Night Sky Snatchers

Beware the creatures of the night - unruly, choatic things. Beware the shadows in the sky, lest they steal you aware from home.

Summary

The "night sky snatchers" as they are commonly known are an urban legend amongst those who make their home above the surface. The are nocturnal creatures, with great, webbed like wings, fangs in place of teeth, claws instead of nails. Although their exact features vary from place to place, the aforementioned are the characteristics these beasts have in common.
During the night, it is said th at these creatures hunt the innocent and weak, the smallest and youngest of each and every race. They use their talons or claws (depending on where the tale is told) to to grab those who would wander outside at night and carry them away.
People reason to their children that, because of how big and strong adults are, the night sky snatchers arent strong enough to lift them off the ground for more than a few seconds. Children, however, are much easier to carry.

Spread

The myth is popular amongst humans across the globe, and most use it on occasion to dissuade their children from staying out too latd, or even wandering too far. Some of the other races have started to adopt and adapt the tale in recent years, given that the tactic has proven rather effective for humans.
The myth is not so popular with those that dwell underground, such as dwarves, drow, and some gnomes. The elves are also not very fond of the tale. There are few in these particular groups that would use the myth - most of them have their own ways of deterring their children from being out late.

Cultural Reception

Some say that the creatures are like shadows. Others liken them to demons from the nine hells. Some descriptions of the creatures say they have wings as black as the night sky, dotted with silvery spots to mimic the stars.