Plaguewulf - Revision history

Twiggy at 16:36, 27 September 2025

2025-09-27T16:36:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:36, 27 September 2025
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	Plaguewulfs are doubly dangerous because they are never encountered alone; they are always surrounded by the flesh-hungry husks their sickening powers have created as servants and soldiers.		Plaguewulfs are doubly dangerous because they are never encountered alone; they are always surrounded by the flesh-hungry husks their sickening powers have created as servants and soldiers.

	While they are predominantly encountered in Varushka, there are some unreliable stories suggesting similar creatures might exist in other parts of the world. There are tales from the deserts of [[Xira]] of a similar sounding creature whose breath desiccates living flesh; they are said to feast on the fluids of the body in the same way the plaguewulf feasts on the breath. There are also stories from the distant [[Sumaah Republic]] of jaguar-like beasts that eat the skin of the living. It is not clear whether these creatures (if they exist) are related to the plaguewulf or, as is more likely, are entirely different supernatural predators unrelated to the plaguewulf.		While they are predominantly encountered in Varushka, there are some unreliable stories suggesting similar creatures might exist in other parts of the world. There are tales from the deserts of Xira of a similar sounding creature whose breath desiccates living flesh; they are said to feast on the fluids of the body in the same way the plaguewulf feasts on the breath. There are also stories from the distant [[Sumaah Republic]] of jaguar-like beasts that eat the skin of the living. It is not clear whether these creatures (if they exist) are related to the plaguewulf or, as is more likely, are entirely different supernatural predators unrelated to the plaguewulf.

	==Appearance==		==Appearance==

Dre at 23:08, 3 August 2023

2023-08-03T23:08:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:08, 3 August 2023
Line 47:		Line 47:
	A very few encounters with plaguewulfs have been with creatures significantly more potent than the average beast (although the creatures are already rare enough that the word 'average' has little real meaning when speaking about them). These horrors are said to possess additional supernatural powers, each unique and terrible. Three encounters are recorded in the stories of Varushka, and told and retold with significant variations:		A very few encounters with plaguewulfs have been with creatures significantly more potent than the average beast (although the creatures are already rare enough that the word 'average' has little real meaning when speaking about them). These horrors are said to possess additional supernatural powers, each unique and terrible. Three encounters are recorded in the stories of Varushka, and told and retold with significant variations:
	* An Elder Plaguewulf bedevilled the people of Olodny in the first century before the formation of the Empire. Rather than exhaling pestilential breath, the venom of this creature seeped from its skin constantly, automatically poisoning every living creature that came near it. Furthermore, it created husks not only from humans and orcs but from animals - indeed, until it was defeated by a band of [[Warden\|wardens]] it decimated the fur trade in that part of Miekarova.		* An Elder Plaguewulf bedevilled the people of Olodny in the first century before the formation of the Empire. Rather than exhaling pestilential breath, the venom of this creature seeped from its skin constantly, automatically poisoning every living creature that came near it. Furthermore, it created husks not only from humans and orcs but from animals - indeed, until it was defeated by a band of [[Warden\|wardens]] it decimated the fur trade in that part of Miekarova.
	* An Elder Plaguewulf once assaulted all travellers moving north from [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]]. The presence of this horror poisoned plants as well as animals, and anyone who ate a plant that the creature had breathed on was ~~effected~~ by its horrible venom. It was burnt to death by a joint effort of schlacta and [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] bravos.		* An Elder Plaguewulf once assaulted all travellers moving north from [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]]. The presence of this horror poisoned plants as well as animals, and anyone who ate a plant that the creature had breathed on was affected by its horrible venom. It was burnt to death by a joint effort of schlacta and [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] bravos.
	* At the height of the fighting against Alderei the Fair. a pitched battle took place near [[Volodmartz#Triov\|Triov]] in [[Volodmartz]]. A single Elder Plaguewulf and two subservient plaguewulfs were said to be able to call up a stinking grey-green mist that washed across the forces opposing them in a tide of venom that spread for perhaps half a mile. The two lesser plaguewulfs were slain by forces supported with [[Navarr]] [[Navarr Magical Traditions#Vates\|vates]], but the Elder was never accounted for.		* At the height of the fighting against Alderei the Fair. a pitched battle took place near [[Volodmartz#Triov\|Triov]] in [[Volodmartz]]. A single Elder Plaguewulf and two subservient plaguewulfs were said to be able to call up a stinking grey-green mist that washed across the forces opposing them in a tide of venom that spread for perhaps half a mile. The two lesser plaguewulfs were slain by forces supported with [[Navarr]] [[Navarr Magical Traditions#Vates\|vates]], but the Elder was never accounted for.
	* An Elder Plaguewulf assaulted vales across [[Miekarova#Dupadealuri\|Dupadealuri]] and [[Miekarova#Srodkoja\|Srodkoja]] until it was apparently defeated by a lone warden named [[Abraxus Stone#Gambit of the Wulfhunter\|Mischa Koschinov Sennariv]] using a powerful [[Abraxus Stone\|amulet]] that protected the warden from the creature's venomous breath. The stories suggest that not only did the creature's breath bring a deadly venom with it, but also that of the husks it created, leading to a veritable plague of shambling horrors across southern [[Miekarova]].		* An Elder Plaguewulf assaulted vales across [[Miekarova#Dupadealuri\|Dupadealuri]] and [[Miekarova#Srodkoja\|Srodkoja]] until it was apparently defeated by a lone warden named [[Abraxus Stone#Gambit of the Wulfhunter\|Mischa Koschinov Sennariv]] using a powerful [[Abraxus Stone\|amulet]] that protected the warden from the creature's venomous breath. The stories suggest that not only did the creature's breath bring a deadly venom with it, but also that of the husks it created, leading to a veritable plague of shambling horrors across southern [[Miekarova]].

