Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Ecology of the Peryton

The peryton was originally an elaborate practical joke invented by Jorge Luis Borges in his Book of Imaginary Beings. D&D ran with this and turned them into another weird monster. Unfortunately, D&D discarded their tragic and disturbing mythology. I decided to adapt that back in.
© Ldra.net

Exiles from Atlantis: Perytons originally lived peacefully atop the peaks of Atlantis and blame humanity for its fall. So great is their hatred that they are unable to derive sustenance from anything other than a human heart.

Shadow Play: Perytons are cursed never to cast a shadow of their own. It will trail unnaturally far behind, move of its own accord, even mock the peryton behind his back! It always resembles something else... like the prey they are stalking.

Lost Souls: Perytons do not reproduce like mortal animals: they are the transmuted souls of travelers, murderers and sailors. No two look alike: the exact combination of animal parts may reflect something of their personality. (Perhaps this is why they cast a human shadow?)

Immortal's Curse: Perytons are cursed with invulnerability and immortality unless they kill a human being and baptize themselves in the spilled blood. Afterwards, they will lose their invulnerability and their shadow will reflect their true silhouette. (Addendum 4/30/2019)

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