#covahw

[opali-the-invisible-blog]

Name: Golem

Classification: Animated Construct | Artificial Guardian / Category: Custos-Lapidis

Diet: None

Danger: Variable

Nature: Neutral

Golems are not creatures like any other. They are artificial. And yet... it's hard not to see them as alive when you watch them move.

Within each golem lies what is known as an Animus Totem. This is an artifact created by sorcerer trolls, placed in the heart's location.

It is this totem that animates matter, maintains its structure, and allows for regeneration. Without it, the golem is nothing but an inert mass.

A golem can be made of almost any material: stone, crystal, metal, earth...

Simply placing an Animus Totem within a mass of matter creates an animated form.

However, it's possible to create a golem of any shape you desire; simply create the desired body and insert the totem! One of the wizards in the troll city of Gowa demonstrated this to me by creating a golem with my face! Ugh...

The golems are massive. Heavy and solid. Their gaze is vacant, but given their nature, that's to be expected. Still, it's unsettling...

Golems have no will of their own. They obey their creator and the function assigned to them.

They do not speak, but simply produce low rumbling sounds.

When not actively engaged, they patrol, or remain motionless and observe.

I have seen them remain perfectly still for hours. One thing is certain: they do not know fatigue.

Golems are primarily used as city guardians or protectors of sacred sites.

In cities without warriors, they are often the only line of defense.

A golem never attacks without reason. Unless its creator orders it to or a threat is identified.

As long as the Animus Totem remains intact, a golem can rebuild itself, regenerate its limbs, and continue functioning. Physical damage is almost useless in the long run.

The only way to destroy a golem is to extract and destroy its Animus Totem. Without this, it will always rise again.

But reaching this core is difficult. While golems may be slow, they are large, powerful, and generally composed of a thick layer of solid matter.

Golems are linked to their creator. If the creator dies, all of their golems cease to function simultaneously.

I've never seen a hostile golem before. The cities I've visited were peaceful. And consequently, so were their guardians.

I remember one in particular. It was so old that moss was beginning to cover it.

I know that some golems were used in battle. But when I saw this one, I saw nothing but a gentle giant.

[opali-the-invisible-blog]

Name: Aarkar/Eldrakyn

Classification: Hybrids | Draconic Half-Bloods / Category: Draco-Trollus

Origin: Unknown

Current Status: Untraceable / Hidden

Danger: Extreme

Aarkars are neither trolls nor dragons. They are what happens when two species that should never have mixed do so anyway. (Not in the way you think. We don't even know how it happened. Perhaps divine intervention?)

The Aarkars are unnatural hybrids, a mix between Gumm-Gumms and dragons—ancient, intelligent, primal creatures.

I have never seen one alive. Everything I recount here comes from what I have read, observed, and pieced together. But there is solid evidence that they have already walked this world.

There are as many types of Aarkars as there are types of trolls and dragons.

Their appearance varies enormously, but they all share certain common traits: a massive body structure, often quadrupedal or semi-quadrupedal; heavy bones, a blend of trollish stone and draconic skeleton; fangs and claws made for tearing; a bestial posture; and remnants of wings, horns, or bony plates depending on their draconic ancestry (although the vast majority of them did not have wings).

The skull that Gol and I found leaves no doubt. The structure is hybrid. It clearly displays elements of Crimson Goregutter, mixed with a trollish base.

By observing the nearby bones, I was able to create a fairly accurate representation, as you can see.

The Aarkars are strictly carnivores. They hunt. They stalk. They devour. They are also man-eating beasts.

Ancient texts are clear on this point. Some accounts mention that in times of famine, they may consume fruits or vegetables. But this doesn't truly nourish them. They cannot survive long that way. Their bodies crave flesh. Blood.

It would be wrong, and dangerous, to consider the Aarkars as mere beasts. Yes, many of them are described as savage, violent, and driven by instinct.

But they are also as intelligent as a dragon mixed with a Gumm-Gumm. This means: territorial recognition, hierarchy, sometimes even social organization... They understand more than one might think.

The Aarkars disappeared along with the dragons. Or rather, they are surely hidden in the same place. The Hidden World is not only home to dragons. It is home to what the world could no longer accept.

