Bestiary

"Are you quite sure you want to know this?" Beyond this point lie major spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, or Sunless Skies. This may include endgame or major Fate-locked spoilers. Proceed at your own risk. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here.

The world is home to myriad forms of flora and fauna, from the familiar lands of the Surface to the dark caverns of the Neath to the winding possibilities of Parabola to the icy winds of the High Wilderness. The following is a bestiary of these creatures, and is currently UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

Assorted Animals

The animals of the Neath aren't usually all too different from their Surface counterparts, but they're often much more intelligent for one, and some can even talk. A few species can even form societies of their own, which may coexist or even compete with human ones.

Unless otherwise stated, most animals that display strange traits in the Neath also show these traits in the High Wilderness. For example, in the heavens, rats are still as chatty as ever.

Bat

"Bats zip to and fro above. Their cries sound almost like speech." Bats in the Neath are common and generally normal-sized. Large swarms of bats often fly through the smog-infested skies of Fallen London, and these swarms may pose a threat to unprepared ships traveling the Unterzee. White zee-bats are also heavily associated with the Zee-god Salt, and are a common instigator of both maritime superstition and bone-chilling fear. Bats in the Neath are notably used as couriers and messengers in Fallen London, especially among players of the Great Game. These messenger-bats often have their deliveries tied to their legs in small bundles, but some highly trained bats may also have information tattooed on their bodies directly. The University has a close interest in bats, and several important fields have been dedicated to their study. One such field is called chiropteromancy, the study of divination by observing bat flight patterns, and is popular among fortune-tellers. Another field is called chiropterochronometry, the study of telling time with bats. Apparently, bats can be calibrated like clocks, and can even encode information into their flight patterns using time itself as a key. A Bat Swarm. A Sulky Bat. A Cryptographic Chiropteran. A Gift of Scorn. The Topsy King, accompanied by a Bat. A Diffident Bat. A Star-Smitten Bat.

Bear
"Is it possible that they do the Escaping Bear Bit on purpose?" Bears in the Neath appear to be relatively uncommon, but a certain bear acts as a performer in a circus based in Ealing Gardens. Unfortunately, it gained access to a stash of Prisoner's Honey and escaped into Parabola, now roaming dreams as the Honey-Mazed Bear. The Honey-Mazed Bear An Ursine Honey Connoisseur. Dangerous?

Cat

"Cats are involved in the Neath's intrigues. Perhaps you can make use of that." Main article: Cats Cats in the Neath are talkative creatures enshrouded by several mysteries and intrigues. A black Cat. A brown Cat. A calico Cat. A fat Cat. A grey Cat. An orange Cat. A ginger Cat. A gray Cat. A tabby Cat. A wary Cat. A white Cat. Shadowy? The Starveling Cat! The Starveling Cat! Makes a nice Stole, now how about that? A Midnight Matriarch. A Grubby Kitten. A Wretched Mog. A Pink-Painted Cat. A Christmas card depicting the Paint-Besplattered Mog. The One-Eyed Mog The Turbulent Tabby A leopard in Parabola. A panther in Parabola. A tiger in Parabola. A Parabolan Panther. A Parabolan Kitten. The Viscountess of the Viric Jungle A Useless Cat. The Felined Eccentric. Is that a real cat?

Cavy

"I have been constructing and honouring the House of Cavy since boyhood. The progenitors of their proud line lie in state here, by my very throne! I have noted and elaborated all their generations, and bestowed fitting honours." Cavies, also known as guinea pigs, are sapient rodents in the Neath that are capable of speaking human languages. These creatures are capable of great feats of artistry and engineering, and cavy warriors often wear small, but intricate suits of armor. Some cavies have formed social structures comparable to human ones; one such example is the House of Cavy, a complex dynasty of guinea pigs with a rich history, ancestry, and social hierarchy, who would go on to form the nation of Cavia in Pigmote Isle. A Pre-Emptive Guinea-Pig. An Intrepid Cavy.

Cockatoo

"A majestically crested bird which speaks only in competent elegiac poetry. It scrutinises the Neath, the better to include observations in its work." Elegiac Cockatoos in the Neath are known for their dreary dispositions and fondness for melancholy poetry. These birds can be found in the Wisp-Ways of Mangrove College, where they may imitate the voices of nearby travelers. They also seem to enjoy a strange, violant tea from Beatrice's, which seems tasteless, and can only be enjoyed "through the tastebuds of another". An Elegiac Cockatoo.

Crab

"Thomas is a crab the size of a hansom. He doesn't actually eat much, but he likes to decorate his carapace." Crabs are a common sight in the beaches of the Neath, and they can grow to the size of a barrel lid or even a hansom. One species of zee-crab was large enough to found an entire city on its back, called Hideaway, after being tamed by Arik of the Seven Against Nidah. A interesting species of crab is the Copper-Spectacled Crustacean. These creatures are young, with strange, coin-like markings on their back, and these markings may multiply when the crab is fed certain foods. In fact, said markings are actually a form of writing, but are generally too small to read with the naked eye. Another notable species of crab is the Dark-Carapaced Crustacean, which appears to be born from animals who consume lacre, or Neathy snow. These creatures are fuzzy and possess tentacles, and tend to scuttle about, strictly from right-to-left, and never seem any happier when they arrive at their destination. When exposed to certain lights, Dark-Carapaced Crustaceans may "break free" into Gilded Crustaceans, giving their shells a bright gold color and significantly lightening their spirits. A Crab's claw. Hideaway

Dog
"An unprepossessing beast of unparalleled patience, cunning and loyalty. Treasure her." Dogs in the Neath are very similar to their Surface counterparts, except that they also appear to be capable of speech. A Perspicacious Lurcher. A Haunted-Looking Dog. A Maverick Bloodhound. An Inadvisably Big Dog.

Falcon

"A silent and fearsome hunter. You can only assume that it is about to strike, for you will never know until it has." Falcons in the Neath are ferocious and cunning hunters, just like their Surface counterparts. One notable falcon is the Bitter Saker Falcon, a bird that's said to be older than Fallen London and was an old friend of the Gracious Widow. This falcon regularly hunts devils in the Forgotten Quarter, relieving them of one or more of their eyes, and intercepts hapless messenger bats with equal ferocity. Some falcons also seem to enjoy grassy green tea from Beatrice's. The Bitter Saker Falcon

Ferret
"Ferrets aren't so easy to acquire now. I did think to start a breeding program, but never got round to it, and now look." Ferrets in the Neath were once popular pets for members of the Department of Menace Eradication at Watchmaker's Hill. Unfortunately, they're apparently much harder to come by nowadays. A Comatose Ferret.

Fish

"A happy addition to your household." Fish in the Neath are common and may be subterranean versions of their Surface counterparts; as an example, common edible fish include cave-mackerel and cave-trout. Tiny Cave Fish are blind fish that are also a delicacy, and are especially popular among Rubbery Men. Goldfish are a very popular pet in London, and are known for their cheerful dispositions and calming prescence. More esoteric varieties of Swimsuit – Jessica Rey (XS not XXS)fish include the large, mysterious fish that roam the waters of the Persephone near Jericho Locks. These fish have scales the color of twilight, whitish flesh, and seven eyes and seven hearts. Their scales, called Moonlight Scales, are a popular delicacy in Hell, in spite of their rarity. Another interesting species of fish is the Voracious Lamp-Eye, a carnivorous, many-toothed fish that can produce a cyan glow from its eponymous Eye, using it to lure in unsuspecting prey. A Fish. A Fish. A Cheery Goldfish. A Haunted Goldfish. A Tiny Cave Fish. A Tiny Cave Fish. A Voracious Lamp-Eye.

Fox

"Cunning as...why are there no foxes in the city?!" Foxes are extremely uncommon in Fallen London, as almost all of them left the city for the Elder Continent, according to rumor. This is because Mr Cups denied foxes dominion over scraps and refuse, and instead provided it to the rats. To this day, the rats enforce this deal with gusto, and ensure that any foxes remain off London's shores. A Bedraggled, Forlorn Fox. Persuasive?

Frog

"What are the things that live between air, water, and land?" Frogs in the Neath are common, and of note are the wide variety of poisonous frogs that roam Bugsby's Marches near Watchmaker's Hill. In the last four years, over three hundred and sixty-three new species of frog have been documented in the marshes, eighteen of which produce poisons previously unknown to toxicologists. These frogs come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and many of them can produce poisons that can cause death, amnesia, or even hallucinations. One species of frog can even explode, leaving behind scorched earth in its wake. A noteworthy species of frog is the ghost-jewel frog, a small, dark orange amphibian that produces poison that can knock a person out for an entire week. Another notable species is the Mycological Bullfrog, which is composed of fungus. These bullfrogs produce spores from their gills, which gestate into more bullfrogs. They appear to be taxonomically unrelated to actual frogs, but their organs are surprisingly similar. Interestingly, they can also produce an appetizing scent from their bodies. A poisonous Frog, perched on an urchin's head.

