The monsters of SANCT all originate from the same source, the Miasma. The Miasmic spawn comes into existence via the miasma siphoning the collective consciousness surrounding human fears and beliefs.
As previously explained these Monsters are split into two groups and their difficulty of being destroyed is classified through categories. SANCT typically uses this as a way to ensure most hunts go smoothly by having hunters a category higher then the spawn they are fighting. i.e. A Cat-2 Hunter can be sent alone to fight a cat-1 monster but would need a fireteam of at least one other Cat-2 to fight a spawn of that same category.
Traditional Folklore Miasmic spawn emerge from cultural traditions, encompassing stories, myths, and legends passed down through generations. These beings, like the Kraken, faeries, golems, and vampires, represent ancient fears and values. They are often rooted in oral traditions and reflect a culture’s attempts to explain the unknown. Due to the decline in the oral transmission of these stories and the evolution of modern literature, traditional folklore spawn are less common.
Urban Folklore Creatures originate from contemporary myths often rooted in popular culture and local legends. They include beings such as Slender Man, Moth man, cryptids, and internet-born horrors like creepy pasta entities. These creatures reflect modern fears tied to technology, media, and societal changes. Despite SANCT’s efforts to control their spread, these myths proliferate rapidly through digital platforms. Just a few hundred people fearful of an obscure blog post about extraterrestrials are enough for the Miasma to take hold long before SANCT can respond.
Miasmic spawn possess supernatural abilities that align with the most commonly held beliefs about them, including their respective weaknesses. For example, a TF vampire may be able to transform into bats and is vulnerable to a stake through the heart, which can immobilize or incapacitate them. However, despite these traditional weaknesses, a SANCT Weapon is the only true way to permanently kill a Miasmic spawn.
Another notable anomaly is the rapid mutation of Miasmic spawn when their original folklore clashes with another set of beliefs of equal notoriety. These conflicting beliefs can cause drastic changes in the monster’s form and abilities, resulting in excess limbs, conflicting or mutated powers, and altered weaknesses. If a Hunter encounters a mutated monster, they are advised to report it to their SANCT facility as soon as it is safe to do so.
Example of each spawn type by my boyfriend, consider commissioning him!
If a Spawn of the Miasma lingers for too long, they undergo a metamorphosis. This transformation can manifest in various ways, with one of the most common being the creation of a Domain—a territory over which the creature exerts significant control, warping the environment to reflect its nature and power.
Domains form at the point of a monster's creation and, much like a virus, expand as the creature continues to exist. The manifestation of a Domain is heavily influenced by the folklore surrounding the specific monster. Within its Domain, the creature’s power nearly doubles, rendering these areas extremely hazardous. Domains frequently operate as traps for the unwary. Some are nearly imperceptible before an individual is ensnared, while others are immediately recognizable.
Any Hunter encountering a monster that has survived long enough to establish a Domain is required to report back to their facility immediately, prior to taking further action. On average, a Domain requires approximately three months to fully form; however, this duration can vary depending on several factors.
