“In the deepest and darkest holes of the uncivilized world there dwells a breed of monsters so foul even I balk at the idea of researching them in the field: Martens.

“Though they are no more muscular or larger than average-sized humans, martens possess incredible strength in their limbs and webbed hands, and have been known to choke fully grown men caught unawares. In appearance they are disturbingly similar to us, but also dissimilar; their skin is dark, usually with a sickly greenish or grayish hue, and their bodies are partially covered in thick, oily hair that repels water. Their teeth are fanged, and their long blue tongues are slightly prehensile and covered in glands that can secrete toxins capable of rendering their victims unconscious or dead, depending on the dosage administered. Martens are nocturnal and can see in the dark with their yellow eyes like hunting cats and wild dogs. These monsters are made even more deadly by their intelligence, which in some cases can be as acute as that of a slow-witted individual or a child. Some even say martens can learn to speak, though I would not recommend trading words with one, as it will likely be your last conversation.

“Martens originate in the southern wetlands of Altica, but they inhabit most of the Eastern Half and have moved as far west as Tigua. They live in packs of 5 to 12 individuals, usually dwelling in a noisome den or hole where the young are kept until they are old enough to go out on the hunt. Though martens are notorious for preying upon unwary travelers and women and children, they subsist primarily on fish and other aquatic life found in their swampy homes.

“The easiest way to identify the presence of a marten or martens is to keep your nose open for their distinctive musky odor, which they use to mark their territory. If you get a whiff of a marten, it’s best to remain calm and move away from the stench as swiftly as possible. A confrontation with martens is survivable when armed with the right knowledge and the nerve to employ it. The most important thing to do is to stand one’s ground and keep the martens in sight at all times; attempt to look large and threatening, and draw any weapons you have so they are clearly visible. Martens are opportunistic hunters, and if they think you will be too much trouble to kill, they may retreat and go in search of easier prey. If all else fails and the martens are determined to hunt you, the only thing to do is drop whatever food you might be carrying and run.”

-Excerpt from Athar of Phiaro’s Monster Survival Guide