Gwyllt

The Gwyllt are inhuman monsters who plague the Shaper and their children. Inimical to mortal life, the Gwyllt exist only to terrorise and kill. The Church of the Shaper encourages its children to oppose the machinations of the Gwyllt wherever they are discovered.

Known Gwyllt Types

Caorthannaigh

Rumoured to be related to the fire touched, the Caorthannaigh are a warlike variety of the Gwyllt. They are said to be in search of their Queen, who was trapped under a lake by the Shaper, which is why they are often found near lakes. They generally attack on sight, and have a fierce fire that burns within them, enabling them to spit fire which they do as an attack or to dry up wells.

Knochenbriseadh

A kind of Gwyllt found predominantly in the forests of Bruid they are large, powerful brutes with voracious appetites. They are known to rampage through the forests, devouring any living thing too slow to escape their path of destruction. Known to be quite dim, and would be easy to trick if not for their volatile temper.

Blutigcnámh

A particularly unpleasant breed of Gwyllt common to the forests of Bruid in the more settled areas, as well as Siabhal and Baol. They prey on livestock and are generally found near farms and butchers, they are said to be able to slaughter an entire herd of cattle in a single night. Though they seem to prefer livestock, they do not spare unwary farmers and gleefully slaughter them too. They are skinless and glisten with blood and raw flesh.

Maca Rí

A type of Gwyllt found commonly in Bruid and near Uasa, they are individually weak but dangerous in groups. They cannot seem to speak normally, instead cawwing or mimicking what they hear, they seem to particularly enjoy tormenting those in authority, known to be spiteful and mischievous.

Wenigadaí

A strain of Gwyllt common in Bruid, seen as more of a nuisance than a threat in their own right but can still pose a threat in large groups. Sly and cunning, they are reputed to be unable to speak a word that is not a lie. Often steal supplies from settlements and rob travellers and small groups.

Rhy Gryf

The Rhy Gryf is a Gwyllt regarded with particular fear and suspicion. They are alleged to be mortals who have made a deal with the Gwyllt and become consumed by their power. Made of moving ice, the Rhy Gryf are known to be exceptionally strong and freeze their victims to devour their icy flesh. Because of their existence and alleged origins, the Torchbearers regard anyone who seems too interested in the Gwyllt with well founded distrust.

Helfa Wyllt

The Helfa Wyllt is the reason that anyone living outside of a heavily defended city has a moment of panic at the sound of sudden howling. They are known for their habit of hunting mortals seemingly for sport, and for stoking the beasts around them into a murderous frenzy, sending them forth to flush out prey. Even the most faithful sheepdog has been known to turn on their master at the prompting of this Gwyllt.

Gelyn Mellt

The Gelyn Mellt are particularly hated by the Drakeblooded. Stories tell of how the Gelyn Mellt were the sworn foes of the dragons, harrying and harassing them while they tried to protect the land, emerging from storm clouds to challenge the dragon’s rule of the sky. The Drakeblooded continue this vendetta, leading hunting parties whenever there are reports of large numbers of crops and buildings being destroyed by lightning.

Scáthán Spiegel

One of the most duplicitous and insidious Gwyllt threats, no one knows what the Scáthán Spiegel truly looks like. They are shapeshifters, able to assume the form of those dearest to you. While the cosmetic resemblance is perfect, they are not able to copy any of the skills or magical abilities of their target. They are known to possess a limited mental link to those they copy, allowing them to imitate the person superficially though those who know them well can often spot differences. They are the reason Torchbearers always work in very close pairs.