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The Summoner's Handbook

Page 9

by Taran Matharu


  Thank you for reading.

  Yours faithfully,

  Dame Fairhaven

  THE DEMONOLOGY CODEX

  The complete Demonology Codex, compiled by James Baker and updated by Major Goodwin of Vocans Academy

  JACKALOPE—LEVEL 1

  This demon is one of the most common prey animals in the ether and is not a popular choice among summoners. It appears as a hare with a pair of antlers on its forehead. Known for its speed and sharp incisors, this demon can still hold its own in a fight, although it is more likely to flee unless cornered.

  CLASSIFICATION: Caprids

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 6

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Acute Hearing, Agility

  RARITY: Very Common

  DIET: Herbivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Antlers, 2. Bite

  LESSER MITE—LEVEL 1

  Lesser Mites are the most common demon in Hominum’s part of the ether and are the food source of many demonic species. They are usually around the same size and appearance as the beetles one finds in Hominum. This similarity in appearance has allowed some summoners, both orc and human, to spy on their enemies undetected. However, using up an entire summoning level on such a weak demon is considered wasteful by most.

  Classification: Arthropidae

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 6

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying

  RARITY: Very Common

  DIET: Omnivore ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Mandibles

  SCARAB MITE—LEVEL 1

  Though there are several species of smaller, insect-like Mites, Scarab Mites are the most powerful of the Mite genus. These demons appear as large flying beetles and vary from dull brown to brightly colored. When full grown, a Scarab develops a weapon to complement its powerful mandibles—a nasty stinger, which can temporarily paralyze its enemy. Many summoners use Mites as scouts to explore the ether before sending a more powerful demon in to hunt.

  Classification: Arthropidae

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 7

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying

  DIET: Omnivore

  RARITY: Very Common

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Mandibles, 2. Paralytic Sting

  WILL-O’-THE-WISP—LEVEL 1

  This elemental demon appears as a glowing globe of blue, much like a wyrdlight. Though beautiful to look at, they are treacherous, leading any that might follow into the pits of sinking sand within their native swamplands. Once the victim is stuck fast or drowned, nearby Will-o’-the-wisps will flock together and drain it of its blood. Beneath the glow of blue, they appear rather like limbless glowworms.

  Classification: Elemental

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 10

  MANA ABILITIES: Blood Drain

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying

  RARITY: Common

  DIET: Carnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Wyrdlight Flash

  LAVELLAN—LEVEL 2

  The Lavellan is a ratlike demon armed with two venomous fangs where its incisors should be and a thick, wormlike tail. Though it’s a solid starter demon, many summoners turn their noses up at using the Lavellan thanks to its verminous appearance. Unlike a Mite’s or Damsel’s, the Lavellan’s venom acts much like a snake’s, causing excruciating pain and eventual death unless antivenom is administered. Since so many shamans use them as demons, it is suspected that at least some of the orc part of the ether is made up of swampland, for that is the Lavellan’s preferred habitat.

  Classification: Rodentia

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 13

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Climbing

  RARITY: Common

  DIET: Omnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Poison Fangs

  PYRAUSTA—LEVEL 2

  This demon appears in the shape of a lizard, but with the body parts of an insect—as if made from a beetle’s carapace with the same segmented joints. Its wings, though shaped like a Wyvern’s, are made from the same fragile material as a butterfly’s. The demon is prized for its ability to change color at will to blend in with its environment like a chameleon. Along with its potent sting, the demon’s insect-like eyes and antennae allow it to sense heat and movement, giving the summoner a new perspective when scrying.

  Classification: Arthropidae, Reptilia

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 17

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying, Color Change, Heat Vision, Sonar

  RARITY: Endangered

  DIET: Omnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Paralytic Sting

  BAKU—LEVEL 3

  The Baku shares many similarities in appearance and body shape with a real-world creature known as a tapir. The Baku is a prey animal in the ether and is not considered a suitable demon for summoners. It can be described as a pig-sized demon with an elephantine trunk and tusks and the striped orange fur of a tiger.

  Classification: Megafauns

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 20

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Prehensile Trunk

  RARITY: Uncommon

  DIET: Herbivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Tusks, 2. Trunk

  DAMSEL—LEVEL 3

  An insect-like demon akin to a giant dragonfly, with an iridescent carapace and four wings. These deceptively fast creatures are highly maneuverable in the air, capable of changing direction on a penny. They are a close cousin to the Mite, with a sting that is three times as potent. These demons are common throughout the known ether.