Horse

"The horses of Fallen London are vicious, shaggy brutes and this one has taken fright from a sorrow-spider and bolted with its hansom cab. Someone will get hurt!" Horses in the Neath are very similar to their Surface counterparts. They're primarily used London to pull hansoms and carriages, and are known for their unpleasant temperaments. Horse-tripe is also a popular dish in certain markets in Spite. Horses are also a cornerstone of the culture of the Fourth City, given their Mongolian roots. As such, the Forgotten Quarter, the last remnant of the Fourth City in London, is brimming with horse statues and equine architecture. The richest district of the Khanate, Khan's Glory, uses similar architecture as well. Airag is a valuable drink that originates from the Fourth City, and is made out of fermented mare's milk. A Horse. An Obdurate Stallion. A Thoroughly Cowed Pony. Poor thing.

Rattus Faber

"You have rats: and some of the ratholes have been dynamited open, not gnawed." Main article: Rattus Faber L.B.s, known scientifically as Rattus Faber, are sapient rats known for their cunning and skills in engineering. They're also known for regularly causing trouble for the residents of Fallen London. Rattus Faber A Talkative Rattus Faber. A Working Rat. A Rattus Faber Bandit Chief. The Scuttering Squad An Albino Rat. Rats on a String. A Rat of Glory. A Rat Postman. A Rattus Faber Assistant. A Venge-Rat. A Metaphysically Educated Rattus Faber. The Formerly Talkative Bearer of the Sausage About Which Nobody Complains "In a glass case, a stuffed Postal Rat is locked in mortal combat with a preserved blemmigan." A Turncoat? The Ratronaut The Rat Brigade

Lizard

"The lizards of the Neath come in all shapes and sizes. Huge monsters lurk in the marshes, where only the foolhardy venture unarmed. But their smaller cousins make excellent pets." Lizards in the Neath come in various shapes and sizes: from enormous reptiles that lurk in the marshlands to smaller variants that are popular as pets. Lizard Throwing is also a popular game at Mrs Plenty's Carnival, where participants must throw a lizard and catch an airborne bat for a prize. Certain lizards enjoy the taste of lamplighter beeswax; upon consuming it, they may emit a glow that is reminiscent of the light of Parabola. A Reprehensible Lizard.

Marsh-Wolf

"Wolves are common throughout Bugsby's Marshes. The rarer white variety are known for their swimming skills and the astonishing speed of their sinister lope across the mud-flats." Marsh-Wolves are wolves that roam Bugsby's Marshes near Watchmaker's Hill. Besides their odd choice in habitat, Marsh-Wolves largely appear to be similar to their Surface counterparts. Grey Marsh-Wolves are relatively common and are seen as very dangerous, but this reputation may be somewhat undeserved. White Marsh-Wolves are much rarer than their grey counterparts, and are noted for their exceptional speed and swimming skills. A Grey Marsh-Wolf. A White Marsh-Wolf.

Mole

"Moles are very useful, we find. They dig, both literally and metaphorically." Moles in the Neath are very similar to their Surface counterparts, in that they dig throughout the Earth with remarkable speed and skill. In fact, this skill in the reason why moles are popular among agents of the Great Game, and they're particularly useful for uncovering secrets, or as messengers when less subtle couriers such as postmen or bats are unviable. Moles are also useful for more... unscrupulous missions as well; for example, certain trained moles can calculate a building's weakest points for quick and easy demolition. A Subtle Mole.

Parrot

"Such a pretty bird deserves to be shown off. And his colours are quite à la mode! Society will envy you so." Parrots in the Neath are capable of speech, just like their Surface counterparts, and they're popular as pets. They can also be found in the Mirror-Marches of Parabola. One parrot, Bluebeard, is notable enough that it has a drink brewed by Mr Wines named after it: Old Bluebeard's Droppings Porter. Charming. A Preening Macaw.

Pangolin
"Behold her little nose! How impeccably her scales overlap! How sinuous her tongue! She knows how perfect she is. She'd never say anything. But she knows." Pangolins are known for their voracious appetites, consisting of hundreds of grams of ants per day, and their personable demeanors. A Perfect Pangolin.

Pentecost Ape
"What maniac taught Abstraction to apes? And how many souls has this one appropriated?" Main article: The Empire of Hands Pentecost Apes are sapient monkeys that have absorbed human souls to elevate themselves. A Malevolent Monkey. A Pentecost Ape. A Pentecost Ape. A Melancholy Monkey. Vespasian Domitian Livia Cripsin IV

Rabbit
"What round cheeks! What tender ears! And that rump! The Obviously Delicious Rabbit looks like the sinful dreams of foxes." Rabbits in the Neath are generally similar to their Surface counterparts, and are frequently employed by the performers at Mahogany Hall for their various shows and illusions. An Obviously Delicious Rabbit.

Raven

"The ravens of the Neath are white as snow. Only migrants from the Surface have black plumage, and they are rare. All ravens, though, are known for their wisdom." Ravens in the Neath are very unique compared to their Surface counterparts; their features are snow-white, for one, and "sing like nightingales". However, they do still enjoy a bit of carrion. Neathy ravens are also capable of speech, and are renowned for their wisdom; interestingly, ravens imported from the Surface are also capable of speech. Certain ravens may gain an interest in certain esoteric topics. Upon receiving the knowledge they desire, they may actually give up carrion and feast solely on secrets and water. However, their plumes will appear more vibrant and their ability to speak may improve. Once they obtain enough knowledge, however, the raven may immolate itself like a phoenix and leave behind only an egg, which then may hatch into an even greater raven upon being incubated with books and secrets. Certain other ravens may gain an interest in criminal enterprises. Upon receiving the rumors they desire, their appetites may grow more voracious, and their plumes may grow darker, like fog or even charcoal. Eventually, they may grow clever enough to become fierce criminal masterminds in their own right. A Dazed Raven Advisor. A Dreamy Raven Advisor. A Philosophical Raven Advisor. A Pristine Raven's Egg. A Mystic Raven Advisor. A light-plumed Raven. A light-plumed Raven. A light-plumed Raven. A Wary Raven Advisor. A Unscrupulous Raven Advisor. A Devious Raven Advisor. A dark-plumed Raven. A dark-plumed Raven. A dark-plumed Raven. A Bandaged Raven. An ordinary raven... ...or is it?

Slug

"Why do the Quality gather in this seedy, dismal area? To gamble. Specifically, to race slugs. Specialist mollusc-breeders have taken the Neath's hardy little gastropods and bred them for speed and intelligence." Slugs in the Neath, known scientifically as Mollusca gargantua, are noted for their large sizes. These mollusks live in the chytrid woods, and according to rumor, the fungi that grow there apparently seep into their brains and compel them to dance during moonless nights. The slime that covers giant slugs is also apparently quite valuable for reasons unknown, though the slugs themselves may have unpleasant temperaments. Giant slugs also burrow through the depths below Fallen London, leaving behind large tunnels in their wake. These tunnels are large enough for a person to fit through, though they may be quite sticky. Mollusca gargantua can apparently grow to the size of a hippo, and may grow large enough to ride on using special saddles. Furthermore, slugs are a popular pet in London, owing to their personable dispositions and cooperative nature. For this reason, slug-racing is a popular hobby amongst London's wealthy, complete with high-stakes bets and specialized breeding practices. These racing-slugs are larger than a cat, are bred for their speed and smarts, and are fed on a steady diet of nutritious lettuce. They're also powerful swimmers, in case a slug-race leads through inconveniently marshy terrain. Notable slug races in London include the Gastropod Cup, the Pulmonata Memorial Derby, and most notably, the Mollusca Tour de London, a race that spans all the way from Ladybones Road to Watchmaker's Hill and back, and may in fact take several months to complete – even the finest racing-slug is still a slug, after all. The contestants in a recent Mollusca Tour de London include the Zahir, a racing-slug so well trained it possesses a strong musculature, a Rubbery Slug named Xletholoxcatollax that was trained by a Rubbery Racer and appears to be an amalgamation of around twenty other species of creature, and last but not least, Rodent's Revenge, a slug bred and trained by several Rattus Faber. A Racing Slug of Fine Pedigree. Doña Villar