	[[Category:Bestiary]]		[[Category:Bestiary]]

Matt: /* Plaguewulf Capabilities */

2022-07-07T14:26:05Z

Plaguewulf Capabilities

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:26, 7 July 2022
Line 17:		Line 17:
	No husk, even one from created by a ritual such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] will attack a plaguewulf, and they seem to have the ability to exert dominance over many such creatures giving them their less-common sobriquet of ''Wulfkings''.		No husk, even one from created by a ritual such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] will attack a plaguewulf, and they seem to have the ability to exert dominance over many such creatures giving them their less-common sobriquet of ''Wulfkings''.

	In addition to their venomous exhalation, the plaguewulf is known to possess great reserves of healing energy which it sometimes shares with its husk minions. When physically challenged, it can strike mighty blows with its claws that [[Calls#CLEAVE\|rend limbs]] or [[Calls#~~STRIKEDOWNsend~~ human opponents sprawling]].		In addition to their venomous exhalation, the plaguewulf is known to possess great reserves of healing energy which it sometimes shares with its husk minions. When physically challenged, it can strike mighty blows with its claws that [[Calls#CLEAVE\|rend limbs]] or [[Calls#STRIKEDOWN\|send human opponents sprawling]].

	An area where a plaguewulf has laired for an extended period of time tends to acquire an [[Roleplaying effects#Area Effects (Auras)\|aura]] of sickness, lethargy and creeping despair. This makes facing the creatures in their den's doubly difficult. In rare cases where the den has also been a [[regio]] this aura of despair has been even more powerful.		An area where a plaguewulf has laired for an extended period of time tends to acquire an [[Roleplaying effects#Area Effects (Auras)\|aura]] of sickness, lethargy and creeping despair. This makes facing the creatures in their den's doubly difficult. In rare cases where the den has also been a [[regio]] this aura of despair has been even more powerful.

Matt: /* Plaguewulf Capabilities */

2022-07-07T14:25:51Z

Plaguewulf Capabilities

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:25, 7 July 2022
Line 17:		Line 17:
	No husk, even one from created by a ritual such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] will attack a plaguewulf, and they seem to have the ability to exert dominance over many such creatures giving them their less-common sobriquet of ''Wulfkings''.		No husk, even one from created by a ritual such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] will attack a plaguewulf, and they seem to have the ability to exert dominance over many such creatures giving them their less-common sobriquet of ''Wulfkings''.

