Flamesnatchers

Flamesnatchers, also known as Soulreaps and Pandimensional Mimics, are legendary pandimensional monsters that don't quite fall under the classification of ghosts or pandims themselves. They feature frequently as boogeymen in pandimensional folktales, and their origins are a mystery, with most pandims skeptical of their existence.
== Biology ==
Flamesnatchers are known to vary in appearance, but the general accounts list them as floating beings with capelike bodies, under which there are many writhing tentacles. They are said to have two pointed forelimbs and detached heads, which, most notably, are missing faces, featuring a hollow cavern where a face should be, often with bright teeth and eyes within.
They're said to be able to mimic pandimensional beings, presumably by either physically appropriating their victim's body or by some variation on pandimensional shapeshifting. These 'copies' are rarely perfect, though, often appearing somewhat off, misshapen or unstable.
== Behaviour ==
Flamesnatchers, according to pandimensional mythology, steal the bodies of pandimensional beings. The how and why tend to vary in regions; some say that flamesnatchers paralyse their victims and take their shape or turn them into flamesnatchers themselves, while others say that they forcibly take over the victim's body like a parasite. Some regions say they do this to infiltrate society and feed (on flesh or fear), while others say that it is a bid to escape from a lonely, miserable existence.
A flamesnatcher in the form of a pandimensional being, according to stories, is not instantly but fairly noticeable. While accounts vary, most agree that flamesnatchers' impressions of normal pandimensional beings are rarely perfect. Aspects such as speech, mannerisms and movement can be giveaways that a pandim has been replaced by a flamesnatcher.
== History ==
=== Origins ===
Flamesnatchers' origins are highly contested. As a myth, they are derived from the folktales of ancient pandimensional settlements, but as creatures, it is unknown where they come from. A few common theories are:
* They are a near-cousin or more evolved form of pandimensional 'darkside' ghosts.
* They are pandimensional shapeshifters who lost their grasp on their physical form due to excessive or prolonged shapeshifting.
* They represent a 'missing link' between pandimensional beings and pandimensional ghosts, or are pandimensional beings who were turned into ghosts but not quite, capable of thought and desire but not entirely of speech or agency.
=== In Popular Culture ===
Flamesnatchers feature prominently in pandimensional folklore, and some regions' religious mythology. They also feature heavily in fairytales and cautionary stories told to young pandims, as sort of 'boogeymen' figures, as well as in pandimensional horror media and campfire tales.
== Trivia ==
* Sightings are few and far between, but they seem to appear prominently in isolated urban areas such as abandoned buildings, sewers and dark alleyways, or isolated, moody areas in general.
* Sources tend to argue over whether flamesnatchers can speak or not. Some describe them as only emitting an animalistic gurgling growl, while others say they use almost-perfect imitations of their prey's own voice to lure them in.
Category:Monsters
Category:Legends
Category:Unsolved Mysteries