Spider

"The landlord of The Blind Helmsman runs an illegal spider pit in his beer cellar. The place is packed with zailors, Clay Men, and thrill-seeking aristocrats. The room smells of mud, beer, sweat... and money." Spiders in the Neath are often bigger and more dangerous than those on the Surface. The owner of the Blind Helmsman over at Wolfstack Docks runs a spider-pit, where patrons can place their bets in a free-for-all on a spider of their choosing. Such tournaments are, however, technically illegal. The reigning champion of these tournaments is Florence, the Stackside Spinner. This spider uses her vicious, poisoned cobwebs to ensnare and neutralize her foes, as well as her powerful speed and dexterity to always prevail in the long game. Such skill is to be expected of a frequent victor, of course. Millie, the Moloch Street Mangler, is an enormous spider with a hook for one of her legs. She uses powerful charges and her massive size to vanquish her foes, and is strong enough to fling a spider into the air and out of the ring by herself. Daphne, the Graveside Creeper, is a spider who was supposedly raised on the blood of tomb-colonists. She may be slower than the competition, but she's known for her resilience; in fact, she's rumored to be impossible to kill! Alonzo, Scourge of the Marshes, is the underdog of the spider-rings. He may seem weak given his diminutive size, but his venom is said to burn holes in lead; this venom is even capable of making smaller spiders explode in puffs of sulphur, and even larger spiders don't stand a chance against well-placed bites. The faraway Kingdom of Vesture, located deep within the Elder Continent, has a fair share of arachnids as well. Vesture's economy is primarily based on silkweaving, so each palace in Vesture contains an enormous spider-matriarch. These matriarchs provide their palaces with silks for making textiles, and they're generally treated with utmost respect. When a matriarch grows weary, its replacement is sourced from a nearby cobwebbed forest as a larva; because of this practice of stealing their young, the spiders of the forest have a long-standing distrust of Vesture's citizens. Florence, the Stackside Spinner Millie, the Moloch Street Mangler Daphne, the Graveside Creeper Alonzo, Scourge of the Marshes

Tiger

"Green eyes meet your gaze. It fears nothing. And why should it?" Main article: Tigers Tigers are sapient felines from the Elder Continent. They can speak human languages, and possess substantial political influence in the Neath. A Tiger. The Tiger Keeper The Minister of War The Minister of State Affairs The Minister of Culture The Minister of Enigmas An Extravagantly-Titled Tigress. The Love-Sickened Seneschal Tiger stripes!

Tomb-Lion
"Regal and threatening. But, dear God, the smell..." The Tomb-Lion is a poor, maltreated lion that was once a performing animal for a circus or traveling show, and now resides in the Tomb-Colonies. Despite its situation, it retains a regal demeanor and may even show loyalty, but its tastes are oddly mysterious, as it doesn't seem to eat any meat or other food. The Tomb-Lion

Tortoise

"They're not the swiftest, but they are the most reliable." Tortoises in the Neath are very similar to their counterparts on the Surface. However, tortoises with uniquely partisan inclinations are sometimes used by revolutionaries as messengers. These tortoises carry letters and are known for their reliability, but they may prove useful in other inventive schemes as well. A Partisan Messenger Tortoise.

Weasel

"Weasels have become fashionable pets in the city of late: small, clean, fierce and very happy underground." Weasels are more or less outwardly identical to their Surface counterparts, though they display a limited degree of sapience like many other of the Neath's animals. They're capable of singing popular tunes, playing card and parlor games, and specially trained weasels were once used by agents of the Great Game for an unknown purpose. Weasels have recently become popular pets in Fallen London, given their natural preference for the underground and their relative cleanliness. Weasel-sellers peddle these creatures throughout the streets of Spite, and they may train their weasels to attack anyone who tries to accost them. Weasels are also eaten as delicacies by certain individuals and factions, such as urchins, tigers, and apparently the Boatman himself. On occasion, Londoners pit weasels against each other in tournaments of weasels, played in weasel-pits; this sport is often played a bit more seriously than one would expect. These tournaments are reported in the Fighting Weasel Digest, and ravens are known for their apparent oracular abilities in predicting these tournaments' outcomes, though this practice is considered cheating. Certain weasels are even bred for this purpose; Araby Fighting-Weasels are a bronze-furred, powerful breed specially trained to fight in weasel-pits, and are known for their cunning and proud disposition. Unfortunately, like all sports, tournaments of weasels suffer from their fair share of cheaters, including an apparent case of weasel-doping. The Ancient and Honorable Company of Weasel-Fanciers are a group of renowned weasel enthusiasts who regularly send their weasels out to battle Rattus Faber. They notably hand out prizes to weasels who display amazing skill, elegance, and manners, though they dislike participants who game the playing field using selective breeding. Lucky Weasels are weasels that are renowned for their exceptional luck; this unfortunately does not imply that they bring others luck. Salt Weasels are an extremely rare variety of weasel that originate north of Fallen London in the Pale Wastes; these weasels are known for their relative guilelessness, and are unfortunately hunted for their valuable fur. The performers of Mahogany Hall frequently use weasels as part of their performances, putting the animals in high demand in the area. But a particular tune in Mahogany Hall may cause the poor creatures grievous harm... A Weasel. A Lucky Weasel. An Araby Fighting-Weasel. A Salt Weasel. A Weasel-Infested Velocipede. Plagued by a Popular Song?

In the Company of Monsters

The Neath is home to far more than ordinary animals, however, and many of these creatures have more to them than meets the eye.

Amphigator
"A thrashing reptile rears from the swamp...twice! A head at each end!" Amphigators are bizarre creatures that roam the Wisp-Ways of Mangrove College. They're like alligators, but with heads on both ends for twice the threat.

Bifurcated Owl

"Feed it only the most terrible secrets." The Bifurcated Owl is an exceptionally mysterious and intelligent bird with an appetite for secrets. Its most notable feature is a mysterious seam that divides its body vertically, giving it its odd name. This scar actually has a strange purpose: Bifurcated Owls are capable of opening themselves up via their suture, and they like to extract secrets from nearby minds using mysterious, finger-like growths that lie within their bodies. A Bifurcated Owl.

Blemmigan

"It has claws; it has a fierce double beak; but just now it seems disinclined to use them." Main article: Blemmigans Blemmigans are sentient mushrooms with powerful beaks and a penchant for poetry. PROPAGATE! A Blemmigan. A Blemmigan Pedant. A Blemmigan Gallivanter. A Blemmigan Tourist. A Blemmigan Voyager. A Blemmigan... hat? A Blemmigan attack! "In a glass case, a stuffed Postal Rat is locked in mortal combat with a preserved blemmigan."

Bloatfinger

"Bloatfingers. They can't stand to be seen. Loathsome, isn't it?" Bloatfingers are creatures that are endemic to the Elder Continent, commonly seen in the wilds of the Bleeding Forest and in the hidden city of Arbor. They're serpentine creatures that are covered in fanged mouths and jeering eyes, giving them a delightfully hideous appearance, and they often reside in large groups within the leaves of chertapple trees. Unfortunately, they're woefully aware of their unseemliness and try to remain hidden, and they ruthlessly lash out at anyone who manages to observe them. A Bloatfinger.

Corresponding Ocelot

"Eye-watering sigils occasionally form in his fur. Writes impassioned letters to the press. Enjoys a belly rub." The Corresponding Ocelot is a strange spotted feline that's capable of speaking human languages, and it's notorious for its passion for writing and journalism, as well as its fondness for belly rubs. The spots on its body may rearrange themselves to form Correspondence sigils, which may reflect the Ocelot's mood or experiences. The Corresponding Ocelot

Cyclopean Owl
"It hoots scornfully at your suggestions. It will, eventually, do as you ask - but only because you clearly can't manage on your own." The Cyclopean Owl is a one-eyed owl with a very disagreeable demeanor. The Cyclopean Owl

Dilly

"She's a shy thing, and almost always hiding in a corner. She has a fondness for other people's fingers." Dilly is a fuzzy, spider-like creature with a shy demeanor. She has a fondness for people's fingers and toes, and enjoys rearranging them however she pleases. Some of her tricks include removing fingertips, manipulating knuckle bones, switching around toes, and swapping fingers between different people, all with no apparent harm or permanent damage. Despite her apparent mischievousness, however, she is still good-natured, and usually undoes her work when she's done playing. Dilly

False-Snake

"The body is preserved in a jar: legless, scaleless, deep blue. There are tiny tentacles on its face, below its sightless eyes." False-snakes are creatures with superficially serpentine bodies, but are otherwise very different from actual snakes. They are dark blue and lack scales, and apparently reside deep underground, with pointed jaws and facial tentacles used to burrow through dirt. They also seem to possess a second pair of jaws within their exterior mouths, and, like many other animals that live in extreme darkness, their eyes are also recognizably sightless. The bodies of false-snakes have an adverse reaction to light, emitting vibrant pink toxins upon exposure. These toxins can melt even stone, and may be released when exposed to the light of the Neathbow as well. Whether this is some form of defense mechanism against predators, or perhaps against light itself, is unknown. Apparently, false-snakes are a relative of frogs and other amphibians. Many supposedly ancient false-snakes were found west of London in the Hinterlands, their corpses preserved in a strange, icy marsh. Whether or not these creatures still roam the Neath today is unknown. A Preserved False-Snake.

