“I remember the tales of Scârpân Isle growing up, of the monsters that prowl our woods and snatch lone children from the fields in the dry months. In those days every bird or flying creature could be a chimera scouting for prey. Every rustle in the bushes and trees were these stalking beasts. It wasn’t until years later that I saw them up close. In Jupuire, along the coast I have studied what scraps I am allowed and are left under the watch of the Covenant’s judging glare.
Their biology is fascinating. They are both beautiful and terrifying in form and biological make-up. They call these creatures chimeras yet many differ from most references and diagrams I have come across to the extent that I wonder if the name is meant to dilute the true marvel of these creatures. The hunters that source my supply are less than delicate with them, leaving my studies frustratingly unfinished in most instances, but something strange is happening on that island to breed these monsters in so many forms. Poisoned blood, razor fangs, spines and exoskeletons, parts of lions, deer, wolves, serpents, bears, eagles, and even owlbears and griffins. The greatest specimen I have glimpsed had twin heads like a dragon and limbs that can only be described as otherworldly. Most of my specimens have extra organs, some that don’t even work, like they were mixed together from different systems. Yet, from their biology, they have evidence of being born like mammals or hatched like birds - another anomaly of their physiology being inconsistent.
I have never been so tempted to test my surveyors diligence and try my hand to recreate this work again. It is said that Count Amesteca was a madman. Perhaps he was - perhaps that is a trait we share - but I see the vision in the progeny of his alleged work. A work born of stitched prayers and broken laws all for the sake of transcending nature by forcing its hand.
I’ve attempted what I can under the supervision the Covenant annoyingly keeps over me now, and have come to a conclusion. Sitting in this lab is doing me no more favors. If I am to uncover the true nature of these creatures, I must visit their nesting grounds. I have found a boat that will take me as close to the island as any would dare and bought their rowboat to take me ashore. I also have employed a handful of aspiring “knights” whose eyes sparkled at the sight of a single gold coin. Not the greatest company or protection, but we must work with what we have.
Tomorrow I leave for the island. Tonight I must gather my thoughts and notes for what lies ahead.”— Petar Nicolae, Heretic biologist, on the study of the chimeras of the Isle of Scârpân
Comments