Stonebacks

 

/ˈstoʊnˌbæks/

 
The Stonebacks of Laylakar tower over most beings in this world, with their imposing stature reaching heights of up to 30 feet. They embody gluttony and greed, with their appetites being ever so initiable; their goal is to endlessly consume while simultaneously showcasing their superiority over lesser beings. It is said that they can live on for millennia, with their longevity directly tied to their gluttony and the greater need for sustenance as they age. Their everlasting hunger drives them to devour not only food but also minerals, magic and sometimes, the essence of life itself. An ancient Stoneback is nothing to scoff at; they are beings of immense power, sustained by the countless lives and resources they have absorbed. The Stoneback’s innate ability to become one with its environment depends on the Stoneback itself; you might find some melding into the rocky crags of mountains and others disappearing into dense verdant forests. Stonebacks are solitary creatures by nature; they only come together to mate or clash over territory and food.

Batten, John Dickson (UK, 1860-1932)

How does one deal with a Stoneback? For one, encountering a Stoneback is a rare (often fatal) experience. Every Stoneback stinks (literally); a foul stench precedes the Stonebacks, a rancid odour that emanates from their eyes. This peculiar trait is a telltale sign of a Stoneback’s presence, even if they conceal themselves. They are crafty, though; while blending in with their environment, the Stonebacks close their eyes, which causes the malodorous scent to dissipate, making it easier to hide and hunt unsuspecting adventureers. You’d do yourself a favour if you brought a bard proficient with big bells or chimes or a magic user with a spell that can generate a cacophony of noise. This will disorient the Stonebacks and disrupt their camouflage; you might even incapacitate them for a short while if the sound is annoying. If you take a Stoneback down, look at its “tattoos” carved into its flesh. They are no mere decoration; they tell us the age of the Stoneback, and each scar is a year. Some are bigger than others; scholars theorize that the bigger the scar, the bigger the event that caused it. Some say it represents an entire century, but no one truly knows. But you’d have to take it down first, which is not so likely. Stonebacks have disproportionately large hands, resembling those of great apes. Logically, one would think they’d be lumbering slowly towards their target; in reality, they have a terrifying quadrupedal sprint, something that can’t be believed until seen.