Frost-Moth

"A silent crowd of frost-moths perches on the roof of the Chandleress' home. In the faint light of the false-stars above, their idly flexing wings are the colour of dirty ice." Frost-moths are mysterious insects that are seemingly made of ice. These creatures are an extremely common sight in the Tomb-Colonies, and to a lesser extent Fallen London, where they're often considered pests. Frost-moths can grow to the size of a large bat, and they're known for their fondness for candles, which they're attracted to and often consume. They also have a tendency to bite or pick at anyone who tries to repel them, and swarms of frost-moths can be quite dangerous. However, they're very fragile and sensitive to high temperatures, and their bodies melt when killed or exposed to severe heat. Frost-moths aren't common in the Tomb-Colonies because of the climate there, however; they're born from a unique process called Emergence, in which they burst from aged tomb-colonists like they would from a large chrysalis. A Frost-Moth. A Frost-Moth. A Frost-Moth.

Fungus-Column

"A Fungus-column lurks in the nearby Bugsby's Marshes. Twelve feet of spongy savagery, complete with lashing barbed fronds." Fungus-columns, also called fungus-towers, are twelve-foot tall monstrosities that lurk within Bugsby's Marsh near Watchmaker's Hill, and can also be found in large herds in the tunnels below Fallen London. These beasts possess powerful, bladed tendrils, and are impervious to many forms of damage, including gunfire. They're valued for their caps, but Fungus-columns also tend to ooze through any cages that capture them. Notably, Fungus-columns appear to possess a degree of sapience, and they may emit utterances that resemble threats or even smugness. A Fungus-Column.

Gallblighter Wasp

"Thank you. There's nothing I can give you but my blessing. And this advice: learn when to blink." Gallblighter Wasps are red, insectoid creatures that can grow to the size of a cat. Like many species of wasp, their swarms produce an unnerving drone, and can be found in secluded, dusty places. They violently attack, or even kill, anyone who disturbs their nests, also like many species of wasp. Gallblighters are most infamous, however, for their tendency to lay their eggs in human eyes. They often sting nearby bystanders with their ovipositors when they're disturbed, and they may also infest those who sleep too close to their nests. The young Gallblighters then gestate in the eyeballs of their victim, turning them reddish-yellow and disturbingly swollen. During the gestation process, the host's eyesight is also entirely transformed: they may see visions of past memories, fantastical surroundings, or even hidden secrets, depending on where they look. Once their time is up, however, the newly-hatched gallblighters burst free, killing their host in the process. A Gallblighter Wasp. The Gall-Eyed Engineer The Blighted Classicist

Heart-Taker
"Ornament and companion, or lodging-invading pest? And what will it consume next?" Main article: Heart-Takers Heart-Takers, also called Heart-Catchers, are strange, plant-like creatures that "flower" by growing living heads. A St John's Lily. A Counterfeit Head of John the Baptist.

Hound of Heaven
"Gently glowing, the serpent has a nose for devils." The Hound of Heaven is a large, serpentine creature with gently glowing scales, a pale underside, and ruby-red eyes. This creature is famed for its ability to track, and scare off, any devils within a large vicinity, but it is unclear where it draws its power from. The Hound of Heaven

Knot-Oracle

"Who's an adorable fellow, then? Well, not you, you repulsive horse-sized toad-monster." Knot-oracles, also called Ocular Toadbeasts, are giant, toad-like creatures with several long tongues and eyes simply everywhere. These creatures reside near the prison of Wisdom, where they're used to thwart escape attempts - and execute prisoners - by eating any prisoner they can reach. While their diet partly consists of humans, knot-oracles can eat just about anything, and they have a notable appetite for secrets, both written and memorized. Knot-oracles that have eaten people are capable of speaking human languages, and they also absorb parts of their victim's memories. To this end, the Governor of Wisdom regularly feeds hapless prisoners to knot-oracles to fund his profitable secret-trade. The eyes of Ocular Toadbeasts are notable for being quite strange. They may reflect the things the Toadbeast has witnessed, and as might be expected of something with so many eyes, they are capable of tracking four creatures at a time. Should all of a knot-oracle's eyes focus on a creature at once, however, that poor thing's days are numbered. Some have suggested that the Toadbeast can prophesize deaths as a result of this strange behavior, but it seems more likely that the beast simply kills such victims itself. Knot-oracle spawn are called oraclelets, and are usually no larger than a thumb. Like their adult counterparts, they still retain the tendency to stare. An Ocular Toadbeast. Knot-Oracles guarding Wisdom.

Lamplighter Bee

"The most delightful secret of the Neath: the honey of lamplighter bees fed exclusively on the Exile's Rose." Lamplighter bees are unique insects that emit a dim glow from their bodies. Like most bees, they defend their hives fiercely with venomous stings, and produce honey and beeswax as well. When fed exclusively on the nectar of the mysterious Exile's Rose, they produce the popular drug known as Prisoner's Honey. However, when they're exposed to the crimson strain of Exile's Rose, the bees go mad and burrow into the minds of nearby victims. Using stolen memories, they produce contraband Gaoler's Honey. A Lump of Lamplighter Beeswax. A Drop of Prisoner's Honey. A Drop of Gaoler's Honey.

Mandrake

"Don't worry, their screams don't really kill you. You might bleed from the ears a bit. I wouldn't get too close without protection, though." Mandrakes are strange creatures that resemble roots with faces and legs. They're infamous for their piercing screams, which aren't necessarily fatal but still hurt, leading to the practice of "deshrieking" them using certain chemical concoctions. Even a deshrieked mandrake can sing quite loudly, however, and can often learn new songs from dedicated teachers. Mandrakes are a common sight in the marshes near Watchmaker's Hill, and they're ferocious swimmers as well. In fact, mandrakes that have been domesticated require pots of special marsh-mud to thrive, being roots and all. Mandrakes also have a strange taste for blood, and they may display ravenous behaviors when given meat to feast on, or perhaps something even more horrific. A Mandrake. A Giggling Mandrake.

Phosphorescent Scarab

"Cheap but lamentably mobile substitute for candles. Evidence of Londoners' inordinate fondness for beetles." Phosphorescent Scarabs are glowing beetles that are used as light sources throughout Fallen London, if one can stand the sound of their chittering. They're also used to power the lights in the various buoys scattered throughout the Unterzee, bobbing lonelily through the darkness. The light of Phosphorescent Scarabs isn't derived from bioluminescence, however; these beetles actually draw their light from the small pieces of Parabola that lie within them. A Phosphorescent Scarab.

Shimmering Songster

"Its buzz is zweeter than honey. Its zkin is one-seventh of a rainbow." The Shimmering Songster is a green, blowfly-like creature with a striking green coloration and famously sonorous drone. These insects hatch from large maggots; they typically feed on hearty meats, and their larvae are popular as gifts exchanged during the Feast of the Exceptional Rose, where they're often delivered holding roses. A Rose-Bearing Maggot. A Shimmering Songster.

Slavering Dream-Hound

"It followed you home from nightmares, but it's still a good dog." The Slavering Dream-Hound is an intimidating canine with honey-scented breath. This beast is frequently seen wandering through people's nightmares in Parabola, but despite its appearance, it's actually quite friendly and affable to humans, just like any other dog. In fact, Slavering Dream-Hounds are frequently used as guard animals for adventurous dreamers, though these dogs seem to prefer to remain in the Is. The Slavering Dream-Hound

Somnolent Hyaena
"More a lullaby than a laugh." Somnolent Hyaenas are mysterious beasts known for their soothing, sleep-inducing chuckles. Their true origins are unknown, but it's rumored they're born from the dreams of zebras. What is known, however, is that their eyes are viric, and may invoke visions of the faraway jungles of Parabola. A Somnolent Hyaena.

Sorrow-Spider

"The story goes that spiders drink from your eyes while you sleep. Sorrow-spiders bite off a whole eye. They get their name from the tears that flow from the remaining eye." Main article: Sorrow-spiders Sorrow-spiders are cat-sized spiders that steal people's eyes for mysterious purposes, and can group together to form dangerous spider-councils. A Sorrow-Spider. A Sorrow-Spider. A Luxuriantly Coiffed Sorrow-Spider. A Spider-Council. The Tree of Seasons at Saviour's Rocks. The Tree of Ages A Spider-Senate.

Wings-Of-Thunder Batling

"Its wings are the thunder, its bite the lightning." Wings-of-Thunder batlings are young, extremely large bat-like creatures that originate from the Elder Continent. Their size when fully grown is unknown, but even these youngsters are often large enough to carry humans comfortably on their backs, and due to their size, these batlings' wings emit loud, booming sounds when in flight, giving them their unique name. These batlings are also omnivorous, and can eat just about anything, including articles of clothing and other oddities. Wings-of-Thunder batlings customarily migrate from the Elder Continent during their youth, and travel far and wide to find an artifact or secret to offer to their kind back home. These creatures may encounter many roadblocks during the course of their quests, but they're long-lived animals, and are allowed to return to the Continent upon the completion of their task. A Wings-Of-Thunder Batling.

