Sliders and gliders

They share a striking resemblance to stingrays in terms of their shape, although they are significantly larger in size. They derive sustenance from both the glimmer within the mist and the animals that live in this mist. These creatures are recognized for their silent movements, frequently seizing smaller ground-dwelling animals.

It is worth noting that they occasionally prey on lone travelers who venture into the fog. Fog sliders are not limited to a specific region within Misteria; they are found across the entire continent and possibly extend further northward. They exhibit fascinating regional adaptations that enhance their survival skills. Those residing in the Land of Nur feature broad, sieve-like mouths designed for filtering creatures from sandy terrains. Specimens from the Sea of Fog boast sharp, blade-like fins suitable for cutting through other creatures, while their counterparts in Waternia tend to be relatively diminutive. In contrast, those within Mebeland attain larger dimensions.

These creatures are also notable for their migratory habits, mirroring the movements of the fog itself, ensuring their omnipresence across the continent. Encounters with these creatures can be intimidating, particularly in the Mebelands, where reports of attacks on travelers exist. However, it is important to recognize that while their actions may seem threatening, fog sliders are primarily driven by hunger, and their immense size often makes evasion a viable option for those who cross their path.

Appearance: These creatures are impressively large, with the largest variety reaching about 30 feet (9 meters) in length. They have slender, circular bodies adorned with numerous gill-like protrusions all over. Their eyes are an odd number, typically three or five, positioned in the front above the mouth opening. The central part of their body features an opening surrounded by many small teeth. Approximately half of their body length consists of a long, rigid spike that they can twist around 180 degrees, a behavior they usually exhibit when feeling threatened near their nests.

Statistics: B5 S4 M2 W2 L35 Ev8 T2 D10 A2

Skills: Stealth +2, Perception +4

Abilities:

• A2 Swooping attack – Fog slider swoops onto enemy and attacks everyone in the area of its width (20 feet). Everyone has to perform an Athletics check on the difficulty determined by a roll of D10 + Body of fog glider. If failed, they receive 2D10 damage and are knocked down.   
• 2A Sting – Fog slider attacks one enemy dealing 2d10 damage +Body on hit. This enemy has to perform an opposing Athletics check and if failed they are considered grappled (spiked) and can only try to escape. Next turn hits against this target land automatically and deals 2D10 damage + Body as long as target remains grappled.

Mistcutter (Trygonusnebular prehenderat)  

These creatures are a subspecies of fog sliders and are notably more dangerous. Originating from the Sea of Fog, they have evolved to prey on other creatures residing in the mist. Their heads possess a unique, crescent-moon shape with numerous sensory receptors on their head, that aid them in finding their prey. Strangely, they seem to favor creatures that use magic, often targeting mages and individuals with artifacts, displaying a peculiar fondness for Virdis. In their native habitat, they primarily feed on mistborn, using their specialized heads to dismember their victims. They pose a significant threat to caravans traversing the Sea of Fog but can be lured away from convoys with enough food. Like many fog-dwelling creatures, they prefer to hunt in open areas, although when young, they may engage in hunts within narrower spaces.

Appearance: Resembling large fish, these creatures have a distinctive head shape, reaching approximately 8 feet (2.5 meter) in length with a front section that spans 3 feet (90 centimeters). The head takes on the shape of a letter C, with males having a sharper edge that is often used to slice off pieces of other animals. Three eyes are situated just above the blade. In contrast, females have this shape reversed, with the sharp parts pointing backwards and 2 additional eyes situated at the ends. They have numerous fins along their long bodies, which they employ to control their movements, and a large tail with a prominent fin for propulsion. Typically colored in shades of purple with blackish dots, they effectively blend with the ever-present mist in the Sea of Fog.

Statistics: B3 S2 M1 W3 L14 Ev8 T1 D10

Skills: Athletics +2, Perception +2, Resistance +3

Abilities:

• Charge – Mistcutter charges a line of enemies and attacks all of them once with its blade. If it fails any of the Attack checks it stops its charge on that enemy.

Desert gliders (Trygonusnebular volantetis)  

Resembling stingrays but gliding at the top part of the mist, these creatures are typically found in the Land of Nur and are known for their defensive behavior and for using their whip-like tail and spikes for hunting. Killing and capturing one solo is considered a rite of passage among the Orange Desert nomads, marking one’s transition into adulthood. While they are mostly found in the Land of Nur, particularly near the Lap Sea, they often venture close to the Fiery Mountains during their mating season. When they land outside of the mist, they bury themselves in the sand, awaiting the arrival of another mist. These creatures primarily feed on mist and are generally peaceful. However, the occasional accidental encounter, where someone steps on one, can result in considerable pain, thanks to their long and spiky tails that they whip around when threatened.

Appearance: These creatures possess disc-like bodies measuring typically around 4 feet (1,3 meter) in diameter and are no thicker than one foot (30 centimeters) at the center. They possess two spiky protrusions on their tail end, equipped with saw-like edges. On their topside, they feature a spine covered in thorns that goes from tail into their “head”. The bulbous frontal element, similar to a cephalothorax, holds five eyes, with one notably larger than the others. Their skin resembles sand, with specks of crystals embedded in it and is surprisingly challenging to penetrate.

On the underside, one can find numerous openings used for filtering the glimmer from the mist, with one larger opening situated along the center. Their ability to blend into the desert terrain makes them almost impossible to spot amid the desert sands.

Statistics: B1 S1 M1 W1 L7 Ev6 T2 D6

Skills: Stealth +4

Glider (Trygonusnebular labentes) 

Gliders are the most common carnivorous inhabitants of the mist. Unlike their omnivorous counterparts, Gliders exclusively feed on meat of other creatures, including their own. Their swift and elusive nature makes them challenging to capture, yet they are inherently fragile and lacking in physical strength.

These creatures tend to assemble in extensive flocks, occasionally numbering in the hundreds, as they fly in the misty expanse. In smaller groups of approximately 20 individuals, they hover close to the ground and sporadically launch attacks on larger creatures. The collective presence of these flocks constitutes a significant threat within the mist, capable of swiftly overwhelming and consuming creatures unfortunate enough to cross their path.

Beyond the mist, Gliders can be found scattered across open fields, awaiting the return of the fog. During these times, they appear as numerous dark spots on the ground, waiting. Despite their abundance, their intelligence is notably limited. They often forget the presence of hidden individuals, and their perception of danger relies heavily on visual contact. As a result, caravans can typically evade detection by simply shielding their windows, and providing these creatures with food can deter them from causing harm.

Appearance: Small creatures that look like a mix of a crab and a stingray, with thin disc-like torso and appendages pointing down bellow wits shell. There is a membrane between their crabby leggs and their body. Their skin is pale on the bottom, with dark purple spots on their shells. Appendages are finished with three small, bony fingers used to catch prey. They have only one eye and can’t perceive depth. They usually glide in the mist, often clustering together.

Statistics: B1 S2 M0 W1 L8 Ev6 D6