Inhabitants of the realms - Revision history

Twiggy: /* Heralds */

2025-07-13T21:22:52Z

Heralds

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:22, 13 July 2025
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	Heralds are some of the most commonly encountered servants of the [[eternal\|eternals]]. They are able to leave their realm, and enter the mortal world, if the [[Alignment#Resolution\|conditions are right]] and they are intelligent and able to converse freely. They are vulnerable to attack and can be slain while in the mortal realm, and in most cases that seems to be fatal for them.		Heralds are some of the most commonly encountered servants of the [[eternal\|eternals]]. They are able to leave their realm, and enter the mortal world, if the [[Alignment#Resolution\|conditions are right]] and they are intelligent and able to converse freely. They are vulnerable to attack and can be slain while in the mortal realm, and in most cases that seems to be fatal for them.

	Most heralds appear to be dedicated servants of a single eternal, faithfully pursuing their lord's agenda. The most powerful heralds, the ones with the strongest identities, sometimes have an agenda or portfolio of their own, but it is always linked with the eternal they serve. The eternal [[Barien]] is served by a being known as [[Barien#Castellan\|Castellan]], a herald so powerful she is often mistaken for an eternal in her own right. Castellan's interest is in challenges of the heart, as befits a powerful herald of of the Master of Challenges.		Most heralds appear to be dedicated servants of a single eternal, faithfully pursuing their lord's agenda. The most powerful heralds, the ones with the strongest identities, sometimes have an agenda or portfolio of their own, but it is always linked with the eternal they serve. The eternal [[Barien]] is served by a being known as [[Barien#Castellan\|Castellan]], a herald so powerful she is often mistaken for an eternal in her own right. Castellan's interest is in challenges of the heart, as befits a powerful herald of the Master of Challenges.

	Some of the more independent heralds appear to spend the majority or all of their time in the mortal world. They may take a special interest in an area that contains a powerful or notable [[regio]], either dwelling there or returning regularly. The [[The_Semmerlak#Ladies_of_the_Semmerlak\|Golden Lady of the Semmerlak]] is almost certainly a powerful and independent herald who has taken the mystical island in the lake for her home. It is not clear if heralds like the Golden Lady take up residence in the mortal world with the blessing of their eternal patron or whether they are acting on their own ambitions.		Some of the more independent heralds appear to spend the majority or all of their time in the mortal world. They may take a special interest in an area that contains a powerful or notable [[regio]], either dwelling there or returning regularly. The [[The_Semmerlak#Ladies_of_the_Semmerlak\|Golden Lady of the Semmerlak]] is almost certainly a powerful and independent herald who has taken the mystical island in the lake for her home. It is not clear if heralds like the Golden Lady take up residence in the mortal world with the blessing of their eternal patron or whether they are acting on their own ambitions.

Hailmur: /* Guardians */

2025-06-06T00:23:06Z

Guardians

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:23, 6 June 2025
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	* '''Some eternals employ these monsters as guardians of chambers or other treasures they possess'''		* '''Some eternals employ these monsters as guardians of chambers or other treasures they possess'''
	* '''A few eternals deliberately loose such monsters into the mortal world'''		* '''A few eternals deliberately loose such monsters into the mortal world'''
	All the realms are home to powerful monsters, such as the [[Legendary_beasts#Dragons,_Wyverns_and_Wyrms\|dragons]] that are known to inhabit the [[Realm#Summer Realm\|Summer realm]]. On occasion, one of these creatures will escape from the realm, slipping through a [[regio]] to appear in the mortal world. Usually this requires help from mortal magicians to ease the passage, but it can happen spontaneously if the stars align. The more powerful creature is, the harder it seems to be for them to slip the chains that bind them to their realm. More commonly a monster may become trapped in a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers\|chamber]] or else be set to guard one by the eternal who claims dominion over it.		All the realms are home to powerful monsters, such as the [[Legendary_beasts#Dragons,_Wyverns_and_Wyrms\|dragons]] that are known to inhabit the [[Realm#Summer Realm\|Summer realm]]. On occasion, one of these creatures will escape from the realm, slipping through a [[regio]] to appear in the mortal world. Usually, this requires help from mortal magicians to ease the passage, but it can happen spontaneously if the stars align. The more powerful the creature is, the harder it seems to be for them to slip the chains that bind them to their realm. More commonly, a monster may become trapped in a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers\|chamber]] or else be set to guard one by the eternal who claims dominion over it.