Whitsun Creatures

Whitsun is a festival marked by the sudden appearence of many bizarre eggs appearing all over Fallen London. These eggs may hatch a wide variety of strange and interesting creatures, and when "augmented", these creatures may hatch significantly changed or empowered.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Humanoids

There are many beings in the Neath who appear to have humanoid forms. These beings may be former humans themselves, or are something else entirely.

Human
"The present life of man, O king, seems to me like to the swift flight of a sparrow through the room wherein you sit at supper in winter..." Main article: Humans Humans are medium-sized creatures prone to great ambition. A Human. A Human. A Human. Not a Human. Erm...

Clay Man

"Are they really clay? Well that's a very personal question. They don't ask you if you're really meat." Main article: Clay Men Clay Men are golem-like beings that hail from the faraway island of Polythreme. Clay Men that lack a certain body part are called Unfinished Men. A Clay Man. A Clay Man. Lyme The Clay Coalman A Clay Man. A Clay Man. A Clay Man. The Clay Conductor The Clay Scholar Boris Jasper and Frank, two Unfinished Men. Soap, a self-proclaimed Unfinished Man. The Pirate Poet

Devil

"Courteous, rapacious, merciless, beguiling. The emissaries of Hell are here for one purpose: souls. Well, and also perhaps the company, the sights and a little chamber-music." Main article: Devils Devils are mysterious beings that outwardly appear as impeccably-styled humans - though their fashion sense is notorious for being unusually ahead of its time. There's more to these beguiling folk than meets the eye... A Devil. A Devil. A Deviless. The Affectionate Devil The Quiet Deviless The Green-Eyed Devil The Blind Pianist The Gilded Minister The Discerning Deviless The Wistful Deviless Virginia The Exiled Antiquarian The Solicitor-Baroness The Presiding Deviless of Carillon. Milton

Drownie

"Drownies are, for practical purposes, walking drowned men. They shiver, they complain, they try to drag you under the Stolen River's surface and make you one of them. They are not neighbourly." Main article: Drownies Drownies are drowned humans, resurrected under mysterious circumstances, that lurk throughout the depths of the Unterzee. A Drownie. A Drownie. A Drownie. A Drownie. The Drownie Docent

Rubbery Man

"They're actually very nice. Almost certainly." Main article: Rubbery Men Rubbery Men, known scientifically as Homo cephalopoda, are humanoid beings with the faces of squid. Squid! A Rubbery Man. A Rubbery Man. A Rubbery Man. A Rubbery Man. A Rubbery Skull. The Tentacled Entrepreneur The Nacreous Outcast The Solitary Glim-sculptor A Rubbery Yes-Man. A Rubbery Plongeur. A Perpetually Festive Rubbery Man. A Rubbery Herald. A Rubbery Campanologist. A Companion in Amber.

Snuffer
"A Snuffer. They remove the faces of men and wear them, being themselves monstrous." Main article: Snuffers Snuffers are humanoid creatures that like to rip people's faces off and use them as their own. A Snuffer. A Snuffer, wearing a comfortable face.

Starved Man
"SO ARE WEE SHAPEDE" Main article: Starved Men Starved Men are humans who partook extensively in the Shapeling Arts, transforming themselves into something beyond human.

Zee-Monsters

The Unterzee is practically overflowing with creatures and monsters unlike any on the Surface. These beasts are called zee-monsters, and many are (relatively) docile unless someone crosses into their territory, but others may attack with little to no provocation. Preparing for these encounters is an important priority for any zailing crew worth its salt, lest their proud ship be reduced to scraps of rusted metal and devoured bodies.

Albino Moray

"Pale and savage as a wolf-moon; toothed to rival the greatest of whales; and quick to take offence. Don't tease the beast. You'll be lucky to lose a leg." Albino Morays (one may infer the existence of a regular-colored moray) are large, notoriously ugly eels that hunt across the Unterzee. Albino Morays are deceptively fast, can charge their prey with surprising force, and possess sharp hooked teeth; however, they're not just dangerous while alive: their skin is tough, smells awful, and is coated in a poisonous, paralyzing slime. Despite all these dangers, some particularly adventurous tomb-colonists may allow an Albino Moray to swallow them whole; the Moray's internal secretions are apparently quite good for the skin. You know what they say: when you're zailing the zee, and an eel makes you flee... that's a moray. An Albino Moray.

Angler Crab

"We long hypothesised, from the still-glimmering corpse of this vast decapod, that it guised itself as a distant light, to lure its prey close. We discovered, eventually, that it simply pursues its prey across the zee with happy zeal. It evinces, also, a regrettable turn of speed." Angler Crabs are enormous crustaceans with two glowing stalks on their pincers, resembling the lures of anglerfish, and glowing, blueish blood. They come in three known varieties: the reddish Western Angler Crab, the blueish Eastern Angler Crab, and the weary Elder Angler Crab. Despite their similarity to anglerfish, Angler Crabs do not use their shining appendages to lure in prey patiently. They hunt their prey the same way any other zee-crab would: with swiftness and ferocity. However, they do rely on their bioluminescence to navigate; knowledgeable zailors can exploit this fact to confuse them. A Western Angler Crab. A seemingly friendly Western Angler Crab. A deceased Western Angler Crab. An Eastern Angler Crab. An Elder Angler Crab.

Auroral Megalops

"These are the younger form of gargantuan zee-crabs - driven up from their spawning grounds in the south by peculiar radiations. Younger they may be, but they are still large enough to consume a pony with messy and clattering glee, or to pose a menace to ill-prepared ships." Auroral Megalops are large crustaceans with glowing golden bodies that roam the Unterzee. These specimens are apparently juveniles of their species and possess blue blood; uniquely for their species, they also possess large, non-vestigial eyes. Megalops meat is edible but often unstable and difficult to store. Apparently, these crabs were driven from their southern spawning grounds by a mysterious radiance, which may be none other than the Dawn Machine. An Auroral Megalops. A deceased Auroral Crab.

Behemoustache

"Take its teeth as trophies, and its bones for corsets. What of its moustache? So many possibilities! Cut it up for exotic antimacassars; place it over the door of your lodgings as a warning to burglars; sell it to the Young Stags club, back in London, as a mascot." Behemoustaches are massive fish with absolutely glorious moustaches, and they're aggressive predators that favor the warmer waters of the Unterzee. The meat of a Behemoustache is edible, their bones are used in making corsets, and their moustaches make excellent trophies. A Behemoustache. A Behemoustache, seen from above.

Blue Prophet

"A mortal battle against parrots. That's the Elder Continent for you." Blue Prophets are an unusual type of bird native to the Elder Continent. A single Prophet is about as threatening as an average large parrot, but in flocks they can be vicious. Their feathers are sky-blue and are considered rather valuable, especially in London and the Khanate, but unfortunately, their value has dropped due to recent supply increases. Blue Prophets receive their title from the belief that they speak the names of those about to die. It's difficult to tell whether or not this is true or superstition, since they mostly seem to utter squawks, but seasoned zailors still try to pick out familiar names in their calls regardless. A Blue Prophet. A flock of Blue Prophets. A Blue Prophet's royal blue feather.

Jillyfish

"It looks very like Flourishing-of-Years - the grand shrine-face of Visage. Something about the eyes, the sternness of the mouth. Perhaps only that it stares at the roof, just as Flourishing-of-Years does." Jillyfish are enormous jellyfish-like creatures that roam the Unterzee, known for their luminescent purple glow and extremely poisonous tentacles. Their seemingly soft caps are actually hardened, allowing them to ram ships with dangerous amounts of force, and parts of their bodies may be surprisingly edible. Interestingly, the caps of these creatures appear to have a woman's face imprinted on them; this face resembles the giant shrine-face of Visage, the Flourishing-of-Years. Some zailors report that this face may even be able to speak, perhaps of "home." A Jillyfish.

Jillyfleur
"The jillyfleur. Is it a young jillyfish? A lesser subspecies? Do the dreams of jillyfish become real?" Jillyfleur are jellyfish-like creatures that may be juvenile jillyfish, a subspecies, or something else entirely. Like their larger counterparts, they possess leather-tough flesh, limited edibility, and the same, mysterious face on their caps. A Jillyfleur. A Cured Jillyfleur Cloak.

