Death Stalker
DS Draft1 by TheExasperatedDM
Basic Information
Anatomy
The lower part of this creature resembles a horse in structure and the neck has been elongated. The 'head' of the creature is a large cap of fungi. The neck is composed of multiple, closely-grouped fungus.
It's legs are a collection of root stalks, which have three types as observed from a safe distance. First type of stalk is a rigid stalk allowing the creature to stand with solid form, second type is a semi-flexible stalk that's use is to harvest the corpses, and the third type is a deadly flexible stalk that motionlessly hangs till the creature is threatened. When the creature is attacked; this third type snaps to life, immobilizes, and strangles the threat.
Genetics and Reproduction
The creature may have an animistic form, however, it reproduces by the large fungi bodies. There are two cases of how the creature reproduces.
1. The tall stalks can release spores into air currents higher in the sky. By releasing higher, the spores can travel greater distances before it must be absorbed by another creature.
2. The 'tail' of the creature is a unique set of fungi that can disperse spores in seed-like pods. This method was discovered when a researcher followed a herd of these creatures. It is not known if they stay in herds after feasting on a large life form.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The creatures diet is much like a fungus. These creatures are few because their diet consists of large amounts dead life forms. It is unknown how many of these creatures exist in the Shadowfell and it seems only a handful have migrated into the Feywild. Their namesake comes from the creature traveling great distances to feast on another dead being.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The usefulness of this creature is under research as this is the first time researchers have been able to interact with them. Research of the creatures was near impossible in the Death Stalker's natural habitat, the Shadowfell.
Ground harvesting the creature is a difficult endeavor as the creature's legs have the functionality to ensnare and strangle living creatures if threatened. Mounting the creature from the sky, or other means of reaching great heights, is a proven technique that works without threat from the creature itself.
Harvesting from the top stalks poses the risk of attack from airborne creatures and beasts. It has been observed that airborne creatures make nests on the top of these creatures and will protect the upper stalks & caps.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Traditionally found in the Shadowfell, these creatures have crossed over into the Feywild after the Voidling War.
The Death Stalkers seem to be on a course towards the war-ruined areas of the Feywild. Most likely attracted through an unknown Shadowfell portal to these death ridden areas. There are those who hope the Death Stalkers can absorb the Turned Voidling and the Corrupted Land as no solutions from these troubles have been found.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
Many large and small creatures have been observed using the Death Stalker as a nesting ground to a simple perch.
Observed Species: Multiple species that normally do not co-exist in the same habitat
- Birds
- Bats
- Harpy
- Roc
- Cockatrice
Ok so. I think i misjudged the initial size of the creature. Just how big is it if other critters nest on the stalk, the zero dawn reference i think explains it but i dont see it in the article. Its great stuff, but it just took a moment lol Do these creatures have any reputation among the people, do they often hunt or pay others to hunt them? What kind of uses do the harvested materials have?
The creatures are 'new' in the Feywild, which is why they are being studied. They have yet to make a reputation beyond being these over-grown walking mushrooms.
Ohhhh excellent. Well they are awesome
Ohhhh excellent. Well they are awesome
Ohhhh excellent. Well they are awesome