	In addition to their venomous exhalation, the plaguewulf is known to possess great reserves of healing energy which it sometimes shares with its husk minions. When physically challenged, it can strike mighty blows with its claws that [[~~Weapons & armour~~#CLEAVE\|rend limbs]] or [[~~Weapons & armour~~#~~STRIKEDOWN\|send~~ human opponents sprawling]].		In addition to their venomous exhalation, the plaguewulf is known to possess great reserves of healing energy which it sometimes shares with its husk minions. When physically challenged, it can strike mighty blows with its claws that [[Calls#CLEAVE\|rend limbs]] or [[Calls#STRIKEDOWNsend human opponents sprawling]].

	An area where a plaguewulf has laired for an extended period of time tends to acquire an [[Roleplaying effects#Area Effects (Auras)\|aura]] of sickness, lethargy and creeping despair. This makes facing the creatures in their den's doubly difficult. In rare cases where the den has also been a [[regio]] this aura of despair has been even more powerful.		An area where a plaguewulf has laired for an extended period of time tends to acquire an [[Roleplaying effects#Area Effects (Auras)\|aura]] of sickness, lethargy and creeping despair. This makes facing the creatures in their den's doubly difficult. In rare cases where the den has also been a [[regio]] this aura of despair has been even more powerful.

Rafferty: /* Elder Plaguewulfs */

2019-10-06T13:14:29Z

Elder Plaguewulfs

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:14, 6 October 2019
Line 49:		Line 49:
	* An Elder Plaguewulf once assaulted all travellers moving north from [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]]. The presence of this horror poisoned plants as well as animals, and anyone who ate a plant that the creature had breathed on was effected by its horrible venom. It was burnt to death by a joint effort of schlacta and [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] bravos.		* An Elder Plaguewulf once assaulted all travellers moving north from [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]]. The presence of this horror poisoned plants as well as animals, and anyone who ate a plant that the creature had breathed on was effected by its horrible venom. It was burnt to death by a joint effort of schlacta and [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] bravos.
	* At the height of the fighting against Alderei the Fair. a pitched battle took place near [[Volodmartz#Triov\|Triov]] in [[Volodmartz]]. A single Elder Plaguewulf and two subservient plaguewulfs were said to be able to call up a stinking grey-green mist that washed across the forces opposing them in a tide of venom that spread for perhaps half a mile. The two lesser plaguewulfs were slain by forces supported with [[Navarr]] [[Navarr Magical Traditions#Vates\|vates]], but the Elder was never accounted for.		* At the height of the fighting against Alderei the Fair. a pitched battle took place near [[Volodmartz#Triov\|Triov]] in [[Volodmartz]]. A single Elder Plaguewulf and two subservient plaguewulfs were said to be able to call up a stinking grey-green mist that washed across the forces opposing them in a tide of venom that spread for perhaps half a mile. The two lesser plaguewulfs were slain by forces supported with [[Navarr]] [[Navarr Magical Traditions#Vates\|vates]], but the Elder was never accounted for.
	* An Elder Plaguewulf assaulted vales across [[Miekarova#Dupadealuri\|Dupadealuri]] and [[Miekarova#Srodkoja\|Srodkoja]] until it was apparently defeated by a lone warden named [[Abraxus Stone#Gambit of the Wulfhunter\|Mischa Koschinov Sennariv]] using a powerful [[Abraxus Stone\|amulet]] that protected the warden from the creature's venomous breath. The stories suggest that not only did the creature's breath bring a deadly venom with it, but also that of the husks it created.		* An Elder Plaguewulf assaulted vales across [[Miekarova#Dupadealuri\|Dupadealuri]] and [[Miekarova#Srodkoja\|Srodkoja]] until it was apparently defeated by a lone warden named [[Abraxus Stone#Gambit of the Wulfhunter\|Mischa Koschinov Sennariv]] using a powerful [[Abraxus Stone\|amulet]] that protected the warden from the creature's venomous breath. The stories suggest that not only did the creature's breath bring a deadly venom with it, but also that of the husks it created, leading to a veritable plague of shambling horrors across southern [[Miekarova]].

