Virnam Segas

In the Elvish dialect, the name ‘Scourge of Life’ brings to mind fear and bitternance. It is the ravager of crops. Bringer of famine and misfortune. For all that one may assume that the holder of such a title would be most monstrous, it is for that reason that the Virnam Segas is so paradoxical. Even so, its outward appearance should not be underestimated. Though it may be small and meek, it has the power to rend fields of life in ways other pests could only dream of. For its insidious abilities it is subject to constant persecution and hunting.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

The Segas is a stout mammal. Its long legs allow it to bound quickly along the plains and make grand leaps that extend several feet. Though reasonably quick they’re not nearly fast enough to escape predators like Gnangleork through speed alone. Using their back legs in tandem they may deliver a backward kick to send dust and dirt at their aggressors, disorientating their view so that they may flee. Even then escape is not always guaranteed- with Sega minimizing instances when they need to flee.  The backward force they can generate can be turned in the opposite direction, allowing them to deliver a forward jab with their head.

Upon their head is a single bone-colored horn. This horn is surrounded in an armor plate to protect the eyes and senses. Obviously this can act like a blade, used in tandem with a forward jab to puncture armors like leather. Though combat is not the primary use of this horn. The Virnam Segas’s horn emits a necrotic mass of vitor, allowing it to slowly decay plant-based substances- which they feed upon. When the horn is in contact with a substance like wood it will slowly cause it to warp and fester. This decaying effect will last for as long as the horn is in contact with the substance. A Segi’s decaying effects are characterized by a stab-like incision into the material they’re working with. When the horn is severed or the beast is killed its necrotic effects are rendered inert, though it is often used by Necromancers as a hallucinogen. When crushed up and inhaled a Segi-Horn can deliver effects analogous to Greenleaf.

Despite constant hunting efforts, Virnam Segas remain extremely common. They have their pups year-round and may have as many as eight at a time. Segi mature rapidly and may already be half of an adult’s size in less than half of a year. Infestations can begin from only two specimens.

#### Psychology

Segi are elusive and timid beasts. They make their burrows in areas of dense foliage to dissuade predators and hunters from finding them. Virnam Segas only venture out of the safety of the treeline to feed and will avoid following a predictable routine when choosing a feeding spot. Segi may also employ the use of a sentry to spot potential predators before they can get close enough to spring an attack, causing the whole herd to scatter. As social creatures, Virnam Segas rely on their large herds -which can grow as large as ten individuals- for mutual protection.

On occasion wild Virnam Segas have been tamed. These creatures aren’t inclined to stay in confinement and will almost certainly escape from any cage through their decaying abilities. Segi are too unruly and fearful to be effectively trained for anything practical, though they do serve as surprisingly emotive pets. Despite this, it’s usually taboo to be in the companionship of what most consider pests.