#olgoi-khorkhoi

[evolutionsvoid]

Deserts are certainly inhospitable places, what with the intense heat, lack of water and endless plains of parched earth. For many folk, there is nothing to be gained by entering such a place, nothing but a miserable time. However, there are people who do live in such a land, as life is indeed possible in these harsh ecosystems. Flora and fauna do call this place home, and simply for that reason you know why I dive right into these scorching sands. There are many fascinating species to find here, but I know full well to be careful and cautious. I get guides and carry plenty of supplies, as drying into tinder out there isn't exactly a way I want to go. And I be sure to get experienced guides who can help me locate creatures who may not be so easily spotted. This is not only so I can find the species I wish to study, but so that I can also stay a safe ways away. Harsh lands make for harsh residents, and the Olgoi-Khorkhoi is a great example of this.

In a land of scorched sands, you wouldn't really expect something wet and squishy like a worm to live out here. I mean, could you imagine? Yet, the Olgoi-Khorkhoi is a worm that does call the desert home. It survives the extreme heat and dryness by spending most of its life buried in the sand, rarely ever exposing itself to the sun. Their skin is also thicker and more akin to tough leather than a delicate mucus membrane. This helps keep the moisture trapped inside and prevent the hot sand from drying them out. With a serpentine body built for burrowing, this species is rarely seen. However, if you are near one, or even step on a buried one, you most certainly will know about it! The question is: will you survive to tell the tale?

Though they spend their lives hidden in the sand and aren't exactly massive creatures, one may wonder what dangerous secrets they keep? Seeing a hide covered in metallic spines may make some jump to the idea that they use these to constrict and shred prey. This is incorrect. And honestly? Their actual use is far worse. One of the weapons the Olgoi-Khorkhoi possesses is actually the ability to produce potent electricity within its flesh. It is like an electric eel, but it appears they can create even deadlier currents. The juice they can crank out is enough to knock out larger beasts like camels, and can certainly drop a human. What helps them unleash this voltage is those metallic spikes on their body, as it appears that they are reinforced with copper. In fact, their whole body seems to be laden with large amounts of copper, at levels that would be poisonous to others. This looks to be how they are easily able to produce and release these powerful bursts of electricity. This is how they hunt their prey, as they wait below the sands for something meaty to walk by. When food gets close enough, they unleash a shocking aura that can kill smaller creatures and topple over larger ones. Even if it isn't lethal, it can be enough to debilitate prey long enough for the Olgoi to emerge and deal the killing blow.

Their ability to fry animals with their body isn't the only trick they have. When it comes time to feed, the Olgoi-Khorkhoi will come up from the sand and reveal itself. At first sight, some may think their head and maw is a ring of spines, but that structure will pull itself open to reveal a long blood-red proboscis that sports some nasty fangs! This is what the worm uses to feed, as it only unsheathes this organ when it is time to eat. Four long hollow fangs are on the end, and they bite down into immobilized prey. A potent digestive fluid is pumped through these teeth, and used to melt their food from the inside. You see, they don't exactly have jaws for chewing, and desert animals aren't really known for being soft and squishy. So these worms produce a potent acid that can break down flesh rather quickly, and reduce a corpse to a drinkable slurry. Their teeth will bite and inject this fluid throughout the body, until parts become soft and melted. Then the proboscis burrows into the mess and slurps it up. This method is how they dispatch prey, typically targeting organs or the head to melt down first. After they are slain and injected, the worm will make an attempt to drag the corpse down into the sand to keep others from stealing its food.

However, the Olgoi-Khorkhoi is not a large creature, nor is it that strong. It cannot pull an adult camel into the earth, and using its body to cover it with sand takes way too much time. So if the Olgoi cannot hide its meal, it will resort to good ol aggression. I mean, even without the food, these worms are rather territorial and quick to anger. The world is harsh and food is scarce, so they are ready to fight off predators and thieves who would try to steal their meal or make them one. If you ever find a dead camel in the desert, with no vultures or scavengers around, do not approach. This is probably because an Olgoi-Khorkhoi has killed it and is now viciously defending its dinner. Any animals that dare get close will get fried or worse. When these worms are exposed and feeding, they may resort to more than just electricity to fight back. Encounters show that they will spew streams of their acid at foes during this state, and the injuries that result can be disfiguring or fatal. One favorite horror story of this region is of a man who had his eyes melted by a horrid encounter with an Olgoi-Khorkhoi. Now blind and in the middle of the desert, the long miserable tale spoke of his doomed attempt to find help or safety. I don't know if it counts as "horror" or is more of "talking about a slow and painful death with incredibly unnecessary detail."

Due to their viciousness, eagerness to feed and deadly weapons, the Olgoi-Khorkhoi is regarded as a grave threat to any who walk the sands. Failure to spot the subtle signs of a hiding Olgoi can result in your body getting paralyzed by a shock and then slowly being digested from the inside by a foul acid. Thus, locals are well trained in identifying the signs of a worm or the conditions where one is likely to dwell. Some travelers carry long sticks or bits of stone to test areas where an Olgoi may be, disturbing the spots while standing at a safe distance. Thankfully, these worms are ambush hunters and care only about creatures who get too close. As long as you steer far away from their kills, an Olgoi-Khorkhoi will have no reason to harm you. But even then, there are many who perish in the desert due to an accidental run-in with these worms. And when night falls, they become a bit more mobile and seek out prey. Set up your tent too close to their territory, and they may ensure you never wake again.

With this and the horrid corpses they can leave behind, outsiders to this region have dubbed this species the Death Worm. Which is....a bit over dramatic, don't you think? Yeah, it is a bit scary trying to travel the sands and avoid an unseen danger, but c'mon Death Worm? We really need to cool it with these insanely over-the-top names. The native tongue straight up calls them "large intestine worm" which is far more descriptive, though a bit misleading if you are thinking of parasites. So forgive me if I have a hard time calling them DEATH WORM when they look like a spiny sausage with an attitude.

Also I am positive the hyperbolic name of Death Worm is why so many people have tried to keep these things as pets or as living trophies to show off to your guests. Oh, what a terrifying addition to a macabre collection! Wait til my dinner guests witness such a vile and impressive specimen! Women, hang tight to your men, lest you faint from the shock! Honestly, I don't know what is more humorous about this stupid idea, the fact that many "owners" wind up getting literally burned by these worms, or the fact that these worms spend 99% of their time burrowed in the ground and thus your scary display is an empty box of unmoving sand.

Chlora Myron

Dryad Natural Historian

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"Olgoi-Khorkhoi"

[cubic-watermelon]

Day 19 of my cryptid October drawing challenge!

Today’s creature: olgoi-khorkhoi (Mongolian death worm)

Previous:

[buttsaremyassthetic]

Niche Cryptids #3: Mongolian Death Worm

This is a fun one! The Mongolian Death Worm, or, olgoi-khorkhoi, is a large, three foot long red worm creature said to live somewhere in the sands of the southern Gobi Desert. It sprays a corrosive fluid strong enough to kill, but can also give off a strong electrical discharge to stun its victims. Hate that! The worm has existed in local folklore for many years and while there's many verbal accounts passed down of its existence, scientists and cryptozoologist enthusiasts have never been able to find any traces in the vast desert. Some think maybe this legend can be contributed to legless lizards or snakes, as a number can be venomous or even spit substances long distances, but none quite fit the description of "meter-long red worm with barbs on either end that burrows like a Tremors monster and shoots acid and electricity at you". Then again, there's some spooky stuff out there! Just look at my big fav, the bobbit worm. Sometimes nature can be scarier than we think.

Thanks to my patrons for picking September's illustration prompt!!

