Mortifer

Creatures of unsettling visage and often nicknamed “Deathbearers”, the presence of a Mortifer tends to fill the Commonfolk with terror, and even the well-educated find themselves decidedly uncomfortable. But Mortifers are peaceful creatures; they do not bring death, but rather accompany or follow it. They are most often found in places that have been coloured by death, such as graveyards, old battlefields, and hanging trees, and they feed on necrotic energies, pain, and sadness. They take these energies and free them, allowing the land to heal and spirits to find peace, which has earned Mortifers the epithet “Dark Purifiers” in some circles. For a long time, Mortifers were believed to be Undead because of their skeletal appearance, but as they are capable of traditional reproduction they were reclassified.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Mortifers appear as emaciated horses with a pronounced spine and a skeletal head. They have no manes, instead having bony protrusions, and their tails are long and skeletal. They are generally black in colour, and their skeletal parts are shades of bone.

Their organ structure greatly resembles a horse, with the internal reproductive system of the female Mortifer showing the most internal differences. However, their boney skulls are significantly thicker than a typical horse, they have more bones in their tail, and the protrusions along their neck and back tend to prevent misidentification. Additionally, Mortifers are in possession of a Mana Pool, allowing for them to utilise minor healing magics.

Genetics and Reproduction

Mortifers choose their mates carefully, with their courtships often seeming long and elaborate. Once they have chosen a mate, they remain with the same mate for the rest of their life. It is not unheard of for matings to occur between members of different herds, with the pair choosing the herd that appears to "need them most" at the time of their union.

A herd of Mortifers will only typically reproduce once every three years, with all mature, fertile females within the herd coming into season around the same time. The herd will find a safe place for the herd to engage in mating, which is often within a secluded, quiet place with easy access to fresh water and necrotic energies. Female Mortifers are only physically pregnant for a month before they lay fleshy, sack-like eggs within which the young finish growing. The young then continue to develop in these egg sacks for a further four months, during which time the herd is unable to move on. Mortifer foals will break themselves out of their egg sacks, and are capable of standing within hours of doing so.

Growth Rate & Stages

Mortifer foals, despite their relatively fast gestational period both within their mothers and within the egg sacks, develop fairly slowly after breaking free from. They are not considered physically mature until they are at least three years of age, with most remaining infertile until the age of five.

Ecology and Habitats

Considered beings drawn by death, Mortifers are most often found in places that have been coloured by it, such as graveyards, old battlefields, and hanging trees. Despite this, it is not unknown for them to frequent regular grasslands and wooded areas on their way to find their next grazing spot.

However, Mortifers typically try to stick to quiet, secluded routes and locations, avoiding people wherever possible. It is said that they generally leave grazing spots better than they found them due to their tendency to absorb and purify necrotic energies.

Dietary Needs and Habits

While Mortifers can feed off typical vegetation, they are sustained primarily by the absorption of necrotic energies, pain, and sadness. Their actions free the energies they absorb from their Material tethers, allowing the land to heal and spirits to find peace.

Behaviour

Mortifers are peaceful creatures, but due to their magical nature they are rarely seen as prey animals. They usually travel in herds, though some Mortifers will wander alone for a time before rejoining the herd. They tend to keep themselves invisible to the living unless they wish to be seen, are wholly comfortable with their surroundings, or the observer has Truesight.

Typically reclusive and shy, Mortifers will avoid Sapient bipeds as much as possible and have shown impressive problem-solving abilities for their level of intelligence. They value loyalty and dedication amongst the herd, and are on occasion drawn to those who display a strong aura of that nature.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Mortifers are herd animals that are typically led by a Matriarch, the oldest mare within the herd, which is contrary to other horse-like herd animals. They operate communally, with the apparent mentality that while the well-being of the herd is the most important thing, each individual has a part to play and is worth investing time and energy into, including protecting when danger strikes.

Strength typically does not play a part in herd hierarchy, with age and wisdom seemingly more important to the beasts. They are known to work together to solve problems and appear to be capable of tactical, logical thinking to a limited degree. It has often been said that Mortifers "hold counsel", with the oldest members of the herd gathering together in one place before a herd moves on, the Matriarch leading the way.

When a Matriarch dies, the next oldest mare typically steps in to take her place. It is rare for there to be any conflict in the transfer of authority, though when there is, it is generally settled by herd consensus, with the losing party typically leaving the herd.

Domestication

Mortifers are typically not domesticated, though it is possible to encourage herds to specific places through the use of Necrotic Lures.

Famous Mortifers

Arawn Farchognos’ steed is said to be a massive antlered Mortifer, blessed by the Elven Death God Himself. Often named as Gysgodion, the Mortifer stallion is said to be the Mortifer King that can summon any and all herds to him with a single neigh. Like his Master, Gysgodion is loyal and just, but relentless in pursuit of those that have wronged his Master.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Difficult to obtain due to their reclusive nature and ability to render themselves invisible, Mortifer bones and organs are considered useful for the construction of necro-resistant charms and potions, while their eyes are consumed to give temporary Ethereal Sight. It is said that drinking the blood of a Mortifer will cure most diseases and ailments.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Mortifers can typically be found worldwide in places that have been coloured or influenced by death, though they are known to be fairly numerous in the Stonemoors region of North West and West Eirinn, parts of Eastern Lafellia, North Fortem, and within the Silver Wastes. The Isle of Swords is also believed to have a small population, though they do not show themselves often due to the high concentration of Undead upon the Isle.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Amongst the Mortifers, their ability to perceive necrotic energies from several miles away is one of their characteristic abilities. Additionally, they are capable of seeing each other even when invisible, and are believed to have a limited form of Ethereal Sight that allows them to see ghosts and spectres.

Physical Abilities

Immune to the degenerative effects of Necrotic energies, Mortifiers instead feed off it and are invigorated by it. They are also immune to poison and disease, and are capable of minor acts of healing on both themselves and others. It is thought that when working in a small group, Mortifers are capable of more potent restorative magics. Additionally, they are able to utilise a variety of Abjurative spells, which can vary from Mortifer to Mortifer. It is common to see multiple Mortifers working together to utilise a combination of spells, showing that they are capable of forming basic strategies together.

The oldest and wisest of Mortifers are thought to be able communicate telepathically with Sapient bipeds, though it is exceptionally rare for them to do so.

Combat and Eradication

Combat Considerations

It is generally advised to ignore a herd of Mortifers should you come across one; they are peaceful creatures and will not harm those who leave them be. However, once startled, a herd will often work together as a group, making it difficult to deal with. Taking on a lone Mortifer is considered more favourable, though most will simply run away from perceived danger without second thought.

They are immune to necrotic energies (in fact being invigorated by it), poison and disease, but do not show any vulnerability to any particular types of damage. They are resistant to charm-based magics, with the Matriarchs often being completely immune.

Content

Scientific Name

Material; Beast; Magical Beast; Mortifer

Origin/Ancestry

Magical Beast

Lifespan

35-40 years

Average Physique

Emaciated appearance but no signs of reduced strength

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Typically black with bone

Geographic Distribution

• The Material Plane of A'arde