Origins[]
Harpies have been the focus of many multicultural legends over the years. Many stories tell of them using a beautiful song to lure victims into their grasp. In the Shadow Realm, they are known for traveling in packs of four, searching for helpless victims to feed off as a suitable meal for themselves. They are known for being unexplainably cruel to those that they captivate; they toy with their food before ending their song and devouring their dinner.
They are known to be agents of punishment, who can be employed to hunt down people and torture them. They are all very vicious, cruel, and violent. Many stories of their reign surfaced in the times of Ancient Greece, where they were known for exacting vengeance on men who turned against their cultures. They had a home on an offshore island, though when wars broke out, they returned to the Shadow Realm and lived for centuries.
When the Horde took over the Shadow Realm, the harpies were quick to make an alliance. They are used as warriors in the army’s plans, and they are fiercely loyal to those they serve. However, their cruel nature causes them to act only for themselves if it seems that their dinner is being lured away from their clutches.
Physiology[]
Harpies are half-humanoid creatures, and they have the ability to shift from their true forms into human ones with dark skin and talon-like nails. In their human appearances, they have black markings—like tattoos—that are etched into their bodies. They can willingly shift between their forms. Both appearances of the harpy sport pure white faces and large black eyes. Though the features are more birdlike in its true form, the mouth of a disguised harpy seems to be sewn shut.
In their true form, they are very tall and broad. Their legs are thin and out of proportion with their large torsos. They have enormous black-feathered wings that protrude from their shoulders, which can be hidden properly when they want them to be. They have long, birdlike beaks, which are sometimes bloodstained, and very sharp talons that makes cutting into prey all the easier.
Powers[]
Captivating Song[]
The most insidious ability of the harpy is its song. When a harpy sings, it is singing to a victim, in order to lure them out to their nest. It is a sonic, mind-affected charm. Any victim who hears the song will be captivated, and will quickly head in the Shadowkind’s direction. Most creatures under their lull aren’t able to defend themselves until the harpy stops singing, as the song renders them unable to fight back. The harpies can still use their song in battle, though its effects under stress aren’t as strong.
Flight[]
With the large wings that erupt from their backs, harpies are granted the ability of flight. This makes tracking victims very easy. Their speed when in flight is very accelerated.
Trivia[]
- A harpy was the first Shadowkind that Brian Botner experienced.
- A group of harpies were featured in Season One, when Lorelei Ashford and Gavin Sterling were out on a hunt.
- It is unknown how harpies reproduce, though baby harpies do exist.
References[]
- Image from: DeviantArt. and is owned by the member, R-CF.