Aemon

Aberrant Fauna

A pamphlet lays on the ground, several others just like it are strewn about the cobblestone streets of the city - forgotten. 

You pick one up and take it with you. 

 
 

A GUIDE TO AEMONS

 

 

At their core, an Aemon is a being that has succumb to the corruption that runs rampant in The Aether, the below world that mirrors our own on another plane. They can resemble things from our own world, or be something new entirely. No matter the type, size, or origin of these beats one thing has always been clear since the first moment of their discovery: they are highly dangerous both to engage and to simply exist around. 
 

 

Aemons spread corruption, and are prone to needless violence and chaos. Before the war their occurance was limited, and they were mostly confined to the limitations of The Aether. Now that the breaches have opened however, they are running rampant in our world. They destroy everything they can see, and corrupt everything else. As they sweep our Empire and the empires around us, their foul corruption spreads, and it is only a matter of time before there is no way to return to the life we knew. 

 

FACTS ABOUT AEMONS

 

 

Aemons are created in the final stage of corruption, and any living thing can become an Aemon. They are born the moment the soul of its host dies, or what we call a Soul Death. The resulting shell then belongs fully to the corruption, and it becomes an Aemon. 
 

 

 

Violent by nature, even peaceful creatures that have been turned will resort to physical altercations and destruction. 
 

 

 

During periods of rest, when they appear to be the least active, they will simply wander the world looking for the next fight or victim. They appear calm and serene at these times, and will wander in darkness like a spectre, or monster, until they are confronted or found. 
 

 

 

It is unknown the level of intelligence they possess, as some Aemons appear to act upon instinct alone while other, often larger, Aemons will often appear to possess some level of sentience. Regardless of this, they do not work together or form groups other than by proximity. The organization of collective efforts of Aemons has never been documented. They will not attack each other however, even in their mindless destruction. 
 

 

They appear to be entirely self sustaining, and do not require food or water to stay “alive”. There have been reported cases of them...eating..their victims if their previous host was so inclined, though that may be from past habits. 

 

APPEARANCE

 

 

An Aemon is impossible to miss, as they almost always give off a faint purple or red glow whether through their skin or eyes. The aura is visible even in daylight, and often appears as a haze. 
 

 

 

Most Aemons will resemble the form they took before Soul Death, thus resulting in many commonly known creatures that simply have traits of corruption and the telltale haze/glow. The longer an Aemon has existed, the more warped and twisted they will become until eventually they may not resemble their previous form at all. The oldest of Aemons will be entirely new monsters, and there is no pattern or reason for the forms they evolve into. They all are however frightening by nature, and seem to be designed to strike fear or dread into their victims hearts and souls. 
 

 

Signs of corruption are common on Aemons, such as glowing pustules, oozing black and purplish red gunk, or discolored and faded pigments. As the corruption advances they lose almost all pigmentation and the result is a monochrome palette with the only color coming from the corruption itself. 

 

ABILITIES

 

 

An Aemon does not have evolved or specific abilities in terms of magic, or any skill that requires intelligence or finesse. If the previous host was an adept mage, they will lose all magic ability and resort to physical encounters. It is not known if it is because they lack magical ability, or simply the knack for using it. 
 

 

 

All aemons are difficult to kill, as they possess increased stamina, strength, and agility. Inhuman levels in these attributes make them formidable foes, with even the smallest of Aemons able to easily combat a companion on it’s own. The larger an Aemon gets, the more difficult it is to take down, with the largest of them all requiring full armies to combat together. 
 

 

 

Aemons produce corruption on whatever they touch, living or non-living. If a non-corrupted individual touches one, or is touched by one, they have a 75% chance to become corrupted if it was a quick touch, and a 100% chance to become corrupted if the touch resulted in a scratch, bite, bleed, or mark. Corruption lasts on surfaces and in the environment for nearly a week, making corrupted areas dangerous as well. 
 

 

The haze produced by an Aemon can spread corruption as well, but less effectively as it must be breathed. In the event that there are many Aemons gathered together, their haze can grow exponentially, potentially covering large areas and corrupting every living thing inside of it. Documented cases for this are very low. 

 

EFFECTIVE METHODS OF KILLING

 

 

Killing an Aemon can be done just like any other living being. While it is more difficult as they are able to survive grievous wounds more easily, it is not impossible. Swords, magic, and fire are all common methods of dispatching Aemons. While it will take awhile, they can be whittled down over time and killed. A large group of them may seem impossible at first, but with a large enough army even a handful of Aemons can be slain. Thus far an army of Aemons has not been encountered - may mercy be upon us if one appears. 
 

 

The Aether Guard, the only known force to specialize in killing Aemons and Aether corrupted creatures, have a specialized magic that can kill them quite easily compared to normal means. Often making large numbers or larger Aemons seem trivial in comparison. They are able to siphon the corruption from them and essentially leave only the empty husk with no Soul, effectively killing it. They do not share this magic with others, unfortunately. 

 

KNOWN AEMONS

 

Below are some depictions of known Aemons that have been encountered, slain, or otherwise sighted in The Aether. Should they be seen again, they should be treated as hostile and avoided if possible. 

 

Aemonguide by The-Below