  Classification: Arthropidae

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 21

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying, Agility

  RARITY: Very Common

  DIET: Herbivore ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Paralytic Sting

  KAMAITACHI—LEVEL 3

  A demon that appears similar to a large fanged weasel, with serrated bone-blades replacing its paws. Relatively common in the orcish part of the ether, these expendable demons are regular attackers of Hominum’s front lines.

  Classification: Rodentia

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 20

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Climbing

  RARITY: Common

  DIET: Omnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Bone Claws, 2. Bite

  KAPPA—LEVEL 3

  The Kappa is one of the more common Aquarine demons. Appearing as an overgrown toad with a turtle’s beak and shell, this demon’s most unusual feature is the hollow indentation at the top of its head. It is theorized that this bowl is used to store water when the Kappa travels overland, allowing it to breathe with the Kappa’s large gill at the bottom. Other than its shell, this demon is a weak species and serves as a prey animal to the Nanaues and Akhluts of the ether’s oceans.

  Classification: Aquarine, Reptilia

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 21

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Amphibious

  RARITY: Uncommon

  DIET: Omnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Beak, 2. Shell

  BILDAD—LEVEL 4

  The Bildad is a rare amphibious creature that shares some similarities to a platypus in that it has the appearance of a strange amalgamation of disparate creatures. One might describe it as having a hybrid anatomy of a sparrow’s head, kangaroo legs, a flat beaver tail and webbed, frog-like feet. It has a set of spurs on its hind feet that it uses to inject venom considered three times as potent as a Scarab Mite’s.

  Classification: Rodentia, Aves

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 29

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Amphibious, Jumping

  RARITY: Rare

  DIET: Omnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Paralytic Spurs

  COATL—LEVEL 4

  The Coatl is a serpent with multicolored plumage instead of scales. Although not capable of flight, the Coatl uses its feathers to glide down from the ether’s trees and onto unsuspecting prey below. The Coatl will use its venom to paraly
ze a victim and then constrict it to death, before swallowing the carcass whole.

  Classification: Reptilia, Aves

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 28

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Gliding

  RARITY: Uncommon

  DIET: Carnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Poison Fangs, 2. Constriction

  CRIOSPHINX—LEVEL 4

  This demon is the gentler cousin to the Manticore and Chimera. It has the body of a lion and the head of a ram, complete with curling horns and beard. However, it is as small as a billy goat, and the claws are not as large or sharp as other Felidae demons.

  Classification: Felidae, Caprids

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 27

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Agility

  RARITY: Uncommon

  DIET: Herbivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Claws, 2. Horns

  GRYPHOWL—LEVEL 4

  This demon is a combination of cat and owl and is closely related to the Griffin and Chamrosh, though it is far rarer. Their sharp retractable claws and beak are their best weapons, but it is their keen intelligence and agility in the air that makes them such a desirable demon. The Gryphowl is a loner by nature but will often form a close bond with its summoner and fellow demons if treated well.

  Classification: Aves, Felidae

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 30

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying, Climbing, Eyesight

  RARITY: Rare

  DIET: Carnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Beak, 2. Claws

  GUNNI—LEVEL 4

  This demon is relatively common in the ether and is considered an acquired taste by some summoners. It appears similar to a bear-sized wombat, with a pair of small antlers on its head. Its claws, teeth and horns are not particularly sharp, but the demon’s size and muscle more than make up for this shortfall.

  Classification: Megafauns

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 27

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Digging

  RARITY: Common

  DIET: Herbivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Bite, 2. Scratch, 3. Antlers

  LUTRA—LEVEL 4

  This dog-sized demon appears very similar to an overgrown otter, with a tail spiked like a morning star and two large incisors. They are often found in the lakes and rivers of the ether, as they are especially fond of swimming.

  Classification: Rodentia

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 24

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Swimming

  RARITY: Common

  DIET: Omnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Spiked Tail, 2. Buckteeth

  ROPEN—LEVEL 4

  The Ropen appears as a hybrid between bat and bird. It has no feathers; its wings are made from a stretched membrane between clawed wing joints. When hunting, it uses its powerful talons to snatch smaller prey. Its most birdlike appendages are a long pelican beak and an elongated crest on the back of its head.

  Classification: Reptilia, Aves

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 27

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying

  RARITY: Common

  DIET: Carnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Beak, 2. Talons

  SHRIKE—LEVEL 4

  These birdlike demons migrate annually across Hominum’s part of the ether, making entry extremely dangerous for one week of the year. They are known for their long black feathers, and their wingspan is as wide as a man is tall, with each wing’s endmost feathers tipped with bleached white. A Shrike’s beak is hooked, and it has a bright red wattle underneath its neck and a red ridge along the top of its head like that of a rooster.

