#raudkembingur

[briefbestiary]

One of the illhveli, raudkembingur are particularly driven by their hatred for humanity. They have incredibly single-minded aggression, making them both dangerous and surprisingly simple to trick given the right tools. Once focused on wrecking ships and drowning humans, it will not rest until satisfied with its destruction and all human life in its sights is snuffed.

[charliescreatures]

An ocean beastie from Librum Prodigiosum! The Raudkembingur, a sea monster from Icelandic mythology! This evil whale is very vicious, known to attack ships and drown sailors!

[evolutionsvoid]

The danger and mystery of the sea breeds superstition and monsters. In a realm where a single mistake or one moment of bad luck can doom an entire crew, it is no surprise that fear and caution is so prevalent. You never know what the ocean will throw at you, and you have no clue what dwells beneath the waves. In truth, it is just another ecosystem with its own climate and creatures, but it is terrifying to many when we see and know so little about it. I am sure the same fear arises in aquatic civilizations when they think about the land and the beasts that walk there, as all the unknown bits are filled in by our own morbid imaginations. So if you are ever in a coastal town, or visit a dockside bar, or charter a ship to go out into the ocean, be prepared to hear these strange tales and be sure to follow their rules. They may seem silly, but once you are far from shore, you will suddenly yearn for these small comforts. The sea is full of mysteries and it certainly has its share of beasts. Everyone knows the tales of great serpents and mighty squids dragging ships down below, but there are plenty of other monstrosities out there. You just have to hit up the right region or the right tavern to hear about these other horrors, and probably buy some folk a round or two. One such place to go is up north, where the ocean waters turn frigid. There you can hear of a group of sea monsters so notorious, that their kind has been given their own term: Illhveli. This name translates to "evil whales," and the members of this group are so terrifying that it is forbidden to say there names lest you draw their attention. To show this, let us start with the most vicious of the bunch: The Raudkembingur. The Raudkembingur (also known as Red Comb or Red Crest), is one such member of the evil "whales." It should be mentioned now that the word "whale" in the "evil whales" is used quite similarly to the "dragon" in "dragon beasts." Meaning that it is not referring to a specific classification of animal, but rather a general descriptor of the beasts within. The "whale" in this scenario is mainly referring to their sheer size and power, pretty much like if you used the word "leviathan." The Red Crest shows this, as they are not actually a whale, they aren't even mammals! In truth, this species is reptilian in nature, and have adopted a similar body shape and plan as many aquatic species. They have a strong pair of front flippers and a powerful fluke to help propel them through the water. They do possess a hind pair of flippers, but these are reduced and may just be used to help stabilize and maneuver. The most obvious feature of the Raudkembingur is that brilliant crest they have. Running down their back, from snout to tail, is a series of blade-like finlets that slice through the water. To make it stand out even more, they are a powerful red, matching with its own crimson head. Both male and female members of this species have this crest, but the males' are much more prominent. Their finlets stand taller, having that noticeable peak atop the head, while females' are shorter and more uniform. The males also have a brighter red coloration, while females are more dark and dull. This difference should already clue you in that these crests play a role in mating, as a bright red color and big crest is what catches attention. It is also suggested that these crests help with identifying individuals, serving as a unique feature that other Raudkembingur use to help recognize one another.         Take one look at that powerful jaw and rows of conical teeth, and you will know precisely what these beasts eat. The answer is: anything big and meaty enough to fill their bellies. Fish, sharks and seals are their diet, chasing them down with their powerful limbs and then crushing them in their jaws. They are also willing to go after whales, even other Illhveli, mainly targeting the young smaller members. Their large size and bulk lets them throw down with a lot of beasts in the ocean, and if they can get a hold of them with their jaws, then the battle is decided. Since they target large prey and rip them apart with their savage jaws, many Raudkembingur are followed by smaller sea creatures who wish to feed on the scraps. Tagging along with one of these beasts can ensure a free meal, but they must be wary that they don't draw enough attention to wind up on the menu. It has been noted that some species that typically follow a Red Crest will only do so in their juvenile years. Once they get closer to adulthood, they cease the journey and strike off on their own, as they can hunt food for themselves and are also getting big enough that they may catch the hungry eyes of the Raudkembingur. The other trait of the Red Crest that helps them hunt is their sheer stubbornness. Once this beast sets its sight on prey, it will refuse to give up and will chase them for as long as it takes. It is believed that they have a much higher stamina than other similar sized sea beasts, which allows them to tire out prey on an endless chase and then tear into them once they slow down. Stories claim that a starving Raudkembingur will pursue prey to the ends of the earth, only ceasing when the prey or itself perishes.  

