Kaelis

Bestia have mangled, tattered fur that is eternally torn and shredded, revealing muscles and bones protruding from their bodies. Their skeletal structure is partially visible beneath patches of decayed flesh, giving them a haunting, corpse-like appearance. Jagged, broken tusks jut from their lower jaws, and their glowing amber eyes pierce through the darkness.

Both genders are similar in height, weight, and lifespan, exhibiting little sexual dimorphism. Their bodies are adapted to endure harsh environments and prolonged exposure to death magic.

Bestia reproduce sexually, with a gestation period of approximately six months. Litters typically consist of two to four cubs. Genetic traits include enhanced regenerative abilities and resistance to decay, allowing them to survive wounds that would be fatal to other creatures.

Cubs grow rapidly, reaching half their adult size within six months and full maturity by three years. Juveniles learn to harness their death magic and hunting skills under the guidance of the pack.

Bestia thrive in environments steeped in death and decay, such as graveyards, ancient mass graves, and battlefields. They are also found in dense jungles, forests, mountains, and wooded areas where shadows and twilight prevail.

Primarily scavengers, Bestia feed on dying or dead animals, consuming carrion to sustain themselves. When food is scarce, they will hunt small beasts with ferocity and cunning to survive.

Their activity peaks during twilight and nighttime hours, coinciding with the natural decay cycle of their environment. They undergo seasonal shedding of fur and partial regeneration of damaged tissue during the cold months.

Bestia roam the wild’s twilight hours with a fearless demeanor, indifferent to the presence of others unless provoked. They are fiercely territorial and will engage in combat with brutal ferocity if threatened or challenged.

Bestia live in loosely organized packs led by an alpha. The alpha is the only member capable of telepathic communication, which they use to coordinate hunts and maintain pack cohesion. Packs are territorial and protective of their members.

Their faces are gaunt and deathly pale, with sunken sockets housing flickering, ember-like eyes that burn with unholy fire. Tattered fur frames skeletal jaws cracked and scarred by ancient battles. Their snarling mouths exhale cold, ghostly breaths, whispering of cursed undeath and primal ferocity.

estia inhabit a wide range of territories including jungles, forests, graveyards, mountains, and wooded regions, favoring areas with abundant decay and shadow.

Their senses include sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste, all highly attuned to detect prey and threats in low-light environments. Additionally, Bestia possess a latent death magic ability that slowly drains the life force of their enemies during combat, weakening foes over time.

While most Bestia communicate through growls, body language, and scent marking, alphas can communicate telepathically with pack members and occasionally with other species sensitive to magic.

Bestia respect the alpha’s authority and avoid unnecessary conflict within the pack. They do not interfere with other beasts unless provoked or when defending territory.

They avoid harming Ashe and Thain, cubs and pups, and sickly individuals unless survival necessitates otherwise. Violating these taboos can lead to exile or death.

Over centuries, the Bestia evolved from ethereal spirits into tangible, living beasts capable of thriving on the land. No longer mere hauntings, they developed physical forms and instincts that allowed them to survive and dominate their wild habitats. Throughout history, they have been feared and revered, often seen as omens of death or guardians of cursed lands. Their presence has shaped local ecosystems and folklore, marking them as enduring symbols of the balance between life and decay.

Local folklore speaks of Bestia as guardians of the dead, cursed creatures born from divine wrath. Some believe they are omens of death, while others see them as protectors of sacred grounds.

Bestia are generally feared and avoided by other species. They maintain a tense coexistence with Ashe and Thorne, respecting boundaries but ready to fight if challenged. Some shamans and necromancers seek to harness their death magic for their own purposes.