Fear Gorta (The Ravenous) (V)

A fearsome variety of Sluagh, completely overtaken by hunger. Nothing remains of the former host beyond an insatiable desire to consume. Tainted by Void, these creatures are unthinking in their frenzied feeding.

Basic Information

Anatomy

For the most part, the Fear Gorta resemble humans. Gaunt and emaciated, the Fear Gorta's desiccated and discoloured skin is pulled tightly over its bones, giving it a skeletal appearance. What remains of its lips are bloody and tattered and festering wounds are common. Typically, they give off the decomposing scent of death.

Biological Traits

Fear Gorta resemble emaciated humans, albeit significantly thinner than they were in life.

Genetics and Reproduction

Fear Gorta arise when a Bediz walks over Fear Gortach (Hungry Grass), often found growing near the corpse of a previous Fear Gorta. The victim is struck by an insatiable, uncontrollable hunger. This is not always the case, and many times walking over these areas is temporary and minor hunger, easily remedied. However, in the rare cases that the condition persists, it is fatal.

Growth Rate & Stages

The severity of the curse progresses largely based on how much the victim is able to consume. Over time, the victim will become emaciated, often going mad from hunger. These are often driven to eating rats, bugs or to acts of cannibalism.
As they become Fear Gorta, a victim's skin yellows and thins as they wither away to flesh covered skeletons with long, white, unkempt hair, clawlike fingernails and pronounced teeth, a result of skin pulled back on their face.

Ecology and Habitats

Found all over both Bedouar and Faerie, they are especially common in the Veil. They are more frequent in times of famine and are seen as harbingers of such times. Often, they will be found begging along roads or cities. They are also common in serious sieges, adding a level of danger to both attackers and defenders.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Fear Gorta is hunger. Nothing can satisfy it, but it seeks out food from any source with a single-minded determination. They take no pleasure from the hunt or even the meal. They exist only to consume.
They can, however, adapt to feed, especially in early stages. Fear Gorta will often sit as beggars with Alms cups in lonely roads or back alleyways, eating what is given and attacking what is not.

Biological Cycle

While the Fear Gorta can and does eventually starve to death, the effects of Kairos) can ensure that this takes an exceptionally long time. As Sluagh, Fear Gorta are completely oblivious to either form of time, although in pure Chronos they will eventually die.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Some have attempted to intentionally unleash Fear Gorta into besieged cities.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Fear Gorta are found from Fjallkonan to Iram in every clime and kingdom, but are more common in areas of famine and drought.

Average Intelligence

Low. Any intelligence these creature possess is strictly devoted to the consumption of more food. The mental condition of these victims deteriorates when not fed. Many are capable of begging throughout most of the cycle, but no social interaction beyond that.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Driven by an insatiable hunger, Fear Gorta typically rely on smell. Their other senses are weaker than humans and they have no sense of taste.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Fear Gorta in its base form, is a yellow-brownish grass, that passes its insatiable hunger onto a mortal host.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Bediz

Conservation Status

Fear Gorta have been designated as targets for the Ar Chase Gouez (The Wild Hunt) and are hunted down when their existence becomes known. They are also killed on sight by the Order of Albi, although other branches of the Southern Church, unaware of their true nature, will try to feed and nurse them back to health, often leading to disaster.

Average Physique

Despite their withered frames, Fear Gorta are remarkably strong and fast, not to mention resilient. One will claw and pound at a slammed door for hours if no other food is available and can rip open a horse with their claws and teeth.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Yellowing and greying skin is common.