You may hear some folk claim that their crests are used to slice open prey, but this is not true. Their brilliant red comb is not used as a weapon, as it is not sharp or strong enough for that job. Most likely these storytellers are mixing them up with another Illhveli. Their red crest can also get them mixed up with the Hrosshvalr, who also has a crimson mane. Do note the the Hrosshvalr has large pair of eyes and is more grey and mottled in color.   

Since they are fully aquatic, they are a reptile species that gives live birth. When they have their young, the females will stick to shallower waters until they are grown enough to fend for themselves. They will feed on the creatures there, but at times the mother will go off to hunt, leaving the young one alone. This is when they will retreat to even shallower waters, where large predators cannot follow. They will only leave this sanctuary when they see their mother return, hopefully bringing food with her. Since they are a member of a group called "evil whales," you can already imagine what people think of them. Folk who live and work in the waters they call home are terrified of them. Like I mentioned, superstition says that all Illhveli should never have their names said aloud, as it will draw their attention. You can imagine how frustrating it was to get information out of folk who refused to call them by name. Thankfully, I eventually learned that they had other ways to label these beasts, like calling this species "Red Crest" or "Red Comb." This belief is one they take quite seriously, and I advise you don't test them on it. I did my best to follow this practice, but you know that excitement can kind of get the best of me. When I was tagging along on a fishing vessel, I spotted that incredible red crest breaking the surface in the distance. Overjoyed to have seen my first Illhveli, I couldn't help but shout it out like an idiot. That slip nearly had me thrown overboard, as the crew lost their minds on the idea that I was summoning the beast. Thankfully the Red Crest was after something else, and paid us no mind. The captain was able to calm down the crew and convinced them that I didn't have to wear a gag the rest of the trip. That level of superstition goes to show how scared people are of this species. This fear is not unwarranted though, as Raudkembingur do indeed attack ships. However, these attacks are not because they want to feed on human flesh, but because they are aggressive and both species wind up going after the same prey. Fishing vessels and whaling ships tend to target species that the Red Crest feeds on, so this increases the chance of encounter. When nets catch squirming fish or harpoons tether thrashing whales, the chaos draws their attention and they think they have a potential meal. When they go after a ship's catch, that is when things start to escalate. The crew is often terrified but are also desperate not to lose their haul. The Raudkembingur is locked into hunting mode and will refuse to give up on its meal. This is when conflict starts, either the Red Crest ramming the ship believing it is trying to steal its food, or a harpoon is launched at them by furious whalers. Once this happens, it is pure chaos and the Raudkembingur will attack the ship mercilessly. Their great bulk is like a battering ram and they can heavily damage or even capsize whaling ships. Efforts to drive them off only anger them, and sailing away from the fight is quite difficult. It doesn't help that their presence brings an entourage of hungry sea life, who will go into a feeding frenzy when blood is spilled. Any poor soul who falls overboard will go right into this meat grinder, and smaller life boats may be overturned in this frenzy. In these scenarios, it is best to cut your haul loose and flee, hoping that the abandoned meal is enough to keep the Red Crest's attention. So with all this in mind, you can see why sailors want nothing to do with this species. Better to never see one or get close to one, as it only spells trouble from there.   While a whaling ship does have the weaponry to slay a Raudkembingur, killing one is almost more trouble than it is worth. It will put up an incredible fight, most likely causing severe damage to the ship. Even if one does kill it, there is not much to be gained. The meat of the Raudkembingur is poisonous, as is the flesh of most Illhveli. It is unknown what component or toxin makes this meat deadly to eat, but it is very obvious when it is present. It seems to have a reaction to high temperatures, as putting the meat in boiling water causes it to breakdown into mush. Obviously this deadly sludge is useless as food, but from it has come a technique to process the poisonous blubber. There is a special method done on Illhveli blubber to extract a unique kind of oil from it, and it is believed that this compound is what creates such a strange fluid. This fluid is called "Illhveli Oil" or "Witch's Oil," with the latter referencing some beliefs that these beasts are tied to sorcery and the dark arts. Funny enough, this special oil is indeed popular with the magic crowd, and its unique properties are vital for rare potions and powerful spells. This fluid fetches a high price, but good luck finding it on the regular market. Not many whalers are eager to meet these beasts, let alone fight one. Chlora Myron Dryad Natural Historian -------------------------------------------------------

