Creature

"Explore the Exiled Lands and beware of the dangerous creatures which lurk in the dark places of the world."

- Dev Blog #9

The various creatures in .

Description
The Exiled Lands are filled with a variety of different creatures and animals. Beasts both common and uncommon in Hyboria can be found, hunted, slain, and harvested for resources to aid you in your struggle against the elements or other exiles. There are even creatures considered unnatural by the outside world making the Exiled Lands their home.

As you make your way across of the desert, where Conan cuts you down from your crucifix, you will eventually reach a river. This lush, fertile area is the home of mostly docile prey. Animals such as Shalebacks or Rabbits are plentiful, yielding bone, meat, and hide when harvested after killing them. Hide can be tanned to make leather, perfect for crafting strong and tough Armor.

It's wise to exercise caution, though. The Crocodiles, which roam the river, should be avoided at all costs. Quick and agile Imps, men twisted beyond recognition by corruption from the Exiled Lands' magic, also roam the surrounding area looking for their next meal. Some of the imps are highly volatile, running after any passerby and exploding violently when near. Any slain imp will yield Meat when harvested. However, the flesh of such a creature will taste horrible even when cooked. All exiles would be wise to remain vigilant, with a weapon at the ready, even in this mostly peaceful region.

North of the river, the wildlife grows more plentiful. It's here you will begin to encounter some of the most common creatures in the Exiled Lands. Wherever there is grass, you will find some variation of the Gazelle or Antelope. They're mostly docile, but are quick when escaping danger. Strike hard and fast while hunting them or your dinner might run away from you. Where there are gazelles and antelope, you are sure to encounter Hyenas as well. These snarling beasts have a tendency to hunt in packs, so stay vigilant. If you see one coming after you, you should expect at least one or two more to follow.

Heading further inland, you might also begin to encounter Rhinos and Ostriches of various colors. Much like gazelles, both rhinos and ostriches are mostly docile creatures, but will attack when provoked. Rhinos are especially tough to take down, and will charge at you with their massive horns to protect themselves. Stay vigilant, work together, and you might be able to strip them of their thick hides – maybe even mount their heads on your wall.

A helpful rule of thumb in the Exiled Lands is that the further north you travel, the more dangerous beasts you will encounter. Poisonous spiders and giant scorpions dwell in sandswept dunes or deep canyons, attacking anyone who comes too near. Their carcasses can be harvested for very useful crafting ingredients. Spiders will also yield ichor, which is crucial in some crafting recipes. You might also encounter Sand Reapers among the dunes to the north. These giant locusts skitter across the desert and should generally be avoided at all costs. They can, however, be harvested for their Toxin Glands, which is a key ingredient for creating deadly Poisons.

In the very center of the desert, covered in sand the color of burnt orange, lies the Unnamed City. This was the seat of power for an ancient race now long gone. Since then, it has been corrupted by foul and blasphemous magic. Here the dead walk again. The emaciated remains of human soldiers stalk the sands, wielding weapons from a bygone era, while Skeletal Lizard Beasts, reanimated by the dark energy which remains here, attack anyone within sight. Enormous Bats fly overhead, swooping down to capture any unlucky soul still living. There are even rumors of Dragons and Living Magma made of stone roaming the area. Although the danger is great, the rewards can be even greater, as the Unnamed City holds many secrets just waiting to be discovered.

Farther to the north, should you cross a large wall at the edge of the desert, you will find yourself in the Highlands, a forested area of mountains and plains, populated by Deer and Wolf. Hunt them down, if you can, to obtain their hide, horns, and fangs. Far to the east, you may run across Bat Demon colonies, which can be harvested for Demon Blood.

Beyond the Highlands lies the Frozen North, a treacherous barren landscape of bitter cold, tall peaks, and hidden treasure. Mammoth, Wolf, and Elk wander the hills and valleys, while camps of Frost Giants litter the landscape. All beasts have Fur to keep them warm, which you may need more than they do.

At the northernmost peak of the Exiled Lands lies the Volcano. Its jagged peaks can be seen from around the world, glowing in the night with the heat of its molten rivers.