Bestiary

[pumpkinhollow]

BLUE ISLAND CRAB

catch of the day

With mating season in the spring, the Blue Island Crabs come to spawn in late summer. The males come to shore with clutches of eggs to bury in the warm sands and they later hatch, covering the beaches in tiny crablings. They stay onshore for weeks, hunting and gathering materials to take with them back into the sea. The residents of Marrow Isle have discovered these crabs will swipe anything they can get their claws around; from writing pens to small pieces of jewelry, to everything else in between.

After a few weeks the fledgling crabs migrate out to sea, now strong enough to survive the harsh currents, their shells toughened against smaller predators. They do make for a good source of protein, often simply boiled and seasoned, or used in soups and stocks to enhance summer flavors. It’s currently the only way the villagers can cull the crab numbers and hope the crustaceans don’t make off with everything that’s not nailed down.

There’s a rumor among sailors about a larger crab further out in the ocean, but with the curse drawing a line around Marrow Isle surely this is nothing more than a drunken sailor’s tale.

BRUTOKS

become one with the forest

Small, tree-like, and very angry, these little woodland spirits originate from an old folktale from a region called Anwyll about a forest that had been burned down by soldiers. Why they've started appearing on Marrow Isle can only be guessed at, but when they do the Brutoks tend to bring all sorts of trouble ranging from harmless puzzle-based pranks to terrifying kidnappings. Victims of the Brutoks have been recorded being turned into trees, leading to the unfortunate victim’s death. There are theories that this is how the spirits create more of themselves but nothing has been proven as of yet.

On Marrow Isle the Brutoks made their first appearance near the Lockwood Forest and moved in towards Pumpkin Hollow. They seemed to roam in small packs, becoming more difficult to overcome with larger numbers. They chose their victims by sight and it’s said if you lay eyes on one, knowingly or not, they will hunt you relentlessly. Brutoks can be dispersed by solving their puzzles or the more mundane ways of throwing, kicking, or setting them ablaze. After a few weeks the Brutoks seemed to retreat back into the woods, but they can still be found by the unwary traveler.

THE PINE DEVIL

king of monsters

Sometimes referred to as the Pumpkin Hollow Howler. A tall, imposing figure with gangly arms ending in clawed hands, unguligrade legs, a long thin tail, a pair of tattered leathery wings set upon its back making the fiend capable of flight, and a large equine-like head with a set large fangs and a crown of horns sprouted around its ears. His eyes glow blue in the dark, sometimes the only warning its prey has before an attack. First spotted between fifteen to twenty years ago there is still scant little known about his territory or preferred habitat, only that the Pine Devil has a disturbing penchant for stalking its prey before devouring them. Not even the village boundaries seem safe when the Howler is on the prowl as the creature has been seen many times before stalking down our cobblestone streets.

Surviving encounters with the beast is notably rare, even after Marrow Isle became shrouded in curse. This just means the Pine Devil is free to stalk the same prey again and again. There are times when the Howler seems more content to hunt large game in the forests, leaving the villagers alone. But like returning tidal waters, it invariably returns, leaving fear and death in its wake.

THE RIVERWALKER

let the chase begin

With a large, spider-like body, the River Walker will instinctively touch into many deep-seated fears in most people. Grotesque and bulbous, its form is not meant for any kind of speed, spindly chitinous arms serve to propel the creature through impossibly tight and narrow rocky passages, its head taking on the form of a bloated, drowned woman. Her face eternally frozen in a vile grin, framed by pale blue lips, a ragged, limp, white hair.

The River Walker makes its home in a specific location; the Paring River. More specifically the bridge that crosses over it, the only thoroughfare through to Crane’s Ridge and the hunting areas beyond. Beneath the bridge its victims will awake, in a dark, claustrophobic cave system while being hunted. Some say the River Walker stalks its prey for hours and hours, taunting them to develop the flavor of fear before closing in for the feast.

It’s said that the River Walker is a singular hunter, targeting lone travelers. Unable to deal with two or more, one can hope for a slim chance of escape if they find someone in the same predicament.

SIRENS

a new spin on seafood

With a human-like upper torso ending in a sleek fish tail, the Siren makes for a formidable creature to encounter for sailor and land-lover alike. Their hands end in wicked claws, their mouths full of sharp teeth, but upon first glance they have a strikingly beautiful appearance. Coupled with an alluring song that seems to draw its victims in, a Siren will never hesitate to drown or bite into its prey.

Recently it was discovered that the Sirens could even take on an entirely human-like appearance, walking on land only a short distance from the water. There’s been reports of them also taking on the appearance of a departed loved one, although this fact remains unconfirmed.

Sirens do migrate and leave Marrow Isle’s waters after a few summers months have passed, before the bitter sting of winter sets in. Be wary on the beaches and plug your ears if you hear a lilting song beckoning you out into the water...

More to Come!

Stay Tuned

More monsters will be added as Pumpkin Hollow develops!

CODE BY TESSISAMESS