Bachu
Not all creatures in the Greylands are dangerous to eidolons. In the case of the Bachu, they can be quite useful. A small species that has been partially domesticated to deal with spiritual vermin (minor shadows, hungry ghosts known as Slaughs, etc.), the Bachu are said to be able to feed off the bad thoughts and nightmares of mortals, leading to pleasant dreams.
Bachu appear as the odd creation of a fever dream. Atop a striped, feline body, the head features an incredibly long snout from which a thin pink tongue slips out to taste the air or probe spiritual essence. The strange tusks protruding from either cheek are technically horns rather than teeth. The large, round and fuzzy ears are very mobile and particularly good at picking up faint sounds. The eyes of a Bachu appear as one solid color with no distinct pupil and come in nearly any color. The front paws possess a near-ornamental sickle claw, though those that corner the animal soon find that they can be quite effective. Fur color varies as widely as eye color, making the Bachu one of the most colorful creatures in the Greylands.
A Bachu is not likely to attack an eidolon save those that have begun to transform into a slaugh or worse, and in fact could potentially aid in keeping an eidolon in a positive state for a longer period in the Greylands. This is one reason for their domestication, though they also still exist in the wild. Most wild predators don't actively hunt them, and in some cases they seek out Bachu to set up their nests nearby, warding off the predation of spirits by having the smaller creature in proximity.
The domestication of Bachu came about primarily due to their natural ability to gauge the potency and purity of Vis and Vitas, a vital skill in finding their actual prey. This also makes them decent in 'scenting out' patches of pneuma flint which has absorbed large amounts of spiritual essence.
Sensations for eidolons will fade and grow numb, so Vis merchants sell memories to eidolons who wish for stronger recollection of their mortality in the form of carefully distilled Vis inside pneuma flint-laced glass. Merchants specializing in Vitas primarily do so in order to keep eidolons around and stave off their transformation into hungry ghosts. A Bachu in the stall helps them not only gauge the value of their wares, but also their customers, helping to warn them of potential, desperate souls that may cause trouble.
Bachu do collect small amounts of pneuma flint shards. It was falsely believed for a time that this was part of elaborate mating displays between males courting females. However careful study showed that these shard piles were not only gathered in the nest, but in clusters throughout a Bachu territory. This lead many to hypothesize that they Bachu is trying to direct the flow of spirits as well as potentially draw in concentrated meals for times of poor hunting.
This species features in God Wars 2: Stalking Gargoyles.
Something Extra
Patreon exclusive content: Added secret and insight about the Bachu.