[myth-lord]

It's the most wonderful list of the year

It is that time of the year again, complete new list time.

COLLECTABLE MONSTERS / ENEMIES

Aatxe • Khalkotauroi Abaia A Bao A Qu Abuhuku Afanc Agropelter Ahool Ahuizotl Airavata Ajaju Akashita Akheilos • Isonade Alicanto Alp-Luachra Amphisbaena ANGEL • Erinyes • Erote • Valkyrie Anggitay Aniwye Ao-Ao • Babi Ngepet • Bonguru • Cuchivilu • Gloson Aproxis Asag Asanbosam Ascalaphus Aswang • Batibat • Berbalang • Kubot • Manananggal • Pugot Awd Goggie

Baku • Bulgasari Baldanders • Frittening • Gardinel Banshee Barghest • Cadejo • Cu Sith • Cwn Annwn • Garmr • Osschaert • Pesanta Barometz • Cactus Cat • Hiiden Hirvi • Otso • Rahara Basilisk Bies BOGEY • Bugbear • Ijiraq • Kaw-Kaw • Kludde • Marabbecca • Metminwi • Nachtkrapp • Stuhac • Tikbalang Boitata Bolotnik • Arzhavennik • Bagiennik • Cueyatl • Yara-Ma-Yha-Who Boobrie Brollachan • Fad Felen • Hongaek Bruch Buggane Bukavac Bunyip • Dingonek Burach Bhadi • Tlanusi Burrunjor • Kasai Rex Bushyasta Butatsch

Caballucos Diablu Cait Sith • Kasha • Nekomata Caladrius • Zhenniao Carbuncle • Arkan Sonney • Cagrino • Yamabiko Catoblepas Charybdis Chupacabra Crocotta • Kishi Cuero • Rumptifusel Cyclops • Bungisngis • Fomorian • Ojancanu • Papinijuwari

Dijiang Dipsa • Haermorrhois • Hypnalis • Seps Dobhar-Chu Domovoi • Leshy • Ovinnik • Polevik • Vodyanoi DRAKE • Aitvaras • Bauk • Jaculus • Qiuniu Dullahan

Echeneis Eintykara ELEMENTAL • Ahi At-Trab • Banaspati • Cherufe • Landvaettir • Nargun • Perico • Raiju • Salamander • Sermilik • Sylph • Undine Encantado • Fossegrim • Katsura-Otoko Eurynomos Ewah

Faun • Huay Chivo Fetch

Ga-Gorib Gargouille Gbahali • Ammut • Cipactli GIANT • Cacus • Gawigawen • Gegenees • Hrimpursar • Muldjewangk Girtablilu Goblin • Akaname • Bilwis • Bugul Noz • Curupira • Dactyl • Eloko • Grindylow • Kobold • Likho • Nuno • Pukwudgie • Redcap • Spriggan • Trenti Gold-Digging Ant GOLEM • Celedon • Invunche • Juggernaut • Pua Tu Tahi • Terra-Cotta • Tupilaq • Wulgaru Griffon • Keythong Grootslang Gu Guarana Gulon • Rompo • Taotie

HAG • Candileja • Hala • Kikimora • Mambabarang • Nocnitsa • Norn • Pesta • Poludnica • Qalupalik • Rokurokubi • Soucouyant • Utlunta • Yanagi-Baba Harpy • Alkonost • Kere • Lechuza • Siren Hippocampus Hrokkall HUMAN • Amazon • Berserker • Buckrider • Cambion • Einherjar • Moroi • Vish Kanya Hyakume Hydra • Ihuaivulu • Nyuvwira

Ichneumon Imp • Butoni • Incubus • Skrzak • Vetala Intulo Inulpamahuida Issitoq • Aghash

Jba Fofi • Djieien • Jorogumo • Tsuchigumo Jinmenju • Jubokko • Umdhlebi Jinn • Ghul • Ifrit • Redjal Marja

Kaiaimunu Kamaitachi Kamikiri Kappa Karkinos • Heikegani • Saratan Kelpie • Apaosha • Ceffyl Dwr • Each Tened • Helhest Keukegen Kilmoulis • Ashinaga • Panotti • Tenaga Kitsune • Kumiho Kodama Kongamato • Ropen Kun Peng Kurage-No-Hinotama • Muirdris

Lamia • Ajatar Lavellan • Rat King • Tesso • Ugjuknarpak Lemure Leprechaun • Amadan Dubh • Clurichaun • Far Darrig • Gancanagh LINNORM • Fafnir • Gowrow • Hodag • Nidhogg Ljosalfar • Dokkalfar Longgui Lou Carcolh Lusca • A-Mi-Kuk • Iku-Turso • Migas • Rogo-Tumu-Here Ly Erg

Makhai Mandarangkal Mandragora Manticore • Nue • Piasa • Sphinx • Succarath • Tarasque Mapinguari Mara Marool Merrow • Adaro • Agloolik • Siyokoy • Yawkyawk • Zitiron Minotaur • Erchitu • Sarangay Mokele-Mbembe • Ninki Nanka Morgawr Moskitto Motelo Mama Muhuru • Mbielu-Mbielu Musca Macedda • Druj Nasu Myrmecoleon

Nadubi • Sigbin Nakshatra Meenu Nalusa Falaya • Hidebehind Namazu Nariphon • Madremonte Ngoubou • Odontotyrannus Nosoi Nuckelavee Nuppeppo NYMPH • Abere • Askafroa • Dryad • Empusa • Lampad • Leanan Sidhe • Maenad • Muse • Nereid • Oread • Rusalka • Thriae • Veela • Yuki-Onna

Olgoi-Khorkhoi • Minhocao • Skolex Olitiau • Guiafairo • Popobawa • Strigoi Omukade • Ankluz • Con Rit • Ek Chapat • Kugdlughiak Oniate • Camacrusa • Chon-Chon • Tsurube-Otoshi Onikuma • Kerit • Skeljaskrimsli

Pard • Ccoa • Mishibizhiw • Mngwa • Splintercat • Zheng Penchapechi Peuchen Phoenix • Psonen • Rarog Piskie • Attercroppe • Lunantishee • Phooka Polong Poltergeist • Dybbuk • Isogashi • Waldgeist Psoglav Pyrausta • Shinchu • Shtriga

Qilin

Ratatoskr Roc Roperite

Salawa Satori Sazae-Oni Scarab • Cerambus • Jinshin Mushi Scitalis Scorpios SEA SERPENT • Gaasyendietha • Haietlik • Ikuchi • Tizheruk Shachihoko Shen Sianach • Delgeth • Wakandagi Skinwalker • Adze • Cuca • Impundulu • Nagual • Rougarou • Selkie Slide-Rock Bolter Sluagh Spartoi • Ahkiyyini • Bloody Bones • Gashadokuro • Mekurabe Squonk Stray Sod • Hungry Grass Stymphalides • Asipatra Surale • Mahaha

Tanuki Teratsutsuki Tiddalik • Chan Chu • Lapiduch Tiyanak • Acheri • Hinkir Munkur • Myling Tripodero TROLL • Aigamuxa • Berberoka • Fear Liath • Kapre • Kayeri • Munuane • Oni • Shellycoat • Yehwe Zogbanu • Yeti Trollgadda Trolual • Bakekujira • Raudkembingur TSUKUMOGAMI • Agrippa • Biwa-Bokuboku • Bubak • Caleuche • Chochin-Obake • Coiste Bodhar • Garei • Hinnagami • Ipetam • Ittan-Momen • Jenglot • Kameosa • Kasa-Obake • Nurikabe • Ungaikyo • Wanyudo • Zorigami Tuyango • Basan

