The Nightcrawler

Summary

Far and wide on the continent of Dol Teroth permeates the myth of the Nightcrawler. It is known by many different names in different cultures, but some variation of its story is always told in hushed voices across the continent.

It speaks of a gangling humanoid creature that follows unwary travellers. It ventures out to stalk on moonless nights, when both Hagurna and Orelon cannot be seen and the stars provide little light. Only two bright orbs that are its eyes and tap-tap-tapping of its limbs may alert the victim of its attention. It follows them on its spindly limbs, crawling after them under the cover of darkness, letting them lead it back to their home or for them to set up camp.

The creature waits until they fall asleep, then crawls up to the foot of their bed or resting place. It studies its sleeping victim for some time, then crawls further forward to sit on their feet or legs, waking them to see its terrifying visage before cutting their scream short. The Nightcrawler eviscerates its victim and gorges on pieces of its flesh, before crawling away into the night, sated until the next moonless night.

Spread

Most cultures and races on Dol Teroth tell some version of the Nightcrawler story. It's a fairly well-known tale, even if some details and names may differ, the essence of it remains the same.

Variations & Mutation

There are a few variations to the Nightcrawler myth across the continent.

In regards to the creature's look, some versions of the story tell of four limbs like most other humanoids, but other versions speak of six or even eight limbs in total. Then to the way it moves, some describe it crawling on said limbs, while there are those that maintain that it slithers on its belly, ponderously dragging the bloated sack that is its stomach.

The Nightcrawler's head too is subject to debate - some speak of a huge distended maw filled with sharp needle-teeth. Yet there are those who say that it has no eyes - or moreover, no face at all. Some say that it wears the face of its latest victim instead.

The size of the creature too is subject to variance - from child-like stature to towering over trees, though the most common tellings refer to it being around 6-8 feet in height.

Cultural Reception

According to the elves, the Nightcrawler - or Ful'Donaith - consumes their victims whole, and if it manages to do so without spilling any blood, it consumes their soul too. The gnomes maintain that the creature is Umbrik Dullahan's steed who had escaped to wreak havoc. Meanwhile, the dwarves refer to the creature as Brukdozhd - Tunnelclotter, and attribute many cave-ins and lost miners to it.

Interestingly, the orcs of Dol Teroth are the one single culture with no Nightcrawler myths. There isn't even an orcish version that bears vaguest similarities to it.

In northern regions of the continent, most notably Mielschtaff and Hyggelanda parts, it is said that those who have to travel during a starless night should seek out the company of a public space - a tavern, an inn, a mead-hall or a longhouse. Places of merriment and camaraderie scare the creature away from their trail, it is said. On the island of Cordeliatír, people maintain that one should sacrifice themselves if they realize that the Nightcrawler follows them - for it will slay the whole family or party if the traveller leads it to their home or camp.