The Forsaken

Within the grim town of Coldstone Point, horrific monstrosities roam. Their twisted and warped bodies look for others to bring harm to, and Coldstone Point would not be the same without them. They are the damned, the begotten, and the cruel. Formerly known as the Forsaken, they roam the streets and desolate buildings of Coldstone Point, looking for prey to feast upon, and consume. They are attracted to fear, despair, misery, anger, and will seek out these victims in order to feast upon their soul.
Forsaken appear in many different varieties. They are sometimes bloody crippled masses, twisted and twitching as they let out sickening groans. Some don’t even look organic, such as clumps of metal or white porcelain. Many are featureless, lacking any gashes but having morbidly pale looking skin and mismatched and cracked arms.
The Forsaken will usually roam around until they hear, smell, or see another living creature, in which they will proceed to pursue them, if they are the kind to give chase. Some try trickery, such as appearing as a dead monster or a frozen statue, while some will simply run.

Flashlight Disruption

An important, and key aspect to The Forsaken, is their influence on flashlights. As the Forsaken draw closer, Flashlights may begin to flicker, even if they are unseen. This is usually disheartening, as you may not know if its simply an old flashlight malfunctioning, or a threat. As the monster draws close however, flashlights flicker more often and rapidly, before eventually flickering on and off in quick succession in an erratic manner. This usually causes a strobe effect, but only if the threat is within inches of the person.
It is unknown why this happens, but it serves as both a benefit and a hinderance. Flashlights are a good way to alert you to unseen or close threats, but on the flipside, it is also your lightsource, meaning that your visibility is limited. This is why humans carry a flashlight, and a backup oil lantern to use.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Ever-Changing Forsaken

The Forsaken, in their many twisted forms, take an almost uncountable amount of variations. This is due to their very nature, being manifestations of human negatives. While many Forsaken may take on a similar or common form in their general variations, certain individuals may witness a Forsaken that is wholly unique, and then never see it again.
This is due to the influence of Coldstone Point, specifically within Artifacts, which are concentrations of Coldstone Point's power. As one enters the domain of an Artifact, the Forsaken they encounter may be tailored to their psyche, as the invasive perversion of Coldstone Point worms peers into a human being's soul and mind.
The variations and such between these Forsaken are usually only seen within the "Tormented Forsaken", and the "Catalyst Forsaken", and rumored to be a couple of the "Demonic Forsaken".

Traits Shared by The Forsaken

While some of these twisted beings are unique, most, if not almost all Forsaken, share similar traits that can (usually) point something out as being one of the horrific monstrosities. These traits are:

• Abstract or necrotic flesh.

• Vocal capabilties only spanning that of gutteral, instinctual, or inhuman sounds.

• Twisted, missing, or heavily damaged anatomy.

• Sluggish, aggressive, erratic, and/or abnormal movement.

• Ranging variations of odd, but humanoid features.

• Usually some method of attack, whether it be near-useless or incredibly dangerous.

• Violent intent against non-Forsaken (and sometimes other Forsaken as well).

It should be noted however, that The Forsaken are unpredictable, meaning that any of these traits may not be present on a specific variation. This is why The Forsaken are difficult to document, and why strategizing against them is also difficult.
The size of a Forsaken can also range, from as small as an infant, to absolutely massive proportions.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Forsaken do not reproduce naturally and (usually) not via asexual reproduction either. Because The Forsaken aren't really a "Species" and more of a "Force".
There appear to be three theorized methods to their constant appearance:

Spiritual Manifestion

One of the first theories is that of Spiritual Manifestation. This supposedly occurs when a darker spirit is finally strong enough, and chooses, to become a physical being. This method of formation has never been seen, at least not in a way that can confirm that it is a spirit manifesting.

Corrupted Mutation

As the only one that has been actually seen happen, Corrupted Mutation occurs when a human is slowly transformed by the influence of Coldstone Point. This is more common with those who practice Unholy Diabolism, but it can also happen to those who become possessed, and some suspect that it may happen to those who die and are not found. The process usually involves the person declining in both physical and mental health, turning aggressive and sickly. After a certain point, the person falls into a coma, in which they begin rapidly "molting" into a Forsaken. This is the only truly confirmed method, as it is the only one that is seen. This does not mean however that this may be the only way, as there are way too many Forsaken for it to just be humans mutating.

Gestalt Spawn

Some believe that Coldstone Point is responsible for these monsters, and that they just "appear" at a whim, neither a manifested spirit or a corrupted mutation. This is supported by the fact that most people don't see where The Forsaken come from. They just happen to show up from seemingly nowhere.

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Whether it be one of those, all of them combined, or perhaps something completely unknown, The Forsaken are always present in some form or fashion. They seemingly come from the places where the human eyes do not pry.

