evolutionsvoid: At the beginning of it all, everyone thought it would be a temporary problem. This w

evolutionsvoid:

At the beginning of it all, everyone thought it would be a temporary problem. This was not a new situation to all the local ranchers and cattlemen, as the occasional predator was bound to show up and start causing issues. The land was perfect for raising cattle, which in turn made it perfect for carnivores looking for a hefty meal. When news started spreading that a manticore was spotted roaming the area, the owners of these great farms turned to their usual policy. They contacted their hunters and offered the usual, gracious sum. It was how they dealt with all beasts that tried to feed upon their prized stock, as one had to snuff these issues out quickly lest other predators follow along. Money was offered and the hunters delved into the nearby woods where the manticore was said to nest. It was time to earn their pay. Days later, none came back with a trophy. No one came back at all. This was an unfortunate, but unsurprising, outcome to the cattlemen. The first hunters they contact are always the cheapest, as there is no need to splurge on simple problems. Most of the time, the local riffraff could easily deal with these beasts, but it seemed this creature was an exception. It became obvious when precious cattle were starting to disappear from their ranches, the manticore was still alive and well. This posed a problem to their lucrative business, as prized breeding cows were irreplaceable, so they reached out to the more skilled crop of hunters. Warriors and slayers were hired and off they went to take down this nasty specimen. Despite the heftier price tag, these fighters failed to return as well. None returned from the beast’s lair, and it was then everyone realized that this problem would not be removed easily.

Months have passed since the manticore first arrived, and the locals have come to accept a grim reality. The travelers are now scarce and the country roads remain empty. The nearby towns are decorated in dozens of ancient posters, their offers of reward and fame unanswered. The grazing fields are now surrounded by mighty fences and impenetrable defenses, yet one rancher will always wake to find an absence in their herd. This is what the countryside looks like under the rule of the Bramble King. Few dare challenge it, even when offered a fortune. Dozens before them have sought to end its reign, and all have fallen to its power. Many have succeeded in striking the beast and wounding it, but none could finish the job before they were slain and devoured. Its body is hardy and its flesh unyielding, no blade or arrow can truly bring it down. No matter what injuries it receives during battle, it always seems bounce back. What was once a common manticore hunting for a meal is now a scarred tyrant, formed by the very blades and bows that sought to kill it. The wounds of its previous conquests have only strengthened it, and the knowledge gained from these brutal fights have sharpened it. The shards that remain in its flesh now serve as armor and weapon. The frayed tail has been forged from mutilation, and is now deadlier then ever. It strikes with the force of a cat'o'nines and it bathes the entire area in a shower of paralytic barbs. Though mangled and torn, this beast bears the hardiness and stubbornness of a gnarled stump. It is a king that refuses to die, and an emperor that refuses to forgive.

Now the land once famed for its unending pastures and prized cattle is forever known as the domain of the Bramble King. Many outsiders steer clear of such a land but, every so often, a new hunter or slayer will arrive. Though beaten and broken by the undying ruler, the ranchers still seek to maintain their herds and business. If one can topple the king, then they may return to their former glory. So they still send out word and promise to every warrior that will listen, pleading with coin so one may hear their plight. Many have refused their offer, but such riches will always tempt the eager and desperate. Sooner or later, one will take on the quest and seek out the king. Those that live in its domain certainly hope that one of these naive warriors succeed in slaying the beast, but one may hear whispers of their true thoughts. The expert slayers and wizened hunters have long abandoned this quest, leaving only the young and foolish to stumble into its jaws. Their chances of success are close to none, but yet the cattlemen still seek warriors. One must remember that a reward cannot be given to a dead man, and a belly full of fallen hunters means that the king will slumber and leave the prized herds be….

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As one has already learned, I love me some variations and subspecies for monsters. Take one species and turn it into a dozen different things for different environments and behaviors. Another thing I do love are famous individuals (or deviants, some may say) that are their own unique thing. A particular specimen that has been crafted by its environment, life and battles, which leads to a powerful member of the species. These are the critters that would be boss versions of their normal counterparts. Its a fun concept and I love finding ways to twist my creatures into unique individuals.