	It is not clear how an eternal gains control of one of these creatures. It is easy to imagine that [[Jaheris]] might have defeated ''Orthus'', the giant two-headed hound that guards the Cave of Frozen Winds after an epic hunt through the Forests of Arden. It seems less likely that [[Phaleron]] gained the service of ''Legenica'', the White Sphinx that inhabits the Maze of Milastra in Jarm in the same way.		It is not clear how an eternal gains control of one of these creatures. It is easy to imagine that [[Jaheris]] might have defeated ''Orthus'', the giant two-headed hound that guards the Cave of Frozen Winds after an epic hunt through the Forests of Arden. It seems less likely that [[Phaleron]] gained the service of ''Legenica'', the White Sphinx that inhabits the Maze of Milastra in Jarm in the same way.
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	Where killing a guardian is possible, it doesn't appear to be permanent. Many heroes have defeated and slain Jaheris' hound, but everyone who finds their way into his Cave still encounters a monstrous two-headed hound. It may be the same beast, it may be a different one, it is impossible to tell - such is the nature of the realms. Whatever their nature, it is always ''possible'' to overcome a guardian - you can defeat Orthus in battle or answer Legenica's riddles correctly - but it is rarely easy.		Where killing a guardian is possible, it doesn't appear to be permanent. Many heroes have defeated and slain Jaheris' hound, but everyone who finds their way into his Cave still encounters a monstrous two-headed hound. It may be the same beast, it may be a different one, it is impossible to tell - such is the nature of the realms. Whatever their nature, it is always ''possible'' to overcome a guardian - you can defeat Orthus in battle or answer Legenica's riddles correctly - but it is rarely easy.

	Most ~~Eternals~~ are loathe to allow their guardians to be called into the mortal world to be commanded by magicians, although there are exceptions. [[Sorin]], for example, is known to allow favoured magicians to invoke a pack of giant wolves to help guard against invaders. A few eternals intent on causing mischief or misery will deliberately allow these monsters to run amok in the mortal realm, but only when the resulting chaos serves their agenda.		Most eternals are loathe to allow their guardians to be called into the mortal world to be commanded by magicians, although there are exceptions. [[Sorin]], for example, is known to allow favoured magicians to invoke a pack of giant wolves to help guard against invaders. A few eternals intent on causing mischief or misery will deliberately allow these monsters to run amok in the mortal realm, but only when the resulting chaos serves their agenda.

	==Drudges==		==Drudges==

Hailmur: /* Drudges */

2025-03-09T18:49:58Z

Drudges

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:49, 9 March 2025
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	* '''Some eternals have armies of soldiers or drudges that follow their commands'''		* '''Some eternals have armies of soldiers or drudges that follow their commands'''
	* '''These beings are largely non-descript and seem to have little in the way of individuality or personality'''		* '''These beings are largely non-descript and seem to have little in the way of individuality or personality'''
	Some eternals appear to have a near limitless army of faceless beings who serve their whims. These creatures embody the characteristics of the eternal they serve even while they seem to have little in the way of any individuality or personality. For example, the army of elfin knights called forth by [[Knights of Glory]] is led by brave heralds who are usually clad in gold or silver raiment. The bulk of the army that issues forth, however, is made up of soldiers armed with spear and shield and wearing a simple tabard emblazoned with a golden lion over their padded jack. Mortal soldiers who spend time chatting with these soldiers may be left exhilarated by their interaction with the Summer realm, but afterwards nobody can ever remember what any of the soldiers actually said, or indeed any of their names. Unlike the heralds who lead these armies, the soldiers appear to be completely nondescript.		Some eternals appear to have a near-limitless army of faceless beings who serve their whims. These creatures embody the characteristics of the eternal they serve even while they seem to have little in the way of any individuality or personality. For example, the army of elfin knights called forth by [[Knights of Glory]] is led by brave heralds who are usually clad in gold or silver raiment. The bulk of the army that issues forth, however, is made up of soldiers armed with spear and shield and wearing a simple tabard emblazoned with a golden lion over their padded jack. Mortal soldiers who spend time chatting with these soldiers may be left exhilarated by their interaction with the Summer realm, but afterwards nobody can ever remember what any of the soldiers actually said, or indeed any of their names. Unlike the heralds who lead these armies, the soldiers appear to be completely nondescript.

