house Cannith was looking for in a construct soldier, with the added bonus of being able to be repaired after being rendered inoperative, as well as being far, FAR cheaper to produce than the Nimblewrights. The Nimblewright production lines were quickly retooled into the Warforged Creation Forges, and the existing Nimblewrights were quickly reclassified as espionage agents, however most of them ended up sitting around in Cannith warehouses for months before finally being sold.
Most Nimblewrights utterly despise Warforged, partly for stealing their thunder in the Last War, but mostly for what happened afterwards. When the treaty of Thronehold was signed, granting Warforged full rights as citizens of the Five Nations, no such concession was made for the Nimblewrights. As a result, a Nimblewright has no legal rights or recourse, and few are willing to admit to owning something as dangerous as one.
Nowadays, most Nimblewrights are in the service of various governmental agencies, or individuals willing to keep a spy around for their own purposes, and can be found in all of the Five Nations. Often though, a Nimblewright will somehow arrange to become its own property, either by dispatching its current owner or using its Alter Self spell-like ability to create a false identity who arranges to buy the Nimblewright in a clandestine deal. There is even an urban legend in Sharn about a wealthy businessman who ended up deep in debt to an unscrupulous creditor who revealed himself to be a Nimblewright that was mistreated back when he was owned by the businessman.
Nimblewright are still researched and developed in the varying Cannith laboratories, and recent advances in the technology used to produce the creatures have made them ALMOST as cost-effective as the Warforged were. Additionally, there have been numerous eyewitness accounts of Nimblewrights equipped with nonstandard weaponry and armor, the most famous one involving a Crystalline Troll getting blasted into dust and crystal shards by a Nimblewright with a highly experimental weapon concealed in its forearm.
Maug(Fiend Folio) : Maug are native to the plane of Shavarath, serving as mercenaries to the warring armies there. When found on the Material Plane, most Maug are typically serving as expensive, yet highly effective mercenaries. Maug are quite insular about who they allow into their mercenary bands, and most nonconstructs are unlikely to be admitted. The most common nonmaug seen in a Maug's mercenary bands are Warforged, and most Maug actually claim that the Warforged are some distant relation to them. However, no proof of this statement has come, so it is likely wishful thinking on the part of the Maug.
to spread across the continent of Khorvaire, following the elves. The largest populations of
the creatures outside Aernal are found in Valenar. The Aernal Needlefolk have remained
essentially the same for thousands of years, with the first records of the creatures being
almost twenty thousand years old. Aernal Needlefolk are known for their hate of the elves,
especially the Deathless. While no elf or even half-elf has been able to get near the
creatures without fear of getting skewered, members of other races have seen that the
creatures are actually peaceful entities outside the presence of elves, and some have even
managed to speak with the creatures. Of note is a conversation held between Algol
(Genderless personality Warforged Artificer 9) and Bron Jizeid'r (Needlefolk Druid 12).
In a move that all members of the party(except Algol) believed would get them killed, Algol
simply ASKED Bron why the Needlefolk disliked Elves so much. Bron replied by stating that its
people were originally awakened from thorny bushes by an entity they only refer to as "The
Man in the Mist" to stop the actions of those who believed that they were above nature's
cycle of life and death. Of additional notice is that Needlefolk will often congregate around
Manifest Zones to Dolurrh, believing that one day The Man in the Mist will return through the
grey fog.
The Valenar Needlefolk are not nearly as hostile toward Elves as the Aernal ones are, most
likely since the Valenar Elves venerate their ancestors through memory only. The Needlefolk
of Valenar have changed to the point of becoming a seperate species from their relatives in
Aernal. To start with, they are an average of 7 inches shorter than the Aernal variety.
Secondly, they are nocturnal, half-burying themselves during the day, leaving only a few
leaves exposed for photosynthesis. Their most notable difference, however, is that the
leaves and needles of the Valenar Needlefolk are poisonous(DC 12, Nauseated for 1d6
minutes/Sickened for 1d6 hours), a defense adapted to protect themselves from grazing animals.
Dragonlover
Little is known about the origins of the Gem Dragons, many hypothosis exist. The most common belief (especially among the Gem Dragons) is that they where the first true dragons to be born from his blood. Others insist that they where and are the offspring of metalic and chromatic dragons breeding. It is also said that they where created from the first dragons, when they devoured numerous Syberis Shards.
One of the more ludacris theories is said that they dreaming spirits invaded the bodies of dragons, and when they did slowly the dragons transformed as they aged. This theory is flawed in the fact that hatchling Gem dragons have been discovered in ages past, and few people take hold to the theory. The Inspired however seem to hold strong to this belief, and claim that Gem Dragons along with all other dragons are enemies of Riedra, and if need be should be cleansed from the world.
Regardless Gem Dragons seem to have very little to do with the Dragons of Argonessen, yet they have a strong outlook on the Draconic Prophecy, which is where several other theories of their existance come into play. Many times the two come into conflict with one another. At the same time though the Chamber constantly seeks out Gem Dragons and their knowledge of the prophecies.
