SpeciePediA

Though B.E.A.S.T endeavours to learn as much as it can of the supernatural, the paranormal and the otherwise mysterious lifeforms, the existence of Angels serves to prove that there are some areas potentially beyond our realm of investigation. Serving as the messengers and general errand runners of entities unknown to us, Angels are very rarely seen, but the words they speak can be considered ultimately truthful. Higher powers seem not to interfere too often with mortal society, not even through Angels. It takes a lot to convince such beings that they should put stakes in our game. Should you ever see one, it's likely you're about to become part of something exceptionally important.

Bigfoot are a legendary ape creature of great size and strength, but despite these traits, they are not particularly willing to demonstrate them to the mundane eye. Somewhat shy and reserved, bigfoot very rarely emerge to communicate with the more city-based species. Their stature must hide an impressive capacity for stealth and dexterity, because it's rare to see more than a blur of a bigfoot unless they want to be seen. Sometimes, within mythical landscapes, a group of bigfoot will form a small community that is just as hard to track. Bigfoot are generally peaceful unless provoked, but don't particularly like being captured on film.

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Gigantic, fearsome and awe-inspiring in their prime, there are few adventurers and agents who wouldn't shudder slightly upon seeing the words 'potential dragon involvement' on their newest case file. These colossal creatures have the wingspan of a modern plane, scales that deflect all weapons apart from those hand-crafted to slay them specifically, and lungs potent enough that they are the mascot for more than one brand of breath mints. Highly territorial, and protective of their treasure hoards (which double as their food), dragons are not pure beasts like some imagine - they are extremely wise, and willing to negotiate with those they deem worthy. Additional note, not all dragons breathe fire - some breathe ice, acid, arcane beams, lightning, Midas Gas, and probably more we have yet to document.

The true crafters of the world, the hardy Dwarven people are often seen as managing 'the world's furnaces'. Living in underground sprawling cities that take advantage of magma pockets, Dwarves construct and man industrial devices to produce some of the finest jewellery and tools. Dwarves are an extremely social people, often engaging in drinking, singing, working and playful fighting with one-another - a group of dwarves bonded together are as unbreakable as the tools they craft. Dwarves are very prideful and stubborn, often marching themselves knowingly into peril. Their iconic style makes them recognisable, including their beards, which all dwarven men (and many dwarven women) grow as a testament to how good they are at not setting themselves on fire.

Elves, sometimes known as 'fair-folk', are a rare and cherished people. They appear tall, graceful and, on occasion, so perfect that it's a bit infuriating. Elves have a very rich culture and often reside in primarily elven communities somewhat seperate from the rest of society - sprawling ocean towers, treetop villages deep within enchanted forests, castles of crystal invisible to the mundane eye. An elf is innately magical, and often uses this magic to maintain a natural balance across the world, fend off interlopers, or make themselves even more attractive. Though often very charismatic, Elves are often so elevated beyond further society that their sheltered naivete can make them appear quite smug and clueless in average conversation.

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A somewhat sneaky and cheeky people, goblins are known for their diminuative stature and their impressive ability to find an opportunity in any situation. Goblins may live alongside many other species in a wide variety of places, though they do favour the dark - should you be a Goblin's houseguest, do not expect a brightly lit home. And do not be surprised if their home is actually a dank, dark cave or a liminal alleyway in the city. Goblins are sometimes stereotypically considered to be greedy or conniving. This is not the case, though many Goblins do take pride in collecting trinkets, and can grow fondly and stubbornly attached to their belongings.

If you've ever stepped foot into an archeological site, the chances are you've been added to the watchlist of a Griffin, because if Dragons protect gold, Griffins are their counterparts who protect knowledge. Strong, couragous and wise, a Griffin will often reside as an 'ancient librarian' of sorts, springing up to guard lost tombs, castles, anywhere that acts as a house for forgotten knowledge. Would-be excavators and archeologists stepping foot upon these places will often have their characters tested by a Griffin, to see if they are worthy of the knowledge they seek. More often than not, a Griffin will remain peaceful, and would prefer to throw a misguided explorer out of their dwelling with a stern warning. But should you desecrate a Griffin's home, attempt to steal their knowledge, or worst of all try to overpower the Griffin, then it may be *your* skeleton being discovered in the future.

A somewhat mundane but common species dating back up to 200,000 years. Humans are highly social and curious, with an unquenchable thirst for progress and innovation both scientific and cultural. Humans are amongst the most adaptive of the species, and can be found almost anywhere on the world - and their traditions can be as different as night and day. This combination of humanity's adaptability and their near-constant presence in every corner of the world can be known to make some humans quite 'proud', whilst others may even consider themselves to be 'the default'. But humanity as a species is still evolving and growing to this day, exploring both the mythical and the mundane of this world with interest.