	Not all creatures of this kind are designed to fight. Many of the Autumn eternals have armies of faceless drudges who toil ceaselessly in their employ. They work the bellows to keep the forges of [[Estavus]] burning or toil in the Prince of Shikal's mines. If an eternal agrees to supply the labour to work in some mundane endeavour in the mortal world, then the menial work that they perform will be done by drudges. Those who speak with these drudges find the conversation utterly unremarkable and difficult to recall afterwards, which is what leads many magicians to suspect that soldiers or drudges might be one and the same thing.		Not all creatures of this kind are designed to fight. Many of the Autumn eternals have armies of faceless drudges who toil ceaselessly in their employ. They work the bellows to keep the forges of [[Estavus]] burning or toil in the Prince of Shikal's mines. If an eternal agrees to supply the labour to work in some mundane endeavour in the mortal world, then the menial work that they perform will be done by drudges. Those who speak with these drudges find the conversation utterly unremarkable and difficult to recall afterwards, which is what leads many magicians to suspect that soldiers or drudges might be one and the same thing.

	Despite their lack of individuality, these creatures can be very dangerous. The heralds that lead the armies of the [[Eleonaris\|Lion of Summer]] are the match of any Imperial hero, but even the faceless minions that make up the rank and file are not to be ~~under-estimated~~. They are skilled combatants easily the match of the average Imperial soldier. Nor should their anonymity be mistaken for passivity. The Winter spirits that are called forth by [[Quickening Cold Meat]] are utterly indistinguishable from each other, but each is a ravening creature of chaos and destruction.		Despite their lack of individuality, these creatures can be very dangerous. The heralds that lead the armies of the [[Eleonaris\|Lion of Summer]] are the match of any Imperial hero, but even the faceless minions that make up the rank and file are not to be underestimated. They are skilled combatants easily the match of the average Imperial soldier. Nor should their anonymity be mistaken for passivity. The Winter spirits that are called forth by [[Quickening Cold Meat]] are utterly indistinguishable from each other, but each is a ravening creature of chaos and destruction.

	==Boggarts==		==Boggarts==

Dre at 15:57, 27 January 2025

2025-01-27T15:57:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:57, 27 January 2025
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	Some of the more independent heralds appear to spend the majority or all of their time in the mortal world. They may take a special interest in an area that contains a powerful or notable [[regio]], either dwelling there or returning regularly. The [[The_Semmerlak#Ladies_of_the_Semmerlak\|Golden Lady of the Semmerlak]] is almost certainly a powerful and independent herald who has taken the mystical island in the lake for her home. It is not clear if heralds like the Golden Lady take up residence in the mortal world with the blessing of their eternal patron or whether they are acting on their own ambitions.		Some of the more independent heralds appear to spend the majority or all of their time in the mortal world. They may take a special interest in an area that contains a powerful or notable [[regio]], either dwelling there or returning regularly. The [[The_Semmerlak#Ladies_of_the_Semmerlak\|Golden Lady of the Semmerlak]] is almost certainly a powerful and independent herald who has taken the mystical island in the lake for her home. It is not clear if heralds like the Golden Lady take up residence in the mortal world with the blessing of their eternal patron or whether they are acting on their own ambitions.

	Heralds often seem more "human" than the eternals they serve. Some seem happy to spend time in the company of mortals, socialising and enjoying entertainments. Some heralds appear quite rebellious or even contemptuous of the eternal they serve, but that may be an inevitable consequence of the nature of their eternal. It is perhaps no ~~suprise~~ that the eternals who serve [[Basileia]] in the City of Locks are continually plotting to overthrow their ruler and claim the seat for themselves.		Heralds often seem more "human" than the eternals they serve. Some seem happy to spend time in the company of mortals, socialising and enjoying entertainments. Some heralds appear quite rebellious or even contemptuous of the eternal they serve, but that may be an inevitable consequence of the nature of their eternal. It is perhaps no surprise that the eternals who serve [[Basileia]] in the City of Locks are continually plotting to overthrow their ruler and claim the seat for themselves.

