Bestiarum: World of Aesis

Note: The difference between a divine beast and a normal animal is its inept abnormality, but one's abnormality may be one's normality. By saying that, the line between a normal animal and a divine beast is often blurred. This catalog is of the beasts that are abnormal to an outsider.

Raxnas:

Raxnas is a highly unusual and formidable parasite that is often considered to be divine, but many see it more as an natural calamity. Its small size, usually no larger than a thumb, belies its incredible power. Upon latching onto a host, Raxnas will take control of the body and continue to consume others of the same species as its initial host. This results in the continuous growth of the parasite, making it larger and more formidable with each subsequent host it devours. The hunger of Raxnas is insatiable, and it will not stop consuming as long as it is alive. In some instances, the size of the parasite has been known to reach the dimensions of a horse carriage, making it a formidable and terrifying entity to behold. The most concerning aspect of Raxnas is its ability to take control of human hosts, which only adds to its already dangerous nature.

Galek:

The Galek is a formidable humanoid creature characterized by its lanky, skinny build and distinctive olive green coloration. Its head is a singular, open vertical mouth equipped with small, sharp teeth and lacking a tongue. Standing over two meters tall, the Galek possesses incredible strength, allowing it to easily lift even a fully armored knight.

Galeks are notoriously difficult to track and are not considered to be mindless beasts. Instead, they typically hunt in small groups of two or three, preferring to target humans due to their large numbers. They are known for their necrophagous behavior, scavenging battlefields for dead bodies after battles have concluded.

This makes them a significant threat to any lone soldiers who may stumble upon them while wandering a field after two armies clashed. A soldier who encounters a Galek is at high risk of becoming another meal to it. It is therefore highly advised to avoid isolated areas and to take caution when traversing battlefields where corpses are littered.

Rukh:

The Rukh is a formidable avian predator with a voracious appetite, capable hunting skills, and exceptional hearing. Its presence has a significant impact on local wildlife populations, disrupting the natural food chain and causing imbalances that can lead to the extinction of certain species in a given area.

This large bird boasts both legs and smaller hands, allowing it to stand upright and grasp its prey with ease. The Rukh is capable of hunting and consuming large game, such as wild boar, while standing on its legs and holding the prey in its hands. Its long neck and large beak further augment its hunting capabilities.

Measuring three meters in height when standing on its legs, the Rukh possesses an even more impressive wingspan of over ten meters, making it a true apex predator. Its incredible speed and agility allow it to fly effortlessly around entire mountains, making it a force to be reckoned with for any would-be prey.

Qweilar:

The Qweilar, also known as the Black Earth Serpent, is a highly respected and feared creature in the world of Aesis. It is a massive serpentine beast that emerges from underground and is known as the apex predator in its habitat. Measuring over fifty meters in length, the Qweilar's appearance is characterized by molten lava that constantly spills from its mouth, creating a fiery and intimidating display.

The Qweilar is an elusive creature that primarily dwells deep underground, where it hunts giant moles and other subterranean prey. Despite its underground habitat, it is capable of venturing to the surface to hunt or defend its territory, unleashing its fiery breath and massive size to overpower any who dare to challenge it. The Qweilar's fiery presence is also capable of reshaping landscapes, and its eruptions can cause widespread destruction.

Despite its fearsome reputation, the Qweilar is considered by some to be a symbol of power and renewal. Its fiery presence is said to clear away old landscapes and create room for new growth and rejuvenation. For those who are brave enough to study the Qweilar, the serpent provides a unique opportunity to witness the raw power and beauty of nature.

Terra-tunnelers:

The giant moles, also known as Terra-Tunnelers, are burrowing creatures native to the Aesis world. They are a crucial part of the ecosystem and play a significant role in maintaining soil health and fertility. Terra-Tunnelers are herbivores, that primarily feed on roots and tubers of plants, which helps aerate and fertilize the soil as they burrow through it.

Measuring up to several meters in length, these massive moles are adapted to life underground, with strong, flat digging paws and powerful digging muscles that allow them to excavate large burrows and tunnels. Their presence also creates homes for other small burrowing animals and provides shelter for plants that grow in their underground wake.

Due to their burrowing nature, Terra-Tunnelers are often seen as a potential threat to farming and infrastructure, causing damage to crops and mining activities. However, their impact on the ecosystem is essential, making them valuable and protected species.

Despite their size and potential danger, Terra-Tunnelers are generally docile creatures, avoiding confrontation and only acting defensively when threatened. However, they are an important source of food for the Qweilar, and encounters between the two can be a fascinating sight, showcasing the balance of nature and the food chain at work.