Lifeberg

"Those – rifts – in the Lifeberg’s surface. Are they mouths? Lifebergs do not breathe. They kill from malice, not hunger. But they speak. Dear Christ, they speak." It's a well-known fact that icebergs don't usually move on their own, destroy ships, kill crewmen, or speak. The Lifebergs of the northern Unterzee, for some godforsaken reason, do all of these things. Lifebergs are known for their homicidal nature; they ruthlessly hunt down and destroy unfortunate ships, and may display a limited degree of sentience - in the form of malice, or even cunning. Lifebergs may also be covered in strange crevasses that are apparently capable of speech, and they may hoard the treasures of their past victims for unknown reasons. Lifebergs produce, or may eat, a wax-like substance called hell-droppings, which are known for being highly flammable. Furthermore, London has a fair share of Lifeberg-hunters, who use specialized ships, cannons, and weapons called great-rods to destroy Lifebergs with professional efficiency. The nature of their work and their sullen temperaments means that these Lifeberg-hunters often go unthanked, but their efforts do contribute to London's paraffin and mineral trade. Within each Lifeberg is a shard of black glass reminiscent of Mt Nomad, and these beings will not die permanently unless this black glass is destroyed or stolen. Could these facts imply that Mt Nomad is in fact their creator or progenitor? A Lifeberg. A Lifeberg, containing a defeated ship.

Lorn-Fluke
"Swollen with hate. Swollen with wisdom." Main article: Lorn-Flukes Lorn-Flukes are some of greatest threats to the ships of the Unterzee. These beings are aggressive towards any ship that passes by, ramming it with their spikes. They can also speak the Correspondence, making even the bravest zailors shudder with fear. A Lorn-Fluke. Many Lorn-Flukes. Deceased Lorn-Flukes. Aigul

Milliner-Bat

"A bat-swarm. Madam Doctor. But they are - I assure you - feathered. Blue feathers, Madam Doctor. Tremendous feathers. No, Madam Doctor, not proportionate, not indeed. I suspect the bats of theft. Madam Doctor, no! I have not touched a bottle since Tuesday last! No, Madam Doctor! Not the hole! Not the ho-" Milliner-Bats are quite average as far as bats go - except that they're covered in sky-blue feathers, applied with glue of all things, making them similar in appearance to Blue Prophets. Their swarms are just as dangerous as Blue Prophet flocks, however, and the bats seem to be localized to the Southern Wall near Varchas. But how did these bats get their feathers? Did they steal them? Were they the project of a mad bat-farmer? No matter; the feathers sell well, from bat or bird. A swarm of Milliner-Bats.

Plated Seal

"Playful. Heavily Armoured. Cheerful. Psychotic." Plated Seals are heavily armored, serpentine creatures that grow to around fifteen feet long. These creatures lurk in the iciest, most turbulent waters of the Unterzee, and they're capable of leaping great heights when "investigating" nearby ships. In spite of their hostile appearances, they're actually quite playful, though unfortunately their favorite game consists of biting anyone in sight with their powerful jaws. A Plated Seal.

Siren-Serpent

"A woman in an iridescent green gown waves vaguely from a rock near the shore. Sorrowful sighs waft across the water towards you. An idiot castaway? A mermaid?" Siren-serpents, known scientifically as Serpentus sirenesis, are serpentine creatures with sharp teeth, bullet-resistant skin, and maws large enough to rip a boat in two. These serpents are especially infamous for their tendency to disguise their tails as alluring, humanoid apparitions while producing human-like calls; for this reason, the siren-serpent is also known vulgarly as Neptune's Harlot. Siren-serpents lay their eggs on suitable rock formations, and young siren-serpents are called Harlot-Fry. Notably, even hatchling siren-serpents possess extremely sharp teeth. A Siren-Serpent

Tyrant-Moth

"Those mosaic configurations on its wings. Do they carry meaning?" Strange moths are nothing new for denizens of the Neath, especially for those who've stayed in the Tomb-Colonies for a time. But the vicious moths that lurk near the Ragged Crow's guiding light can leave even the hardiest Neath-dweller at a loss for words. These Tyrant-Moths are immense, with wings the size of a ship's sails, and are strong enough to destroy ships' sails if they're not fought off in time. Furthermore, being moths, they still may remain susceptible to other tempting lights. Tyrant-Moths are a delicacy in certain far-off places, such as Whither, where their antennae are prepared in a... delightful dish called tyrant's treat. Given their size, mysterious nature, and destructive behavior, Tyrant-Moths are naturally the subjects of many myths and stories. Their wing patterns are said to resemble maps of the skies, or perhaps something more: charming visions of faraway gardens, winged creatures from all walks of life, or maybe the light flowing from within a glowing mountain. However, looking at these patterns too closely or for far too long may be risky. There's also a legend that Tyrant-Moths' bodies are full of sapphires, but obtaining these gems is easier said than done. The most mysterious tale of all, however, speaks of a time when a foolhardy zailor whispered to Salt, and a Tyrant-Moth answered... A Tyrant-Moth.

Deep Zee-Monsters

Did you really think that diving below the Unterzee's black waves would save you from its denizens? If anything, the monsters that roam the zee-floor are even more dangerous than their surface-swimming counterparts.

Beloved

"The Beloved's underside is a network of old and overlaid scars, as though it has been disassembled and stitched together, over and over. The thing is more patchwork than creature." Beloved are strange fish that roam the depths of the Unterzee, infamous for their grating calls and piercing whistles. Their meat is notably palatable, unlike the repulsive flesh of other zee-monsters, but their bodies may not be a product of nature; rather, Beloved appear stitched, patched up, and reassembled, evoking a suspicion of human fabrication. A Beloved.

Constant Companion

"The fear of the wide black zee, and the things beyond." The Constant Companion is an enormous monster that scours the depths of the Unterzee. These beasts can sense fear like a shark can smell blood, and they aggressively pursue any underwater interloper with a particularly strong scent. Their carapaces are also harder than steel, and broken-off pieces may continue to fidget and emit ethereal noises even after the creature's death. Anatomically speaking, these creatures possess ten legs, frontal pedipalps, powerful mandibles, greenish blood, and bodies covered in hair, giving them an appearance comparable to a monstrously large spider. Like many species of spider, the Constant Companion carries its large, yellowish young on its body; these grubs appear weak, but they may display dangerous amounts of combat prowess, and ingenuity, should they face imminent danger. The Constant Companion

Dawn Fluke
"Oh god! The warmth! Radiance... the sun the sun the sun..." Main article: Dawn Flukes Dawn Flukes are Flukes who fell in thrall to the Dawn Machine, transforming their bodies in mysterious ways. A Dawn Fluke.

Lornest Fluke
"One crewman complains of hearing singing - beautiful, but constant. In the night, you hear singing too. It is his. In the morning, he is gone." Main article: Lornest Flukes Lornest Flukes are Flukes who roam the blackest depths of the Unterzee, possessing a massive eye in place of a core. A Lornest Fluke.

Midnight Whale

"The bone bears all tales, my friend. It is the road that runs beneath the skin, and we follow it to the heart, where only blood is salt." Midnight Whales are enormous zee-beasts that roam the depths of the Unterzee. Whale bones are a popular medium for scrimshaw, the act of engraving tales and information on ivory and bones, so the whale bones that are strewn throughout the zee-floor are often covered in thousands of carvings in many languages. In fact, the skeleton of a Midnight Whale formed the foundation for the society of bone-carvers known as Scrimshander. Midnight Whales are a popular source of food for the zailors that inhabit the Gant Pole, and they're apparently hunted by the Chelonites as well. The bones of Midnight Whales are also full of valuable, toxic marrow, and this marrow has the colorless hue of gant. A Midnight Whale. The bones of a Midnight Whale. Scrimshander

Neither

"Never trust anything that seems in a hurry to die." Neither are extremely mysterious creatures that roam the depths of the Unterzee. These creatures have bodies that appear more fluid than flesh, and they're capable of generating powerful vortices in their death throes, engulfing and drowning anyone who gets too close. The darkness of these vortices may also invoke visions of a faraway place: a night sky, a dense jungle, and strange, many-fingered creatures. A Neither.

Thalatte

"I can’t make head nor tail nor stomach lining of it, skipper." Thalatte are biological peculiarities that roam the depths of the Unterzee. Apparently, these creatures possess a "beaked mouth", a "hooked sucker-maw", a "double handful of maxillipeds," and an uncountable number of other mismatched organs. Their meat is also notorious for being extremely foul, and can drive a person to madness if not processed correctly. Part of this process apparently involves a full nine-hour boil. A Thalatte.

That Which Makes Light In The Deeps

"A light blooms in the depths. It grows like a climbing sun. The waters bulge, raising you aloft. Steam rises from the waves." That Which Makes Light In The Deeps is a dangerous zee-monster that roams the depths of the Unterzee. This creature is known for its ability to produce light bright enough to boil zeewater. It also possesses bones that are said to be lighter than wood and tougher than steel. Monster-Hunters must slay one of these creatures during their initiation ceremonies; this can be an extremely risky hunt. Once the creature is slain, the Monster-Hunter consumes its peligin flesh, transforming the Hunter into something beyond human, and uses its remains to manufacture a weapon possessing great power. A Notched Bone Harpoon.