	Eternals use heralds to convey their words to mortals, deliver gifts and collect payments, or to act as their agents in the Hall of Worlds or the mortal realm. Those eternals that command armies send heralds to lead their forces into battle. In rare cases it is only an eternal's heralds that are ever actually seen - no mortal has ever reliably met with [[Ephisis]] - and indeed none of the eternal's heralds claim to have ever met the High Merchant in person.		Eternals use heralds to convey their words to mortals, deliver gifts and collect payments, or to act as their agents in the Hall of Worlds or the mortal realm. Those eternals that command armies send heralds to lead their forces into battle. In rare cases it is only an eternal's heralds that are ever actually seen - no mortal has ever reliably met with [[Ephisis]] - and indeed none of the eternal's heralds claim to have ever met the High Merchant in person.

Dre at 15:56, 27 January 2025

2025-01-27T15:56:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:56, 27 January 2025
Line 20:		Line 20:
	* '''Some eternals employ these monsters as guardians of chambers or other treasures they possess'''		* '''Some eternals employ these monsters as guardians of chambers or other treasures they possess'''
	* '''A few eternals deliberately loose such monsters into the mortal world'''		* '''A few eternals deliberately loose such monsters into the mortal world'''
	All the realms are home to powerful monsters, such as the [[Legendary_beasts#Dragons,_Wyverns_and_Wyrms\|dragons]] that are known to inhabit the [[Realm#Summer Realm\|Summer ~~Realm~~]]. On occasion, one of these creatures will escape from the realm, slipping through a [[regio]] to appear in the mortal world. Usually this requires help from mortal magicians to ease the passage, but it can happen spontaneously if the stars align. The more powerful creature is, the harder it seems to be for them to slip the chains that bind them to their realm. More commonly a monster may become trapped in a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers\|chamber]] or else be set to guard one by the eternal who claims dominion over it.		All the realms are home to powerful monsters, such as the [[Legendary_beasts#Dragons,_Wyverns_and_Wyrms\|dragons]] that are known to inhabit the [[Realm#Summer Realm\|Summer realm]]. On occasion, one of these creatures will escape from the realm, slipping through a [[regio]] to appear in the mortal world. Usually this requires help from mortal magicians to ease the passage, but it can happen spontaneously if the stars align. The more powerful creature is, the harder it seems to be for them to slip the chains that bind them to their realm. More commonly a monster may become trapped in a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers\|chamber]] or else be set to guard one by the eternal who claims dominion over it.

	It is not clear how an eternal gains control of one of these creatures. It is easy to imagine that [[Jaheris]] might have defeated ''Orthus'', the giant two-headed hound that guards the Cave of Frozen Winds after an epic hunt through the Forests of Arden. It seems less likely that [[Phaleron]] gained the service of ''Legenica'', the White Sphinx that inhabits the Maze of Milastra in Jarm in the same way.		It is not clear how an eternal gains control of one of these creatures. It is easy to imagine that [[Jaheris]] might have defeated ''Orthus'', the giant two-headed hound that guards the Cave of Frozen Winds after an epic hunt through the Forests of Arden. It seems less likely that [[Phaleron]] gained the service of ''Legenica'', the White Sphinx that inhabits the Maze of Milastra in Jarm in the same way.

Beeswax: /* Boggarts */

2025-01-24T20:40:13Z

Boggarts

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:40, 24 January 2025
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	Each of the six realms includes creatures most commonly referred to as boggarts. They are widely considered to be pests by many mortal magicians and often referred to by eternals in the same vein. Boggarts that enter a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers\|chamber]] usually have no problem slipping through into the mortal world where they usually cause confusion and disruption until they are dealt with. Most are easily dispatched and few present a serious threat, so dealing with boggarts is often considered to be children's work.		Each of the six realms includes creatures most commonly referred to as boggarts. They are widely considered to be pests by many mortal magicians and often referred to by eternals in the same vein. Boggarts that enter a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers\|chamber]] usually have no problem slipping through into the mortal world where they usually cause confusion and disruption until they are dealt with. Most are easily dispatched and few present a serious threat, so dealing with boggarts is often considered to be children's work.

