Fell Beast
"What do I make of Fell Beasts? Repugnant creatures drawn to putrefaction and ruin, they are certainly a far cry from their draconic ancestors. Ugly too... Not to mention they smell like the loincloth of a Hill Giant after swapping under garments with an Ettin."
-Humber Dumblfeet
Basic Information
Anatomy
Head
Fetid Beard & Rotten Scales
Covered in slick black scales, the Fell Beasts hides, particularly along the neck and head, possess a texture between rubber and leather. Feeling very much like a snake's scales, the scales overlap in such a way that they form a tight seal, preventing any moisture from penetrating. The scales on the neck and head of the Fell Beast sit much looser near the back end of each individual scale, unlike a snake's scales and the rest of the Fell Beast's scales. This not only creates a much more jagged and rough texture when felt back to front but also creates cutting edges thanks to the head scales serrated edges. Atop these scales sits what one may at first believe to be hair, forming what resembles a “beard” under its jaw. And while one may be forgiven for believing that these structures are indeed hair, they are actually highly specialized scales that have convergently evolved to be nearly identical in appearance and texture to that of hair. The reason for these peculiar hair-like structures is the same as the unique positioning and serration of the neck and head scales. While feeding on both fresh and rotted carcasses, the Fell Beast will try and insert as much of its head and neck as possible. Not only to reach the tender innards, but so that the juices and blood can be absorbed into its beard, while the scales prevent said fluids from seeping under the scales with their tightly sealed scales, while also scraping off small pieces of flesh as it withdraws its head to be trapped underneath the scales. While it is not fully understood why they have evolved in this way, it is believed to be a dual factor between it enjoying the smell of the blood and flesh rotting while also causing predators to avoid its head, lest they acquire any number of illnesses that are surely being cultivated under its scales and within its beard. Additionally, a rather peculiar theory presented by Humber Dumblfeet suggests that it may also assist during mating, not only attracting the Fell Beasts to one another, but helping to facilitate grooming behavior between the two in the form of picking the loose meat chunks. This hypothesis has yet to be substantiated however.Corpse Eater
As for the other teeth, they are used to maintain a firm grip on particularly large chunks of meat or, more likely, for gripping onto organs to be yanked out.
Revolting Defense
The Fell Beast possesses what many have attributed to the craw of a bird, located at the bottom of its serpentine neck and partially connected to its jaw. But unlike other birds, the Fell Beast uses this craw to store some of the rotten meat and fetid blood, letting it congeal into a gelatinous mass. Known as "Fell-Gel," the Fell Beast regurgitates this sticky, foul-smelling substance at foes as a deterrent. Sticking to their would-be attacker, it will not only overwhelm their senses with its pungent odor but, due to its nature, carry a plethora of diseases. Additionally, thanks to the vapors and its consistency, the Fell-Gel is highly flammable.Body
Rotten Hair & Fetid Scales
Similar to the head and neck in both form and function, the scales and “hair” of the Fell Beast are hardly different, save for the fact that the scales sit flush against the Fell Beast and possess no type of serration. As for the hair, which lines its back and groin, the Fell Beast will often roll in the carcass of rotting corpses to wet its hairs. Additionally, similar to the scales on the head and neck but to a much greater degree, the Fell Beasts scales have adapted a resistance to the Shadowfell, allowing them to traverse for short distances within the dark miasma. Of course, resistance does not mean immunity, and they must keep their exposure to a minimum if possible.Appendages
Winged Vermin
Being draconic in origin, the Fell Beast has had its 3rd, 4th & 5th digits lengthened into wings while still maintaining the 1st and 2nd digits. This has allowed the Fell Beast the ability to fly while still leaving its first two “fingers” for ground locomotion and anchoring itself onto its meal while the head snakes its way within the innards.Raptor Claws
