Spiritual Warfare

Bastard Fish

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 28, 2026.

***

“What is that?” – Anonymous, R.I.P.

These foul creatures appear to be giant lion fish. Some say that their eyes give off a faint green glow, but few have survived coming close enough to confirm the rumor. The long fins of a Bastard Fish trail further below a Bastard Fish than one might expect (as far as 6″ on a game table), but fish does not suffer if these are damaged.

They are actually quite intelligent, however, and they possess the capacity to float in the air as if swimming. Endowed with great Spiritual Power, Bastard Fish use it to satisfy their incredible hunger. But these creatures do not merely kill for food; they also do it for pleasure.

 

Gnagén

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 18, 2026.

***

“Klezh held his right hand up with its palm facing the rest of us, His, great eye in the center of his palm staring back at us, Klezh motioned us all to stop. His left hand, he slid gently under the edge of the door frame. After a moment’s pause, he stood up dropping both hands to his side, angling the palms slightly foreword so as to look at us. His face, itself completely devoid of sight, Klezh now held the thinnest trace of a smile; ‘the next room is clear’.”

– Kanis Targ, Story-Teller

Illustration by Lucas Seven

Appearing as tall and thin persons, Gnagén seem always to have their eyes closed. If one looks closely, she will see that the eyes of a Gnagén are actually in her palms, and that Gnagén  have neither eyelids nor eyes upon her face. A Gnagén must hold her hands up in order to see anything.

Naturally, this makes use of tools and weapons a little bit problematic.

Gnagén are spiritual warriors with a special gift for divination. Recognizing that their natural skills are best suited to complement those with more conventional abilities, these creatures often seek to join others in need of help. They travel freely among other peoples, associating with whomever they will (and with any that will have them).

Gnagén vary in their outlook on life, and this is easily reflected in their personal associations, but they are alwayss keen to learn as much as they can about a broad range of subjects. While some of these creatures may ally themselves with dark powers or unsavory company, others will happily commit to a righteous cause. Whatever their moral commentments and personal tastes, it is common for a Gnagén to remain just a bit aloof to the short term interests of their company. It is well to remind oneself that whatever interest a Gnagén may have in common with those around her, she is always just a little more interested in developing her own powers and using them in whatever manner she deems appropriate.

Moggy Toad

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 7, 2026.

***

“Mogusthloed,”- Map-Meat Hammergren, Dwarven Hero.

“Tis almost correct, but your lips must be more rounded on the final vowel.” –Nariae Dveng, Sage.

“Mogusthoed,” – Map-Meat

“Tis a bit too nasal on the first vowel.” – Nariae

“Mogusthloed,” – Map-Meat

“Tis still a bit nasal, but there is also the silence that should come toward the end…” – Nariae

“What is it that others call you creatures?” – Map-Meat

“Let us stay focused…” – Nariae

“Mogusthloed” – Map-Meat

“Please remember to round your lips…” – Nariae

“I did round my lips!” – Map-Meat

“My apologies. I did not notice, but may I suggest that you round them more.” – Nariae

“Maybe, I should use it in a sentence?” – Map-Meat

“Tis an excellent idea.” – Nariae

“Mogusthloed is an idiotic name,” – Map-Meat

“I…” – Nariae

“Mogusthlodie-type creatures make my axe-hand all anxious.” – Map-Meat

“Tis funny, what you say, but it is still…” – Nariae

“Mogus-Bogus, target for my damned axe, …dammit!” – Map Meat

“Reflecting on your question from a moment ago, I think perhaps ‘Moggy-Toad’ will do just fine.” – Nariae

“Do I still need to round my damn lips? – Map-Meat

“Only if you want to.” – Nariae

***

Appearing as small, awkward looking, and oddly colored humanoids, Moggy Toads are often mistaken for gremlins (or anthropomorphic toads). Appearances aside, however, there is little in common between a Moggy Toad and a Gremlin. No-one has ever met a Moggy Toad who engaged in frivolous pranks as gremlins do. In their own way these slow-moving and seemingly innocuous creatures can be quite dangerous.

Moggy Toads prefer to live in remote swamps and other riparian settings. They are reluctant to engage in sociable activities, and still more reluctant to engage in violent activities. If pressed, however, a Moggy Toad can be quite dangerous. This is particularly true if she has the space to get away from potential melee attackers and focus on using her own abilities. Moggy Toads wield great spiritual powers, a fact which a wise character would keep in mind.

Moggy Toads are occasionally inquisitive enough to leave their homelands and explore the rest of the world. With rare exceptions, this is a temporary phase, and few Moggy Toads would ever do so without planning to return home to the pace and quiet of the remote swamps.