Ulagu UNDEAD ELEMENTAL • Balborinho • Dorotabo • Enenra • Umibozu UNICORN • Almiraj • Karkadann • Shadhawar Utelif

Valravn Velue Vouivre • Asdeev • Caorthannach • Codrille • Cuelebre • Knucker • Snallygaster

Warg • Akhlut • Amarok • Chicheface Water Leaper Wendigo Whowie Will o Wisp • Luz Mala • Ogniki • Santelmo

Xecotcovach Xhumpedzkin

Yale Ya-Te-Veo

Ziphius Zirnitra Zlatorog Zmey • Azi Dahaka Zumbi • Aerico • Baykok • Draugr • Gaki • Hidarugami • Lagahoo • Mokoi • Topielec • Ushabti Zuttibur

UNIQUE MONSTERS/BOSSES

Achlys (General of Pestilence) Adephagia (Sinlord of Gluttony) Aergia (Sinlord of Sloth) Alastor (Sinlord of Wrath) Amhuluk Anansi Anhanga Ankou (General of Death) Antaeus Arachne Argus Aton Baba Yaga Bai Ze Bakunawa Balor Baxbakwalanuxsiwae Belachko Belphegor Byakko Camazotz Cerberus Cetus Chimera Chipfalamfula Deimos & Phobos (Generals of War) Egregore Fenghuang Fulad-Zereh Gaueko Genbu Graeae Gullinbursti Hela Hinqumemen Horseman of Death Horseman of Famine Horseman of Pestilence Horseman of War Hraesvelgr Hundun Itzpapalotl Jack Frost Jack-in-Irons Kampe Khepri Khodumodumo Koschei Kraken Ladon Lilith (Sinlord of Lust) Limos (General of Famine) Lotis Tree Medusa Midas (Sinlord of Greed) Naglfar Narcissus (Sinlord of Pride) Odei Pixiu Planctae Punga Qinglong Quetzalcoatl Qupqugiaq Raktabija Rawhead Saapin Scylla Sin-You Sleipnir Springheel Jack Surtur Tailypo Thunderbird Tiamat Typhon Vritra Wild Hunt Xing Tian Yamata no Orochi Ymir Zelus (Sinlord of Envy)

DELETED/ERASED

Bolla / Inkanyamba / Ouroboros / Shussebora / Tienlung / Suileach / Python / Cirein Croin / Echidna / Snawfus / Porotai / Huldra / Ishigaq / Bluecap / Ramidreju / Capcaun / Barbegazi / Erlkonig / Alraune / Brownie / Changeling / Danthienne / Cernunnos / Nix / Sandman / Tunche / Monoceros / Aziza / Melinoe / Krojemanchen / Jaci Jatere / Hesperid / Davy Jones / Bean Nighe / Tzitzimitl / Ziburinis / Llorona / Morko / Aoandon / Drekavac / Nachzehrer / Strix / Nosferatu / Hannya / Petsuchos / Charon / Shade / Diao Si Gui / Makalala / Jarjacha / Itqiirpak / Gremlin / Colorobetch / Vampire Pumpkin / Binaye Ahani / Tsenahale / Besta-Fera / Pishacha / Humbaba / Abaasy / Beelzebub / Bodach / Pazuzu / Ukobach / Harionago / Kawa Akago / Krampus / Tenome / Tooth Fairy / Ebajalg / Chrysaor / Stolas / Decarabia / Andrealphus / Suiko / Cmuch / Geras / Teke-Teke / Andurá / Cindaku / Teju Jagua / Rangda / Wolpertinger / Muscaliet / Ilomba / Xiao / Qinyuan / Lakuma / Peryton / Otoroshi / Mokumokuren / Mboi Tui / Nguruvilu / Snoligoster / Huallepen / Serpopard / Boggart / Centaur / Gorgon / Globster / Golem / Lorelei / Pegasus / Colossus / Snow Wasset / Dodomeki / Axex / Caliban / Tengu / Dalaketnon / Circe / Moha-Moha / Erymanthian Boar / Erumia / Cerastes / Caspilly / Teumessian Fox / Mamlambo / Drop Bear / Emela Ntouka / Chickcharney / Amphiptere / Atuikakura / Nemean Lion / Fenrir / Veo / Gambo / Tridacna / Anae-Moe-Oho / Scolopendra / Naujakuksualuk / Falajitax / Tculo / Lilyi / Melalo / Mothman / Fachen / Sagari / Geryon / Doppelganger / Hecatoncheires / Marakihau / Taka-Onna / Kigatilik / Cerynitis / Lammasu / Naga / Hrimfaxi / Skinfaxi / Barong / Cocollona / Jormungandr / Kholkikos / Vatnsandi / Nguma-Monene / Bezkost / Karnabo / Apshait / Succubus / Davalpa / Kratt

HALL OF SHAME

Mermaid / Hippogriff / Hupia / Elf / Dwarf / Sasquatch

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From What Group of Creatures:

DRAGON: Aitvaras / Bauk / Jaculus / Qiuniu / Gargouille / Grootslang / Fafnir / Gowrow / Hodag / Nidhogg / Longgui / Scitalis / Gaasyendietha / Haietlik / Ikuchi / Tizheruk / Shen / Velue / Vouivre / Asdeev / Cuelebre / Knucker / Zirnitra / Zmey / Azi Dahaka / Amhuluk / Bakunawa / Kampe / Ladon / Tiamat / Typhon / Vritra / Yamata no Orochi

FEY: Anggitay / Bonguru / Awd Goggie / Cu Sith / Cwn Annwn / Barometz / Cactus Cat / Hiiden Hirvi / Otso / Bugbear / Ijiraq / Kludde / Nachtkrapp / Tikbalang / Boitata / Bagiennik / Brollachan / Buggane / Cait Sith / Nekomata / Carbuncle / Arkan Sonney / Cagrino / Yamabiko / Ojancanu / Dobhar-Chu / Domovoi / Leshy / Ovinnik / Polevik / Vodyanoi / Raiju / Sylph / Undine / Encantado / Fossegrim / Katsura-Otoko / Faun / Bilwis / Bugul Noz / Curupira / Grindylow / Kobold / Nuno / Pukwudgie / Redcap / Spriggan / Trenti / Pua Tu Tahi / Wulgaru / Guarana / Hala / Kikimora / Mambabarang / Norn / Pesta / Poludnica / Qalupalik / Soucouyant / Utlunta / Yanagi-Baba / Harpy / Lechuza / Siren / Nyuvwira / Inulpamahuida / Jorogumo / Jinmenju / Kamaitachi / Kelpie / Ceffyl Dwr / Kitsune / Kodama / Ropen / Kun Peng / Tesso / Leprechaun / Amadan Dubh / Clurichaun / Far Darrig / Gancanagh / Ly Erg / Mandarangkal / Yawkyawk / Sarangay / Motelo Mama / Nariphon / Nuckelavee / Abere / Dryad / Lampad / Leanan Sidhe / Maenad / Nereid / Oread / Thriae / Veela / Guiafairo / Ankluz / Ccoa / Mishibizhiw / Splintercat / Zheng / Peuchen / Piskie / Attercroppe / Lunantishee / Phooka / Pyrausta / Ratatoskr / Wakandagi / Adze / Stray Sod / Surale / Aigamuxa / Berberoka / Kapre / Kayeri / Munuane / Shellycoat / Yehwe Zogbanu / Yeti / Trollgadda / Almiraj / Karkadann / Shadhawar / Akhlut / Wendigo / Yale / Zuttibur / Anhanga / Baba Yaga / Jack Frost / Lotis Tree / Quetzalcoatl / Springheel Jack / Tailypo / Thunderbird / Wild Hunt

