Overview
Possessors are dark spiritual entities closely associated with Broeden and the corruption that spread from Durageim. Unlike physical creatures, they require a host body to fully manifest in the mortal world. Their presence twists flesh, warps behavior, and often transforms victims into monstrous versions of themselves.
Appearance
Outside a host, Possessors most commonly appear as dark vaporous forms. Witnesses describe them as living shadows, black mist, or drifting spiritual masses capable of moving independently through air.
Once embedded within a host, physical changes vary significantly depending on the creature possessed.
Host Assimilation
Possessors invade living bodies and gradually alter them from within. Early symptoms often include behavioral changes, aggression, unusual strength, and physical distortion. As corruption progresses, the host becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish from the possessing spirit.
Many victims eventually lose all traces of their original personalities.
Known Hosts
- Humans
- War Dogs
- Camonra
- Recently deceased bodies
- Mass grave amalgamations
Rakmuut Creation
One of the best known manifestations occurs when a Possessor inhabits a war dog. The resulting creature, known as a Rakmuut, undergoes explosive growth, increased aggression, and severe physical mutation. Rakmuut are considerably more dangerous than ordinary war dogs and frequently serve as shock troops for dark armies.
Mass Possession Events
The most catastrophic Possessor outbreaks occur near battlefields and large concentrations of dead bodies. Multiple entities may animate collections of corpses, creating horrific flesh amalgamations capable of absorbing additional victims into their mass.
Relationship with Broeden
Possessors were among the most feared servants of Broeden. They infiltrated settlements, corrupted defenders, and spread terror well beyond the borders of his domain. Many of Broeden's most devastating battlefield horrors originated from Possessor activity.
Countermeasures
Watchers and experienced guardsmen consider immediate destruction of the host the most reliable method of preventing further spread. Delays often allow the Possessor to adapt, mutate its host, or escape into another victim.
Spiritual powers, holy artifacts, and certain forms of conjuration have proven effective against exposed Possessors.
Signs of Presence
- Unnatural behavioral changes
- Warping of flesh and bone
- Dark vapor emerging from hosts
- Sudden hostility among companions
- Rapid mutations in animals or captives
- Mass corpse activity near battlefields
Settler Lore
Kill the host before the spirit finds another.
Fear the monster you see. Fear the Possessor you don't.
Threat Assessment
Danger Level: Extreme
Possessors represent one of the greatest supernatural threats recorded in the Bestiary. Their ability to spread quietly, assume countless forms, and weaponize the living and the dead makes them uniquely dangerous.