  Classification: Aves

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 25

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying

  RARITY: Migratory

  DIET: Carnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Beak, 2. Talons

  STRIX—LEVEL 4

  Often mistaken for the Gryphowl, the Strix appears as an owlish bird with four limbs. Their feathers are tipped with red, giving them a fearsome appearance. They are common in known parts of the ether but are rarely captured due to their vicious nature. It is not unknown for a Strix to kill and eat its siblings when they reach maturity.

  Classification: Aves

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 25

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying

  RARITY: Migratory

  DIET: Carnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Beak, 2. Talons

  VEO—LEVEL 4

  Veos could be described as a cross between armadillos and hedgehogs. Covered in armored plating, the Veo is able to roll into a ball to keep itself protected. Small holes dotted at the intersections of its plates allow this demon to extend spikes from within, adding a second layer of defense. If the Veo wishes to go on the offensive, it is able to throw quills rather like a porcupine, leaving its opponent stuck with barbed spines that are painful to remove.

  Classification: Megafauns

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 28

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Rolling

  RARITY: Rare

  DIET: Omnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Armor Plating, 2. Spikes, 3. Quill Throw

  VESP—LEVEL 4

  Appearing much like an overgrown wasp or bee, these demons are often difficult to capture because of their tendency to travel in swarms. Armed with a stinger just as deadly as a Damsel’s and a pair of potent mandibles, these demons are a favorite among orc shamans.

  Classification: Arthropidae

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 28

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying

  RARITY: Very Common

  DIET: Omnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Paralytic Sting, 2. Mandibles

  YALE—LEVEL 4

  The Yale is one of the ether’s more common demons, but it is rarely captured due to its poor mana levels. It looks something like a hybrid of cow and deer, with cloven feet and a pair of curved horns. A Yale’s dark brown fur is striped white and black along its spine. These demons have the unique ability to manipulate the position of their horns, sometimes spinning them like a pair of drills when charging an opponent, be that another male during mating season or one of their many predators.

  Classification: Caprids

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 22

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Agility

  RARITY: Very Common

  DIET: Herbivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Horns

  CATOBLEPAS—LEVEL 5

  The Catoblepas has a powerful bovine body and horns, a horse’s mane and a head similar to that of a warthog. This herbivorous demon has a penchant for eating poisonous plants, leaving its breath toxic. Although immune to their own Catoblepases’ noxious fumes, summoners avoid this demon for fear of inadvertently injuring others. These demons are one of the more dangerous prey animals that the ether’s larger carnivores feed upon.

  Classification: Caprids

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 35

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Immunity to Poison

  RARITY: Rare

  DIET: Herbivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Toxic Breath, 2. Horns, 3. Tusks

  CHAMROSH—LEVEL 5

  This hawk-dog hybrid is a quarter of the size of its closest cousin, the Griffin. The Chamrosh is renowned for its loyal and loving nature and will often become lonely when separated from its master. As the preferred support demon of the Celestial Corps, this demon is a favorite among summoners.

  Classification: Aves, Canidae

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 35

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Flying, Eyesight

  RARITY: Uncommon

  DIET: Carnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Beak

  COCKATRICE—LEVEL 5

  The Cockatrice appears as a large, rooster-sh
aped lizard with a long tail. Its body is covered in scales, with a smattering of fiery feathers along its limbs, tail and spine. Though they have short forearms, the large raptor talons on their feet and powerful back legs make them a dangerous predator. Even their mouths are formidable, with a short beak on the end of a tooth-filled muzzle.

  Classification: Aves, Reptilia

  BASE MANA LEVEL: 33

  MANA ABILITIES: None

  NATURAL SKILLS: Agility

  RARITY: Rare

  DIET: Carnivore

  ATTACK/DEFENSE: 1. Talons, 2. Beak

  ENCANTADO—LEVEL 5

  The Encantado is a four-limbed dolphin-like demon, native to the waters of the ether. Though the webbed claws of their forelegs and hind legs are not particularly sharp, they use their hard skulls and powerful fluked tails to batter their enemies aside. If an Encantado has recently been swimming, it is not unknown for it to spray water from its blowhole to blind its enemies. They are sought after for their fierce intellect, playful nature and speed, since they are faster than both the Nanaue and Akhlut. Unfortunately, they only appear occasionally in Hominum’s part of the ether when swimming up one of the few rivers in the area.

 

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