UNDEAD: Aatxe / Khalkotauroi / Gloson / Banshee / Osschaert / Fad Felen / Dullahan / Rompo / Candileja / Hrokkall / Djieien / Jubokko / Ghul / Helhest / Askafroa / Rusalka / Yuki-Onna / Strigoi / Oniate / Camacrusa / Chon-Chon / Tsurube-Otoshi / Mngwa / Penchapechi / Psonen / Polong / Poltergeist / Dybbuk / Isogashi / Waldgeist / Sluagh / Spartoi / Ahkiyyini / Bloody Bones / Gashadokuro / Mekurabe / Hungry Grass / Teratsutsuki / Acheri / Myling / Fear Liath / Bakekujira / Biwa-Bokuboku / Bubak / Caleuche / Chochin-Obake / Coiste Bodhar / Garei / Ittan-Momen / Kameosa / Balborinho / Dorotabo / Enenra / Umibozu / Valravn / Codrille / Will o Wisp / Luz Mala / Ogniki / Santelmo / Zumbi / Aerico / Baykok / Draugr / Gaki / Hidarugami / Lagahoo / Mokoi / Topielec / Ushabti / Ankou / Itzpapalotl / Jack-in-Irons / Koschei / Naglfar / Xing Tian

FIEND: Akashita / Isonade / Erinyes / Aniwye / Babi Ngepet / Aproxis / Asag / Asanbosam / Ascalaphus / Aswang / Batibat / Berbalang / Kubot / Manananggal / Pugot / Garmr / Pesanta / Rahara / Bies / Metminwi / Stuhac / Arzhavennik / Hongaek / Bruch / Kasai Rex / Bushyasta / Caballucos Diablu / Kasha / Catoblepas / Kishi / Fomorian / Cherufe / Nargun / Eurynomos / Huay Chivo / Fetch / Ammut / Cipactli / Gawigawen / Likho / Juggernaut / Taotie / Nocnitsa / Kere / Ihuaivulu / Imp / Butoni / Incubus / Skrzak / Vetala / Aghash / Tsuchigumo / Umdhlebi / Ifrit / Heikegani / Apaosha / Each Tened / Kumiho / Ajatar / Lemure / Rogo-Tumu-Here / Makhai / Nue / Mara / Marool / Siyokoy / Erchitu / Ninki Nanka / Druj Nasu / Sigbin / Nalusa Falaya / Hidebehind / Madremonte / Odontotyrannus / Nosoi / Empusa / Popobawa / Ek Chapat / Onikuma / Rarog / Psoglav / Shtriga / Salawa / Sazae-Oni / Cerambus / Delgeth / Impundulu / Asipatra / Mahaha / Tiyanak / Hinkir Munkur / Oni / Raudkembingur / Agrippa / Ipetam / Jenglot / Wanyudo / Basan / Caorthannach / Chicheface / Xecotcovach / Achlys / Adephagia / Aergia / Alastor / Balor / Belphegor / Camazotz / Cerberus / Deimos & Phobos / Fulad-Zereh / Hela / Hinqumemen / Horseman of Death / Horseman of Famine / Horseman of Pestilence / Horseman of War / Lilith / Limos / Midas / Narcissus / Raktabija / Rawhead / Sin-You / Zelus

MAGICAL: A Bao A Qu / Abuhuku / Afanc / Ahool / Ahuizotl / Alicanto / Amphisbaena / Bulgasari / Basilisk / Bolotnik / Cueyatl / Dingonek / Burach Bhadi / Tlanusi / Zhenniao / Charybdis / Bungisngis / Dipsa / Haermorrhois / Hypnalis / Seps / Echeneis / Eintykara / Ahi At-Trab / Banaspati / Landvaettir / Perico / Salamander / Sermilik / Ga-Gorib / Girtablilu / Dactyl / Gold-Digging Ant / Invunche / Terra-Cotta / Tupilaq / Griffon / Keythong / Gu / Hydra / Jinn / Kappa / Keukegen / Lamia / Ugjuknarpak / Lou Carcolh / A-Mi-Kuk / Iku-Turso / Mandragora / Manticore / Piasa / Sphinx / Succarath / Tarasque / Zitiron / Minotaur / Moskitto / Musca Macedda / Namazu / Minhocao / Kugdlughiak / Satori / Jinshin Mushi / Shachihoko / Rougarou / Squonk / Stymphalides / Kasa-Obake / Ulagu / Amarok / Water Leaper / Xhumpedzkin / Arachne / Belachko / Chimera / Egregore / Gaueko / Graeae / Medusa / Odei / Scylla /

MONSTROSITY: Abaia / Agropelter / Ajaju / Akheilos / Ao-Ao / Barghest / Boobrie / Bunyip / Burrunjor / Chupacabra / Crocotta / Gbahali / Gulon / Hippocampus / Ichneumon / Jba Fofi / Kaiaimunu / Karkinos / Saratan / Kongamato / Lavellan / Lusca / Mapinguari / Mokele-Mbembe / Morgawr / Muhuru / Myrmecoleon / Nadubi / Ngoubou / Olgoi-Khorkhoi / Skolex / Olitiau / Omukade / Con Rit / Skeljaskrimsli / Pard / Roc / Scarab / Scorpios / Sianach / Tiddalik / Trolual / Tuyango / Utelif / Warg / Whowie / Ziphius / Cetus / Kraken / Qupqugiaq /

ABERRATION: Alp-Luachra / Cuchivilu / Baldanders / Frittening / Gardinel / Kaw-Kaw / Marabbecca / Yara-Ma-Yha-Who / Bukavac / Butatsch / Cuero / Rumptifusel / Papinijuwari / Dijiang / Ewah / Akaname / Rokurokubi / Hyakume / Redjal Marja / Kamikiri / Muirdris / Rat King / Migas / Mbielu-Mbielu / Nakshatra Meenu / Nuppeppo / Kerit / Roperite / Slide-Rock Bolter / Lapiduch / Tripodero / Nurikabe / Snallygaster / Ya-Te-Veo / Baxbakwalanuxsiwae / Chipfalamfula / Hundun / Khodumodumo / Planctae / Punga /

HUMANOID: Cyclops / Cacus / Gegenees / Hrimpursar / Muldjewangk / Goblin / Eloko / Amazon / Berserker / Buckrider / Cambion / Einherjar / Moroi / Vish Kanya / Intulo / Kilmoulis / Ashinaga / Panotti / Tenaga / Ljosalfar / Dokkalfar / Merrow / Adaro / Skinwalker / Cuca / Nagual / Selkie / Tanuki / Antaeus / Argus / Hraesvelgr / Saapin / Surtur / Ymir

CELESTIAL: Airavata / Erote / Valkyrie / Baku / Cadejo / Caladrius / Celedon / Alkonost / Issitoq / Kurage-No-Hinotama / Agloolik / Muse / Phoenix / Shinchu / Qilin / Chan Chu / Hinnagami / Ungaikyo / Zorigami / Zlatorog / Anansi / Aton / Bai Ze / Byakko / Fenghuang / Genbu / Gullinbursti / Khepri / Pixiu / Qinglong / Sleipnir

============================

From which Mythology Group.

