Behydrathul

[TLDunn213]

Behydrathul also listed as Behydrathid in some writings are custom made synthetic creatures that only a handful of highly skilled Biomancers know how to make.

Unfortunately that statement is not entirely true anymore. I have in my position specimens that can be proven to be the result of reproduction by feral Behydrathul.

While this is a concerning matter it is not yet cause for panic. There are only a few hundred Behydrathul known to have been created and only a dozen or so cases where the Behydrathul is unaccounted for after the owner's demise. 

It is worth noting that the oldest of those cases is far enough in the past that multiple generations of offspring are possible. As we are currently lacking solid information on important details such as the mechanism by which Behydrathul reproduction is achieved and the related rate both in terms of number of offspring and the rate at which they mature. It is quite impossible to estimate the number of Wild Behydrathul that may exist. 

Other important details, such as: prefered habitat, social structure, feeding habits, and reproduction rates; being unavailable at this time. It is quite impossible to establish an accurate assumption as to the true level of danger posed by these creatures.

I will be gathering the available information about the lab grown varieties and posting it soon. At least allowing adventurers to have some idea as to what they are potentially dealing with should they encounter one, or more in the wild.

Edited March 5 by TLDunn213

[TLDunn213]

The creation process begins with the the process used for creating a homunculus

(including a measure of the future owner's blood. Which establishes the equivalent of a familiar bond between the two.)

To this base is added refined and distilled essence of: a Pseudo Dragon, a Hydra, a Beholder, and a Thulien. This enhanced mixture is then cultivated by a bed of Mimic Moss with certain spells cast on it at key points during its growth.

The resulting creature is about the size of a Pseudo Dragon. Having a Pseudo Dragon body with the multiple necks of a Hydra and replacing the dragon heads with a Beholder like appendage (scaled down obviously) with Thulien tentacles hanging down a few inches below the main eye and an array of seven eyestalks above. 

The Pseudo Dragon tail is equipped with a stinger full of sleep potion. The wings, aided by Psi-Energies, allow flight to a limited degree. The eyestalks have telekinesis of a limited but synergistic nature. A single eyestalk can only lift a pound or two but the entire creature focused on a single object can lift up to 300 pounds or more. And a single eye can hurl a small stone at speeds equal to a sling. The main eye on each head can project illusions and add to the total telekinetic lifting abilities. 

Behydrathul do not have the anti-magic abilities and extensive assortment of eye beams which Beholders possess. Although it is quite possible that these abilities could be added if so desired.

Given that a typical Behydrathul has seven heads each with seven eyestalks each capable of flinging a stone with sling like speeds and one can see why giving them additional abilities is generally regarded as unnecessary.

Behydrathul are also capable of projecting highly detailed illusions. Which seems to be the main function of the central eyes on each head.

And thankfully, the only other Psi Abilitie they have is the abilitie to communicate Telepathically. 

At least as far as we know. The possibly that other abilities will develop in a wild population cannot be ruled out.

There is also the possibility that Wild Magic (or an overly ambitious Biomancer) could produce a full sized and fully powered version of this creature. Which is a possibility I do not want to dwell on. 

 

Edited March 7 by TLDunn213

[TLDunn213]

Once I made a rather important discovery about the lab grown Behydrathuls the way was open for gaining extensive information about the "wild" ones.

The discovery was that the Mimic Moss used in the process was provided and maintained by Sporanids.

Now, given my knowledge of Sporanids and my good relations with them, once I knew they were involved it took relatively little negotiating to gain access to the ongoing experiment. 

Or at least one of them. While the Sporanids didn't say that they were running other copies of the experiment elsewhere knowing them as well as I do I take it as a given that they have at least two or three other locations.

In any event, the Sporanids have replicated the production process and modified it. The most notable change being giving the Behydrathul the ability to reproduce. 

The reproductive method is amazingly simple and straightforward. (At least in terms of something with Thulien DNA )

First an incubation pool is made and filled with a nutrient rich fluid in which the "egg" will be placed.

The "egg" is created by first volunteerly self amputating one of its heads ( which will regrow in about a week) and injecting it with a cocktail of enzymes by use of the tail stinger. Up to six other Behydrathul may inject the "egg" before it is placed in its incubation pool. After six to eight weeks the egg will hatch and a tiny (maybe two inches length/wingspan) Behydrathul will emerge. 

Creation of the incubation pool and the activating injection requires the Behydrathul to consume a special diet for a week or more in order to produce the nutrients and enzymes. 

Sadly the Sporanids were not willing to share the details of this special diet.

It takes 12 to 18 weeks for a hatchling to grow to full size. And at least 4 to 6 years before being biology capable of reproduction. Most Behydrathul don't feel any desire to reproduce until they are 15 to 20 years old. Although the number of other Behydrathul currently in a given group can have a significant impact on this. 

The group I was allowed to see was only 10 or so years old.

The Behydrathuls were  being sustained by the same Brian Fungus used to feed Nedrathulls among whom they were dwelling.

The Sporanids are looking for ways in which Behydrathul can contribute to society beyond just their own group. So far two useful abilities are being explored.

The first is the Behydrathuls illusion casting abilities. Which could be useful in entertainment and educational settings.

The second is based on the Behydrathuls love of learning combined with their Psi Abilities, which include a surprising aptitude for imprinting information into Memory Crystals. 

There are several libraries and researcher groups that are willing to pay well to have their written works transferred into this more durable and portable format.

Negotiations are currently underway with The Adventures Guild in Ha'Ven, The Library of Ling, Grayhall Academy, and The Archives of Istanople. To name the most notable groups expressing an interest.

Edited March 14 by TLDunn213