	[[Category:Bestiary]]		[[Category:Bestiary]]

Rafferty: /* Elder Plaguewulfs */

2019-10-06T13:13:21Z

Elder Plaguewulfs

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:13, 6 October 2019
Line 49:		Line 49:
	* An Elder Plaguewulf once assaulted all travellers moving north from [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]]. The presence of this horror poisoned plants as well as animals, and anyone who ate a plant that the creature had breathed on was effected by its horrible venom. It was burnt to death by a joint effort of schlacta and [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] bravos.		* An Elder Plaguewulf once assaulted all travellers moving north from [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]]. The presence of this horror poisoned plants as well as animals, and anyone who ate a plant that the creature had breathed on was effected by its horrible venom. It was burnt to death by a joint effort of schlacta and [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] bravos.
	* At the height of the fighting against Alderei the Fair. a pitched battle took place near [[Volodmartz#Triov\|Triov]] in [[Volodmartz]]. A single Elder Plaguewulf and two subservient plaguewulfs were said to be able to call up a stinking grey-green mist that washed across the forces opposing them in a tide of venom that spread for perhaps half a mile. The two lesser plaguewulfs were slain by forces supported with [[Navarr]] [[Navarr Magical Traditions#Vates\|vates]], but the Elder was never accounted for.		* At the height of the fighting against Alderei the Fair. a pitched battle took place near [[Volodmartz#Triov\|Triov]] in [[Volodmartz]]. A single Elder Plaguewulf and two subservient plaguewulfs were said to be able to call up a stinking grey-green mist that washed across the forces opposing them in a tide of venom that spread for perhaps half a mile. The two lesser plaguewulfs were slain by forces supported with [[Navarr]] [[Navarr Magical Traditions#Vates\|vates]], but the Elder was never accounted for.
			* An Elder Plaguewulf assaulted vales across [[Miekarova#Dupadealuri\|Dupadealuri]] and [[Miekarova#Srodkoja\|Srodkoja]] until it was apparently defeated by a lone warden named [[Abraxus Stone#Gambit of the Wulfhunter\|Mischa Koschinov Sennariv]] using a powerful [[Abraxus Stone\|amulet]] that protected the warden from the creature's venomous breath. The stories suggest that not only did the creature's breath bring a deadly venom with it, but also that of the husks it created.

	[[Category:Bestiary]]		[[Category:Bestiary]]

TomH: /* Elder Plaguewulfs */

2018-01-03T16:21:19Z

Elder Plaguewulfs

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 3 January 2018
Line 45:		Line 45:

	==Elder Plaguewulfs==		==Elder Plaguewulfs==
	A very few encounters with plaguewulfs have been with creatures significantly more potent than the average beast (although the creatures are already rare enough that the word 'average' has little real meaning when speaking about them).. These horrors are said to possess additional supernatural powers, each unique and terrible. Three encounters are recorded in the stories of Varushka, and told and retold with significant variations:		A very few encounters with plaguewulfs have been with creatures significantly more potent than the average beast (although the creatures are already rare enough that the word 'average' has little real meaning when speaking about them). These horrors are said to possess additional supernatural powers, each unique and terrible. Three encounters are recorded in the stories of Varushka, and told and retold with significant variations:
	* An Elder Plaguewulf bedevilled the people of Olodny in the first century before the formation of the Empire. Rather than exhaling pestilential breath, the venom of this creature seeped from its skin constantly, automatically poisoning every living creature that came near it. Furthermore, it created husks not only from humans and orcs but from animals - indeed, until it was defeated by a band of [[Warden\|wardens]] it decimated the fur trade in that part of Miekarova.		* An Elder Plaguewulf bedevilled the people of Olodny in the first century before the formation of the Empire. Rather than exhaling pestilential breath, the venom of this creature seeped from its skin constantly, automatically poisoning every living creature that came near it. Furthermore, it created husks not only from humans and orcs but from animals - indeed, until it was defeated by a band of [[Warden\|wardens]] it decimated the fur trade in that part of Miekarova.
	* An Elder Plaguewulf once assaulted all travellers moving north from [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]]. The presence of this horror poisoned plants as well as animals, and anyone who ate a plant that the creature had breathed on was effected by its horrible venom. It was burnt to death by a joint effort of schlacta and [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] bravos.		* An Elder Plaguewulf once assaulted all travellers moving north from [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]]. The presence of this horror poisoned plants as well as animals, and anyone who ate a plant that the creature had breathed on was effected by its horrible venom. It was burnt to death by a joint effort of schlacta and [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] bravos.

