WOrlD Of ArOkA

Gaunt

There are many horrific monsters that roam the World of Aroka, but there are things even they fear. Creatures that seem out of place even among the monstrosities of the world can sometimes be encountered in the wilderness, driven by an insatiable hunger and rage. Even docile species and herbivores develop a craving for flesh. At a distance, they may look like a known creature of the world, though perhaps an old or sick one, but a closer inspection reveals taut, withering flesh clinging to bones protruding at the joints, empty eyes, and rasping breath like howling wind. Few that get close enough to witness this live to tell the tale.

What causes a creature to mutate into such an abomination is unknown, but many suspect it to be some sort of curse or sickness. Few that encounter these creatures stick around long enough to find out. Even when one is killed, its flesh decays at an accelerated rate, preventing sufficient study and there have been no reports of one being caught alive. Thankfully, the condition has a detrimental effect on creatures infected with it, limiting how far they can travel before deteriorating. This limits their presence mostly to the Gauntlet, located at the southern end of the Ruined Sea between Sona and Nova, though some have been encountered as far south as the northern territories of Cogys and on the Ruined Lands. Littoral fortifications such as Eastguard and Westguard sit on the shores of Nova and Sona, respectively, closest to the Gauntlet to prevent their spread.

Being hunted by a Gaunt is a truly harrowing experience. The first thing you will notice is that the world seems to fall silent. Birds, insects, and other wildlife will become suddenly absent. Then, you will hear it. Most may believe it to be just the wind, but a trained ear will recognize the raspy wheezing of their hunter. Your best hope is to outrun it. It doesn’t seem to track by scent or sight, but just seems to know where its target is at all times.

Fortunately, a Gaunt’s aggressiveness depends on how close they are to their prey. As long as you can keep your distance, it will simply meander along the quickest path to its prey in eerie silence. However, as it grows closer, it will become excited, almost agitated, quickening its pace and breathing. By the time it is upon you, it is in a frenzy, flailing wildly as it lets out blood-chilling screams and wails. Despite their frail appearance, they have increased strength and speed and are notoriously difficult to kill. If attacked, your only salvation will be to outsmart it. Its rapid craving for flesh and any source of magic it can find make it reckless and vulnerable to traps or clever use of the environment. Those that have survived encounters with such creatures often come away with both physical and mental scars, neither of which seem to heal properly. Some say just hearing its howl embeds a piece of its horrific presence into your very soul, plaguing you for the rest of your days.