ANCIENT GREECE: Khalkotauroi / Akheilos / Ascalaphus / Erinyes / Erote / Charybdis / Cyclops / Eurynomos / Faun / Cacus / Gegenees / Dactyl / Celedon / Griffon / Harpy / Kere / Siren / Hippocampus / Amazon / Hydra / Karkinos / Lamia / Lemure / Makhai / Sphinx / Minotaur / Nosoi / Dryad / Empusa / Lampad / Maenad / Muse / Nereid / Oread / Thriae / Cerambus / Scorpios / Spartoi / Stymphalides / Achlys / Adephagia / Aergia / Alastor / Antaeus / Arachne / Argus / Cerberus / Cetus / Chimera / Deimos & Phobos / Graeae / Kampe / Ladon / Limos / Lotis Tree / Medusa / Midas / Narcissus / Planctae / Scylla / Typhon / Zelus

NORTH EUROPEAN: Valkyrie / Gloson / Baldanders / Garmr / Osschaert / Hiiden Hirvi / Otso / Kludde / Nachtkrapp / Landvaettir / Fossegrim / Hrimpursar / Bilwis / Kobold / Gulon / Norn / Pesta / Hrokkall / Berserker / Buckrider / Einherjar / Helhest / Ajatar / Rat King / Fafnir / Nidhogg / Ljosalfar / Dokkalfar / Iku-Turso / Mara / Askafroa / Skeljaskrimsli / Attercroppe / Waldgeist / Ratatoskr / Myling / Trollgadda / Trolual / Raudkembingur / Valravn / Warg / Draugr / Gullinbursti / Hela / Hraesvelgr / Kraken / Naglfar / Sleipnir / Surtur / Ymir

EAST EUROPEAN: Bies / Stuhac / Bolotnik / Arzhavennik / Bagiennik / Bukavac / Domovoi / Leshy / Ovinnik / Polevik / Vodyanoi / Aitvaras / Bauk / Likho / Hala / Kikimora / Nocnitsa / Poludnica / Alkonost / Moroi / Skrzak / Rusalka / Veela / Strigoi / Ankluz / Rarog / Psoglav / Shtriga / Surale / Lapiduch / Hinkir Munkur / Bubak / Ogniki / Zirnitra / Zlatorog / Zmey / Topielec / Zuttibur / Baba Yaga / Belachko / Koschei

SOUTH EUROPEAN: Aatxe / Pesanta / Kaw-Kaw / Marabbecca / Butatsch / Caballucos Diablu / Caladrius / Ojancanu / Perico / Gargouille / Trenti / Butoni / Lou Carcolh / Tarasque / Erchitu / Musca Macedda / Camacrusa / Pyrausta / Agrippa / Balborinho / Velue / Vouivre / Codrille / Cuelebre / Chicheface / Aerico / Ankou / Egregore / Gaueko / Odei

WEST EUROPEAN: Afanc / Alp-Luachra / Awd Goggie / Frittening / Banshee / Barghest / Cu Sith / Cwn Annwn / Bugbear / Boobrie / Brollachan / Fad Felen / Bruch / Buggane / Burach Bhadi / Cait Sith / Arkan Sonny / Fomorian / Dobhar-Chu / Dullahan / Fetch / Bugul Noz / Grindylow / Redcap / Spriggan / Kelpie / Ceffyl Dwr / Each Tened / Kilmoulis / Muirdris / Lavellan / Leprechaun / Amadan Dubh / Clurichaun / Far Darrig / Gancanagh / Ly Erg / Marool / Merrow / Morgawr / Nuckelavee / Leanan Sidhe / Lunantishee / Phooka / Sianach / Selkie / Sluagh / Bloody Bones / Stray Sod / Hungry Grass / Fear Liath / Shellycoat / Coiste Bodhar / Caorthannach / Knucker / Water Leaper / Balor / Jack-in-Irons / Rawhead / Springheel Jack / Wild Hunt

NORTH AMERICAN: Aniwye / Ijiraq / Tlanusi / Sermilik / Ewah / Pukwudgie / Tupilaq / Qalupalik / Utlunta / Issitoq / Djieien / Ugjuknarpak / A-Mi-Kuk / Piasa / Agloolik / Nalusa Falaya / Kugdlughiak / Oniate / Mishibizhiw / Psonen / Gaasyendietha / Haietlik / Tizheruk / Delgeth / Wakandagi / Skinwalker / Rougarou / Ahkiyyini / Mahaha / Ulagu / Akhlut / Amarok / Wendigo / Baykok / Amhuluk / Baxbakwalanuxsiwae / Hinqumemen / Qupqugiaq / Thunderbird

SOUTH/CENTRAL AMERICAN: Abuhuku / Ahuizotl / Alicanto / Ao-Ao / Cuchivilu / Cadejo / Rahara / Metminwi / Boitata / Cueyatl / Carbuncle / Chupacabra / Cuero / Eintykara / Cherufe / Encantado / Huay Chivo / Cipactli / Curupira / Invunche / Guarana / Candileja / Soucouyant / Lechuza / Ihuaivulu / Inulpamahuida / Lusca / Succarath / Mapinguari / Motelo Mama / Madremonte / Minhocao / Ek Chapat / Chon-Chon / Ccoa / Peuchen / Cuca / Nagual / Kayeri / Munuane / Caleuche / Tuyango / Luz Mala / Xecotcovach / Xhumpedzkin / Lagahoo / Anhanga / Camazotz / Itzpapalotl / Quetzalcoatl / Saapin

AFRICAN: Asanbosam / Dingonek / Kasai Rex / Kishi / Ga-Gorib / Gbahali / Eloko / Grootslang / Rompo / Nyuvwira / Intulo / Jba Fofi / Umdhlebi / Kongamato / Migas / Mokele-Mbembe / Ninki Nanka / Muhuru / Mbielu-Mbielu / Ngoubou / Olitiau / Guiafairo / Popobawa / Kerit / Mngwa / Adze / Impundulu / Aigamuxa / Yehwe Zogbanu / Ya-Te-Veo / Zumbi / Anansi / Chipfalamfula / Khodumodumo /

ARABIAN/EGYPTIAN: Asag / Bushyasta / Hypnalis / Ahi At-Trab / Ammut / Girtablilu / Aghash / Jinn / Ghul / Ifrit / Redjal Marja / Saratan / Apaosha / Druj Nasu / Roc / Salawa / Scarab / Almiraj / Karkadann / Shadhawar / Asdeev / Azi Dahaka / Ushabti / Aton / Fulad-Zereh / Khepri / Tiamat

ASIAN: Bulgasari / Hongaek / Zhenniao / Dijiang / Qiuniu / Terra-Cotta / Gu / Taotie / Jinmenju / Kumiho / Kun Peng / Longgui / Nariphon / Olgoi-Khorkhoi / Zheng / Qilin / Shen / Chan Chu / Yeti / Ipetam / Gaki / Bai Ze / Byakko / Fenghuang / Genbu / Hundun / Pixiu / Qinglong / Sin-You / Xing Tian

JAPANESE: Akashita / Isonade / Baku / Kasha / Nekomata / Yamabiko / Raiju / Katsura-Otoko / Akaname / Rokurokubi / Yanagi-Baba / Hyakume / Jorogumo / Tsuchigumo / Jubokko / Kamaitachi / Kamikiri / Kappa / Heikegani / Keukegen / Ashinaga / Tenaga / Kitsune / Kodama / Kurage-no-Hinotama / Tesso / Nue / Namazu / Nuppeppo / Yuki-Onna / Omukade / Tsurube-Otoshi / Onikuma / Isogashi / Shinchu / Satori / Sazae-Oni / Jinshin Mushi / Ikuchi / Shachihoko / Gashadokuro / Mekurabe / Tanuki / Teratsutsuki / Oni / Bakekujira / Biwa-Bokuboku / Chochin-Obake / Garei / Hinnagami / Ittan-Momen / Kameosa / Kasa-Obake / Nurikabe / Ungaikyo / Wanyudo / Zorigami / Basan / Dorotabo / Enenra / Umibozu / Hidarugami / Yamata no Orochi