Today, it is impossible to find an Aarkar, just as it is difficult to find a dragon. All the information I present here comes from very ancient texts, fragments of troll chronicles, personal excavations, and a fossilized skull forgotten in some ruins...

One detail obsesses me. The Killahead Bridge isn't just any structure. It's linked to an ancient civilization... a civilization directly connected to the Aarkars.

Gol once managed to steal a fetch. (I didn't ask him how. I prefer not to know.) Thanks to it, we were able to observe certain areas of the Darklands from a distance. And guess what we saw?

Gigantic bones. Collapsed structures. Remains too large for ordinary trolls. Too organized for beasts. Everything suggests that an entire civilization, now vanished, once inhabited these now inhospitable lands.

A civilization built for... or by... the Aarkars.

[opali-the-invisible-blog]

Name: Luminare

Classification: Feline Creatures | Living Light Entities / Category: Lux-Feline

Known Origin: North Africa

Danger: Absolute on contact

Status: Rare, protected, respected

Luminares are often confused with Helheetis. I understand why. But one is fire. The other is light. And the difference is fundamental.

A Luminare has the silhouette of a large feline—supple, elegant, silent.

But its body is not made of solid matter. It is composed of condensed, almost liquid light, with golden, white, or amber reflections, blurred, vibrant outlines, a constant glow, never aggressive, never blinding. It casts no shadow.

Its eyes are two luminous orbs, more intense than the rest of its body.

Luminares feed on light. Not in the conventional sense. They absorb it, store it, and redistribute it throughout their bodies. Therefore, they rarely live in total darkness.

A Luminare plunged into complete darkness, without any light source, dies after twenty-four hours.

The Luminares' greatest danger is also the simplest: contact. A single touch of a troll's skin can turn it to stone.

In troll cities, the most precious treasures are often guarded by Luminares. Because no one would dare approach them.

I have never seen a troll attempt to steal an object protected by a Luminare. And I doubt anyone has ever survived such an attempt.

The Luminares originate from North Africa. The oldest accounts mention them in regions bathed in sunshine, white sand, and warm stone.

Today, the Assuar trollmarket is where they are most numerous. There, they are treated with respect.

The Luminares are calm. Observant. Silent. During my travels, I observed them from afar. Always from afar. They fascinate me... and frighten me.

[opali-the-invisible-blog]

Name: Scorch Beetle

Classification: Cave-dwelling insect / Category: Scarabeus-Bomba

Diet: Molds, decaying organic matter, tree fruits

Danger: Low

Scorch Beetles are common creatures in troll dwellings. Not welcome. But impossible to eradicate completely.

They aren't dangerous, but by Gorgus, they're a nuisance!

Scorch beetles are small insects with rounded, segmented bodies.

Their carapace is dark, often black or purplish, slightly shiny, and iridescent.

Their abdomen is particularly swollen, almost translucent in places, revealing the strange liquid that fills their body.

Their legs are thin but sturdy, ending in small, sharp hooks capable of clinging to almost any surface. Walls, ceilings, smooth stone... nothing can withstand them.

Their bodies are filled with a shiny, shock-sensitive liquid that explodes under pressure.

Enough to project a small amount of fluid and smoke.

When a Scorch Beetle is crushed and explodes, a foul-smelling smoke is released. The smell is... hard to describe. In any case... it stinks!

I advise against crushing one near your face.

Scorch Beetles are one of the few creatures observed that are not aggressive! At best, they flee from danger. The only things to fear are infestation and the smell.

They are found mainly in troll houses, in cracks in the walls, and in old libraries between the pages of grimoires.

They can also live in the Darklands, where they feed on Cimmerian fruit. This is surprising, considering that everyone else avoids this fruit because of its strong, rotten smell.

In troll dwellings, they primarily consume mold. This explains their frequent presence in old books left to languish at the back of shelves.

Scorch Beetles multiply rapidly. An infestation often starts with a single individual, then a few, then... too many.

They're difficult to eliminate because they hide everywhere, they're highly resistant to extreme conditions, and their explosive nature makes them difficult to handle... Yeah, you get the picture.

Gol finds them amusing. I don't. He already threw one against a wall "just to see." It smells bad, but the farting noise they make when they explode didn't stop him from trying again!

