Bojumba

[This page was created for the November Creature Competition 2020.]

## The Bojumba

Approximation of habitation area as of 343KE

The Bojumba is a variety of earthen spirit that resides primarily in dwarven ruins. They often inhabit abandoned helmets and live in them like shells, leading to some debate as to whether they are ghosts of the dead, or earthen spirits.

## Discovery

Journeying in the furthest reaches beyond the Freefolk Republic in 239 KE, the now disgraced adventurer and archeologist Admaris Naelar came upon the Dwarven ruin of Dun Amar, previously an Akturian military outpost. While the crumbling redoubt, by all reports, had been abandoned, locals spun tales of floating weapons and spectral soldiers. Upon uncovering the decrepit fortress, the adventurer recalls rumblings in the earth coupled with faint shouts as arrows animated; then flung toward him as if alive. He managed to force himself through, to an inner sanctum, wherein he found a grizzled dwarven man repairing helmets. After some time in company, the dwarf demanded the elf leave, as his presence angered the Bojumba present. He was given an antique whip, a stern warning -

> "Nay, ancestors they be not. Earthern spirits, truely. Yer light steps are a foreign tongue to them, leave before they make a suit of you."
>
>

### Debate

Their origin is of some debate. While assuredly new, it is unclear whether these are ghastly manifestations of deceased dwarves, or whether they are earthern spirits. Their appearance only after the sacking of Dun Buldar, and the subsequent conquest of Khaz Aktur leads scholars to believe they are new creatures that were created, or drawn to the surface by intense emotional turmoil.

## Physicality

### Attributes

The Bojumba are a mostly incorporeal spirit, known for possessing dwarven helmets like shells. While difficult to see, faint outlines, or 'tethers' of their spiritual bodies can be observed - oftentime reflecting off of their helmet. More powerful Bojumba typically have shinier and more decorative helmets, making them easier to observe. They have been seen to jump over large ravines, but it is unclear whether or not they are capable of flight. They are incredibly resilient due to superior armour, and are also capable of wielding small weapons, or propelling projectiles.

They possess a measure of elemental control beyond their other magical abilities. They are able to telekinetically manipulate earth and rock matter, but it is not entirely certain to what extent.

### Behaviour

Bojumba have a severe dislike of loud noises and/or unfamiliar sounds, and there are numerous reports of them becoming aggressive in response. They organise in packs of five to thirty, and may occasionally have a personal blacksmith. A few smiths believe that they have seen floating helmets knocking on their doors and windows at night, but this is unconfirmed, and not entirely consistent with their behaviour. Their name originates from the distinctive howling they make at night. The creatures are capable of communication, but do not speak any identifiable language - although some dwarven words have allegedly been heard.

#### Scriptor

The world-renowned Scriptorium of Dun Buldar, separated from the rest of the city as you are aware, currently possesses one of these creatures. Again, it's origins are unclear, but it has become acquainted with the Rune Guard. While they interact, and even speak regularly, the guardian refuses to divulge any useful information about the creature, except that he has named it "Scriptor". It can be seen playing amongst the shelves, inspecting visitors and even occasionally toying with paper, biting sequences of holes into sheets.