They are very similar to crocodiles in nature, and infact commonly live in the same area as normal crocodiles. Mudmaws unlike many magical beast are actually capable of mating with their normal kin, however only a small number of the hatchlings ever develop into Mudmaws.
Their origins seem to be tied to the ancient Gatekeeper druids. It seems that long ago during a great war the Gatekeepers used their magic to create powerful animals, the Mudmaw being one of those creations.
Angels of Decay were first created by a horrifying Raksasa Raja during the age of feinds. It was used as a torture device against unlucky humanoids who would decay to dry bone almost instantly in the creatures area.
When the Raja's were imprisoned most were banished into Khyber. Though recently Eradis d'Vol has taken interested in these powerful undead and wishes to learn the secret of their creation to boost her armies.
Blaspheme
These horrific undead are the creation of Karrnathi necromancers. Though they were used only in the final years of the last war some of the horrid beasts can still be found either in the service of Blood of Vol cults, under Karrnath rule or simply wandering free in the wild to feed off the flesh of anything that gets close to them.
Brain in a Jar
These are sinister creations of Illithid necromancers to preserve and scan the minds of captures thralls that die of natural causes. Some even belive that the more powerful Brain in Jars are infact the brains of Dalkyr lords that have been preserved by their Illithid minions to keep their masters wisdom in check.
Entropic Reaper
These undead arise in Kyruthi the Churning Chaos and many worshipers of the Dark Six belive them to be direct servants of the Keeper.
Half Vampire
Few half vampires exist in Eberron but mysterious tales of children and other horrifying monsters with sighnes of Vampyric heritage coming out of Karrnath gives some credit to the rumors out there.
What is even more interesting is the rumor that Kaius's wife Etrigani may be pregnant with his son. Not entirely suprising to most people who do not know the truth of their king.
Revived Fossil
These are the spawn of necromancers from Karrnath who wander into the Talenta Plains to seek corpses for their armies. Some of which include the dinosaurs of the plains.
Tsochar
Tsochar came with the Daelkry in their conquest of Eberron. What makes them interesting is that they don't seem to follow the plans of the Daelkry overlords.
They hardly fought at all against the Goblin Kingdom, infact most of the Tsochar seemes to be more interested in studying the races and the areas of Eberron rather then sheer destruction and mayhem.
Is this another plot of the Daelkrys madness? Or do they truely have another motive altogether.
Half Farspawn
The Daelkry halfbloods (listed in Magic of Eberron) consist of humans but they are not the only creatures the Daelkry have experimented on. Half Farspawn (or Xorait-Born) as they're called are most common in the shadow marches and in Droaam where they are often treated either as distinguished leaders or as foul monsters that must be killed.
Illithidae
These creatures were brought as pets and scavengers from Xorait to help in the Daelkry's conquest of Eberron.
Can't do it today, unfortunately, but I'll try to help out soon.
I see there have been some attempts at stuff on here. I appreciate the help, anything anyone can do, would be very helpful.
, but no need to get emo-decievo over here.Also, you have email on your hotmail.
"Man we missed this thread" kinda thing
I've missed it, because this thread consists of win! ;)
Your stuff is great, and I'm stoked for seeing it!
Cheers, LT.
Also I won't be able to get around to this till late sat nite, as I have a raid to attend. But pretty much you guys are more then welcome to contribute anything you have an idea for. I'm gonna try to cut back a little on some critters "sub-types" however if it has no info in Eb yet, then I'm postin' it, so we have somethin' to roll with ya feel?
But its late and I got some stuff to attend to, VOTE TDM for President 08!
I'm not even sure where we are at and will need to plunge into the depths of this long thread. In the end I will reorganize everything (include a little more out of game info) and place it in order, so that way everyone can just search the end posts for the info they are lookin' for.
Bogun: Many years ago, an arfticer named Saal Bogun, strolled out of the Eldeen Reaches, just before the Last War began. He traveled Khorvaire, learning more of his skill, but never was very well acomplished in the art. In his later years he returned home to the deep woods where he had grown up, feeling abused and neglected. However he consulted his friends, and always a strong believer in the druidic faith, one day it came to him. He says in a dream that Eberron spoke to him, and told him a way to show others, that the art he learned was and can be true to the faith.
After a few years, the Bogun was created. He took the creature to Oalian himself, and showed him. Oalian amazed at his creation saw the contruct was truly formed from the natural order, and was not an abhorent misuse of the natural world. For the remainder of Saal's life he was a heartfelt member of Oalian's druidic circle, and advised the council on ways to use the arcane to benifit nature. In his death, the Bogun he had created was named after him, and many druids that do not despice arcane magic, keep boguns to honor him.
The Greensingers however, claim that it was not Eberron, but the fey that taught Saal the methods to create the Bogun, but they have little proof of this.
Braxat: The monsterous beasts, known as braxats now wonder the desert wastelands of Sarlona and Xen'drik. These creatures are highly violent and have little to do with others, even their own kind. It is believed that they are the prodigy of ancient giant breeding programs. However it seems that some tention exist between the two creatures, as Braxats will either flee an area inhabbited by giants, or will actually band together with rivals to eliminate the gaints. Whatever the cause this violent nature has thankfully led to keeping the Braxat population low.
