Mana-Eater

Most commonly found Underhill, the Mana-Eater is a form of native predator that subsists on a mix of meat and magical energy. Their name is earned due to the fact that the creatures tend to absorb magical attacks, and also prefer to eat creatures that are magic users... including intelligent beings, if they can manage it. While primarily a threat to children and the unaccompanied adult, when gathered into a pride, they can be dangerous even to groups. Luckily, mana-hunters most commonly hunt solo or in pairs, even if they live in groups.

Physically, mana-eaters bear some resemblance to large felids, with lithe, fairly low slung bodies. Rather than furred, they primarily possess scaled hide, with fur only across the throat and belly. They have wedge-shaped heads with large fangs and glowing eyes; the fangs are tipped in a paralytic venom that also exists in the spikes that line their spines. The tails end in a large barbed end with a dense proliferation of needle-like quills, dense with the paralytic. To top off the dangerous combination, their clawed feet also have scans of the paralytic venom that can be applied when the claws are extended. Although native healers have an anti-venom that will counter-act the the paralysis applied by the mana-eater if used in time, failure to do so within 24 hours can result in permanent neural damage.

While it is rare for mana-eaters to be seen near the village, there has been at least one occasion where a pride found their way through to Yuriba and injured several residents before they were eradicated.