Noxium

Art credit: /u/noxiw

The noxium is a lonesome fey, treated as a harbinger of death and destruction on the Material Plane. These canine-like creatures are exceptionally wary of any but their own species, and generally live in pairs across large swaths of claimed territory.

Gifts from Fey. Pairs of noxium are occasionally tamed and offered as familiars and companions to magic practitioners who have pleased a particularly powerful fey. Though initially shy, these creatures can become fiercely loyal guards, staking life and limb for those they trust. While some roam the wild, many work with humanoids that have bribed or befriended them.

Fog Dwellers. It is said that large amounts of noxium congregate on moonless nights within fog trapped in valleys. No one knows why this is, though many fey experts theorize that this is for mating purposes, or some sort of planar migratory habit.

Shadow Blood. When the blood of a noxium is spilt, it fizzles and dissipates into the air much like smoke. This blood seems to be potent in making objects and creatures disappear into the shadows, making them highly valued for the concoction of potions of greater invisibility.

Variant: Noxium Familiar Noxium can be found working with a variety of mortal spellcasters. Though eager to please and loyal to a fault, a noxium will frequently urge its master to take the most inoffensive path when faced with obstaceles and issues. Some noxium will have the following trait. Familiar. The noxium can serve another creature as a familiar, forming a telepathic bond with its willing master. While the two are bonded, the master can sense what the noxium senses as long as they are within 1 mile of each other. While the noxium is within 10 feet of its master, the master shares the noxium's Magic Resistance trait. At any time and for any reason, the noxium can end its service as a familiar, ending the telepathic bond.