	Precautions should be taken however, as boggarts can be dangerous if they are under-estimated. After a recent [[A_murder_of_one#A_Field_Guide_to_Boggarts\|infusion of Spring Magic]] into the Empire, large numbers of feral ~~spring~~ boggarts that presented a clear danger to people were encountered. Ultimately boggarts are a lot like animals in the mortal world, cats and dogs make good pets, an invasion of rats is a terrible nuisance to anyone, and a pack of hungry wolves is a danger that everyone must be careful of.		Precautions should be taken however, as boggarts can be dangerous if they are under-estimated. After a recent [[A_murder_of_one#A_Field_Guide_to_Boggarts\|infusion of Spring Magic]] into the Empire, large numbers of feral Spring boggarts that presented a clear danger to people were encountered. Ultimately boggarts are a lot like animals in the mortal world, cats and dogs make good pets, an invasion of rats is a terrible nuisance to anyone, and a pack of hungry wolves is a danger that everyone must be careful of.

	Boggarts can be useful, as they often produce or yield valuable resources. Some boggart muck contains residues of magic that can be harnessed if it is collected and their bodies may yield valuable components if they are harvested. Boggarts often congregate in locations that have strong magical auras, leading some magicians to claim that their presence can intensify the power of the realm there.		Boggarts can be useful, as they often produce or yield valuable resources. Some boggart muck contains residues of magic that can be harnessed if it is collected and their bodies may yield valuable components if they are harvested. Boggarts often congregate in locations that have strong magical auras, leading some magicians to claim that their presence can intensify the power of the realm there.

Beeswax: /* Boggarts */

2025-01-24T20:39:53Z

Boggarts

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:39, 24 January 2025
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	Boggarts can be useful, as they often produce or yield valuable resources. Some boggart muck contains residues of magic that can be harnessed if it is collected and their bodies may yield valuable components if they are harvested. Boggarts often congregate in locations that have strong magical auras, leading some magicians to claim that their presence can intensify the power of the realm there.		Boggarts can be useful, as they often produce or yield valuable resources. Some boggart muck contains residues of magic that can be harnessed if it is collected and their bodies may yield valuable components if they are harvested. Boggarts often congregate in locations that have strong magical auras, leading some magicians to claim that their presence can intensify the power of the realm there.

	Eternals usually deny having any knowledge of the activities of boggarts and claim to have no power to control them. Despite these claims, it has been noted that magicians who particularly annoy the Brother of Wizards have been known to discover that their quarters are suddenly infested with cackles, small agile ~~night~~ boggarts that look like a cross between a house-cat and a terrapin, and whose riotous laughter makes serious work all but impossible until they are eliminated.		Eternals usually deny having any knowledge of the activities of boggarts and claim to have no power to control them. Despite these claims, it has been noted that magicians who particularly annoy the Brother of Wizards have been known to discover that their quarters are suddenly infested with cackles, small agile Night boggarts that look like a cross between a house-cat and a terrapin, and whose riotous laughter makes serious work all but impossible until they are eliminated.

	{{Cosmology Further Reading}}		{{Cosmology Further Reading}}
	[[Category:Eternals]] [[Category:Magic]] [[Category:Bestiary]]		[[Category:Eternals]] [[Category:Magic]] [[Category:Bestiary]]

Rafferty: Created page with "==Overview== The world of Empire is known to touch six other planes of existence that are separate from, but intimately connected to, the mortal realm. These realms are innately connected to the practice of magic, but they are also home to all manner of strange and powerful beings. After centuries of study, Imperial magicians have created loose classifications for these creatures, grouping them together by their common characteristics, the make it easier to und..."

2025-01-24T19:24:05Z

Created page with "==Overview== The world of Empire is known to touch six other planes of existence that are separate from, but intimately connected to, the mortal realm. These realms are innately connected to the practice of magic, but they are also home to all manner of strange and powerful beings. After centuries of study, Imperial magicians have created loose classifications for these creatures, grouping them together by their common characteristics, the make it easier to und..."