Rafferty: /* Plaguewulfs in Play */

2017-11-26T17:12:52Z

Plaguewulfs in Play

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:12, 26 November 2017
Line 40:		Line 40:
	A Plaguewulf is capable of starting a serious infestation of husks, and often directs its forces to attack isolated settlements. The true horror of the plaguewulf is that once it starts killing humans, its forces become larger and able to attack better defended settlements. A plaguewulf and its forces are more than a match for a group of human soldiers, and defeating one would require the effort of a band of well-equipped and well-prepared heroes.		A Plaguewulf is capable of starting a serious infestation of husks, and often directs its forces to attack isolated settlements. The true horror of the plaguewulf is that once it starts killing humans, its forces become larger and able to attack better defended settlements. A plaguewulf and its forces are more than a match for a group of human soldiers, and defeating one would require the effort of a band of well-equipped and well-prepared heroes.

	Plaguewulf venom can be purged by any effect that removes the [[Calls#VENOM\|venom]] condition, but it is important to note that once the target has been envenomed it does not matter how or when they die - if they die while under the effect of this venom, they will rise as a flesh-hungry husk within a few moments. Attempts by some creative [[Warden\|wardens]] to 'pre-poison' themselves have been tragically ineffective - once exposed to the venom, it must be removed with an effect such as [[purify~~]] or [[purge~~]] or an unspeakable second existence is inevitable.		Plaguewulf venom can be purged by any effect that removes the [[Calls#VENOM\|venom]] condition, but it is important to note that once the target has been envenomed it does not matter how or when they die - if they die while under the effect of this venom, they will rise as a flesh-hungry husk within a few moments. Attempts by some creative [[Warden\|wardens]] to 'pre-poison' themselves have been tragically ineffective - once exposed to the venom, it must be removed with an effect such as [[purify]] or an unspeakable second existence is inevitable.

	It is worth noting that plaguewulfs, while supernatural, are living creatures and not undead.		It is worth noting that plaguewulfs, while supernatural, are living creatures and not undead.

Dre at 18:56, 18 September 2015

2015-09-18T18:56:01Z

Rafferty: /* Plaguewulfs in Play */

2015-01-23T09:12:26Z

Plaguewulfs in Play

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:12, 23 January 2015
Line 40:		Line 40:
	A Plaguewulf is capable of starting a serious infestation of husks, and often directs its forces to attack isolated settlements. The true horror of the plaguewulf is that once it starts killing humans, it's forces become larger and able to attack better defended settlements. A plaguewulf and it's forces are more than a match for a group of human soldiers, and defeating one would require the effort of a band of well-equipped and well-prepared heroes.		A Plaguewulf is capable of starting a serious infestation of husks, and often directs its forces to attack isolated settlements. The true horror of the plaguewulf is that once it starts killing humans, it's forces become larger and able to attack better defended settlements. A plaguewulf and it's forces are more than a match for a group of human soldiers, and defeating one would require the effort of a band of well-equipped and well-prepared heroes.

