Chimeran

Chimerans are natural wildlife that were demonically mutated through a sudden catalyst of Carnal Miasma. Most wildlife doesn't possess strong auras that efficiently resist demonic energies. Predators are especially susceptible to influence, since Carnal Miasma is attracted to predation.

A Chimeran's transformation enhances their speed, strength, and resilience, and they may develop special demonic traits and advantages. They become hospitable to demons, drawn to their presence and their settlements. They retain the form and resemblance of their original species, but with obvious demonic visuals, including obsidian hides or exteriors veined with infernal markings.

Chimerans require far less sustenance than their original forms, and will maintain their original diet as needed. However, they aggressively pursue any opportunity to prey upon and feed on Fairkin races, which offers more than just nutrition; it strengthens their demonic evolution. They are often willing to risk their lives to feed, but still maintain their survival instincts.

Chimeran Evolution

As Chimerans feed, their size, abilities, and threat levels evolve. Some acquire bipedal were-forms, enhanced intelligence, excessive mass or strength, and new demonic traits and powers. The nature of their evolutions depends heavily on the creatures they consume and their symbiotic relationship with Miasma. Powerful creatures, especially magical ones, are particularly beneficial to the evolution of a Chimeran.

Chimeran evolution appears to continue indefinitely with continued feedings, but physical size rises more slowly over time. Highly evolved Chimerans have been known to grow larger than dragons, representing some of the most legendary threats Endros has faced. There are mythologies that center around the concept of a "Colossus," a Chimeran that has grown so large and powerful that nothing can stop it.

Highly evolved Chimerans radiate large quantities of Miasma, and exhibit unique demonic traits. They are less affected by frenzy, and exhibit much greater cunning and problem-solving abilities. It is common to find them establishing long-term dens, leading packs of lesser Chimerans, and coordinating complex strategies to outmaneuver their enemies.

Titan-Class Demons

Titan-Class demons refer to giant Chimerans that have evolved through hundreds of feedings, or centuries of extreme Miasma exposure. The technical definition is any Chimeran with a shoulder height over 4 meters, over twice the height of most Hunters, but in practice most people approximate the size based on whether or not it's "really big." Though size doesn't indicate a Chimera's true threat level among Hunters, Titan-Class demons represent overwhelming threats to general populations.

Special considerations are given to hunting down and killing Titan-Class threats as they emerge. Barring unusual circumstances, adventurers are instructed to avoid engagements with Titan-Class demons, and instead must inform the nearest Adventurer's Guild as fast as possible without inadvertently drawing the demon into any settlements. Only specifically designated Titan-Class Hunters are supposed to engage.

Mounted Chimerans

Chimerans are often used as mounts by the Demonkin, serving in roles of travel, transport, combat, or sport. Common mounts include Direwolves, Direstags, Stalkers, and sufficiently large Leapers. Rare, extremely lethal and prized mounts include Raptors, Wyverns, and sufficiently evolved Furies and Harpies.

Chimeran Classifications

Chimerans generally fall into the following classifications:

Mixed Threats:

Constrictor: Snakes; e.g. Pythons, Boas, Anacondas, etc. Vary between size, speed, or stealth.
Vermin: Rodents that move in packs, swarm. Can be overwhelming in numbers.
Fury: Large chimeran birds; e.g. hawk, falcon, eagle, vulture. Aggressive, sharp talons, fierce.
Pincher: Scorpions or crab-like creatures.

Notable Threats:

Direwolf: Large, ferocious wolves.
Grizzly: Bears. Ferocious, strong, powerful, direct, melee warriors.
Stalker: Large, feline predators, adapted for stealth and hunting; e.g. panthers, tigers, etc.
Direstag: Deer, Stag, or Elk. Often with mutated antlers.
Sectoid: Large, beetle-like creatures; e.g. scarab with a hard carapace, sharp mandibles. May swarm.
Leaper: Fast-moving frog-like mutants that leap between trees rapidly. Have acidic tongues capable of dissolving flesh and other materials.

Deadly Threats:

Drake: Small, dragon-like creatures, often with barbed tails. Evolved from lizards.
Leviathan: Sea monster; e.g. Whale, Serpent, Giant Squid, Sea Monster. Associated with immense power and chaos.
Mauler: Primal, untamed, powerful creatures with devastating strength. Apes, Gorillas, Orangutans. Being grappled by one of these creatures is a certain death sentence to most. Strategies are typically range-based.
Raptor: Scaly, Velociraptor-like creatures. Highly intelligent, fast, and agile predators.
Predator: Werewolves. Hybrids of humanoid and wolf-like creatures.