They're not dangerous. Just... disgusting. Their explosion is more startling than harmful. Always check where you put your hands in an old bookcase.

A clean house contains fewer of them. But never zero. I probably have one somewhere near me as I write this.

[opali-the-invisible-blog]

Name: Siren / Merwitch

Classification: Ancient aquatic spirits / Category: Spiritus-Aquae

Habitat: Seas, oceans, and deep, vast lakes

Danger: Varies depending on who approaches them

I believe Sirens are among the oldest magical creatures in this world—perhaps even older than humans themselves.

Their name changes depending on who tells their story. Honest sailors speak of Enchantresses or Sea Witches. Others simply speak of Sea Monsters...

The first time I encountered one of them, I understood why so many contradictory legends existed.

Seen out of the water, Sirens possesses a massive, amphibious body. Their numerous tentacles serve not only for movement but also for seizing prey or manipulating objects with precision. Their skin is smooth, moist, and dark, sometimes covered in small growths. And according to eyewitness accounts, the number of eyes they have can range from a single one to at least eight! Seriously, who needs that many eyes?

Yet... that is rarely the form one glimpses. Most of the time, only a small part of their head emerges from the water. From a distance, one could easily mistake them for a solitary woman singing amidst the waves. And that is precisely what has deceived so many humans.

Sirens do not devour everyone who crosses their path. They observe and listen closely to the sailors navigating the waters, deciding their fate accordingly.

A kind and honest heart earns their benevolence—or is simply ignored. An evil heart... meets their appetite.

Wishes are what make these beings so fascinating. A Siren is capable of granting a great many wishes. Not all of them—there are limits—but enough for their reputation to endure through the centuries.

However, they never offer this power for free. One must be deemed worthy.

For centuries, humans have told tales of a gigantic sea monster with immense tentacles, capable of dragging entire ships down into the depths—a monster they named the Kraken.

I believe this legend originated with the Sirens. When they deem a sailor unworthy, they remain concealed beneath the waves. The survivors see only massive tentacles wrapping around their ship before it vanishes.

It stands to reason, then, that humans would imagine a giant octopus.

The Sirens are patient and appear neither cruel nor particularly benevolent. They simply mete out their own brand of justice.

By the way, did you know they could have a favorite?

For my part, I was lucky enough to encounter a Siren named Afona. Against all odds, she let me observe her long enough to create the drawing that illustrates this page.

Even more surprising, she seemed willing to grant one of my wishes! It may be that I am more worthy than I thought. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for poor Gol, who nearly ended up in her stomach.

He lost his hat while we were fleeing. I had to sew him a new one.

[opali-the-invisible-blog]

Name: Shadow Mephit

Classification: Demonic Entities | Interdimensional Predators / Category: Lacerta-Umbrae

Organization: Packs

Diet: Carnivorous

Danger: High (especially in groups)

Nature: Purely Malevolent

Of the evil type, they are purely evil.

They have a dark, smoky body, almost translucent in places, slender limbs, curved claws always ready to tear, and three easily recognizable jaws and eyes.

Shadow Mephits live and hunt in packs. They are:

• organized

• patient

• opportunistic

• cruel

They often prey on lost pets, isolated creatures, and vulnerable animals.

They sometimes play with their prey before killing it. They take pleasure in harming others—that much was clear.

Shadow Mephits belong to the order of demons. They are therefore entirely malevolent, drawn to cruelty, and susceptible to negative intentions.

They do not serve someone because they are dominated. They serve whoever's intentions please them most. The more cruel, resentful, or power-hungry a person is, the more loyal the Shadow Mephits become.

In this respect, they function like goblins... but worse.

They follow orders enthusiastically... as long as those orders are evil. They quickly turn against a master who becomes too weak or too lenient.

Shadow Mephits are extremely dangerous because of their ability to pass through matter as if it didn't exist, travel between dimensions, and appear and disappear suddenly.

It is almost impossible to escape them once spotted. They pursue you even into the plane of existence where you think you are safe.

Their saliva is a highly sought-after ingredient. It's used, among other things, to make invisibility potions.

These potions have unpleasant side effects and are extremely complicated to brew. DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!

They fear fire. AND THAT is extremely important information if we don't want to die.