	Plaguewulf venom can be purged by any effect that removes the [[Calls#VENOM\|venom]] condition, but it is important to note that once the target has been envenomed it does not matter how or when they die - if they die while under the effect of this venom, they will rise as a flesh-hungry husk within a few moments. Attempts by some creative [[Warden\|wardens]] to 'pre-poison' themselves have been tragically ineffective - once exposed to the venom, it must be removed with an effect such as [[~~Spell list#Purify\|~~purify]] or an unspeakable second existence is inevitable.		Plaguewulf venom can be purged by any effect that removes the [[Calls#VENOM\|venom]] condition, but it is important to note that once the target has been envenomed it does not matter how or when they die - if they die while under the effect of this venom, they will rise as a flesh-hungry husk within a few moments. Attempts by some creative [[Warden\|wardens]] to 'pre-poison' themselves have been tragically ineffective - once exposed to the venom, it must be removed with an effect such as [[purify]] or [[purge]] or an unspeakable second existence is inevitable.

	It is worth noting that plaguewulfs, while supernatural, are living creatures and not undead.		It is worth noting that plaguewulfs, while supernatural, are living creatures and not undead.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:56, 18 September 2015
Line 5:		Line 5:
	They are intelligent, and seem in some way to feast on the death of living creatures - while their subject husks devour the meat of the dead, the plaguewulf is said to sustains itself on the 'last breath' of a dying creature. While they can feed on the terrified deaths of animals, they much prefer to drink the life-breath of humans and orcs. They do not need to physically suck the breath from a victim (although they are seen doing so on occasion); rather than seem to be able to suck the essence out of the air itself.		They are intelligent, and seem in some way to feast on the death of living creatures - while their subject husks devour the meat of the dead, the plaguewulf is said to sustains itself on the 'last breath' of a dying creature. While they can feed on the terrified deaths of animals, they much prefer to drink the life-breath of humans and orcs. They do not need to physically suck the breath from a victim (although they are seen doing so on occasion); rather than seem to be able to suck the essence out of the air itself.

	~~Plagewulf's~~ are doubly dangerous because they are never encountered alone; they are always surrounded by the flesh-hungry husks their sickening powers have created as servants and soldiers.		Plaguewulfs are doubly dangerous because they are never encountered alone; they are always surrounded by the flesh-hungry husks their sickening powers have created as servants and soldiers.

	While they are predominantly encountered in Varushka, there are some unreliable stories suggesting similar creatures might exist in other parts of the world. There are tales from the deserts of [[Xira]] of a similar sounding creature whose breath desiccates living flesh; they are said to feast on the fluids of the body in the same way the plaguewulf feasts on the breath. There are also stories from the distant [[Sumaah Republic]] of jaguar-like beasts that eat the skin of the living. It is not clear whether these creatures (if they exist) are related to the plaguewulf or, as is more likely, are entirely different supernatural predators unrelated to the plaguewulf.		While they are predominantly encountered in Varushka, there are some unreliable stories suggesting similar creatures might exist in other parts of the world. There are tales from the deserts of [[Xira]] of a similar sounding creature whose breath desiccates living flesh; they are said to feast on the fluids of the body in the same way the plaguewulf feasts on the breath. There are also stories from the distant [[Sumaah Republic]] of jaguar-like beasts that eat the skin of the living. It is not clear whether these creatures (if they exist) are related to the plaguewulf or, as is more likely, are entirely different supernatural predators unrelated to the plaguewulf.

	==Appearance==		==Appearance==
	These hulking beasts are furred humanoids with the features of predatory animals. Most commonly they have wolf-like muzzles and features, although versions with rat-like or bear-like details have occasionally been seen. As intelligent predators, they sometimes use weapons, armour or other tools, and there is at least one story of a plaguewulf that wielded an enchanted scythe which it used to cut down ~~it's~~ opponents before devouring their life. Plaguewulfs are larger than human-sized opponents, which makes them even more tricky to face in combat.		These hulking beasts are furred humanoids with the features of predatory animals. Most commonly they have wolf-like muzzles and features, although versions with rat-like or bear-like details have occasionally been seen. As intelligent predators, they sometimes use weapons, armour or other tools, and there is at least one story of a plaguewulf that wielded an enchanted scythe which it used to cut down its opponents before devouring their life. Plaguewulfs are larger than human-sized opponents, which makes them even more tricky to face in combat.