On each foot, the Fell Beast possesses 3 toes with an additional flexible “thumb” near the heel. Similar in appearance to the claws of a hawk or eagle, the claws serve a similar purpose: hoisting prey into the air. Due to their relatively weak grip for their size, however, the Fell Beast mostly only uses their claws for small game. The sole exception to this rule is when they form large mobs, such as near the Shadowfell.Tail
All but Useless
Little is to be said about the Fell Beast's tail, as its use is as a counterweight whilst in air and for taking off from the ground. Apart from this, its uses are very limited, as it is too stiff to coil around anything and too thin to use offensively.Growth Rate & Stages
Indeterminate Growth
While their relation to Dragons is presumed distant, with few notable traits remaining, it has been noted that Fell Beasts do not seem to age normally, instead only growing in size as the years go by, with no
upper limits having been discovered. Fortunately, this quirk of theirs, while presumably problematic, seems to be self regulated by their own nature. Far to bold, they are far more likely to perish due to their own recklessness and inability to
judge a winnable fight. And while surprisingly large specimens have been found, to date all have been deceased, having long ago starved due to their inadequacy to maintain their heightened metabolism. As, unlike a dragon, Fell Beasts have far less power to maintain such sizes.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
While some will use the Fell-Gel the Fell Beast produces as a make shift igniter, its consistency and smell prevent wide spread use. And while the hide does have some Shadowfell resistant properties, similar to the Fell-Gel, the smell prevents many from considering it viable.
With that being said, however, the Shadow Rangers of Morin's Watch have found great use for both of these things. Using the gel on torches and arrows, the flames produce not only create a noxious vapor, but last longer within the bleak shadows of the Shadowfell than a regular flame. Additionally, already said to maintain a resistance to the corrupting effects of the cursed lands, the Rangers also create cloaks out of Fell Beast hides for additional protection. With some accounts even suggesting the Rangers can spend days at a time within the shadows, only to emerge unscathed. And while the smell and willingness to don such putrid attire certainly does not help with their image, it is safe to say that this is of little concern to the Rangers.
With that being said, however, the Shadow Rangers of Morin's Watch have found great use for both of these things. Using the gel on torches and arrows, the flames produce not only create a noxious vapor, but last longer within the bleak shadows of the Shadowfell than a regular flame. Additionally, already said to maintain a resistance to the corrupting effects of the cursed lands, the Rangers also create cloaks out of Fell Beast hides for additional protection. With some accounts even suggesting the Rangers can spend days at a time within the shadows, only to emerge unscathed. And while the smell and willingness to don such putrid attire certainly does not help with their image, it is safe to say that this is of little concern to the Rangers.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Located in nearly every corner of Jotunheim, excluding The Scorch and The Orrery, Fell Beasts versatility and broad diet allows them to excel wherever they find themselves. This being said, however, they are particularly abundant near the Shadowfell.
Average Intelligence
Naturally Dull
Dim witted and slow, the Fell Beast has often been compared to wyverns in terms of intelligence, presumably due to their close relations with them.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Sight/Smell
Sight/Smell
Locked into Rot
Although more than willing to eat fresh meat, the Fell Beast much prefers tainted and rotten corpses. As such, they have developed a highly sensitive sense of smell, along with keen eyes, so that they may be able to locate the rotting meat that they adore consuming and rolling in. To protect these senses, a nictitating membrane will block passage through their nostrils and over their eyes. Additionally, their eyes are even capable of rolling back, protecting them even further.
As for where they could have gone, it generally accepted that a combination of interspecies breeding, an excess of inbreeding and their hyper specialization resulted in all the different variants converging into the common day Fell Beast.
Scientific Name
Draconis deformis (The Ugly Dragon)
Origin/Ancestry
Wyvern
Lifespan
N/A
Average Height
2ft - 4ft at the shoulder
Average Weight
80Ib - 150Ib
Average Length
4ft - 6ft with fully extended neck
Geographic Distribution
Fell Beast taking flight.
Comments