Gaunt

There are many horrific monsters that roam the world of Aroka, but there are things even they fear. Creatures twisted by dark forces can sometimes be encountered in the wilderness, driving by an insatiable hunger and rage. Even docile species and herbivores develop a craving for flesh. At a distance, they may look like a known creature of the world, though perhaps an old or sick one, but upon closer inspection, they are deformed and horrific. Taught, withering flesh clinging to bones protruding at the joints, empty eyes and rasped breathing like howling wind are all tell-tale signs of a Gaunt. What causes a creature to mutate into such an abomination is unknown, but may suspect it to be some sort of sickness or curse. Few that encounter these creatures stick around long enough to find out. Even when one is kill, it's flesh decays at an accelerated rate, preventing sufficient study and there have been no reports of one being caught alive. Thankfully, the condition only seems to apply medium creatures, though those that venture into the depths of the wilderness, especially north of the Tryvyum Trade Consortium, report encountering much larger varients.
Being hunted by a Gaunt is a truly harrowing experience. The first thing you'll notice is that the world seems to fall silent. Birds, insects, and other wildlife will become suddenly absent. Then, you'll hear it. To most, they may believe it to be just the wind, but a trained ear will recognize the raspy wheezing of their hunter. Your best hope is to outrun it. It doesn't seem to track by scent or sight, but just seems to know where its target is at all times. Fortunately, a Gaunt's aggressiveness depends on how close they are to their prey. As long as you can keep your distance, it will simply meander along the quickest path to its prey in eerie silence. However, as it grows closer, it will become excited, almost agitated, quickening its pace and breathing. By the time it is upon you, it's in a frenzy, flailing wildly as it lets out blood-chilling screams and wails. Despite their frail appearance, have increased strength and speed and are notoriously difficult to kill. If attacked, you're only salvation will be to outsmart it. It's rapid craving for flesh makes it reckless and vulnerable to traps or clever use of the environment. Those that have survive encounters with such creatures often come away with both physical and mental scars, neither of which seem to heal properly. Some say just hearing its howl imbeds a piece of its horrific presence into your very soul, plaguing you for the rest of you days.