	==Plaguewulf Capabilities==		==Plaguewulf Capabilities==
	A Plaguewulf is almost never encountered alone; rather they are surrounded by a pack of shambling, flesh-hungry husks that appear to be largely under their control. The plaguewulf creates more husks through the use of ~~it's~~ horrible pestilential breath - a living being caught in the exhalations of a plaguewulf is [[Calls#VENOM\|envenomed]] and the flame of their life is snuffed out by any serious illness. Still worse, shortly after their death the victim rises up as an abominable horror that preys on the living. Some scholars suggest that the effects of [[The Winter Moon#Virus Lunarae\|Virus Lunarae]] are ~~modeled~~ on or somehow derived from the effect of plaguewulf breath. Plaguewulfs are said to be able to use their baleful spittle to create subject husks from freshly dead bodies (even if the bodies have been buried for a few days), but this is much more time consuming.		A Plaguewulf is almost never encountered alone; rather they are surrounded by a pack of shambling, flesh-hungry husks that appear to be largely under their control. The plaguewulf creates more husks through the use of its horrible pestilential breath - a living being caught in the exhalations of a plaguewulf is [[Calls#VENOM\|envenomed]] and the flame of their life is snuffed out by any serious illness. Still worse, shortly after their death the victim rises up as an abominable horror that preys on the living. Some scholars suggest that the effects of [[The Winter Moon#Virus Lunarae\|Virus Lunarae]] are modelled on or somehow derived from the effect of plaguewulf breath. Plaguewulfs are said to be able to use their baleful spittle to create subject husks from freshly dead bodies (even if the bodies have been buried for a few days), but this is much more time consuming.

	No husk, even one from created by a ritual such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] will attack a plaguewulf, and they seem to have the ability to exert dominance over many such creatures giving them their less-common sobriquet of ''Wulfkings''.		No husk, even one from created by a ritual such as [[Quickening Cold Meat]] will attack a plaguewulf, and they seem to have the ability to exert dominance over many such creatures giving them their less-common sobriquet of ''Wulfkings''.

	In addition to their venomous exhalation, the plaguewulf is known to possess great reserves of healing energy which it sometimes shares with ~~it's~~ husk minions. When physically challenged, it can strike mighty blows with ~~it's~~ claws that [[Weapons & armour#CLEAVE\|rend limbs]] or [[Weapons & armour#STRIKEDOWN\|send human opponents sprawling]].		In addition to their venomous exhalation, the plaguewulf is known to possess great reserves of healing energy which it sometimes shares with its husk minions. When physically challenged, it can strike mighty blows with its claws that [[Weapons & armour#CLEAVE\|rend limbs]] or [[Weapons & armour#STRIKEDOWN\|send human opponents sprawling]].

	An area where a plaguewulf has laired for an extended period of time tends to acquire an [[Roleplaying effects#Area Effects (Auras)\|aura]] of sickness, lethargy and creeping despair. This makes facing the creatures in their den's doubly difficult. In rare cases where the den has also been a [[regio]] this aura of despair has been even more powerful.		An area where a plaguewulf has laired for an extended period of time tends to acquire an [[Roleplaying effects#Area Effects (Auras)\|aura]] of sickness, lethargy and creeping despair. This makes facing the creatures in their den's doubly difficult. In rare cases where the den has also been a [[regio]] this aura of despair has been even more powerful.
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	==Plaguewulfs in Play==		==Plaguewulfs in Play==
	A Plaguewulf is capable of starting a serious infestation of husks, and often directs its forces to attack isolated settlements. The true horror of the plaguewulf is that once it starts killing humans, ~~it's~~ forces become larger and able to attack better defended settlements. A plaguewulf and ~~it's~~ forces are more than a match for a group of human soldiers, and defeating one would require the effort of a band of well-equipped and well-prepared heroes.		A Plaguewulf is capable of starting a serious infestation of husks, and often directs its forces to attack isolated settlements. The true horror of the plaguewulf is that once it starts killing humans, its forces become larger and able to attack better defended settlements. A plaguewulf and its forces are more than a match for a group of human soldiers, and defeating one would require the effort of a band of well-equipped and well-prepared heroes.

