Canthorn Umber Hulks
Umber Hulks are large monstrous creatures that live deep beneath the earth in cave complexes and even as far down as the Underdark. They have the ability to dig through solid rock with their powerful physique and sharp claws, easily surviving cave-ins and falling rocks with their hard, armor-like exterior.
These creatures are not overly intelligent and by their size and nature, not easy to control. Broque Canthorn however, with the help of his friend and powerful practitioner of magic, Raelian Crisp, has managed to render a small number of them under their control to assist in the silver mines.
The Canthorn Umber Hulks feature a series of thick, interlinked metallic straps, almost like barding, across their bodies. They extend around their limbs, torso and neck area and appear to be quite tight-fitting. Additionally, a prominent sequence of purple-hued runes covers the surface of this binding, gently pulsating from dim to brightly lit shapes. The enchantments placed upon them prevent them from attacking mine workers or humanoid creatures unless they are directly instructed to do so by those with authority. They are also forbidden from traveling too far away from their station and are not able to go above ground or leave the network of tunnels they are in.
Early on there were a few incidents where the enchantments failed and a few casualties associated with their escape or recaptures. There have been many refinements to the enchantments over the years and no such incidents have happened for several years.
They are generally put to work in the mines nightly although they have plenty of time for resting in the day while the other workers are active. While working they are free to attack and consume any creatures they find along the way and are rewarded with food for a good night's worth of tunnel digging, especially when they uncover deposits of valuable materials.
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