Vaorak, the Sea-Fanged Doom

“The sea goes quiet when it passes. Even the waves seem to flee.” — Emberclaw Elder Vahlo

 

Classification

Mythic Superfauna / Apex Predator
 

Region

Coastal Waters and Deep Trenches of Jurkash
 

Appearance

The Maelgorn is a gargantuan ocean predator, said to rival entire ships in size—over 60 feet long from snout to tail fin. Its form is that of a primordial shark, thick-bodied and broad-jawed, with skin like storm-worn stone—dark grey mottled with streaks of glowing azure. These luminous scars run in jagged, bolt-like patterns across its body, said to throb brighter during violent storms.
  Its eyes are pale and unblinking, like polished storm glass, and its gaping maw holds rows of jagged, translucent teeth that flicker with arcane energy. The dorsal fin rises tall and jagged like a blade of obsidian, often seen cresting the water moments before an attack.
 

Behavior

The Maelgorn is not a mindless beast, but a calculating force of nature. It rarely attacks without provocation, but when it does, it strikes with silence and finality—rising from the depths with the speed of a thunderclap. It is drawn to magical energies, blood in the water, or storm activity, often appearing after rituals or battles near the sea.
  Sailors describe its presence as oppressive, with the air growing still and all sound muffled—save for the soft crackle of energy dancing along the water’s surface.
 

Cultural Significance

To the Emberclaw Tribe and coastal dwellers of Jurkash, the Maelgorn is a storm-spirit given flesh. Offerings of bone, salted meat, and storm glyphs carved into driftwood are cast into the waves during violent weather to appease it. Some believe it is the sea’s own judgment, appearing to punish arrogance or imbalance.
  Elders say its essence is tied to the Depths, a place of forgotten arches below the ocean floor, where the sea and sky first touched. Whispers speak of a forbidden cult that seeks to awaken it permanently and unleash its fury upon the Empire.
 

Abilities

Stormhowl – Emits a subsonic pulse that can stun prey and disrupt magical effects.
Abyss Leap – Can launch itself from the depths with terrifying force, capsizing ships or crashing onto rocky shores.
Arcshock Bite – Its bite discharges violent bursts of storm energy that shatter metal and bone alike.
Maelstrom Wake – Its movement distorts currents and forms sudden whirlpools in its path.
 

Notable Sightings

  The Tidebone Massacre Near Tidebone Cove, an Imperial war barge vanished with all hands. The only trace was a shattered hull and a single survivor, trembling and incoherent, repeating the phrase “the mouth beneath the waves.” Fisherfolk now refuse to sail there during high tide.
  The Singing Spires Tremor During a violent coastal storm, the Falrak Stone Spires—natural towers of rock—sang with a harmonic hum before splitting in half. Locals swear they saw a towering fin pass by in the rain, followed by a breach of such size the sky went dark for a heartbeat.
  The Storm Pact Ceremony Every decade, the Emberclaw perform the Storm Pact ritual. During the last rite, lightning struck the shore five times in silence—and just offshore, a vast shadow passed beneath the waves. No words were spoken. All present bowed, knowing the Maelgorn had come and watched—and let them live.