Mortifer
Creatures of unsettling visage and often nicknamed “Deathbearers”, the presence of a Mortifer often fills 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.
Genetics and Reproduction
Mortifers lay fleshy, sack-like eggs within which the young grow.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Content
Emaciated appearance but no signs of reduced strength
Typically black with bone
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