The Baelung's true nature is unknown, thought to be a Demon by some, and a mere beast by many others. They are sometimes called Tikbalang in some rural areas of the Empire. The demon-beast possibly originates from Haya, as it is associated with the violation of humanoids of the weaker gender. These demon-beasts are rarely seen in the Empire, and are often the target of hunts and purges due to their unholy associations.
Background
What little is known about these creatures is gleaned from the few legends about them, and what sightings have been made over the eras past. The demon-beasts cannot be considered mere animals, but neither do they possess the intelligence of an orc, for example. They are incapable of speaking the Common tongue, but possess minds that seem to be touchable by Mystics.
Contrary to their reputation, these beasts are not truly malicious and lustful beings; it is believed that they are born or brought to life with a certain defect in their mental processes that is set on them at birth, and is arcane in nature. This can be likened to animals which suffer from a certain cerebral injury, who may tend to mate with anything in sight. It has been debated amongst magi, those who speak of the creatures at any rate, that the defect could likely be an arcanic blood-line curse.
It has been theorized that this "cursed" condition could possibly be aided and cured if the subject could survive the Thaumaturgic or Druidic healing process. This has not been proved, as there is a high possibility that the healing would destroy them. There have been no reports of such acts being attempted, so certainly no reports of such a thing being successful exist.
History
Their origins are lost in the past, as there are few records, and the Baelung themselves appear not to be the sort of being that keeps them. A popular explanation may be that they, like the Minotaur, were made during the Cyraxians Wars as sowers of chaos, made out of the forms of horses rather than bulls.
During the ancient wars against the Cyraxians, there were records of small numbers of these creatures prowling the land. While the stories are far fewer in number compared to their "cousins" the Minotaur, they are no less brutal and violent in the deeds, if not more so. Curiously enough, unlike the Minotaur, all the Baelung spotted have been males, and none of the female kind.
There is little doubt that Haya may have had a hand in their creation, as a Deity of Lust, and is the most likely candidate for their creation.
Physical Appearance
The Baelung is a large creature, and in many ways could be seen as the equine cousin of the Minotaur race, for it is humanoid in appearance, with the head and hooves of a horse. It stands tall, at no less then 7' up to as much as 10' and boasts a very powerful and muscular body.
Their eyes glow dark crimson, often likened to the colour of blood under the light of the Moons by those maidens lucky enough to survive. Their skin is tough, and is as strong as leather. Rough hair covers the legs and arms, and they possess a glorious mane and tail which is the same as the coarse hair of ordinary horses.
If they were not so savage and destructive in nature as well as having an aura of darkness and lust when normally encountered, they could almost be called to look like quite majestic creatures. This had been observed once before, when the creature in question was unaware of the observer's presence. Others would probably find their countenance ridiculous, for like many of the construct races their mismatched anatomy does not always afford them the most practical of bodies.
Climate/Terrain
The creature is generally found in forested areas, especially ones that border pathways or roads and populated areas. They can be found in temperate climates, and there have been no sightings of them in colder regions.
Organization
There are reports of co-operation between the Baelung, but these are limited to sightings of small groups fighting alongside the armies of Aeternia. All other sightings in modern times have placed them as being alone. From this it is possible to deduct that they have no social interaction, beyond their attachment to humanoid females of other races, and lead lonely, violent lives. There is currently no evidence to support any unified group whatsoever, post invasion, as even breeding appears to take place via their Haya-driven inclinations.
Combat
These monstrous beings are gifted with superhuman strength, easily matching that of a small giant. This strength is believed to be drawn from their physical size, their violent lives, and arcanic influences from their dark origins. They have very little control over fine motorskills, and so are never seen using weapons that need any level of skill, such as a bow or sword. It has been noted that they do on occasion use crude weapons, such as a club, and would be capable of using something like a mace if they came across one. Most often they use their bare fists, using their height, speed, and strength to full advantage.
The Baelung are proficient in brawling, and can tear apart a fully armoured man if given a chance. Their fighting style is maddened and unpredictable, but it is a sight that no one will live to tell about unless the creature had been slain. They are faster and more agile then most beasts their size, and combined with their brutal strength this makes for a foe that cannot be anything less then deadly to most citizens of the Empire.
Special Abilities
Baelung are masters of woodland stealth and shadow, and can be incredibly hard to track and hunt for even a skilled ranger. Their ability to utilise and hide in shadows is considered supernatural, especially for such a large being. When not seen, they can generate an aura of lust and arousal and direct that sensation to any victim within their sight, and this can be very difficult for most to resist. This is a tactic for luring the victim towards them, and to make the poor victims less resistant. It is thought that there is some exchange of energies between the Baelung and its victim, but the nature of this change has not been verified. There are some theories that the Baelung obtains refreshment from this process. The process by which they draw this energy is not quite known, but it seems to be an instinctive part of their action that they have no control over.
There have been no reports of the victims being impregnated, but this could be due to the scandal created in Aelyrian society by such events. The family of the girl would be likely to hush it up, and kill any possible offspring. As there have been no reports about the natal state of the victims due to social pressure and expectations, this has led to a belief that the Baelung are immortal and are born wholly from the unholy mind of Haya. This theory has no basis in fact either.
The various supernatural like abilities of the Baelung are attributed to the influence of the Mysticism sphere, although no one is certain about the level of control, or the level of proficiency, as the way they use their abilities seems entirely instinctual in nature. They show no affinity with any other sphere, and any actual direct use of mysticism could be likened to the way they use weapons; a lashing out of brute force, rather than the deadly focus of a true mage.
Resistances
While the Baelung retains some resistance against the powers of Mysticism, they are vulnurable to the works of Druids and wielders of Thaumaturgy. The limits of this vulnerablilty have not been explored, but there is another weapon against the Baelung. They have a most particular weakness to the effects of Song, though it can either work more effectively, or simply drive the creature beyond reasonable thought and into the depths of madness and rage.
All weapons may work on them, but weapons enchanted with Druidism, Thaumaturgy, or Song will have the best results. It is thought that stabbing and slicing weapons work best, for they are able to withstand the blows of most blunt weapons to a certain extent.
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