Behemoths

"They are the wrath of the earth, the echo of the elements, and the ultimate test for those who dare challenge them. If you cross their path, pray that your courage matches their power."

— Proverb of the hunters of Ochokito

  The Behemoths, majestic and fearsome creatures, embody the raw forces of nature and the elements. Born from the fragments of essence left by the Primordial Behemoths, they represent an evolution of these original entities, maintaining their connection to the elements.  

Origin of the Behemoths: The Titans

The Titans, sometimes called the Primordial Behemoths, were forged from the raw energies of the elements: fire, water, air, and earth. These entities were not simply physical incarnations of these energies; they were linked to the very essence of reality, maintaining the balance between creation and destruction.   Each Titan possessed its own intelligence and will, reflecting the nature of the element it represented:  

• Ignaros, the Titan of Fire, was a storm of living flames, representing both passion and destruction.
• Thalassus, the Titan of Water, embodied both life and the deluge.
• Aerion, the Titan of Air, represented freedom incarnate, yet also the relentless power of storms.
• Gaïarok, the Titan of Earth, symbolized stability and the fury of earthquakes.

  These creatures were intended to act as guardians, preserving the balance of the world. However, their power was so immense that it made them difficult to control, even by their creator.  

Role in Cosmic History

During their existence, the Titans played a crucial role in the conflicts between Aenor and Nyssara. They fought the destructive forces unleashed by the latter, preserving the world from total annihilation on several occasions. Their mere presence was enough to drastically influence climatic and geological events.   Unfortunately, the Titans' connection to the raw forces of the elements came at a cost. Over time, these entities began to lose their connection to their original mission. Their intelligence, though powerful, was overwhelmed by the chaotic essence of their respective elements, plunging them into destructive madness.  

The Fall of the Titans

Faced with the threat they posed to the world they were meant to protect, Aenor was forced to destroy his own creations. This was an act of deep sorrow for the God of Creation, who viewed the Titans as his children.   However, the Titans did not completely vanish. As they were destroyed, their energy was dispersed across the world, leaving behind fragments of their essence. These fragments became the sources of many forms of elemental magic and influenced ecosystems worldwide.  

The Béhémoths

From the fragments of the Titans’ essence emerged a new generation of creatures, known as the Behemoths. While much less powerful than their predecessors, these Behemoths are remarkably varied and stable, avoiding the loss of control that plagued the originals.   Each Behemoth possesses a unique appearance reflecting the element it is tied to. These creatures, though varying in size and shape, share one common trait: breathtaking power. Here are some iconic examples:  

• Fire Behemoths: Fiery creatures with incandescent claws.
• Water Behemoths: Aquatic entities with luminous scales.
• Air Behemoths: Aerial monsters navigating fierce winds.
• Earth Behemoths: Rocky colossi walking slowly but with unwavering strength.
• Lightning Behemoths: Fast and sparkling beasts, traversing storms with power.
• Ice Behemoths: Cold titans sculpted from living ice.
• Nature Behemoths: Symbiotic beings made of roots and foliage.
• Gravity Behemoths: Mysterious creatures manipulating weight and balance around them.

 

Intelligence

The Béhémoths possess a primal intelligence, closely tied to their element. While they do not have human-like consciousness, they display incredible responsiveness to their environment, tactical adaptability in combat, and a keen survival instinct.  

• Socialization: Some Behemoths show limited social behaviors, such as mating rituals or signs of defending shared territories.
• Analysis: During confrontations, they seem to evaluate the threat posed by their opponents and adjust their attacks accordingly, often using the environment to their advantage.
• Communication: The Éthérians have observed rudimentary forms of communication between Behemoths, mainly based on roars, postures, and elemental emissions (such as lightning for Lightning Behemoths).

 

Domestication by the Éthérians

The Éthérians], thanks to their innate connection to the elements, are the only ones to have succeeded in domesticating certain Behemoths. This process, which can take years, relies on a combination of elemental magic, mutual respect, and a deep emotional connection.  

Domestication Process

The Éthérians approach Behemoths with caution, gaining their trust through peaceful gestures and harmonious energy. They use magical rituals to synchronize their energies with those of the Behemoth.  

Uses

Once domesticated, these creatures serve as mounts, protectors, or allies in battle. Nature Behemoths, for example, are often used to revitalize barren lands.  

Symbiosis

This bond goes beyond mere utility; the Éthérians view these Behemoths as partners, creating a relationship of deep trust.  

Hunting and Conflicts

In certain regions, Behemoths are hunted for their rare materials, bones, skin, and elemental energies. However, this hunting is extremely dangerous, as even the smallest Behemoths are capable of destroying entire villages.   The most renowned hunters prepare for these encounters by forging specialized elemental weapons and armor, often using resources obtained from previous hunts. Hunter guilds have formed, offering their services to villages or kingdoms threatened by a Behemoth.