	Plaguewulf venom can be purged by any effect that removes the [[Calls#VENOM\|venom]] condition, but it is important to note that once the target has been envenomed it does not matter how or when they die - if they die while under the effect of this venom, they will rise as a flesh-hungry husk within a few moments. Attempts by some creative [[Warden\|wardens]] to 'pre-poison' themselves have been tragically ineffective - once exposed to the venom, it must be removed with an effect such as [[purify]] or [[purge]] or an unspeakable second existence is inevitable.		Plaguewulf venom can be purged by any effect that removes the [[Calls#VENOM\|venom]] condition, but it is important to note that once the target has been envenomed it does not matter how or when they die - if they die while under the effect of this venom, they will rise as a flesh-hungry husk within a few moments. Attempts by some creative [[Warden\|wardens]] to 'pre-poison' themselves have been tragically ineffective - once exposed to the venom, it must be removed with an effect such as [[purify]] or [[purge]] or an unspeakable second existence is inevitable.
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	==Elder Plaguewulfs==		==Elder Plaguewulfs==
	A very few encounters with plaguewulfs have been with creatures significantly more potent than the average beast (although the creatures are already rare enough that the word 'average' has little real meaning when speaking about them).. These horrors are said to possess additional supernatural powers, each unique and terrible. Three encounters are recorded in the stories of Varushka, and told and retold with significant variations:		A very few encounters with plaguewulfs have been with creatures significantly more potent than the average beast (although the creatures are already rare enough that the word 'average' has little real meaning when speaking about them).. These horrors are said to possess additional supernatural powers, each unique and terrible. Three encounters are recorded in the stories of Varushka, and told and retold with significant variations:
	* An Elder Plaguewulf bedevilled the people of Olodny in the first century before the formation of the Empire. Rather than exhaling pestilential breath, the venom of this creature seeped from ~~it's~~ skin constantly, automatically poisoning every living creature that came near it. Furthermore, it created husks not only from humans and orcs but from animals - indeed, until it was defeated by a band of [[Warden\|wardens]] it decimated the fur trade in that part of Miekarova.		* An Elder Plaguewulf bedevilled the people of Olodny in the first century before the formation of the Empire. Rather than exhaling pestilential breath, the venom of this creature seeped from its skin constantly, automatically poisoning every living creature that came near it. Furthermore, it created husks not only from humans and orcs but from animals - indeed, until it was defeated by a band of [[Warden\|wardens]] it decimated the fur trade in that part of Miekarova.
	* An Elder Plaguewulf once assaulted all travellers moving north from [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]]. The presence of this horror poisoned plants as well as animals, and anyone who ate a plant that the creature had breathed on was effected by ~~it's~~ horrible venom. It was burnt to death by a joint effort of schlacta and [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] bravos.		* An Elder Plaguewulf once assaulted all travellers moving north from [[Karov#Delev\|Delev]]. The presence of this horror poisoned plants as well as animals, and anyone who ate a plant that the creature had breathed on was effected by its horrible venom. It was burnt to death by a joint effort of schlacta and [[Temeschwar\|Temeschwari]] bravos.
	* At the height of the fighting against Alderei the Fair. a pitched battle took place near [[Volodmartz#Triov\|Triov]] in [[Volodmartz]]. A single Elder Plaguewulf and two subservient plaguewulfs were said to be able to call up a stinking grey-green mist that washed across the forces opposing them in a tide of venom that spread for perhaps half a mile. The two lesser plaguewulfs were slain by forces supported with [[Navarr]] [[Navarr Magical Traditions#Vates\|vates]], but the Elder was never accounted for.		* At the height of the fighting against Alderei the Fair. a pitched battle took place near [[Volodmartz#Triov\|Triov]] in [[Volodmartz]]. A single Elder Plaguewulf and two subservient plaguewulfs were said to be able to call up a stinking grey-green mist that washed across the forces opposing them in a tide of venom that spread for perhaps half a mile. The two lesser plaguewulfs were slain by forces supported with [[Navarr]] [[Navarr Magical Traditions#Vates\|vates]], but the Elder was never accounted for.

	[[Category:Bestiary]]		[[Category:Bestiary]]