Growth Rate & Stages

The Forsaken do not "grow" or "go through stages" in their existance. Since they are not a normal species, they do not age as normal animals might. The Forsaken seemingly do not age, as there is no consistent sightings of "Elderly" or "Newborn" states of Forsaken or their many variations.
This of course means that they do not grow. The Forsaken are seemingly immortal, static beings. This is why their existance is odd, as they don't seem to follow the natural laws of physics. However, while a specific variation of The Forsaken may not change, that does not mean there are no types of Forsaken...

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Types of Forsaken

Oblivion

Also known as "Lesser Forsaken" or "Oblivion Forsaken", these are your common demons. They are seen everywhere, from the streets, to the Negative, to indoor houses. They pursue others for many different reasons. Some seem to want to consume the flesh of the living, others simply seem to kill, while others almost seem to "play" or mutilate the dead. Those who led an innocent life are turned into one if brought into a corrupted building and killed. Those who used Unholy Diabolism and died over a long period of time are also likely to turn into Oblivion Forsaken. With our without a flow of the dead or mutated, they still appear, and are by far the most numerous.
They come in many different varieties, and are usually the same as seen by everybody, for they are simple beings. It is said that even these monsters are in pain, afraid of what they are, but too mindless and warped of soul to truly understand the pain they inflict on others.
There are many varieties of the common Forsaken, and some are more dangerous than others. This doesn't mean though that there are not varieties that are nearly harmless. While all Forsaken seem keen on causing harm, some are often so mutilated and warped that they pose no real threat at all, slowly worming their way across the floor only to harmlessly gnaw with a toothless mouth in an attempt to hurt. However, you should never assume a Forsaken is harmless, for they are clever in their methods, and some may present a harmless form only to bring about a rather dangerous method of attack!
In general however, Oblivion Forsaken are not usually life threatening or incredibly lethal, at least by themselves. Do not take this as an easy task however, for even the weakest of The Forsaken can prove to be a dangerous threat. Coldstone does not invoke weak entities often, and the clumsy, unprepared, or foolish Denizen will find themselves with burning acidified flesh, a large, infected cleave of the arm, or a profusely bleeding bite should they fail to defend themselves. As with all Forsaken, it is best to simply run or hide, especially when multiple Lesser Forsaken are upon you, which can easily prove fatal. While there are definitely more dangerous out there, many, many Denizens have died to the common Oblivion Forsaken.

Tormented

These Forsaken, also known as "Greater Forsaken" or "Tormented", are a step above their more common counterpart, and often the most infamous, for these Forsaken are those that manifest around the individual psyche.
No one's soul and mind is truly hidden from Coldstone Point. It gazes into your very being with every waking moment, but this influence is usually harmless under normal circumstances. In certain places however, or under certain conditions, the influence of Coldstone Point is strong. Very strong. With knowledge on your greatest fears, memories that you never wish to remember, and your most primal guilts and feelings, it can form a being that is the physical manifestation of these negatives.
These are the Tormented Forsaken, and their variety is infinite, for each individual has their own negative aspect. This does not mean that these Forsaken are solely unique to you however. Sometimes, these varieties can arise from the combination of two people's negative traits meshed together. And just because it takes on the form of one person's fear, doesn't mean that their ally will see anything different. These are often numerous, but follow a variety unique to you.
In some cases, not all Greater Forsaken are a manifestation of an individual's soul. Some are just stronger beings. Often times, those who let a massive amount of corruption flow through them in a quick period of time will quickly mutate into a stronger being. This also applies to those who were generally sinful and "evil" in their life, such as those who hold no guilt for their past actions, or continue to commit atrocities.
The Tormented Forsaken usually only appear in The Negative, and especially within locations that hold an Artifact. This doesn't mean though, that they haven't appear in other conditions. For instance, a ritual gone wrong may draw these horrid things closer.
While they are definitely more uncommon and only present in certain locations, they are quite the bit stronger than your average Lesser Forsaken. You should take care when encountering these, as they can usually kill, and are often rather shocking to the appearance, taking a toll on the mental state of the sane. With even more importance than the Lesser, you should be much more willing to run or hide upon knowing that these are around. If you need fight, be well prepared and be ready to take some form of wound.