[opali-the-invisible-blog]

Name: Kelpestrum

Classification: Abyssal Titan | Abyssal Troll | Devourer of Worlds / Category: Mare-Titanus

Size: Colossal

Habitat: Abyssal plains, abyssal depths

It wanders aimlessly, devouring everything in its path.

The Kelpestrum is a primitive sea troll, covered in oceanic flora and fauna:

• Massive, blue-grey body, wider than it is tall, quadrupedal

• Coral fused to its flesh

• Giant algae forming a mane, undulating slowly underwater

• Barnacles and shells embedded along its body

• Coral branches growing literally from its skin

• Lateral gills

The Kelpestrum doesn't hunt. It roams. And everything in its path becomes its food.

It swallows:

• schools of fish

• shipwrecks

• treasures

• ruins

Its mouth is a voracious abyss, large enough to hold a building.

It is said that it swallowed an ancient underwater troll market, which humans call Atlantis.

Having swallowed many Trickster Troll ships sailing the seas, it's not uncommon to find numerous Glamour Masks in its stomach.

The Kelpestrum doesn't see very well, wandering blindly at the bottom of the ocean, circling the world. It is neither good nor bad, it simply eats, again and again.

[opali-the-invisible-blog]

Name: Nyarlagroth

Classification: Umbra-Anguis | Blind Predators of the Underground

Size: Gigantic

Danger: Extremely High

Habitat: Depths of the Earth, natural tunnels, and especially the Darklands

Nyarlagroths are among the oldest, most aggressive, and least rational creatures one can encounter underground. They attack anything that moves, anything that doesn't, and sometimes even things they haven't yet detected but perceive as a threat.

Nyarlagroths are blackish colossi. Their anatomy is intimidating:

• long, serpentine, muscular body

• covered in thick, fireproof black scales

• an enormous maw, lined with rows of asymmetrical, hooked teeth

• no eyes: completely blind

• two massive, smooth, curved horns on either side of their head

• a long, prehensile tongue, incredibly sharp as a blade

Their tongue is their primary weapon. It can reach lightning speed. I saw one of them slice a rock in two... They surely use it to help dig their tunnels.

Being blind, Nyarlagroths rely on:

• their tongue, which detects vibrations, odors, and heat

• their extremely keen sense of smell

• air pressure in the tunnels

• vibrations in the ground

They undulate through the tunnels like gigantic worms, but faster, more precise, and much more aggressive.

I stood motionless for several hours observing an adult specimen. It sniffed me three times, scratched at the ground around me... and finally left, convinced I was... a pebble. Advantages of being small. And of smelling like moss and earth.

Their habitat consists of tunnels they dig, like giant worms.

These nests resemble:

• long, damp, and dark corridors

• winding galleries

• egg chambers

• systems of tunnels branching out like roots

• Nyarlagroths never live alone.

They live in colonies, sometimes of about twenty individuals. Each colony is led by a Queen, a larger, more physically threatening, and more dangerous specimen than all the others.

The Queen sings. Yes. Sings. A deep, resonant rumble that only Nyarlagroths understand. I felt my insides vibrate.

They eat:

• stones

• cave-dwelling creatures

• carcasses

• sometimes... other Nyarlagroths (the colony is harsh)

Their eggs:

• extremely toxic if raw

• edible only after being cooked in boiling water (no, you can't make an omelet with them)

• even cooked, they're awful

• the smell is... indescribable

• the texture is even worse

Gol tried to taste one. Gol regretted it. Gol will never do it again.

Nyarlagroths have one weakness:

overpowering scents. Fragrances like the very rare Cimmerian fruit essence can:

• disorient them

• ​​make them nervous

• disrupt their perception. Since their sense of smell is their primary sense, an overpowering scent is like a flashbang... but for a giant blind snake.

Nyarlagroths can theoretically be "tamed."

It is said that:

• some troll hermits have tamed one or two

• it takes hundreds of years

• one must remain perfectly calm

• and have a neutral scent or one close to theirs

Controlling a Queen = controlling the colony That's true. In theory.

But it would require:

• surviving close enough to touch her

• calming her

• dominating her psychologically

In other words: a completely impossible mission.

Their breath smells of damp stone. It's strangely comforting. They've never attacked me: thanks to my biological camouflage. I've never enjoyed being small so much.