The Clever Imp Contemplations #5 - Shadowmaw

[p]Shh! Tread lightly, Master, don't make a sound... please. Scared? Me? We imps are never scared! Well, maybe only when we have a good reason to. But no worries there, after all, the subject of our today’s consideration is your minion. A huge, deadly, mysterious one, but still a minion, am I right? Let's just try not to get in its way and everything will be fine… I hope.[/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h2]Claws, fangs and a dramatic past - meet Shadowmaw[/h2][p]Take a good look at it, Master! Shadowmaw is a blood-chilling fusion of the ethereal and the feral - a beast that resembles a wolf but is far more terrifying. Larger than any natural beast, its body seems to be woven from the darkest shadows, with a constantly shifting, almost liquid form. Some would say that in a way it’s beautiful… but not me! Just look at Shadowmaw’s fur, it ripples like smoke, and a faint mist rises wherever its paws touch the ground. Its eyes glow deep red, and its growl is a haunting blend of wolfish rumble and demonic howl.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]A rage that has lasted for centuries[/h2][p]Get comfy, as I have a dramatic tale to tell. No, we have no time for tea! Where was I? Ah… In a long-forgotten era, when ancient forests blanketed vast lands, Shadowmaw was a guardian spirit, revered as the protector of the woods. It was said to embody the will of the forest and serve as a sentinel against those who sought to harm its sacred groves. Legends spoke of its howl echoing through the trees - a sound that brought peace and balance to its domain. [/p][p][/p][p]But over time, the world changed. The ancient forests began to recede, cut down by human expansion and neglect. With each tree felled, a part of Shadowmaw’s essence faded, turning what was once a noble spirit into a specter of vengeance. The guardian that once protected the forest transformed into Shadowmaw - a creature driven by a deep-rooted rage against humanity for the destruction of its home. Quite useful in our situation, wouldn’t you say?[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The transformation was not only physical, but spiritual as well. Shadowmaw became the embodiment of nature’s fury - a ghostly wolf haunting the remnants of its once-majestic realm. It wandered the borders between the ethereal and physical worlds, a mournful yet terrifying presence, serving as a grim reminder of the cost of humanity’s disregard for the natural world.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p] [/p][h2]A beast indeed, but a clever one[/h2][p]Don't be fooled, behind those huge fangs and blazing eyes there's also quite a brain. In its interactions, Shadowmaw is both terrifying and intelligent. It hunts its prey not only as a predator, but also as a strategic tactician, using the environment to its advantage. Its howls and precise actions often seem to carry a message - a warning to those who continue to harm the natural world.[/p][p][/p][p]Its rage is profound; it is not mindless aggression, but a reflection of deep loss and a desperate, enduring desire to protect what remains of its ancient home. What is it, you feel sorry for it, Master? You will quickly change your mind after seeing Shadowmaw’s deadly abilities! And these are just a few of them…[/p][p]

[/p][h2]Shadowmaw Skills:[/h2][p][/p][p]• Shadow Leap - after lurking in the shadows, Shadowmaw leaps out at the right moment to strike a mortal, dealing significant damage.[/p][p][/p][p]• Hunter and Prey - the beast pins down a mortal and then drags its prey toward the Abyssal Rift. Ouch! [/p][p][/p][p]• Ethereal Howl - an ear-splitting, piercing howl that announces the arrival of Shadowmaw. Completely terrifying to nearby mortals.[/p][p][/p][p]• Hunting in the Mist - Shadowmaw turns into mist, becoming invisible for a short time, preventing hunters from attacking him.[/p][p][/p][p]Aight, looks like our work is done for now, my Master! What a monstrous alliance we make. The horde is eager to serve, and soon, not a single mortal will remain untouched! Rumor has it they’ve started gathering on our Discord server… so come and find them. And don’t forget to wishlist Ghost Keeper on Steam. The age of living is over - let’s make sure of it![/p][p][/p][p]
[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Your humble servant, [/p][p]Clever Imp[/p][p]

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