New page

==Overview==
The world of Empire is known to touch [[Realm|six other planes of existence]] that are separate from, but intimately connected to, the mortal realm. These realms are innately connected to the practice of magic, but they are also home to all manner of strange and powerful beings. After centuries of study, Imperial magicians have created loose classifications for these creatures, grouping them together by their common characteristics, the make it easier to understand and deal with them.

The most powerful are the [[eternal|eternals]], the defacto rulers of the realms, but there are also [[#Heralds|heralds]], [[#Guardians|guardians]], [[#Drudges|drudges]], and [[#Eternals|boggarts]]. This page contains all the information that the Empire has gathered about these lesser occupants of the realms.

==Heralds==
* '''Heralds are the most intelligent and capable servants of the eternals'''
Heralds are some of the most commonly encountered servants of the [[eternal|eternals]]. They are able to leave their realm, and enter the mortal world, if the [[Alignment#Resolution|conditions are right]] and they are intelligent and able to converse freely. They are vulnerable to attack and can be slain while in the mortal realm, and in most cases that seems to be fatal for them.

Most heralds appear to be dedicated servants of a single eternal, faithfully pursuing their lord's agenda. The most powerful heralds, the ones with the strongest identities, sometimes have an agenda or portfolio of their own, but it is always linked with the eternal they serve. The eternal [[Barien]] is served by a being known as [[Barien#Castellan|Castellan]], a herald so powerful she is often mistaken for an eternal in her own right. Castellan's interest is in challenges of the heart, as befits a powerful herald of of the Master of Challenges.

Some of the more independent heralds appear to spend the majority or all of their time in the mortal world. They may take a special interest in an area that contains a powerful or notable [[regio]], either dwelling there or returning regularly. The [[The_Semmerlak#Ladies_of_the_Semmerlak|Golden Lady of the Semmerlak]] is almost certainly a powerful and independent herald who has taken the mystical island in the lake for her home. It is not clear if heralds like the Golden Lady take up residence in the mortal world with the blessing of their eternal patron or whether they are acting on their own ambitions.

Heralds often seem more "human" than the eternals they serve. Some seem happy to spend time in the company of mortals, socialising and enjoying entertainments. Some heralds appear quite rebellious or even contemptuous of the eternal they serve, but that may be an inevitable consequence of the nature of their eternal. It is perhaps no suprise that the eternals who serve [[Basileia]] in the City of Locks are continually plotting to overthrow their ruler and claim the seat for themselves.

Eternals use heralds to convey their words to mortals, deliver gifts and collect payments, or to act as their agents in the Hall of Worlds or the mortal realm. Those eternals that command armies send heralds to lead their forces into battle. In rare cases it is only an eternal's heralds that are ever actually seen - no mortal has ever reliably met with [[Ephisis]] - and indeed none of the eternal's heralds claim to have ever met the High Merchant in person.

==Guardians==
* '''The realms are known to be inhabited by powerful monsters'''
* '''Some eternals employ these monsters as guardians of chambers or other treasures they possess'''
* '''A few eternals deliberately loose such monsters into the mortal world'''
All the realms are home to powerful monsters, such as the [[Legendary_beasts#Dragons,_Wyverns_and_Wyrms|dragons]] that are known to inhabit the [[Realm#Summer Realm|Summer Realm]]. On occasion, one of these creatures will escape from the realm, slipping through a [[regio]] to appear in the mortal world. Usually this requires help from mortal magicians to ease the passage, but it can happen spontaneously if the stars align. The more powerful creature is, the harder it seems to be for them to slip the chains that bind them to their realm. More commonly a monster may become trapped in a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers|chamber]] or else be set to guard one by the eternal who claims dominion over it.

It is not clear how an eternal gains control of one of these creatures. It is easy to imagine that [[Jaheris]] might have defeated ''Orthus'', the giant two-headed hound that guards the Cave of Frozen Winds after an epic hunt through the Forests of Arden. It seems less likely that [[Phaleron]] gained the service of ''Legenica'', the White Sphinx that inhabits the Maze of Milastra in Jarm in the same way.

Where killing a guardian is possible, it doesn't appear to be permanent. Many heroes have defeated and slain Jaheris' hound, but everyone who finds their way into his Cave still encounters a monstrous two-headed hound. It may be the same beast, it may be a different one, it is impossible to tell - such is the nature of the realms. Whatever their nature, it is always ''possible'' to overcome a guardian - you can defeat Orthus in battle or answer Legenica's riddles correctly - but it is rarely easy.

