Ferrumblight

## **Ferrumblight: A Scourge on Astraeon**

*From "Echoes of the Ancients: A Collection of Mythical Creatures"*

Within the annals of Astraeon, few mysteries stir as much fear and fascination as the Ferrumblight. These creatures, a bizarre amalgamation of rusted metal and arcane energy, allegedly emerged in the wake of a great catastrophe, their origin possibly entwined with the fate of a once-great city known for its arcane and technological marvels.

### Origin

The precise genesis of the Ferrumblight remains a matter of speculation and debate among scholars and historians. The most prevalent theory suggests a link to the downfall of a legendary city, a place where the boundaries between magic and machinery were not just blurred but completely intertwined. This city, which name has been lost or deliberately expunged from the records, is often cited as the epicenter of numerous arcane breakthroughs and catastrophic failures. It is believed that the Ferrumblight are either a byproduct of one such failed experiment or perhaps an unintended consequence of the city's destruction.

### Varieties of Ferrumblight

The Ferrumblight are not a singular entity but rather a diverse species consisting of various forms, each more unnerving than the last. From the stealthy Ferrumblight Skirmishers to the colossal Ferrumblight Goliath, these creatures seem to be tailor-made for destruction and corrosion. Each variety appears to serve a specific purpose, whether it be ambushing unsuspecting travelers, guarding long-forgotten ruins, or swarming over settlements in a frenzied assault.

### Impact on History

Theory suggests that the emergence of the Ferrumblight marked the beginning of a dark chapter in Astraeon's history. Initially confined to the vicinity of their mysterious city of origin, they soon began to spread, leaving a trail of desolation in their wake. Their ability to disrupt magical energies made them especially feared by spellcasters and those reliant on magical artifacts.

Entire regions, once bustling with life and activity, were rendered uninhabitable, as the Ferrumblight's corrosive touch left the land scarred and barren. Their presence forced a reevaluation of arcane practices and led to a heightened sense of caution in magical experimentation.

### Legacy and Impact

Despite their rarity, the legacy of the Ferrumblight has left an indelible mark on the history of Astraeon. Their emergence served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked magical and technological advancement. Regions once ravaged by their presence still bear the scars of decay, serving as solemn reminders of the past.

The Ferrumblight also influenced the evolution of arcane practices, encouraging a more balanced and respectful approach to the manipulation of magical forces. Their story is often used to teach aspiring mages about the importance of responsibility and the ethical use of power.

### The Continuing Mystery

The Ferrumblight, in their scarcity, have become subjects of fascination for scholars, adventurers, and treasure hunters. Many seek to uncover more about their origins, hoping to find relics or knowledge from the era of the lost city. However, the true nature of the Ferrumblight remains an enigma, a fragment of a forgotten age, evoking both awe and dread in those who dare delve into the secrets of the past.

### Special Traits

**Arcane Corrosion:** Any nonmagical weapon made of metal that hits the Ferrumblight corrodes. After dealing damage, the weapon takes a permanent -1 penalty to damage rolls. If its penalty drops to -5, the weapon is destroyed. Nonmagical ammunition made of metal that hits the Ferrumblight is destroyed after dealing damage.

**Magic Siphon:** When the Ferrumblight deals damage to a creature, it drains 1d4 points from the target's highest available spell slot. If the target has no spell slots, it takes an additional 5 (1d10) force damage.