Even today, some parts of the world remain unseen (or at least little seen) by “modern” people. These areas, far from the lights and sounds of civilization, have adhered to a way of life that other societies have abandoned centuries or even millennia ago. While car-driving denizens of the concrete jungle might scoff at these humans that time forgot, so, too, might these primitives shake their heads sadly at how much we’ve gotten wrong. Assuming, of course, that they ever learn about us.
Tag Archives: wilderness encounter
Small Predatory Mammals
Ferrets are a domesticated animal raised originally to hunt rabbits and mice. They are small, quick, and immensely curious creatures. They weigh about one kilogram and are around half a meter in length.
Parasitic Beings
The term “parasitic beings” is really an umbrella under which many different creatures and entities can be grouped. Leeches are certainly parasitic beings, as are vampires and, to a certain extent, some demons. The word “parasite” is defined as a creature that feeds off of a host while contributing nothing to the host’s ongoing survival. Most such abilities are highly specialized, much like the leech’s ability to secrete a substance that prevents blood clotting. Most mundane parasites that have been cataloged by conventional science are primitive creatures, such as leeches, ticks, various other insects, and a number of plant species. There are other kinds, however, although most have not been catalogued by mainstream science.
Ninja
The legend of the ninja is shrouded in mystery and few writings of their history exist. What we know of them today has been passed from generation to generation and turned the assassins into a mystical enigma. Fortunately, not all has been buried by the passing of time.
Nasty Varmints
Products of mutation or genetic throwbacks to a deadlier time, nasty varmints plague the frontier. Nasty varmints come in a variety of forms, from the giant bloodsucking tick to the acid-spitting cave worm. All share a few common themes.
Mysterious Lake Dwellers
In an era where an oft-jaded population demands instant information, many people have little time for something as whimsical as myths. Cynics dissect legends under the microscope and imagination is often slightly out of style. Fortunately, for those who still fascinated by mystery, there area few things that defy explanation and some creatures who have managed to avoid the paparazzi.
Mummies
The ancient Egyptians were masters of mummification and rook great pains to ensure that their rulers were properly prepared for the afterlife. The passing of ancient kings was heralded by ceremonial sacrifice as the nation wept and massive pyramids rose to house their remains.
Mercenaries
Many who take up the sword and perish on the battlefield sacrifice their lives freely because they believe in the cause they serve. However, there are those who are not motivated by glory or national pride. These callous warriors risk their lives for far pettier reasons and sell their martial prowess to the highest bidder. They are oft guided by greed, disillusionment, or revenge. Such is the life of the mercenary.
Mantis Aliens
The Mantideans are a brutal race of insects resembling what many humans would call a praying mantis. Most stand over two and a half meters tall but can reach a height of nearly four meters when fully extended. Their faces resemble a triangle with compound eyes on either side and sharp chitinous mandibles in the middle. Exoskeletons provide inherent armor and produce a highly adaptive pigment that changes to fit their surroundings. This pigment can mimic greens, reds, oranges, and browns.
Lycanthropes
Near any dank moor in Europe, or remote village at the edge of civilization, newcomers will be warned by the local townsfolk not to travel the wilds during the full moon for things that walk the line between person and beast prowl the night seeking warm flesh to feast upon. Those who scoff at these “quaint rural superstitions” should beware: These warnings are no mere tales for tourists. In the places where the domain of civilization ends and the domain of animal begins, there are creatures that are half-man, half-beast. They are known as lycanthropes, or werecreatures.