There are untold number of sub-species and many mutant versions exist. Particularly in Xen'drik where these creatures seem to vary widely, and it is said by the elusive Drow, "Determining the future is like predicting a Braxat's prodigy."
Many scholars believe it is a normal magical fluke that appeared thousands of years ago, and just bred true. Today a plethora of new species can be seen. From the Dreadtoothed Mudmaw that roams the coast lines of many lands, to the Sandscale Mudmaw of Valenar and north western Xen'drik. Nothing overtly changes in these abilities for the most part however, and it seems that their are only slight differences in their inherrited abilities (for instance the Sandscale can move through soft earth much like a crocodile moves through water).
To date the strangest of all Mudmaws is known as the Skyclapper. The creature gets its name from its strange hunting technique, and is actually a very small creature. It uses its two pseudopods, which from an electrical charge to snatch small flying creatures out of the air. When the two "arms", if you will, slap together their charge releases a powerful electrical volt, stunning, if not killing, their prey. The Skyclapper appears in various mountainous regions near once flowing rivers and lakes, in Xen'drik. Their colorful pelts are highly prized by native Drow.
Needlefolk: In the Jungles of Xen'drik, many myths and legends abound. The Needlefolk are one such legends. It is said that when the elves fled their giant captors, that a group of them had gotten lost in the jungles. These elves after some time began to pray hard to their ancestors, seeking some sort of sign. In the end, it is said that a simple phrase was whispered to them, what the phrase was varies in the legends. However all stories state the same thing, the elves become one with the forest around them.
Today no specimen of the "Needlefolk" as they are called has been discovered. However, several bodies of fallen adventurers have been discovered, with multiple bristles, thorns, or stickers gashing into their bodies. The wounds themselves seem to be minor usually, so it is assumed that they died from sort of toxin. These deaths are said to be the work of the needlefolk, and whenever a body is discovered, it is true that Drow ussually do not inhabbit those regions.
Anyone dares maintaining a PDF for the Ecologies of Eberron?
I'm also working on the second monsters manual but at the end you guys got really confusing and I don't really have the time or the energy to go through that right now.
Woah...this thread is still alive after two years?!
Well yeah...
Woah...this thread is still alive after two years?!
Thanks for the support Dave, actually I am supprised that it is still here as well. Guess WoTC thought it was a good thread when they started hacking away.
I can't wait for 4th edition eberron to come out. I think that is gonna be saaaweeeet. Right now I'm running a homebrew game that I started making years ago and just adapted and altered sense I started playing D&D.
Unlike many of my games, this one is gonna be extremely small (no world sundering events, no changing the history books, etc etc).
Oh btw this is the original poster, seems there is a glitch in the login and I have no more access to my original account for some ungodly reason. "Currently there is not fix" is what wotc told me.
I can't log in, nor could I reclaim my original name, isn't that just great.
Edit:
Heck ya post up the download man, I'd love to have a copy of our works. Alot of people put in some hard work to this thread, and it would be a shame to go to waste. (ok so who's converting this stuff to 4th ed??? lol j/k).
www.snarkymonkey.com/ecologies.PDF
As to 4th Edition , if anyone wants to start coming up with wriiteups for the special species powers or variants I can put them into an appendix as well.
EDIT: I have just optimized the pdf for web viewing to hopefully reduce the download time. Considering it's a fifth the size now, it should help. ;)
Sprites
Tritons
Trolls
Unicorn
Wraith
Wyvern
Don't know if I've violated any Eberron history but here is my idea for Ka-tainted. Also fixes the saurian shifters. (What's broken about saurian shifters? If they are descended from lycanthropes, they can't have herbivore creatures like triceratops because lycanthrope requires a "carnivorous or omnivorous creature".)
Ka-Tainted: Known as saurianfused, the Ka-tainted are found in Xen'drik. Toraius saw himself as great explorer and wanted to mark history as Lhazaar did. Some 500 years after Lhazaar led the humans to the eastern shores of Khorvaire, Toraius attempted to colonize Xen'drik. The trip was harsh and the ships barely made it to the new land. Survival was difficult but the new settlers uncovered some giant ruins. Using the knowledge gained from the ruins, Cyvaar learned how to infuse someone with some power of dinosaurs. A couple of people tried the process. The other settlers were horrified at first but given the harsh realities of survival they reluctantly accepted the help. By the time people noticed the altered personalities of the saurianfused, it was too late. The saurianfused seized the ruling council and took control of the community. Some family bloodlines became so infused with dinosaur blood that the children were the first saurian shifters.
Saurian Shifters?????
Dragon 328.
So I haven't had any updates on this yet, but I think I will shortly, hopefully, once I can cross this hump.
Yeah, would seem that the PDF version is gone though....
It's still linked from the "Eberron - List of Resources" thread:
Ecologies of Eberron PDF