Beast-men [1], often simply called Beasts, sometimes called Splitfoots or Horned Ones [2], are what mainly makes up the Beast Herds faction. How well the term correlates to a single species is unclear, since the the beast-men are believed to use a form of magically empowered breeding to mutate each new generation [3]. This supposedly allows them to create a multitude of creatures, to which the concept of a species is not truly relevant. This article concerns the beast-men as the broad concept they are.
Biology[]
Breeding[]
It has been said that the diversity of the beast-men is created by using magic to mutate fetuses while still in the womb, gradually changing them generation by generation. The Soothsayers supposedly "marks" the babe when still in its mothers womb. Over time this has allowed them to create many different beings, with different features. Some have extra limb, others grow wings, and some are able to learn to speak human language. The process of breeding the greatest bests is said to be both dangerous and difficult.[3]
Physiology[]
A great many of the bests are humanoid. Judging by the term Splitfoots that is sometimes used to describe them, it seems likely to assume many of them have some sort of cloven feet. [2]
Beasts generally have an average lifespan shorter than that of humans. [4]
It is said that because of their physiology, beast-men are less likely to use missile weapons than humans are. [1]
Psychology[]
Beast-men are believed to be of comparable intellect to humans. It is however said that their behaviour is governed by their nature in a different fashion. Supposedly they are quicker to anger and violence. Their leaders however have often been observed to possess great cunning. [1]
Sources[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Interview with Sigmund Selig, the Great Sage (The 9th Scroll issue #5)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Informative text on the Beast Herds (The 9th Scroll, issue #9)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Thomas the Bard; speaking before Duke Regnaut of Aven (The 9th Scroll, issue #9)
- ↑ Translation of elven documents found in the ambassador’s quarters in Avras (The 9th Scroll, issue #9)