The Avanc
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This section contains canon info from officially published sources |
The Avanc is a unique and malicious magical beast[1] with six finned limbs and features that resemble a crocodile. Formerly a human but cursed by Loht[2], this 20 ft. monstrosity inhabits Lake Kronov of Tepest.[1][2]
The Avanc can speak Sylvan[1]. In addition, it can communicate and converse with both crocodiles and fish.[1][2] The Avanc seems to be able to have some influence over such animals, for they generally do its bidding if ordered. However, the Avanc has no special ability to control them. Otherwise, the Avanc is a solitary beast[2], though it is often seen lurking near Castle Island.[1]
Background
Although the specifics of the current Avanc's background have not been revealed, it is not the first Avanc. Like the current Avanc, the original Avanc was human. He was a benign hermit that lived on some unknown world and was in love of the sirine known presently as the Lady of the Lake. However, the hermit became cursed by an evil fey, transformed into a monstrous form. The former hermit Avanc nonetheless retained his goodly nature, though this was not known to the general public. After hearing rumors of a monstrous dragon, the paladin Ione Demnach hunted the Avanc and killed it. This triggered a long series of events whereupon the Lady of the Lake saw the doom of the entire Demnach Family and thereby became the darklord of Castle Island. The current Avanc's existence seem to be partially due to the Lady's curse, for if it should be slain, the Dark Powers will conspire to ensure another person takes its place.[3]
Beyond being a cursed former human, the origin of the Avanc is unknown to the Tepestani, whom various believe his category:curser to be the Lady, a prince of the Unseelie Court, or a vengeful sea hag.[1]
Homebrew Non-Canon Information
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This section contains Homebrew non-canon info, created by fans |
Descriptive Text
"Shading my eyes, I stared down into the water while Harespex readied the harpoon and line. Suddenly, something moved beneath us--a shadowed form passing beneath us perpendicular to our course. It moved deliberately but by no means slowly, and for three long heart's beats I waited for its form to pass entirely. By my rough estimate the creature was thirty feet in length.
Turning to Harespex, his preparations now complete, I signaled to him to stow the harpoon. At a loss to convey what I had just seen, I finally said only, "We're going to need a bigger boat.""
-Bertram Mac Laren, Sixty Nights in Tepest[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Gazetteer V p. 143-144
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 The Shadow Rift (Module) p. 140
- ↑ Gaz V p. 156-157
- ↑ Descriptive text from John W. Mangrum's Teeny Tiny Tales of Terror project (contributed by Nathan Okerlund), from posts on the Fraternity of Shadows message board.
Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue
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The Shadow Rift - p140 | |
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The Shadow Rift - p140 | |
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Ravenloft Third Edition - p141 | |
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Avanc, The Avanc |
