Ragascanth Sketchdump By PaultheMediocre Watch

7 Favourites 9 Comments 2K Views

Finally got to working on some of the fauna of Ragascanth. Through accelerated mutation and ample space for growth, the creatures of the world have quickly morphed into beasts the likes of which were not known 100 years ago.



Lots of information and lore, read at your own peril.



1) Small trilobite like creatures, Kiskath are often found in moist, seaside areas in large groups. Alone they pose little threat, with their psy-abilities at most giving a headache to the passing stranger, however en masse, they can quickly subdue a person, paralyzing them as the swarm rips the flesh from their bones. They are roughly the size of a crab.



Lore has it that eating their shells when crushed can enhance the psy-abilities of those brave enough to ingest it. They are also used in several tribal initiation ceremonies. If the young person can withstand an hour in the presence of a small swarm, they will be considered a man. If they fail, they don't live long enough for it to matter.





2) These oddly shaped creatures known as Harkens are actually deviations of fish which passively float through forested areas by the impetus of hydrogen filling the sacs in the centre of their body. They are generally peaceful, and are only a threat if their hydrogen sac is pierced. They feed by absorbing the gases radiating from fresh corpses, which they metabolise and convert into energy and hydrogen. It is not an uncommon sight for a cloud of them to be converged on a recently dead corpse. They can vary in size, between the size of a small water balloon, all the way up to the size of a small car.



Because of this tangible connection with death, and their uncanny knack for heading in the right direction of upcoming deaths, they have gained a bad reputation as a species. Some believe that if they are kept at bay, the dying will have longer to live.





3) This strange spindly creature, that stands as tall as two men, is known as a Githak. They are a carnivorous beast which tend to stay near the edges of heavily populated cities. If they catch a person unaware, they will spear him to the ground with their spindly legs, then descend their body upon them to devour the remains. The sacks on the top of their body contain a mixture of methane and hydrogen. When they become full, they are released into the wind, carrying the next generation far and wide.



Though they are a relatively recent development, their danger is rarely estimated, and they are a prized kill amongst tribal people. It is said that if a man can take one down and devour it's heart, he will gain extreme fertility.





4) This creature is not one to be trifled with, and the few who have survived its grasp know it as Kenthal. It consists of an eyeball, two tentacles and a large mouth which the former two feed voraciously. Mostly existing in cave systems, it is yet unknown how it reproduces and spreads. At the largest, it's tentacles can be 8 metres long.



A significant danger to anyone brave enough to hazard Ragascanth's vast subterranean networks, little is known about the Kenthal. It seems to feed upon anything within its presence, and all attempts to kill them have failed.





5) Mostly found in the river systems of Ragascanth, the Sekish is a water-dwelling creature several metres long. Generally docile and solitary, they feed upon the many plants that line waterways. However, when a group of them forms, they become voracious carnivores, seemingly driven by a vicious herd mentality of killing.



The Sekish is the subject of many urban legends, as they seem to have developed limited vocal abilities, and will occasionally speak towards river travellers. Such a sign of communication is seen as a good omen.





6) The Gaathra is a strange creature, in that it was originally descended from humans. Few exist, and they are not capable of speech, however they can broadcast thoughts into the minds of nearby creatures, an experience which can drive some to madness, and is incredibly calming to others. They are most often found in lightly wooded areas with their legs crossed, deep in thought. It is not known if they die, or reproduce, as they tend not to share such information.



Known as great sources of knowledge, and a test of a true man's heart, they are often consulted for advice and predictions. To some, the fact that they do not share any information about themselves is unsettling, and many scientists have spent their life trying to crack their secrets.





7) A seemingly ethereal creature, the Pisheth are dog-like swamp dwelling animals. Incredibly vicious, and seemingly tireless, from birth to death they spend their lives wandering the swamp. They are roughly the size of a wolf, and incredibly territorial. They will often hunt intruders to their realm for hundreds of kilometres, waiting for a chance to strike.



The ritual to ward off the Pisheth has been perfected over many generations by the Psyketh tribe. It is a closely guarded secret, and some members of the tribe will even tame them.





8) The Kitsath is one of the few mutations which seems to have beneficial to the people of Ragascanth. They appear the size of a small cat, and spend their time wandering the inner city. Renowned for their ability as pest controllers, they are often fed by people who seek to entice them into staying.



Originally a mutation from cats, they seem to have eyes entirely black and cold, and they seem to sustain themselves on next to no food.





9) Bearlike in their appearance, Kagutha are incredibly dangerous beasts. Their bellies are guarded by hardened scales, and their body is covered in a thick mat of wire like hair. These monstrosities will roam anywhere that they can find food, and their appetite is voracious. Seemingly unaffected by extremes of cold and heat, they can easily destroy a undefended home in search for food.



Often, leaders of towns and cities will issue bounties for the death of these animals, which has two positive effects on the city. It helps maintain the arms economy, and allows young men to make a name for themselves in the town.

IMAGE DETAILS Image size 6000x5000px 4.68 MB Show More