Omen of War

The Omen of War is a monstrous beast created by Narzhak to relay and enact his will. Its appearance often heralds outbursts of strife and bloodshed.
== Appearance ==
The Omen is a colossal batlike creature, possessing a broad, robust body flanked by two immense membranous wings and ending with a sharp, barbed tail. Its iron hide is shaped to dimly resemble an exposed skeletal form, with noticeable ribs forming ridges over its thorax and a spine-like crest running along its back. Its head, placed over a long, flexible serpentine neck, is similar to a skull, albeit a mouthless one, distorted and stretched into a smoothly triangular horned shape, with dripping orbs of molten metal for eyes in its sockets. The creature's wings are tipped with claws, and strong enough to support its upper body when it is on the ground.
== Abilities ==
Although possessing a rudimentary intelligence, the Omen is incapable of speech, or understanding anything more than simple orders and declarations. It is nevertheless not bestial in its demeanour, acting more similarly to a living automaton.
Its most notable power is to communicate simple orders, equivalent to no more than a few words, into the minds of beings shaped or significantly transformed by Narzhak's power, such as kostral or ghouls. Primitive creatures are compelled to execute these commands as best they can; sapient ones do not perceive them so forcefully, though they are aware that the order carries the god's authority. The permanence of this ability's effects varies depending on distance; physical contact allows the Omen to retain its influence over multiple beings almost indefinitely for as long as either side is conscious, while soaring kilometres above the ground limits it to a brief, transient impact, though the affected will usually continue in their action unless it is obviously unfavourable. The Omen itself does not need to be aware of the presence of susceptible beings to use this power, nor does it know whether its commands are perceived by any suitable minds.
In addition to this, the monster is physically powerful in proportion to its size, having redoubtable weapons in its claws, tail and sharp-tipped head, and capable of flight despite its considerable weight and partially metallic body.
Category:Legendary Creatures