POLYNESIAN/HINDU: Abaia / A Bao A Qu / Ahool / Airavata / Ajaju / Anggitay / Babi Ngepet / Bonguru / Aswang / Batibat / Berbalang / Kubot / Manananggal / Pugot / Tikbalang / Bungisngis / Banaspati / Gawigawen / Nuno / Juggernaut / Pua Tu Tahi / Mambabarang / Vish Kanya / Vetala / Kaiaimunu / Ropen / Rogo-Tumu-Here / Mandarangkal / Adaro / Siyokoy / Sarangay / Sigbin / Nakshatra Meenu / Abere / Con Rit / Penchapechi / Polong / Asipatra / Tiyanak / Acheri / Berberoka / Kapre / Jenglot / Santelmo / Bakunawa / Raktabija / Vritra

AUSTRALIAN: Yara-Ma-Yha-Who / Bunyip / Burrunjor / Papinijuwari / Nargun / Muldjewangk / Wulgaru / Yawkyawk / Nadubi / Tiddalik / Whowie / Mokoi / Punga

FEARSOME CRITTER: Agropelter / Gardinel / Cactus Cat / Rumptifusel / Gowrow / Hodag / Moskitto / Hidebehind / Splintercat / Roperite / Slide-Rock Bolter / Squonk / Tripodero / Snallygaster / Tailypo

MEDIEVAL BOOK: Amphisbaena / Barometz / Basilisk / Catoblepas / Crocotta / Dipsa / Haermorrhois / Seps / Jaculus / Echeneis / Gold-Digging Ant / Keythong / Ichneumon / Panotti / Manticore / Zitiron / Myrmecoleon / Odontotyrannus / Skolex / Pard / Phoenix / Scitalis / Utelif / Yale / Ziphius

OTHER: Aproxis / Cagrino / Salamander / Sylph / Undine / Goblin / Cambion / Imp / Incubus / Mandragora / Piskie / Poltergeist / Dybbuk / Will o Wisp / Belphegor / Horseman of Death / Horseman of Famine / Horseman of Pestilence / Horseman of War / Jack frost / Lilith

[jingszo]

According to legend, the dreaded Mongolian Death Worm — which local people call olgoi-khorkhoi or loosely translated, "large intestine worm" — has lived up to its name. It can kill in several fearsome ways, including spitting a stream of corrosive venom that is lethal to anything it hits, and if that doesn't do the trick it is said to be able to electrocute its victims from a distance.

Rarely seen and never photographed, it was mentioned in a 1926 book by paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, who didn't believe in the animal's existence but noted that stories of it circulated in Mongolia.

[cryptic-64]

The Mongolian Death Worm

Locally known as the Olgoi-Khorkhoi (meaning ‘large intestine worm’), the Mongolian Death Worm is a terrifying cryptid known to supposedly lurk in the dry regions of the Gobi desert.

This creature is a big part of Mongolian folklore and has been for many centuries.

It is described to be like a large, 2-5 foot long, thick-bodied worm that is covered in a pinky-yellow skin, with a large mouth on both ends with razor sharp lines of teeth, dripping with yellow corrosive saliva that it can even spit at its victims.

It is said to live burrowed under the sand, and it attacks by erupting swiftly from the sand and savagely attacking its victim before rapidly retreating back underground.

It is also known in other regions as a sand worm.

There have also been a few films made about this cryptid, however it is considered a very real threat to the people of the Gobi desert.

So be warned..

[ewwwabug]

hallo!! if u were a worm which type would you think you are? we personally think you would be a annelid or polychaete which is paraphyletic class of generally marine annelid worms!!

i am "large intestine-worm" aka Mongolian death worm olgoi-khorkhoi

[vuudxoo]

Mongolian death worm - WK10

Now picture yourself, you’re walking in the Gobi – a big, virtually uninhabited, live less desert, and all of a sudden, people start telling legends about a slimy creature called "Olgoi-Khorkhoi" or, as the foreigners call it, Mongolian death worm. Wikipedia claims that it may range in size from 2 to 7 feet long, is blood red, spits poison at its foes and can give them electric shocks as well. That’s a horror movie kinda stuff, no? Oh, by the way, the Mongolian death worm is actually a part of popular films, more specifically, horror movies. Any of you recall ‘Mongolian Death Worm’, the reality show broadcasted by the Syfy Channel way back 2010? Ah yes, that’s the one, raiding treasure hunters and upping the ante on cute creepy in the middle of the desert. Not only that, but it has appeared on such programmes as “Destination Truth” and “MonsterQuest” where those with courage attempt to discover the reality of the stories. Now, let's get analytical. What if this so-called death worm that everyone seems to be talking about isn’t a monster in the least? Others think it may likely be a new type of snake or worm that has not been known to science and is living somewhere in the vastness of the Gobi Desert. Perhaps it is just an erroneous identification of a sand boa or skink, and the stories have spun into that over the years. But here’s the kicker: to date, there is no sound scientific data that can be used to affirm the existence of the so called Mongolian death worm. All of it is pounded from the rumors and legends that accumulate around any place. But the legend continues to become popular, and inspire many people as well as adding some twist into the world. So, is it real? Who knows. But the Mongolian death worm is really a far fetched story one could imagine at best.

[petrvyhlidka]

Olgoi Khorkhoi

A big fat worm crawling through the sands of southern Mongolia. The body (sometimes the color of blood), from fifty to one hundred and fifty centimeters in length, gives no clue as to which end its head is at; as we shall learn in a moment, it is not essential to know this information. It is much more important to know that it is a venomous creature. Extremely venomous.

[thesquishyrogue]

Olgoi means appendix, khorkhoi means bug/insect (i think the definition includes worm), so the mongolian name of the death worm would translate to appendix insect.

Also there's a story about how some women was making felts and suddenly the death worm appeared. They obv got spooked and just started piling wet felts after wet felts on it and gtfo of there. When they came back tomorrow to check on it, the felts have appeared to be burnt, and at the bottom of it, there was nothing but gray ash and a skin size of a palm.

Interesting! I hadn't heard anything about that story. :v Thank you so much for sharing it with me~

[thanatika]

really interesting examples! i've thought of this too, but i never knew that eva example, and i'd been wondering for ages where "en-daniil" comes from.

some other examples i can think of:

caspar kain isn't a utopian, but he was raised in the founding utopian family, and his chosen name, "khan", is a pretty obvious example, being most closely associated with the founding ruler of the mongolian empire.

in maria's few conversations with the haruspex, she repeatedly calls him "olgoy". this term doesn't come up anywhere else in the game, afaik. the closest source i can find is the name for a mythical mongolian sandworm called "olgoi-khorkhoi", which is literally translated as "large intestine worm", known in english as the "mongolian death worm". so, she's probably trying to call him a worm, one of the odonghs. (though "olgoi" is actually the word for "large intestine", while "khorkhoi" would be worm, so she's doing it wrong.) she says that she's calling him that because he's agreed to gather herbs for the stamatins, as herb-gathering is typically done by the odongh (although artemy finds it disrespectful and repeatedly tells her to stop, not that he's being respectful either by exclusively referring to her as "woman" starting even earlier in the conversation). since i don't see the term appear anywhere else in the game, i'm not sure if it's genuinely supposed to be a term in the local steppe language or if she's trying to incorporate mongolian terms (which would fit with the khan example).

daniil very skeptically refers to "eastern philosophy" two times in the game: once when georgiy is telling him his views on reincarnation/immortality, and once when andrey is telling him his view on the taboo nature of bodily orifices, cutting open bodies, and the idea of special, unseen lines that the body wants to be opened by. a more general example, but it stands out to to me as an example of how even though daniil represents the utopians, he doesn't necessarily seem to agree with them much, including on their sort of orientalist infatuation. (if anything he's too far in the other direction to the point of being dismissive and offensive, though it is more dismissiveness of spiritualism and mysticism in general, rather than specific cultural beliefs.)

i do think a lot of this is what you describe as a very individualistic, cherry-picked orientalism — cultural appropriation, essentially. though to me that implies something very inorganic and intentional, and i'm not 100% sure if that's the intent of how the cultural dynamics in the town are depicted. since there is also the element of how the town's culture is described as being inextricably intertwined with the kin's, as they developed alongside each other, which is why the majority of the townspeople share a lot of superstitions and practices adopted from the kin, even if they aren't actual ingroup members. so in the case of the kains at least, at least some of their aesthetic influences might be more of an expression of the overall town's culture than a deviation from it? not that it would make the overall situation any less exploitative. plus, they are described as strange even by a lot of the townspeople...

