It-That-Hates
"Beware the Bog of Lies, for there dwells It-That-Hates, whose gaze is death and whose embrace is oblivion."
In the murky depths of Everwealth's treacherous swamplands, where the air hangs heavy with decay and the ground betrays the unwary, tales whisper of a malevolent entity known only as "It-That-Hates." This ancient predator, shrouded in myth and fear, is said to embody the very essence of wrath and malice, a relentless force stalking the living with insatiable bloodlust.
Summary
It-That-Hates is depicted as an unnaturally tall humanoid, its emaciated frame draped in tattered remnants of what might once have been burial shrouds. Its elongated limbs end in clawed appendages, and its skin bears the mottled, blackened hue of a frostbitten corpse. Eyeless sockets and a mouth twisted into a perpetual grimace complete its horrifying visage. Legends speak of its supernatural strength and speed, allowing it to overtake and rend any creature that crosses its path. Its sole purpose appears to be the annihilation of all life it encounters, driven by an unfathomable hatred that knows neither reason nor respite.
Historical Basis
The origins of It-That-Hates are deeply entwined with the dark history of The Bog of Lies. Some scholars suggest that the creature is the vengeful spirit of a once-great warrior betrayed and left to perish in the bog's treacherous depths. Others believe it to be a manifestation of the collective anguish and malice of countless souls lost to the swamp's myriad perils. Regardless of its genesis, the creature's legend has been perpetuated by the numerous disappearances and gruesome discoveries of mangled bodies within the bog, lending credence to the tales of its existence.
Spread
While primarily a local legend haunting the Bogshield region, accounts of It-That-Hates have seeped into neighboring settlements, especially following periods marked by unexplained vanishings or the discovery of mutilated remains. Travelers and traders passing near The Bog of Lies often share hushed warnings of the creature, ensuring that its dreadful reputation endures across Everwealth.
Variations & Mutation
In certain eastern Elfese traditions, a similar entity known as "Shinda Otoko" or "The Dead Man" is spoken of, a half-mummified revenant possessing the strength of ten men, hunting relentlessly with unyielding wrath. This parallel has led some to speculate that It-That-Hates and Shinda Otoko are one and the same, suggesting an ancient evil that has traversed both time and cultures. The notion that the Elfs once inhabited these lands lends a disquieting plausibility to this theory, hinting at a malevolence that transcends generations.
Cultural Reception
Among the denizens of Bogshield and its environs, It-That-Hates serves as both a cautionary tale and a grim reminder of the bog's lethal nature. Parents warn their children to steer clear of the swamp's edge, lest they fall prey to the creature's wrath. Even seasoned hunters and foragers speak of an oppressive presence within the bog, a sensation of being watched by unseen eyes, compelling them to cut their excursions short.
In Literature
The chilling legend of It-That-Hates has inspired numerous ballads and cautionary verses, often recited to deter the foolhardy from venturing into the bog's embrace. One such piece, "The Lament of the Lost," narrates the tale of a young adventurer who, dismissing the warnings, meets a grisly end at the hands of the relentless predator.
In Art
Artists attempting to capture the essence of It-That-Hates often depict a shadowy figure emerging from the mist-laden swamp, its elongated limbs reaching out as if to ensnare the viewer. These haunting images serve to evoke the pervasive dread associated with the creature and the perilous allure of the Bog of Lies.
Interactions with Daily Life:
The pervasive fear of It-That-Hates has given rise to various protective customs among the local populace. Before embarking on journeys that skirt the bog, travelers often partake in rituals meant to ward off malevolent spirits, such as anointing their foreheads with swamp ash or carrying talismans crafted from bog iron. These practices underscore the deep-seated dread and respect the people hold for the unseen dangers lurking within the marsh.
Archetype:
Date of First Recording
Sightings date back several decades into the Great Schism. Ancient chronicles speaking of a "ghoulish fiend" who coincided with times of great strife and bloodshed, suggesting that its wrath may be a reflection of the turmoil that birthed it.
- 'It-That-Hates' aligns with the Cursed Child archetype. This alignment stems from its origins and characteristics, which mirror the themes of misfortune and malevolence associated with the Cursed Child.
- Born Under Dark Omens: 'It-That-Hates' is believed to have originated from a tragic or cursed event, marking its existence with ill fate and misfortune.
- Manifestation of Ancestral Wrongs: The creature embodies the consequences of past transgressions, serving as a living reminder of unresolved ancestral sins.
- Harbinger of Doom: Its presence is synonymous with calamity, instilling fear and caution among those who dwell near the Bog of Lies.
- Through these parallels, 'It-That-Hates' serves as a grim reminder within Everwealth's lore of the destructive potential inherent in a cursed existence and the desolation it brings.
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