“Raudkembingur”

With May just starting, that means Mermay starts as well. In truth, Mermay is supposed to be for mermaids, but I have just decided that it is a month for aquatic monsters. A good way to change things up, because I can't really come up with a whole lot of interesting mermaid designs, so this is my cop out. Ever since I have learned about the Illhveli from @a-book-of-creatures, I just knew I had to give them a shot! While they are referred to as "evil whales," I decided that not all of them would be literal whales (which should be acceptable, as the Katthveli is literally a walrus). But enough excuses, please enjoy!

[doubtspirit]

Raudkembingur "Redcomb" (Illhveli “evil whales”)

The raudkembingur (redcomb) is especially cruel and bloodthirsty even by illhveli standards. Icelandic folklore requires you avoid saying the names of evil whales, so instead you use all sorts of euphemisms for their names. Otherwise they will hear you and come to kill you. If you manage to escape it, it will die of frustration. Their greatest enemy is the steypireydur (the blue whale).

[lpbestiary]

In Icelandic mythology, the Raudkembingur is a sea monster. One of the illhveli, or evil whales, it is said to be very vicious. Its name translates as "red comb" or "red crest," and it is said to possess a mane of red bristles on its back.

The Raudkembingur is known for attacking boats and drowning sailors. Despite its viciousness, it is also very cunning, known to play dead in order to lure vessels in.

Image source.

Monster master list.

Suggest a spook.

[creepybits]

Raudkembingur (red comb or red crest)

Another mythological creature with a ton of different names, the Raudkembingur is known in Icelandic mythology as one of the most deadly of the illhveli (evil whales). Described as having hair like a horse, the hair and head of the raudkembingur are said to be red as if soaked in blood.

(Link is to the image not info)

[evolutionsvoid]

Red sky at night, sailors' delight

Red sky at morning, sailors take warning Red crest at anytime, forget the rhyme and RUN ---------------------------------------------------------------------- So I am pretty sure I won't be able to post all the Illhveli within the month of May. I really did not realize that ten was a big number and that I was putting too much time between each post. And it turns out when I try to push out longer posts back to back it tends to fry my brain and my writing turns incoherent. So to give my mind a rest, here is just a plain ol' mermaid based on the Raudkembingur. I won't be doing the rest of the Illhveli in mermaid form, this was just the one I happened to doodle out (maybe another year). So the plan is to post the rest of the Illhveli here soon, but they will most likely drift into June. But thankfully, nothing happens in June! I absolutely don't have something lined up for that month too! Oh son of-

[acid-harbringer]

Raudkembingur and Skoffin girls! their names are Hulda and Dangerous to be said (but Hulda mostly calls her Kembir) Just in time for lesbian day because of course they are!