Ascendent Forsaken

The Ascendent Forsaken, also known as "Negative Forsaken" or "Ascendents", are among some of the strongest threats within Coldstone Point. Easily lethal and deadly, they are usually found defending the more powerful of Artifacts, and are often the thing manifesting The Negative within a building or location.
Usually larger, they strike utter fear and terror in the hearts of many, as their demented bodies aim to tear you apart, or pummel you into a pulp. Some Ascendents even have the ability to directly attack the mind, causing terrible images of your fears and darkest secrets, or making you see things you cannot comprehend as your sanity and mental health is at risk.
If you aim to take these horrors in combat, expect to be brave, and well prepared, for those who are not will not survive. These beings are easily fatal, and each strike can cause a rather dangerous wound! If you do fail however, pray for a quick death, for unlike those before it, these beings are formed of some of the most malicious and terrible aspects of humanity. They may even be semi-sentient, as they know that you are afraid, and take sick delight, or prominent rage in your existance and suffering.
Some places have Ascendents who may move about. You do not wish to fight an ascendent, because unless you are in a space that works against it, or aware of its presence, you will most likely die trying to take it on. Run and hide if need be. However, upon reaching an Artifact, Ascendents are determined to guard their source of power. They have partial control of their surroundings as Coldstone Point itself moves through them, and they can often trap you in with them so that you can't get away. In these cases, you can only temporarily hide, and fight to the brutal death.

The Heralds

Insanity, agony, death, and worse. The Heralds are infamously spoken of around the Denizen camps as a whisper for superstitious fear of drawing their unholy presence. There exists only a few Heralds, only about 6 or 7, but they are known as the strongest monstrosities within Coldstone Point. Some see them as guardians, others see them as hunters, others see them as death and hell incarnate, for their presence symbolizes the end of life.
It is unknown exactly what draws The Heralds out, for their appearance is rare. Few who witness The Heralds ever forget it, and only those blessed with amazing luck have been in their direct presence and survived. Their very being is hard to comprehend, as looking upon them assaults the mind with visions that the human brain cannot, will not comprehend. Some say they appear just to look over the streets, as they have seen them walking through the district. Others say that they have a specific target in mind. Needless to say, their targets are certainly doomed, for only the incredibly fortunate can escape. Hiding is pointless, and running only stalls your doom as they are relentless in their pursuit. No one has fought a Herald and won, for their very presence induces tantalizing fear, agonizing pains in the head, and visions of realms not meant to be seen by mankind.
Even the Church cannot take them on, as they avoid these beings as if they are death itself. Some say that they are the equalizers, who pursue those who delve too deep into Coldstone Point, and they have come to set the odds straight. They are near invincible. If you are to see a Herald, you would do well to immediately leave the area immediately. If you are its target, you best hope that you are the first to get away, for none of drawn the leering eyes of The Heralds and lived.

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Ecology and Habitats

The Forsaken inhabit almost every location within Coldstone Point, for it is Coldstone Point that gives them life. When Coldstone Point is in its normal state, The Forsaken are often not common, as they mostly lurk within the alleys, and some buildings. Only a small amount of Forsaken roam the streets during these states of normalcy, only slightly increasing at night.
However, as the Negative encroaches the town of Coldstone Point, The Forsaken arrive in much greater numbers, as you will rarely go without seeing these beings in The Negative. However, the number of Forsaken for both The Negative and the normal state of Coldstone Point depend on the District you are in. It is well known that the Outer and Residential District have the least amount of Forsaken, while the Forest has almost none. The Provisions district has quite a bit more, with the Industrial District having many Forsaken, with many flooding its streets during The Negative. Those who have been within the Dark District report many Forsaken, even many Tormented as well, as it stands as the most dangerous District.
However, in stark contrast to it all, the Forsaken actually rarely, if not never enter the Religious District. Furthermore, they do not appear in the mineshafts that often, though they are present in the sewers. Forsaken also seem intent on avoiding Denizen camps unless the camps are wide open as The Negative takes over. They generally avoid the vicinity of Denizen Camps as well.
Forsaken naturally appear around Artifacts. You will almost never find an Artifact corrupted location without Forsaken in it.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Forsaken have a rather odd stance towards eating. They seem to hunger, but they do not need food to survive so it seems. Forsaken will consume many things, usually depending on their specific variety. Some consume flesh and bone, while others seem to only want blood, or specific organs. Some say that they can also consume the soul itself. The Forsaken have also been seen eating rotting food, dirt, or most anything depending on the variety. Some Forsaken even eat others of their own kind at times, while a lot don't eat at all.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

As stated before, Forsaken come in an infinite number of variations, each with their own ways of perception. The following are common methods for Forsaken to percieve their surroundings:

• Sight

• Smell

• Hearing

• Touch

• Vibrations

• Pheromones Scent

• Primal negative emotions (Fear, anger, despair, etc.)

• Spirit Corruption (The very spirit of a person if it is corrupted.)

• Light

And many other more specific, or unknown senses.

Origin/Ancestry

Origin Unknown. Theorized as originating from the gestalt power of Coldstone Point, dark spirits physically manifesting, or humans mutated by the corrupting influence of Coldstone Point.