Here's my little piece on (P1) Utopianism and orientalism/Utopian co-opting of (other) cultures (and some broadly Asian fun facts):

What's always struck me is the undercurrent of Asian aesthetic influence in P1 and one obvious reason for why it's there at all is the fact that they're bordering Mongolia and China. Many Eurasian nomads are artistically influenced by regional, cultural styles in the middle east, India, China, etc. that central and southern Asian area. But since the Kin's artistic aesthetic (in P1) reflect a utilitarianism use of leather and, broadly speaking, the Earth, where this influence appears most is with the Utopians.

Take Eva Yan, for example! I've only heard her clothes described as "strange," but the style is very reminiscent of a certain kind of dress ...

She's wearing something close to an Indian petticoat and blouse, but she's missing the saree. It might actually be what's around her neck. Indian blouses typically end above the stomach and are either long-sleeved (like what Eva's wearing) or go to the elbows. It even looks like the material might be the same, which would be silk. It seems to me that Eva Yan is doing in P1 what she's doing in P2; she's taking all of her favorite parts of a certain culture's dress and outfitting it to her tastes. Indian clothes are designed to be breathable, but Eva uses that design to look alluring. I would say that the Stamatins do the same thing in their own way; The Broken Heart's interior design and opium pipes evoke the Western-exported idea of Asian drug dens and they name their dead colleague Farkhad, based off the Persian story of Khosrow and Shirin, whether he was Persian, in the area or not - we wouldn't know.

Maria(and Eva?)'s occasional use of the honorific en-Daniil is reflective of this, too. "en" is short for "encik" and is a Malaysian convention. The reason why it's "en-Daniil" and not "en-Dankovsky" is because Malaysian names are structured like "Razak bin Osman," where the "bin" means "son of." It would be odd to call someone "Mister son of Osman," so it's either "en-Razak" or "en-Razak bin Osman."

Off the top of my head, those are the most explicit examples ... and, obviously, the Utopians all use the Kin's culture and aesthetics, too, and incorporate whatever about it interests them into their lifestyles. That aside (or not), as for why the Utopians specifically do this --- it may really be because they live in Asia. Personally, I interpret this as a very individualistic case of orientalism that expresses how Utopians seek out aesthetic beauty and concepts they find both appealing and "other" --- whether this is natural-law-breaking ideas or other cultures. I think this is a very cherry-picked kind of admiration.

[briefbestiary]

A particularly deadly invertebrate. The organesque Mongolian Death Worm supposedly burrows beneath the desert sands. Although, when approaching unwitting prey it may stir up the sand above it.

[cubic-watermelon]

Day 20 of my cryptid October drawing challenge!

Today’s creature: Ogopogo

Previous:

[siryl]

“Allghoi-Khorkhoi” by Camus Altamirano.

[myth-lord]

Animals + their Mythika/Myth counterparts

I get a lot of questions about what animals have which myth variants or which animals do you use in mythika, for all of you this list.

BIRD: Phoenix / Caladrius / Stymphalides / Boobrie / Valravn / Nachtkrapp / Rarog / Colorobetch / Zhenniao / Rukh / Penchapechi / Thunderbird / Tsenahale / Psonen / Naujakuksualuk / Achiyalabopa / Tuyango / Alicanto / Camulatz / Minokawa / Makalala / Impundulu /

BIRD PART ONLY: Wolpertinger / Keythong / Griffon / Peryton / Sphinx / Harpy / Erinyes / Pegasus / Nosoi / Siren / Celedon / Kere / Ascalaphus / Hraesvelgr / Valkyrie / Kikimora / Alkonost / Aitvaras / Dijiang / Xiao / Piasa / Quetzalcoatl / Peuchen / Lechuza / Snawfus / Tripodero / Roperite / Ropen / Kongamato /

FISH: Echeneis / Hippocampus / Akheilos / Marool / Trollgadda / Vatnsandi / Hrokkall / Lilyi / Isonade / Namazu / Caspilly / Slide-Rock Bolter / Abaia / Anae-Moe-Oho / Chipfalamfula /

FISH PART ONLY: Ziphius / Zitiron / Scylla / Merrow / Lorelei / Lapiduch / Sagari / Qalupalik / Agloolik / Mishibizhiw / Cipactli / Cuero / Cuchivilu / Rumptifusel / Adaro / Siyokoy / Muldjewangk / Yawkyawk /

FELINE: Pard / Nemean Lion / Cait Sith / Nekomata / Kasha / Zheng / Serpopard / Mishibizhiw / Cactus Cat / Splintercat / Mngwa / Pixiu /

FELINE PART ONLY: Manticore / Keythong / Griffon / Sphinx / Chimera / Ovinnik / Tarasque / Nue / Taotie / Ammut / Piasa / Succarath / Bulgasari / Dingonek / Tatzlwurm /

CANINE: Cerberus / Teumessian Fox / Barghest / Cwn Annwn / Cu Sith / Garmr / Kludde / Osschaert / Fenrir / Chicheface / Pesanta / Kitsune / Salawa / Amarok / Akhlut / Cadejo / Kumiho /

CANINE PART ONLY: Peryton / Psoglav / Gaueko / Skinwalker / Rougarou / Ahuizotl / Chupacabra / Nguruvilu / Ga-Gorib /

HORSE: Monoceros / Pegasus / Kelpie / Nuckelavee / Ceffyl Dwr / Each Tened / Sleipnir / Helhest / Sin-You / Apaosha /

HORSE PART ONLY: Centaur / Hippocampus / Dullahan / Phooka / Coiste Bodhar / Valkyrie / Hrosshvalur / Caballucos Diablu / Sagari / Qilin / Besta Fera / Tikbalang / Anggitay / Inkanyamba / Psoglav /

SERPENT: Amphiptere / Ouroboros / Basilisk / Amphisbaena / Hypnalis / Seps / Haermorrhois / Lamia / Hydra / Python / Caorthannach / Suileach / Ajatar / Jormungandr / Ikuchi / Uktena / Tizheruk / Haietlik / Quetzalcoatl / Peuchen / Yacumama / Boitata / Bakunawa / Grootslang / Nyuvwira / Inkanyamba /

SERPENT PART ONLY: Jaculus / Scitalis / Chimera / Gorgon / Ladon / Attorcroppe / Tatzlwurm / Nue / Orochi / Tienlung / Shen / Serpopard / Wakandagi / Rahara / Nguruvilu / Ihuaivulu / Snow Wasset /

BAT: Amphiptere / Manticore / Water Leaper / Kludde / Moroi / Strigoi / Issitoq / Camazotz / Chaneque / Chon-Chon / Aswang / Ahool / Popobawa / Olitiau / Guiafairo /