Giant polar bear:

The Arcticon, a giant polar bear, is a formidable and respected predator in the northern regions of the Aesis world such as the Aurelian kingdom and the Gobal nation. It is primarily found on the islands of the Wastefell Sea and is a force to be reckoned with.

For the Haraldrar, a proud and battle-hardened warrior people, killing an Arcticon is considered one of the greatest honors and achievements. The strength and power of the Arcticon make it a true test of their hunting and combat skills, and only the bravest and most skilled of the Haraldrar will attempt to take down the massive bear. To bring down an Arcticon is seen as proof of one's strength and prowess as a warrior, earning great respect and prestige among the Harldrar people.

Golden Oaks:

The Golden Oaks are sacred trees found within the heart of the Kleider forest in the southern part of the continent of Eastica, in the Nation of Elva. These trees are imbued with divine winds and their branches can be used to craft magnificent weapons.

The entire society and culture of the Elvan people revolve around the Golden Oaks, which they fiercely protect. When a person is called into the forest, they are challenged to survive trials to determine their worthiness. Those who succeed are given access to a Golden Oak and are granted armor made from its bark, which provides great power and protection. These people are called Oaken Knights and are tasked with guarding the forest for the rest of their lives.

If a Golden Oak is destroyed, the armor of all the knights it has blessed turns black, marking their failure. These knights are called Deadwood Knights. Some Oaken Knights may abandon their duties, causing their armor to warp their mind and infuse them, transforming them into Hollow Tree Knights. These knights can be seen working as mercenaries for other nations, and are immediately executed upon sight in Elva.

Kings and Queens of Elva may also become Oaken Knights, but being royalty is not a requirement. The Golden Oaks allow the Oaken Knights to serve the royal family as long as they also protect the Kleider forest. The Nation of Elva is proud and has fought off invasions from the Cassian Kingdom and Hephthalites, sometimes sailing to the Sudern continent to wage war against those who insult their sacred trees.

Lordan Sea Eels:

The Lordan sea eels, also known as "Lordan's Fury", are infamous among sailors and coastal residents for their vicious attacks on ships entering or leaving the Lordran harbor. The Azure sea guards, who patrol the coast of the Alberic kingdom, face constant battles with these dangerous creatures. The sea eels are distinguishable by their elongated bodies and sharp teeth, which allow them to effortlessly tear through even the toughest of ship hulls. They move in packs that can grow to include over a hundred eels. Despite the danger they pose, some sailors still bravely hunt these eels for their valuable skin, which shimmers in the sunlight and is highly sought after by wealthy nobles for use as clothing.

Red stallion:

The Red Stallions of the Hephthalites are prized creatures, known for their size, strength, and battle prowess. These horses are larger than the average horse and are trained to fight. They are a symbol of Hephthalite culture and heritage, as the Hephthalites live an equestrian lifestyle and their warriors were cavalrymen.

These horses are the mounts of the elite Scarlet Riders, who were the most skilled and respected warriors of the Hephthalites. Each rider was able to tame a wild red stallion, and ride these beasts into battle, wielding large weapons such as spears and lances.

Sardes Oxen:

In the Sardes Federation and the Kingdom of Guiscards, the Sardes oxen are known for their formidable nature and are either feared or respected. These oxen are large and powerful, with sturdy bodies and sharp horns that can be used as weapons. They are used for plowing fields or carrying heavy loads and are treated better than other livestock in Sardes, never being killed for their meat. It is a sign of great wealth to own one of these beasts in the Sardes federation.

In the Kingdom of Guiscard, the Sardes oxen are viewed as fierce beasts and are feared. The Guiscard people use them to test their warriors and soldiers, keeping them in pens for battles. Sardes oxen have been known to pierce even the sturdiest armor with their sharp horns and kill soldiers.

Despite their ferocity, Sardes oxen are also known for their intelligence and loyalty. If treated well, they work hard for their masters in both the Sardes Federation and the Kingdom of Guiscard and will even defend their master's family. In the Kingdom of Guiscard, some Sardes oxen have been known to escape from their enclosures and now roam the island, attacking humans out of fear.

Gornax or field fang:

In the Heian Empire, the Gornax is a monster known for its fearsome reputation in the grassy lands and wheat fields of the empire. It is also commonly found in the hephtalite steppes, where it is known to hunt for the goats and sheep the semi-nomadic people herd. They live in packs of about ten and are considered pests that reproduce, quickly.

The Gornax is a, tiger-like beast, though smaller, with black fur and yellow eyes. It has powerful legs that it uses to stalk its prey, and its sharp claws are capable of tearing through tough hide.

To protect their animals, some farmers have resorted to fortifying their pens and fields, while others band together to hunt the Gornax. The Heian army also occasionally sends out hunting parties to rid the countryside of these dangerous predators.