The Bestiary

## Classification System

Researchers in Omnia have generally agreed upon a single classification system in which creatures are given a danger level and creature type. Generally, hunters and researchers try to avoid making new classifications for monsters that do not prove populous enough to be a unique group on their own, however there have been exceptions such as the Polaris danger level.

This system had come into existence sometime just after the Emergence, as Shesha’s ripping through the continent let loose all kinds of monsters that none of the kingdoms had ever seen before. It’s rumored that the titles existed in some capacity before the Emergence, though these rumors are completely unfounded.

## Danger Level

Scattered across Omnia are a variety of creatures that range from docile to hostile, and almost every single one of them are able to be hunted for fame and resources by monster hunters. Instead of being ranked by hostility alone, the most widely-used system for gauging monsters uses the metric of how many average hunters it might take to kill or otherwise subdue a single monster without the death or near-death of personnel involved. The danger rating of creatures may be subject to change should a monster evolve or gain a Variant, which is a unique, individual instance of a monster’s species. It is also important to remember that not every creature is a monster, but all monsters are creatures, meaning the two terms may be (but aren’t always) interchangeable.

* **SAIPH**- Saiph creatures are either docile or not too much of a challenge for the average, trained hunter. If a monster is classified as “Saiph”, one hunter will be able to take it down with some effort.
* **MEROPE**- Creatures classified as Merope are either immediately hostile or easy to provoke, and provide more of a challenge for aspiring hunters. Merope monsters may have a tendency to attack or prey on humans and livestock, causing them to become the most hunted bracket of classified monsters. When hunting a Merope creature, it is recommended to hunt in groups of two or three.
* **RIGEL**- Rigel-classed monsters, only called ‘monsters’ and not ‘creatures’ due to their extraordinary nature, are amongst some of the most dangerous monsters that a person can hunt, and only the best hunters come back unscathed. These monsters are immediately hostile to humans, and when their habitats clash with civilization they are capable of wreaking terrible destruction. Rigel monsters are often rare to encounter, thankfully, and usually take at least four or five trained hunters to subdue.
* **POLARIS**- Even rarer and more dangerous than the Rigel classification are monsters that fall under another class; Polaris. Monsters of this category are a cut above the rest and are immediate threats that require the evacuation of civilians from the area due to their dangerous nature. To die to one of these monsters would be a venerable death. Hunters have had to gather numbers from six to ten in order to have a chance at taking down a Polaris monster.
* **SIRIUS**- Unquantifiable, catastrophic havoc defines the Sirius class. It is often speculated by some Scholars and Unseen of Ald that the Titans, revered as gods, are Sirius-classed monsters- this sentiment is heavily detested by the religions following said Titans. Detailed recordings of Sirius monsters are few and far between, if they even exist. When faced with one of these forces of nature, do not engage. Do not approach. Evacuate, and hope that it takes mercy.

## Creature Type

Alongside the danger levels, creatures are assigned a type in order to assist in understanding what a creature may look and act like, as well as potential strengths and weaknesses.

* **BEASTS**- Beasts are common animals frequently found all over Omnia. While still dangerous, Beasts are generally less of a threat than other creature types and can be fended off via conventional weaponry.
* **NEKROS**- Creatures that are either raised from the dead, closely resemble the dead, or otherwise are entwined with the essence of death are considered Nekros. Restless undead, reanimated corpses, and the like are all part of the Nekros family.
* **SPECTRES**- Not all necessarily considered monsters, Spectres are usually born of the souls of those who could not pass on after death. Ghosts are considered Spectres, though others of this classification are transformed after death by some process or other and considered more violent and monstrous.
* **RUNIC**- Creatures of the Runic classification are straightforward in origin, but not so much in ability. Runic creatures are creatures created purely of magic- be that purely by accident or fully on purpose. The Runic classification tends to go hand-in-hand as a secondary to other ones.
* **INSECTOIDS**- Insectoids are not only the swarms of mosquitoes that bite at your arms every summer, but are also the mythical Leuricores of the Bogonian wastes. Because of their sheer difference from Beasts, they get their own classification, as Beasts and Insectoids are biologically entirely different. This classification is the one that tends to give the most people the heebie jeebies.
* **LEVIATHANS**- Those of Shesha’s brood are often considered a part of the Leviathan family. If you’re looking to hunt some- or die to some- the Mark is easily going to be your first stop. Leviathans are monsters that lurk within the depths of the seas. Due to their acclimation to the higher pressures and darker depths of the Omnia’s oceans, they are not only huge, but also tend to look quite horrifying to the average Joe.
* **ARCHAIOS**- Archaois are special monsters within a special classification. When something is either entirely unique from other labels, predates the other monsters, or both, it falls in the Archaios category. Archaios are rarely if ever seen or even heard of due to this status, though perhaps that is for the better.
* **FAE**- These monsters are often avoided by even seasoned hunters, considering their sheer power and suspected affiliation with the Trimedium. Fae are always Polaris level threats because of this, and bear their own unique category because of their suspected origins combined with their religious nature. It is heavily discouraged to hunt Fae not only because of their reverence with the more religious folk, but also because they are far more intelligent than almost any other monster someone may attempt to hunt. Never make a deal with a Fae if you know what’s good for you.
* **ANATHEMA**- Cursed creatures are more often than not only heard of in folklore and fairy tales to scare little children, but those that do exist are classified as Anathema. Anathema are only spawned from other existing creatures, and cannot be created from nothing. They are naturally loathed by their own kind, as their curse- whatever it may be- is almost always destructive or downright disgusting.
* **CONSTRUCTS**- Monsters created from previously inanimate objects are called Constructs. Constructs more often than not serve a specific set of purposes, unless they fall under the “talking sword” stereotype. It’s heavily debated whether or not Constructs have souls, if souls even exist, and what happens to a Construct when it dies is entirely unknown.
* **VERDURE**- Just as Insectoids get their own category, plants are considered unique enough to have one of their own. Verdure type creatures are botanical in nature and can be found practically everywhere on the map. They’re, surprisingly, some of the hardiest monsters to be encountered due to their sheer biodiversity.

## Beasts

* Direwolf
* Fool's Phoenix