Triskelegant

"The roiling beast seems determined to drive itself further into the deep. Your vessel bucks and heaves as the maelstrom peels the plates from your hull." Triskelegants are strange, triangular-shaped creatures that roam the depths of the Unterzee, notable for their ability to rotate extremely quickly, generating maelstroms strong enough to damage the hulls of ships. As their name might perhaps suggest, these creatures have three mouths, each one located on a "corner" of their bodies. A Triskelegant.

Hellish Fauna

The Devils and Grand Devils weren't the first beings to settle in Hell. Many creatures made their homes in Hell prior to their occupation, and they've adapted quite nicely to the fiery climate.

Hellworm

"Hellworms. One must admire the advertising enterprise of giving them such a name." Hellworms are serpentine creatures that originate from the lands of Hell. These creatures have law-furnaces within their bodies, and they're capable of chewing tunnels through even the most impassable of cliffs, leaving behind molten rock in their wake. They're also useful for mining and processing certain rare ores and metals, even ones that don't strictly exist. Hellworms are reared by certain devils of Hell, who use Nevercold Brass bridles to direct and secure them properly. However, they can be extremely dangerous to handle without proper training, as would be expected of such a powerful creature.

Goat-Demon
"Some splinter faction of Hell has taken an interest. Everywhere you go, the Goat-Demon is ahead of you, menacing witnesses, stepping on leads." Main article: Goat-Demons Goat-demons are caprine creatures that are native to Hell. A Goat-Demon. The Overgoat! GOAT OVER GOAT SEVEN INTO SEVEN INTO SEVEN

Parabolan Wildlife

Parabola is a vast realm located beyond the mirrors, operating on the volatile and inconsistent logic of dreams. It has its fair share of native species, many of which resemble bizarre and unique variations of Surface or Neathy beings, and these creatures may possess strange supernatural powers.

Aureate Stag

"Here – the Aureate Stags of the Oncewood. The fastest short-distance beast of burden in all known Parabola." Aureate Stags are majestic animals that reside within the Oncewood of Parabola – famed for being among the fastest steeds behind the mirror. These stags have golden pelts, soft skin, and antlers that glow like a massive candle flame or pyre. They can be formidable opponents in combat, repelling strikes with their antlers and hooves, and attacking foes with powerful bites and kicks. Aureate Stags can be tamed, and their handlers resemble animated golden statues, carrying orbs and shepherd's crooks cast into their hands. These creatures usually consume oats, but they're also capable of consuming enemy weapons when necessary, emitting golden smoke from their ears upon doing so. Certain Aureate Stags have silver coats, midnight eyes, and broken antlers that emit light with a unique, moonish tinge. Unfortunately, these silver stags are the runts of their groups, and are significantly weaker than their golden counterparts. Not that such stags are completely lacking in value, of course.

Fingerking
"ONCE UPON A TIME there was a little snake, no bigger than your finger, who lived behind the mirror." Main article: Fingerkings Fingerkings are powerful serpentine creatures that reside behind the mirrors in Parabola. They are the aristocratic rulers of the dream-snakes, who do not exist. A Fingerking. A Dream-Snake. A Mirrorcatch Box Full of Very Angry Dream-Snakes.

Focused Albatross

"Wide wings. Quite a lot of beak. And then, where the body should be, a distortion point like something in a funhouse mirror. Looking at it makes your eyes wander." The Focused Albatross is an avian creature that roams the wilds of Parabola. Its head and wings are just like those of any other albatross, but instead of a torso, it has a strange focal point in its center, distorting light that passes through. This distortion can focus the cosmogone light and heat of Parabola, causing the Albatross to leave behind a path of scorched earth wherever it flies. The Albatross can also vanish away its body and head when provoked, leaving behind a floating pair of wings, perhaps in an attempt at self-defense. Despite its lack of internal organs, the Focused Albatross does still eat its prey, and it may hunt for what birds typically hunt for; for example, goldfish. The Focused Albatross resides in a stone hollow called an Eyrie, which may inexplicably turn to glass at a moment's notice. Unlike many creatures of Parabola, the Albatross does not speak, and it may line itself up, sometimes with others of its species, to refract light in a certain manner for reasons that remain unclear. Furthermore, when left in complete darkness, the Albatross may disappear entirely, leaving its wings behind. Apparently, this occurs because the Focused Albatross is not quite a bird entirely; rather, one of its parents was "cold-born", originating from the space between stars in the High Wilderness. The Focused Albatross

Pinewood Shark

"Look toward a distant forest and see the triangular fin cutting through the canopy. It is following someone – a dreamer crying out for escape." The Pinewood Shark is a mysterious shark-like being that plagues the nightmares of a particular dreaming Zailor. This creature appears to made of, well, pinewood, and its body is sturdy enough to be used in furniture. It also bleeds resin, and its bones appear haphazard and blackened around the edges. Notably, the Pinewood Shark cannot survive on the other side of the mirror in any capacity, but certain parts of its body are edible, and can be prepped and made into delicious meals. The Pinewood Shark

Seven-Throated Warbler

"It lives wild now, but it was bred to give testimony in the courts. Concerned with evidence, motives, and explanations, whether accurate or not. Sometimes one throat contradicts another." Seven-Throated Warblers are avian beings that possess seven heads and seven strikingly-red throats. These creatures roam the wilds of Parabola, but they were originally bred to provide testimonies in court. Warblers reside in their Terraced Nests in Parabola, which are enormous trees with seven trunks and large canopies, and they possess beaks that are hard as steel, making them powerful fighters should they feel threatened. Their nests are also littered with many documents of ancient trial proceedings, and they seem to enjoy reading such legal documents for entertainment. Unlike many Parabolan creatures, Seven-Throated Warblers are also capable of crossing the mirror with no known ill effects. Seven-Throated Warblers are capable of speaking human languages, and each head has a unique personality and temperament. Because of its unique speech patterns, the Warbler's song is also known for being quite unnerving. However, the Warbler's utterances aren't always completely sincere, and they may make unsubstantiated comments or expound flattery. This insincerity can cause a severe buildup of venom in the Warbler's throats, and they spit up this venom in the form of powerful egg-shaped explosives called Hillmovers. A Seven-Throated Warbler. An ordinary Seven-Throated Warbler, or is it? A Hillmover.

Storm-Bird
"Raise your arms to the sky and it will come for you. It will lift you away." Main article: The Storm-bird The Storm-bird is a mysterious avian being that roams the wilds of Parabola, known for saving dreamers from their own debilitating nightmares. The Storm-Bird A Winged Creature of Considerable Speed.

Shapelings

Shapelings are mysterious creatures that hail from the lost planet of Axile. Londoners may recognize the Rubbery Men, and seasoned zailors may recognize the Lorn-Fluke, Dawn Fluke, and Lornest Fluke, but there exist other, less well-known shapelings, many of which roam the amber-encrusted depths of Flute Street.

Eye-Scuttler
"I don't want to know. I said: I don't want to know!" Main article: Eye-Scuttlers Eye-Scuttlers are mysterious shapelings that once roamed the pools of Axile. A Meticulously Altered Stocking.

Fluke

"The Fluke exudes a thick black ink into the water. Is it communicating with its own kind in the other pools? How can a thing that resembles an oversized sea urchin hold such sway over the near-human Rubbery Men?" Main article: Flukes Flukes are sea urchin-like creatures that reside in Flute Street. They're ill-tempered, cannot breathe air, and might range from tiny lumps to the size of a large pumpkin. A Fluke. A Fluke Core.

Moon-Miser
"A moon-miser! They live on the roof – you know, the false-stars." Main article: Moon-misers Moon-misers are strange, insectoid creatures that reside on the roof of the Neath. They emit large amounts of light from their perches, so Londoners often call them the false-stars. A shard of glim. A White Glim Telescope.

Rubbery Cat
"Good lord! What is this abomination? Does the Duchess know?" Rubbery Cats are feline shapelings commonly found near Ealing Gardens. Their behavior is similar to ordinary cats, and they possess the ability to slip through tight spaces and crevasses undected. A Rubbery Cat. A Rubbery Feline. A Morally and Physically Flexible Rubbery Cat.

