Norforva Bestiary

Bestiary Codex Norfova

Bloodcursed Beasts

Animals of all shapes and sizes that once flourished in Norfova have been corrupted by the curse of blood magic that has leached into the very soil of the region. These Bloodcursed versions of normal animals are often somewhat larger than their smaller cousins, much like Dire versions of beasts.

They all share maddened minds, twisted instincts, bloodlust, and physical corruption that is often in the form of disgusting growths, emaciation, partially rotted bodies, or mutations such as extra limbs or eyes. All give off a faint magical presence. The most commonly encountered are Bloodcursed Wolves.

Size: Small to Large
Type: Beast
Behavior: Aggressive
Ability: Most of these corrupted animals retain the same skill set as their normal and Dire versions. However, the rarest of these creatures have passive Hemomancy skills or spells.


Garuda

High above the mountains, mesas, and cliffs of the Norfova wasteland are massive eagles the size of horses casting far larger shadows on the world below. These large birds boast ruddy orange and red plumage with dizzying white patterns on the undersides of their wings. Their talons are easily a foot long each on average, but are made more for clinging to rock than hunting.

Garuda are often scavengers and passive, save a curious nature, toward intruders in their territories. Grow too close to a nest, however, and prepare for the fury of the parents.

Size: Large
Type: Beast – Avian
Behavior: Neutral
Ability: Thundurus Shriek – A Garuda's cry can shatter eardrums, the sound echoing for miles across the wasteland that will often summon others of its kind to aid it. Or to join the feast.


Inkwing Wasp

The vague shapes of humanoids trapped in a black hive-like mass of secretions can occasionally be spotted in clusters throughout the wastes. These are the corpses-turned-nests of the Inkwing Wasps. A subspecies of giant wasp native only to Norfova, these vicious creatures are roughly the size of your average hawk. Their bodies are so deep a red it appears black until the harsh sun above Norfova hits them, turning them a bright scarlet.

The wasp's name comes from the black wings that buzz a warning to travelers and the black ink substance they fire at their foes. They have a nasty habit of turning enemies into nests and laying eggs in them. Tread carefully.

Size: Large
Type: Beast – Insectoid
Behavior: Aggressive
Ability: Ink Spray – The wasps, as there is rarely just one, spray a black ichor from their stingers that hardens almost immediately. When an enemy has been incapacitated in the cement-like casing, and all other threats are neutralized, they begin to build a new nest around the body to feed their offspring.


Giant Leech

Water is a precious resource in the cursed region and, while most creatures act peacefully around it to be able to drink their fill, some take advantage. Giant Leeches, possible having moved and adapted from wetter jungle climates, have invaded some bodies of water throughout Norfova.

These leeches have a pale white body that is nearly see-through and grow roughly to arm-length. When well-fed, their bloated and blood-filled stomachs are visible through their

Size: Small
Type: Beast – Aquatic
Behavior: Aggressive
Ability: Bloodletting – A leech bite, even without it active attached and drinking, can be incredibly dangerous. Their saliva prevents blood clotting and resists magical healing.


Harpy

These half-human, half-bird creatures are an intelligent race of hunters. Their societies are secretive and often considered savage, like the gnoll packs of Pormont, but are often left alone because of their reclusive nature. A harpy and her flock do not attack unless their territory or sisters are in danger. Harpies can be mixed with any kind of bird, though flocks are often similar to one another, and use a variety of ranged weaponry.

When harpies are drawn in for a close fight, they make use of their wicked talons. Some flocks have tamed Garudas that fight, hunt, and nest with them in their homes in the high caves of cliffsides.

Size: Medium
Type: Beast – Humanoid
Behavior: Neutral
Ability: Serenade – The song of a harpy is enchanting, luring in those with weak wills and putting them under the control of the harpy flock. The charm can be broken by magical interference, a strong willpower, or by walking into the harpy's grasp. When close to one, the song becomes a blood-curdling shriek like nails on a chalkboard as the illusion breaks.