RAT/MOUSE: Rat King / Nosoi / Lavellan / Tesso / Ugjuknarpak /

ANT: Gold-Digging Ant / Nuno /

WORM: Skolex / Olgoi-Khorkhoi / Minhocao /

BASED ON SMALL PREDATOR ANIMALS: Ichneumon / Dobhar-Chu / Gulon / Ramidreju / Kamaitachi / Raiju / Nalusa Falaya / Aniwye / Ahuizotl / Snow Wasset / Rompo /

SCORPION: Manticore / Scorpios / Girtablilu /

RABBIT: Wolpertinger / Jackalope / Phooka / Almiraj / Carbuncle /

DEER: Wolpertinger / Crocotta / Peryton / Jackalope / Cerynitis / Sianach / Hiiden Hirvi / Bies / Qilin / Ijiraq / Piasa / Delgeth / Wakandagi / Anhanga /

WHALE: Ziphius / Cetus / Raudkembingur / Hrosshvalur / Bakekujira / Akhlut / Encantado /

GOAT: Barometz / Chimera / Faun / Phooka / Buckrider / Shurale / Zlatorog / Sigbin /

BUTTERFLY/MOTH/CATERPILLAR: Piskie / Awd Goggie / Pyrausta / Shinchu /

HYENA: Crocotta / Kishi /

AMPHIBIAN: Salamander / Water Leaper / Alp-Luachra / Bagiennik / Bolotnik / Bukavac / Lapiduch / Arzhavennik / Kappa / Chan Chu / Cueyatl / Cipactli / Minhocao / Tiddalik / Yara-Ma-Yha-Who / Khodumodumo /

APE/MONKEY: Yeti / Nependis / Fear Liath / Kappa / Nue / Satori / Xiao / Ahuizotl / Whirling Whimpus / Ahool / Ga-Gorib /

BOVINE: Catoblepas / Minotaur / Khalkotauroi / Aatxe / Erchitu / Huallepen / Sarangay /

BOAR/PIG: Catoblepas / Nependis / Muscaliet / Yale / Erymanthian Boar / Chrysaor / Gloson / Ramidreju / Curupira / Cuchivilu / Squonk / Bonguru / Babi Ngepet /

ANTLION: Myrmecoleon /

OCTOPUS/SQUID: Lusca / Scylla / Grindylow / Kraken / Iku-Turso / Marabbecca / A-Mi-Kuk / Snallygaster / Migas / Kerit /

SQUIRREL: Muscaliet / Ratatoskr /

DINOSAUR/PREHISTORIC REPTILE: Odontotyrannus / Morgawr / Tarasque / Stoa / Ropen / Burrunjor / Mbielu-Mbielu / Ngoubou / Kongamato / Mokele-Mbembe / Muhuru / Mamlambo / Nguma-Monene / Kasai Rex / Ninki Kanka / Gambo /

ANTELOPE: Yale / Shadhawar /

MANTIS: Empusa / Mandarangkal /

SEA VERMIN: Charybdis / Shellycoat / Muirdris / Skeljaskrimsli / Atuikakura / Kurage-No-Hinotama / Shen / Nakshatra Meenu / Pua Tu Tahi / Tridacna /

BEE/WASP: Thriae / Ulagu / Eintykara / Bonguru / Zankallala /

CRAB: Karkinos / Heikegani / Kamikiri / Saratan /

SPIDER: Arachne / Jorogumo / Tsuchigumo / Djieien / Jba Fofi /

MOLE: Buggane /

SEAL: Selkie / Huallepen / Bunyip /

LEECH: Burach Bhadi / Bezkost / Tlanusi /

LOCUST: Bruch / Haakapainizi /

HEDGEHOG/PORCUPINE: Manticore / Arkan Sonney / Velue / Pukwudgie /

BEAVER: Afanc /

CROCODILE: Afanc / Ammut / Cipactli / Cuca / Gbahali / Gambo /

BEAR: Osschaert / Skeljaskrimsli / Otso / Berserker / Bauk / Sermilik / Qupqugiaq / Drop Bear / Kerit /

LIZARD: Bukavac / Ajaju / Xhumpedzkin / Hodag / Whowie / Intulo /

SNAIL/SLUG: Lou Carcolh / Sazae-Oni /

FLY: Musca Macedda / Druj Nasu / Mambabarang /

DRAGONFLY: Caballucos Diablu /

TORTOISE/TURTLE: Tarasque / Kappa / Longgui / Motelo Mama /

ELEPHANT/TAPIR: Baku / Airavata / Bulgasari / Grootslang /

CENTIPEDE: Omukade / Kugdlughiak / Ek Chapat / Con Rit /

BEETLE/FIREFLY: Jinshin Mushi / Scarab / Adze /

RHINOCEROS: Karkadann /

ARMADILLO/ANTEATER/SLOTH/PANGOLIN: Carbuncle / Mapinguari / Dingonek /

ASSASSIN BUG: Abuhuku /

LLAMA: Jarjacha /

KANGAROO: Sigbin /

KOALA: Drop Bear

[draconesmundi]

Five Dragons Not Based on Mythology

In my current draft of Dracones Mundi, out of the 40ish (43 to 45) species of dragon, 5 of them are more based on popular culture and cultural depictions moreso than mythology and stories, and these five dragons are:

The Dancing Naga - a long pink dragon who performs twirling, spinning dances through the air, based on 'hey, what if a dragon fruit was named after a dragon?' and on the puppets used at Lunar New Year celebrations.

The Sandwyrm - a large serpentine dragon that lives in the Gobi desert. It's juvenile form is based on mythology and cryptozoology (olgoi-khorkhoi or the Mongolian Death Worm) and I could have just kept this creature as a Mongolian Death Worm but I gave it a very different adult stage of life to tie in with pop culture sandworms like shai hulud from Dune or the graboids from Tremors. Just for fun.

The Grey Wyvern - a species of grey and spiky desert dwelling wyvern found in North America - the reason dragons from movies tend to be grey and spiky wyverns in Dracones Mundi is that the grey wyverns are easy to train and look really cool, so many movie makers green screen them in as terrifying beasts for their films.

The Forest Wyvern - close relative of the Grey Wyvern, this is one of those 'horns look like tree branches, wings look like leaves' dragons that appear in fantasy art. Also, I love animals who look like moss and bark so I wanted a dragon similar to a Madagascan Tree Gecko or mossy frog, a dragon that can just blend in.

The Ice Dragon - another Grey Wyvern relative, but white and spiky instead of grey and spiky. Not decided much about this dragon yet! Just there's a lot of media out there that proposes the inverse of a fire breathing dragon being an icy cold dragon, so I thought I would slide one in. It's not the only Arctic dragon (heck, might put it in the Antarctic) as I do have dragons based on Inuit folklore, although these are aquatic and sleek and don't match the pop-culture 'white spiky icicle dragon'

(image: two dragons, the first is a pale and spiky ice dragon, the second is a brown dragon with green stripes and leaflike wings. These are rough digital doodles with very few details.) Pictured are the 2 newest of the 'totally made up' dragons.

I don't think I've gone too wild with making up dragon varieties: the dancing naga is pretty much a dragon from mythology which isn't specifically named in folklore (just a pink dragon from East and Southeast Asia), the sandwyrm is loosely based on olgoi-khorkhoi and if the adult form doesn't vibe well I can shave it back to being olgoi-khorkhoi with no pop-culture references, and the three wyverns are based on strong visual motifs in modern fantasy.

I do worry that putting non-mythology dragons in the project will somehow make it less cool: I know I get annoyed when other dragon books insert pop-culture dragons in place of actual mythology, but these dragons are definitely in addition to a huge roster of mythological dragons, rather than replacing them. I may get rid of these dragons, but for now they fill up the map nicely :3