Rubbery Hound

"What did they do to this adorable horror?" The Rubbery Hound is a doglike shapeling that roams in the depths of Flute Street. It's about the size of a wolf, but apparently very young, and it has two black teeth under its facial tentacles. This creature was apparently created in the amber and steel chambers of Flute Street, though it's unknown whether its unique anatomy was an accident or not. Rubbery Hounds exhibit many typical canine behaviors, like playing with bones or begging for food, but they also have an inexplicable fondness for candles. Furthermore, they possess a unique worldliness and are able to communicate through oblique means; apparently, they possess a fear of the dark and the "Great Light", a love for justice, and positive feelings towards the other shapers. Upon dying, a Rubbery Hound may emit a sound that is as far from a howl as possible, and it may then split open to reveal many smaller Hounds within its body, which will then feast on their progenitor's remains. The Rubbery Hound

Sky-Beasts

The expanses of the High Wilderness are teeming with life, most of which is either capable of flight, or seeking the means to. The skyfarers of New London may have their sky-locomotives armed to the teeth with weapons, but even then, they are often still threatened by powerful sky-beasts.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Aeginae

"This is one of the Aeginae. The star-dragons. The behemoth-mercenaries that the suns contract to enforce their laws. Before it, you are only a fleck." Main article: Aeginae The Aeginae are a race of enormous star-dragons that serve as mercenaries for the Judgements. The Dragons's favorite food is time, and they make use of ancient sky-tunnels to speed up their journeys in the High Wilderness. An Aeginae, submerged in the mist. One of Aeginae's eyes.

Cantankeri

"The Cantankeri are lumbering, half-fossilised isopods that will attack anything they disapprove of. Given that they are very ancient and murderously grumpy, that means almost everything." The Cantankeri are large, floating isopods with a very grumpy disposition. Their bodies are made almost entirely of stone, likely as a result of sleeping inside of rocks for a very long time. They seem to prefer to slumber near large stores of hours, a fact that proves very inconvenient to anyone trying to mine hour geodes. Cantankeri are best known, however, for their terrible tempers. Reportedly, they have a murderous hatred of everything "new" - a category that, due to their extreme age, seems to include almost everything. In rare cases, moments of bitterness can form into hour geodes inside of a cantankeri's heart, making them grow in size and form extra layers of rock over their bodies. These elephant-sized isopods are called Bull Cantankeri and are treated as kings among their kind. Smaller cantankeri can sometimes be found tightly clinging to the stomachs of their larger kin, though the reason for this behavior isn't clear. According to skyfarers' tales, the cantankeri lived on their own planet a long time ago. But as its condition deteriorated, they refused to solve the problem or leave it behind; instead, they chose to burrow into its crust, and slept there until it was destroyed, leaving them to roam the new and unfamiliar skies with endless bitterness. A typical Cantankeri. A Bull Cantankeri. A small herd of Cantankeri colonised by a very aggresive fungus.

Chorister Bee

"Bees the size of dogs, each marked with a blazing sigil. They don’t buzz, but sing in plainsong. They may be benign – as long as you don’t carry any Chorister nectar." The Chorister Bees are a species of dog-sized insects native to the Reach, known for their great ability to sing. The bees' bodies are all branded with a single Correspondence sigil: "A Mistake, Forged into a Triumph". Aside from this, they largely resemble real-life bees; they build hives and gather nectar, the latter of which is known for its ability to heal vocal cords and expand a person's vocal range. Chorister bees are naturally attracted to giant flowers in search of the aforementioned nectar, such as the giant flower fields of the Apoidean Gardens or the king of all orchids, Titania. The chorister bees were created long ago by a powerful Ur-Devil called The King of Carols. During the King's punishment for defying the rule of the Judgements, he gave away all but one of his many voices to the bees. As a result of this defiance, he was forever imprisoned within the Well of the Wolf. The bees still sing of the King who gave them voices, even joining with Devils to dance and sing in mourning. One of many Chorister Bees. A Chorister Beehive.

Curator

"Intelligent, locomotive-sized chiroptera, able to pry an engine apart with their claws, or pummel it with their hellish shrieks. Curators accumulate hoards, which they guard violently. Each hoard collects artifacts or creatures themed to the Curator’s particular obsession." Main article: Curators The Curators are a race of giant and highly intelligent bats. Their most notable trait is their obsession with collecting and hoarding a specific type of things, each one being somewhat unique for each Curator. While almost all members of the species spend their lives in the High Wilderness, a small group of them can also be found in the Neath. A Curator. A Curator known as Mr Pennies. A Curator formerly known as Mr Hearts.

Eater of the Dead

"A rancid horror, with the elongated muzzle of a crocodile and the plumage of a peacock corpse conjoined by a knot of bloated hippopotamus with many, many mournful eyes." Eaters of the Dead are horrible, twisted monsters that hunt and thin out the ranks of the unwanted dead in the Blue Kingdom. An Eater's outward appearance is an amalgam of several different earthly animals - one is described as a combination of a crocodile, a hippopotamus, and a peacock. The creature's insides are similarly bizarre; its bones are lined with fragmented Correspondence sigils, and its organs are twisted and half-melted. Due to the Eater's curious internal structure and its mismatched appearance, it's possible that its kind is not a naturally occurring species, and is instead intentionally created or modified. An Eater of the Dead.

Griever

"The substance inflicts a fatal episode of grief upon him. Contaminated by the Griever's anguish, too vast for a mortal to contain or understand, he raves about such parts of it as he can grasp." The Grievers are strange monsters that can be found sleeping all throughout Eleutheria. They will reawaken and self-destructively attack sky-locomotives which shine light upon them. True to their name, Grievers' bodies are filled with terrible anguish; simply coming in contact with their ichor can fill a person with grief too vast for a human mind, causing them to go on deadly ravings. One of their most notable traits is their bizarre internal anatomy- their bone marrow is filled with many different Correspondence sigils and their entire digestive system appears to be impossibly large, being able to easily contain items much larger than the Griever itself. The Grievers were created millennia ago by the Ruler of Eleutheria for the purpose of consuming the spaces that broke the laws of distance. However, due to their master eventually abandoning his own laws and light, the Grievers had been bereft of their purpose and fell into a deep slumber. It seems that artificial light sources remind them of their predicament, which may be the reason for their violent reactions towards it. A Sleeping Griever.

Guest

"The Guests were stuffed into the locomotive like the meat in a sausage. Most of its contents have been ground to powder or paste. Only the crew's keepsakes – no matter how fragile – have been spared. Did the Guests take care of them?" The Guests are a species of slug-like organism attracted to the feelings of warmth, companionship, and sentimentality, which causes them to often appear inside of sky-farers' trains. They are not very dangerous on their own but even a single Guest will quickly attract many more of its kind; if left unchecked, the Guest population of an infested train can eventually grow large enough to overpower and kill its human crew. These actions make the Guests one of most despised and feared creatures in the High Wilderness; in fact, entire teams of volunteers willing to rid the visiting trains of Guests can be found at every major port. The Guests are also known to exude a variety of noxious fluids, some of which can prove very dangerous under high pressure. Some enterprising skyfarers have taken advantage of this ability to create Guest-powered weaponry, however. The Guests seem to highly revere the Waste-Waif, a god of the sky's abandoned places; one of the best ways of dealing with an infestation lies in building a shrine to said god, as the Guests will consider such a train as a sanctified ground and leave it alone. The Guests's gunge, used in The 'Uninvited'.

Scorn Fluke

"Vast, spiky sky-anemones whose spines and pulpy cores are decorated by ritual scarification. They are the raving outcast-prophets of their kind, typically furious, and speak fiery, destructive syllables in the tongue of heaven." Main article: Flukes The Scorn Flukes are members of their kind that fell into a murderous madness during the search for their homeworld of Axile, often leading them to attack everyone around them in an attempt to siphon its location from their memories. A Scorn Fluke.

Scrive-Spinster

"The Scrive-Spinsters: They drift like manta rays through the mists. These are the survivors of the Pergamon Manse – a house of records, destroyed by treachery – and their gowns are stitched from the pages they managed to salvage. The Spinsters can pry locomotives apart with their bronzewood fingers. They harbour a particular hatred for devils." Main article: Scrive-Spinsters The Scrive-Spinsters are former maintaners of the Pergamon Manse, the greatest library in the High Wilderness. Since the Manse's destruction, the Spinsters have taken to roaming the skies, looking to salvage any ancient text they can find. A Scrive-Spinster. A Senior Scrivener. A Scrive-Spinster's face.

Undeparted

"It is not dead. Perhaps it cannot die. Its remaining substance is mottled with invisibility, patches of it fading, then returning, only to fade again. Its many-boned claw-fingers still move languidly, as if stroking a cat." The Undeparted are mysterious creatures that roam the dark parts of Eleutheria, eternally stuck between life and death. Most of their flesh and skin had been flensed from the body, their eye sockets were forcefully stuffed with precious gemstones, and their bones were all twisted into a single Correspondence sigil:Two Futures, Endlessly Circling. The Undeparted are never truly alive or dead; Parts of their bodies can momentarily vanish from existence at random, but their presence can never be truly erased, even if their physical body is completely destroyed- the Undeparted will eventually reform again. In the distant past The Undeparted were masterful builders who built the grand roads that once criss-crossed Eleutheria. Their current state being a result of a job half done- they were meant to be sacrificed on the funeral pyre of the King who Speaks. However, The King's Twin had turned his attention to other matters, and so The Undeparted's purpose was never fulfilled and they became forever stuck between life and death. An Undeparted.