Overview
The Terrorgheist is a nightmarish undead monstrosity, a colossal vampiric bat that soars through the skies spreading fear and death. Once a living creature, these enormous beasts were corrupted by necromantic magic, twisted into abominations that serve the lords of death. With a wingspan as wide as a ship’s sails and a haunting, bone-rattling scream capable of shattering minds, the Terrorgheist is a weapon of terror as much as physical destruction.
Physical Characteristics
Towering over most mortal beasts, the Terrorgheist's skeletal frame is covered in tattered remnants of leathery skin, with gaping wounds revealing its rotting innards. Its eyes burn with a malevolent glow, and its fanged maw is capable of tearing through steel and bone alike. Its wings, ragged and riddled with holes, carry it aloft with unnatural grace, and its talons are strong enough to crush armored knights with a single swipe.
Behavior and Abilities
- Deathly Screech: The Terrorgheist's most fearsome weapon is its soul-piercing scream. This unearthly sound can paralyze foes, shatter their nerves, and even cause death by sheer terror. It is said the cry resonates not only in the ears but deep within the soul, forcing victims to relive their worst fears.
- Predatory Instincts: Despite its undead nature, the Terrorgheist retains a primal, predatory cunning. It hunts with precision, diving from the shadows to snatch prey or scatter formations with its sheer bulk.
- Necromantic Bond: These creatures are rarely encountered alone. Bound to powerful vampires, necromancers, or death-magic-wielding entities, they act as living siege engines or aerial cavalry, raining destruction upon the enemy.
Origins
Terrorgheists are believed to have originated from vampiric megabats native to Shyish or cursed regions where death magic permeates the land. Over time, exposure to necromantic energies or direct domination by vampires twisted these creatures into their current horrific forms. The most powerful Terrorgheists are directly raised and controlled by undead masters, who use them to spread devastation on battlefields or terrorize those who dare resist the forces of undeath.
Tactics and Role in Battle
On the battlefield, a Terrorgheist is both a psychological and physical threat. Its aerial assaults can decimate entire regiments, while its scream can shatter morale before a fight even begins. Many commanders have learned to avoid looking to the skies, lest the shadow of the Terrorgheist spell their doom.
Notable Traits
- Undying Resilience: As undead, Terrorgheists feel no pain and are impervious to fatigue.
- Fear Aura: Even in silence, their presence causes unease, sapping the will of those nearby.
- Bound Beast: Loyal to their masters through necromantic bonds, they are fearless and relentless in their attacks.
Legends and Lore
Tales of Terrorgheists are whispered in hushed tones among the denizens of the Mortal Realms. Travelers recount stories of caravans torn apart by shadows swooping from the night sky, their screams silenced by an ear-shattering wail. Villages near necromantic strongholds often hear their cries echoing in the darkness, a harbinger of death and despair.
The most famous Terrorgheists, such as Vorag's Deathwing or The Screamer of Helstone, are legends in their own right, each tied to a master of death whose name is equally feared.
Beware the night skies, for where the Terrorgheist flies, ruin is sure to follow.