Noctaere and other Creatures

[somarium_lords]

noctaere They are shadow-based creatures, and where they come from is unknown. Something is attracting them to Somarium, and they tend to appear when some great devastation is occurring. On July 22, 2012, many noctaere were seem spilling out of the sinkhole the statue had once been. Even through the years, it is still unknown what noctaere are truly made of. Their bodies are covered in a thick hide that can be hard to pierce through with simple blades, firearms, or brute strength. They feed off nightmare energy that help fuel them as well as strengthen them in battle. These creatures are hostile and will attack to kill should there be a strong source of nightmare energy present. However, it has been found that they are weak to anything related to light. Even a simple flashlight may deter a weaker one. It is known that there are many different noctaere species which may be broken up into three categories:

❦ regular noctaere These are the run of the mill species that are usually seen attacking. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they usually go up to be the size of large dogs. One particular breed to note are the nycteren. These creatures are more aggressive and grow in power during the new moon. Unlike the other noctaere, they are purely nocturnal creatures and do not rely on shadows for their movements. They come in may forms and sizes: air, land, and water. Some say they are considered more dangerous and "nightmareish" because of their behavior and their nature. Their tell-tale mark is the purple crystal usually located on their foreheads, though some have been seen to be hidden elsewhere on the body. This crystal is their weakest point. Give it a hard strike and the nycteren will fall and turn to ash. However, this tactic comes at a price. The striker will suffer and witness their worst nightmare for a few seconds. The dying creature will transform into some form representing that nightmare.

❦ flying noctaere They fly.

❦ nightwalkers The most badass of them all Nightwalkers have a more humanoid form—in fact they almost look like grim reapers with their skeletal heads and black robes. They are the strongest and most aggressive species of noctaere yet, hunting down anyone that comes across them. Upon killing their victim, they drain all of the person's dream energy which increases their own power. In addition, the nightwalkers can enter dreams and attack people that way.

creatures There are various creatures that inhabit the world of Somarium; some familiar, some strange. As time goes on, new ones manage to find their way in. It should be noted that common small wildlife like birds, deer, squirrels, raccoons, mice, etc. can be find within the parks and small forests in Espoir. There are no predatory animals inside the barrier. Small domestic pet animals like dogs and cats can also be found both as strays and in various pet stores. Don't worry, they've been cared for. Somehow. Here are some Somarium specific creatures that should be noted as you become more familiar with the world. ❦ the village: espoir ❖ scarecrows Just your friendly neighborhood scarecrows. Some are stationary with limited movement, some can move with straw legs, and others might hop around as they have no legs. However, it should be noted that the attitude of the scarecrows will vary. Some will freely give any passersby a nearby vegetable or fruit, but others might chase any intruders away with a rake, hoe, or whatever else they may have been equipped with. ❖ farm animals Several fields and farms will have the traditional farm animals such as horses, cows, sheep, pigs, poultry, etc. There are also a few lone bulls penned up in separate fields, and they are quite temperamental. So it's best to keep an eye out for those. Note: The sheep are different than the ones found in the city. They're cuter and fluffier than their wild, city counterparts. ❦ the city: somni There isn't much wildlife within the actual city outside of the usual small animals and birds. But there is one in particular that should be noted: ❖ nessie Yes, you read that right. Somarium has its own 'Nessie' lurking around. A new addition to the bestiary, this creature can be found lurking in the depths of the lake that was recently created just outside the residential district. However, it's quite harmless, so there is nothing to worry about. If you try to attack it, you might find yourself feeling a little bit of a shock. ❦ the floating mountain ❖ forest animals All the standard Earth-based wild forest animals can be found here. Wild horses, bears, eagles, rabbits, mice, foxes, wolves, mountain lions, bobcats, etc. Whatever you can think of that would realistically live up here, they do. ❖ wild pegasus Unlike those found guarding the floating castle, these pegasus are actually wilder. However, they are tamable and up for grabs should anyone want to try and tame one for their own. They prefer living up near the peaks of the mountain and will sometimes descend down to the lake. ❖ slenderman An unknown creature that travels about the mountain as if it were guarding something. The question is what is it really guarding? And who is this man anyway? ❦ the desert: saburra There are numerous creatures that lurk in the desert just outside of Somarium. They range from the mundane to truly monstrous beings. Some of the more common ones are desert wolves, snakes, large predatory birds—nothing too difficult. But in addition to these are a few notable larger creatures that can prove to be very dangerous if caught unawares. ❖ sand shark The first danger of the desert. They travel under the sand, only the top of their fin visible, and prey on unsuspecting travelers and animals. Use caution. They are also very, very big. Thought Jaws was huge? These guys are 200-feet in length. They sometimes will come in packs. ❖ desert worm Sharks are bad, but these are worse. They dwell beneath the sand in a labyrinth of tunnels. Travelers will feel the ground beneath them shake before it will break through and tower hundreds of feet in the air. And that's just the exposed part! They will swallow anything whole and are very vicious. At times they will wail during the night, usually before something happens. There are smaller and somewhat gentler breeds roaming around out there, but no one should really chance it. Only a crazy person would. ❖ giant crab 20 feet wide, these crabs are a new addition to the desert monster bestiary. However, they are more like scavengers than full out predators. But they are also opportunists, so if you look week, they might try and snap you in half with their claws.