Deodands

Below is a description of the much feared Deodand. Heed the words well or you may find yourself satisfying the debauched appetites of this halfman.

Appearance
The common Deodand is largely human in appearance. It stands nearly two and half meters tall and is possessed of an equisite musculature. The Deodand is known to suffer fits of vanity and thus keeps its coal-black skin well oiled and its razor sharp claws and teeth precisely manicured. The creature might be considered quite beautiful were it not for its cruel features and hideous expressions. Though the Deodand often wears rags and robes he does so only reluctantly. At heart, every Deodand prefers to range the wilds totally naked save a few leather straps and belts taken as trophies from its victims.

Behavior
While the Deodand is an intelligent, cunning and well spoken halfman it ultimately has a single craving that rules its existence; to devour the flesh of humans. To this end a Deodand will plead, bargin, cajole, sweet talk or simply overpower the victims of its degenerate appetite. While the Deodand often pretends to consume human flesh only reluctantly, and out of necessity, good evidence exists to suggest otherwise. The poet, Grinchald, was known to have spent many years in disguise among the Deodands and noted in his Treatise, The Errant Man, that all indications suggest the Deodand takes the greatest pleasure in its malignant behavior.

If confronted with unfavorable odds the craven Deodand may try to strike a bargain in order to obtain its next meal. When dealing with such a Deodand it's important to remember that they are shrewd, if weedling, negotiators. Half-truths, misdirection and feigned meekness are the hallmarks of a hungry Deodand. Conversely, a Deodand who has recently sated his appetite poses little threat. In fact, some travelers have reported productive conversations with well fed Deodands. Some are even known aficionados of the gambling table; however, others view wagering dimly, so caution is best advised before broaching the subject.

History
While much about the Deodand is conjecture there are some stories more likely than others. It is rumored that the Deodand was created of a combination of Man, Basilisk and Wolverine by the Vapurials. In fact, most historians are in agreement that the Vapurials bred them as a weapon to be used in the fratricidal War of True Sons. However, it is said the Vapurials were unready to contain the horror they had created and unwittingly unleashed the mechanism of their own destruction. If this is the case than the reader who appreciates irony will luxuriate in the thought that the authors of this grim creature were among its first victims.