Most Eternals are loathe to allow their guardians to be called into the mortal world to be commanded by magicians, although there are exceptions. [[Sorin]], for example, is known to allow favoured magicians to invoke a pack of giant wolves to help guard against invaders. A few eternals intent on causing mischief or misery will deliberately allow these monsters to run amok in the mortal realm, but only when the resulting chaos serves their agenda.

==Drudges==
* '''Some eternals have armies of soldiers or drudges that follow their commands'''
* '''These beings are largely non-descript and seem to have little in the way of individuality or personality'''
Some eternals appear to have a near limitless army of faceless beings who serve their whims. These creatures embody the characteristics of the eternal they serve even while they seem to have little in the way of any individuality or personality. For example, the army of elfin knights called forth by [[Knights of Glory]] is led by brave heralds who are usually clad in gold or silver raiment. The bulk of the army that issues forth, however, is made up of soldiers armed with spear and shield and wearing a simple tabard emblazoned with a golden lion over their padded jack. Mortal soldiers who spend time chatting with these soldiers may be left exhilarated by their interaction with the Summer realm, but afterwards nobody can ever remember what any of the soldiers actually said, or indeed any of their names. Unlike the heralds who lead these armies, the soldiers appear to be completely nondescript.

Not all creatures of this kind are designed to fight. Many of the Autumn eternals have armies of faceless drudges who toil ceaselessly in their employ. They work the bellows to keep the forges of [[Estavus]] burning or toil in the Prince of Shikal's mines. If an eternal agrees to supply the labour to work in some mundane endeavour in the mortal world, then the menial work that they perform will be done by drudges. Those who speak with these drudges find the conversation utterly unremarkable and difficult to recall afterwards, which is what leads many magicians to suspect that soldiers or drudges might be one and the same thing.

Despite their lack of individuality, these creatures can be very dangerous. The heralds that lead the armies of the [[Eleonaris|Lion of Summer]] are the match of any Imperial hero, but even the faceless minions that make up the rank and file are not to be under-estimated. They are skilled combatants easily the match of the average Imperial soldier. Nor should their anonymity be mistaken for passivity. The Winter spirits that are called forth by [[Quickening Cold Meat]] are utterly indistinguishable from each other, but each is a ravening creature of chaos and destruction.

==Boggarts==
* '''Boggarts are usually among the weakest creatures of the realms'''
* '''They are often considered to be pests, both by mortals and eternals alike'''
Each of the six realms includes creatures most commonly referred to as boggarts. They are widely considered to be pests by many mortal magicians and often referred to by eternals in the same vein. Boggarts that enter a [[Regio#Portals_and_Chambers|chamber]] usually have no problem slipping through into the mortal world where they usually cause confusion and disruption until they are dealt with. Most are easily dispatched and few present a serious threat, so dealing with boggarts is often considered to be children's work.

Precautions should be taken however, as boggarts can be dangerous if they are under-estimated. After a recent [[A_murder_of_one#A_Field_Guide_to_Boggarts|infusion of Spring Magic]] into the Empire, large numbers of feral spring boggarts that presented a clear danger to people were encountered. Ultimately boggarts are a lot like animals in the mortal world, cats and dogs make good pets, an invasion of rats is a terrible nuisance to anyone, and a pack of hungry wolves is a danger that everyone must be careful of.

Boggarts can be useful, as they often produce or yield valuable resources. Some boggart muck contains residues of magic that can be harnessed if it is collected and their bodies may yield valuable components if they are harvested. Boggarts often congregate in locations that have strong magical auras, leading some magicians to claim that their presence can intensify the power of the realm there.

Eternals usually deny having any knowledge of the activities of boggarts and claim to have no power to control them. Despite these claims, it has been noted that magicians who particularly annoy the Brother of Wizards have been known to discover that their quarters are suddenly infested with cackles, small agile night boggarts that look like a cross between a house-cat and a terrapin, and whose riotous laughter makes serious work all but impossible until they are eliminated.

{{Cosmology Further Reading}}
[[Category:Eternals]] [[Category:Magic]] [[Category:Bestiary]]