Kragels are grotesque mythical humanoids known for their bizarre reproductive systems, poor parenting instincts, and unusually strong pair-bonding rituals. The species is infamous among law enforcement and border officers due to repeated incidents, uncontrolled breeding, and accidental offspring fatalities. Male Kragels are usually smaller, verbal, and socially manipulative, while females are extremely massive, physically dominant, and instinct-driven. A Kragel female commonly follows a male through scent-based tracking behavior linked to a chemically treated balloon carried by the male. Their species is heavily regulated and restricted to designated Mythical Zones.

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In days of old, every room in a wooden sailing ship had an easy to access cabinet full of bottle corks. If one single, beautiful, hypnotic note could be heard carrying across the waves, an entire crew would scramble to plug their ears, lest they become a Mermaid's dinner. Many ships also employed a deaf crewmate as a further safety measure. With the upper body of an often very attractive lady and a lower body resembling a fish tail, Mermaids are effective at swimming through oceans and enchanting those of a nautical leaning with hypnotic singing. Those weak of mind would be lured towards the Mermaid's den, and the only mercy offered would be that they would remain in a state of bliss as a school of Mermaids ate them alive. Despite this behaviour, it is best not to consider a Mermaid 'evil'. Much like an anglerfish lures its pray with a light in the darkness, a Mermaid deploys song to find her supper.

For the Orcs, nothing is more valuable than strength. From an extremely young age, an Orc will be taught that strength is needed to get ahead in life and get what you want. Strength of body, mind and character. The most beloved and respected of Orc society have the physical strength to win any battle, the mental strength to *use* that physical strength, and the strength of character to tell their tale with enough force that it is believed without question. Though Orcs have little time for the "finer ways" of many other species, they will greatly admire and respect displays of strength, no matter who gives them. The "weak" are invisible to Orcs, however. And they rarely engage in philisophical discussions, so good luck changing their definition of "strength".

A good way to tell if an "adventurer" is lying through their teeth is to ask if they have ever found a Phoenix egg. A Phoenix has no need to lay eggs, as it will never perish. These magnificent avian creatures are known to roam the ruined, burning portions of the world, sustaining themselves on the fires that burn. Expect a Phoenix (or more than one) to be seen orbiting an erupting volcano, swooping down upon flaming warzones, or relaxing in the midst of a wildfire. A Phoenix has built up a reputation as a symbol of rebirth, their ashes immolating in a column of fire, should they ever be extinguished. Additionally though, a Phoenix feeds on fire for sustenance, and will often indirectly aid in extinguishing fires that may threaten to burn through something important. A Phoenix will not attack unless provoked, its immortal nature elevating it above the need for conflict, but their flames *will* burn if one gets too close.

Whilst humans can chart themselves back to simian ancestors, the Porcano species has instead evolved from prehistoric swines. A diverse species, ranging from pig-like to boar-like, Porcano are often believers that the simplest solution is the best one. On the force, it's not uncommon for Humans and Porcanos to be partnered together, their balance often making a good team. On the one hand, a Human might deploy espionage or hacking to infiltrate a building. On the other hand, the Porcano's skull is better suited than a human's for charging a door down. They are not very easy to offend, but for goodness sake, do NOT call them 'talking pigs'.

An imposing and formidable species, Trolls are tall, tough, and not the sort most would want to be in a fight with. Trolls are somewhat solitary and idealise a simple life of protecting their dwelling, whatever that may be. To some Trolls, this may be something abstract, such as a family or a way of life. Others are more literal, acting as personal guardians for their territory. They're very hardy, able to survive in rough conditions, and are often not too concerned with luxury. Many think that Trolls are quick to anger and easy to manipulate with their single-minded defensive mindset. But your average Troll is so intimidating that you shouldn't really say any of that to their faces.', 'habitat' => 'Trolls reside in isolated and harsh environments.

There are few sights quite as stunning, humbling and memorable as a unicorn. The spiralling horn protruding from their forehead an iconic symbol of their existence, as well as the sourcepoint of their magic, Unicorns are sought after, both by innocent explorers, and nefarious, profit-hunting poachers. The horn of a Unicorn being a font of power does not change when the horn is removed, but a Unicorn without its horn will quickly perish. These beautiful creatures are somewhat endangered due to uncontrolled horn poaching, which is why two of BEAST's most common missions are tracking down poachers and shutting down underground wand smuggling markets. Rarely seen by humans and quick to startle, seeing one is an honour. Befriending and 'taming' one is a near-impossibility, though it has apparently been accomplished by some heroes of time past...

The Vivori are an enigmatic and ancient species, known for their deep connection to the natural world and their uncanny ability to sense the emotions of those around them. Vivori are tall and graceful, with sharp features and eyes that seem to shimmer with an inner light. They are a quiet and contemplative people, preferring observation over action - but when a Vivori does act, it is with absolute conviction. They are fiercely loyal to those they consider family, and their bonds run deeper than most species can comprehend.