Gargoyle Species in Valine | World Anvil
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Gargoyle

Gargoyles appear to be winged statues of humanoids with demonic features. These creatures have improved the façade of their statue-like appearance by perfecting the ability to remain immobile for extended periods of time. Because of their original nature, they can appear completely still, as if they were still made of stone, and their hides are rough and thick, resembling stone in appearance and texture. They prefer to catch their opponents off guard, either by moving quickly from a stationary position or by swooping down from a high altitude and shocking them.   Gargoyles are vicious monsters that will attack any creature they come across and take pleasure in inflicting pain on their prey. They torture any victims they can capture, even eating them alive just to hear their moans, despite the fact that they have no need for food to survive in their environment. They are especially fond of brightly colored items containing gemstones or precious metals, and will pilfer them from their victims.   Originally built of stone and placed atop buildings to aid in the prevention of erosion of stone building walls by redirecting rainfall away from the structure, according to legend, gargoyles came to life due to the work of an unknown mage, who transformed them into the terrifying monsters that stalk Valine. A gargoyle tribe is referred to as a "nastiness," and the plural form is "nastinesses." Gargoyles are frequently found in small groups lairing underground or in ruins with other members of their species. They have also been seen perched atop towering structures, where their appearance is hidden among statues of non-living gargoyles, allowing them to remain hidden in plain sight.   Gargoyles will occasionally work for humanoid masters in exchange for a small amount of treasure, but their main reward is the chance to fight intruders and inflict pain upon them. Gargoyle horns are frequently used in the preparation of potions of invulnerability and flight, among other things.


Cover image: World of Valine Tome by Rob Taylor

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