Misc > Bestiary Reference Guide
The world is full of animals, monsters and spirits. However, not all of them appear in the same proportions. This bestiary lists the types of monsters an adventurer party is likely to stumble into. If a type is not listed, then it probably does not exist in Heibesu.
Since there is no Vancian magic in the SOH setting, DMs should try to replace, where possible, spells with more runic counterparts. However, Outsiders, Fey and other creatures use otherworldly Vancian magic and the DM can certainly stick with their spell list. As a general rule, the more ancient and magical a creature is, the less likely it is to use Runic magic.
Since there is no Vancian magic in the SOH setting, DMs should try to replace, where possible, spells with more runic counterparts. However, Outsiders, Fey and other creatures use otherworldly Vancian magic and the DM can certainly stick with their spell list. As a general rule, the more ancient and magical a creature is, the less likely it is to use Runic magic.
- Aberrations : Aberrations are rare in the world, mostly living in the depths of the planet or in areas corrupted by magic, such as the Kitsune homeland. They come in many different sorts, each more bizarre than the last. Some formerly powerful races, such as the Goblins and the Naga, can only be found as mindless aberrations.
- Animals : The wildlife of the world is varied and rich. Many animals can be found during an adventure, some friendly, others less so. Animals do not tend to have magical abilities and no real ability for culture or language. Dinosaurs and Pterosaurs do not exist in the world and cannot be encountered.
- Constructs : Constructs are artificially created creatures and mechanical, animated objects. They are rare, and knowledge of their craft has been lost with time. They can still be found in places like Unseelie ruins or Dwarven fortresses (especially the Clockwork constructs, which are a fairly common Dwarven sight).
- Dragons : Dragons were until recently but a legend, and are for all intents and purposes extinct or in hiding. Dragonic carvings are their only legacy. However recent sightings of dragon-like creatures have proven their existence, though they are still extremely rare. Because Dragons are so ancient, they probably use Vancian magicks.
- Fey : Formerly the dominant race of the world (especially the Unseelie), fey have since them vanished and sighting one would be extraordinary rare, though some Fey-type beings can still be common enough in the wilds. Forgotten Ones in particular are still very common in Dwarven and Drowish areas. Older, more powerful Fey tend to use Vancian magicks, however more recent Fey would use the runic system.
- Humanoids : Typically humanoids have few magical or supernatural abilities. Most can speak, and all sentient races except perhaps the Tengu are humanoid in appearance. There are no Goblins or Orcs. Ogres and Giants do exist, but are semi-sentient. There are rumours of Merfolk and legendary beings. Elves are extinct, if one forgets their dark cousins the Drow. Most “human” characters and the human subtype, though, are to be considered Catfolk – there are no humans in the world.
- Magical Beasts : Similar to animals but capable of magic, they thrive in many parts of the world. They can use either runic magic or Vancian magic, it depends on their race.
- Monstrous Humanoids : Monstrous humanoids are similar to humanoids, but with monstrous or animalistic features. They often have runic magical abilities as well. They can be found in parts of the world.
- Oozes : Oozes are amorphous, mutable creatures that roam the world.
- Outsider : Creatures at least partially composed of the essence of some other plane than the material one. They are not particularly common, but are far from unknown. Outsiders make up the majority of the population of arcane-corrupted lands. Lore information on Planes and Outsiders here. Outsiders never use Runic magic.
- Plants : Not all plants are mindless objects; some of them are called vegetable creatures. Many can be found in the less tamed areas of the world, such as the great forests of Heibesu.
- Undead : For very long, undeath was not believed to be possible. However, whether native to the Dark Lands Beyond, reanimated by strange magic or sighted coming out of Unseelie ruins, the undead threat becomes more and more menacing.
- Vermin : Insects, bugs, spiders – they are common enough monsters across the world.