Parocloss

The Parocloss is a terrifying aberration that manifests in the darkest corners of the world, often hidden in caves or abandoned ruins. Its pitch-black humanoid shape is disconcerting, with long, writhing tentacles in place of arms and legs. This fearsome creature is not merely a mindless abomination; it possesses a cunning intelligence that drives its relentless pursuit of prey. Reports from those who have encountered the Parocloss describe its horrifying 'Abyssal Vision,' allowing it to see through traps and illusions that would fool lesser beings. Unlike ordinary creatures, the Parocloss does not flinch from danger, and instead, it presses the advantage, healing itself completely when it loses sight of its enemy to staged concealment.

When in pursuit, the Parocloss exhibits unwavering determination, making it seem almost unyielding as it chases its prey. Typical tactics involve utilizing its 'Warp' ability to close the distance and employing its 'Stab' attack to hit opponents directly without care for defenses. Furthermore, when its prey is weakened, it swiftly switches tactics to initiate its 'Life Drain' ability, extracting souls in a grotesque display that heals the Parocloss. This shows that the creature is not just hungry for death, but it thrives on personal gain from vanquished foes. Fear is a tool for the Parocloss, as it uses its high dexterity and stealth to ambush unsuspecting adventurers incessantly.

The Parocloss lurks in regions where shadows prevail and life is scarce. Its existence across various ecosystems points to a void in the natural order, often bringing despair to those caught in its malevolence. It serves as a predator in its domain, yet its impact on the ecosystem is deleterious, creating an environment where fear prevails. The constant marvel of this entity disturbs local wildlife, causing them to flee or become aggressive, which leads to a higher likelihood of chaotic interactions among existing species. It could be argued that the Parocloss, by draining life, inadvertently keeps the balance by eradicating weaker prey.

Encounters with the Parocloss have become the stuff of nightmares, cited in forgotten lore and whispered tales. They are said to have origins linked to ancient rituals, perhaps born from a violation of natural laws that sought to unleash devastation for the sake of power. Kings who lusted for unearthly strength are believed to have summoned these abominations inadvertently, leading to tragic outcomes. As civilizations crumbled, Paroclosses further claimed dominion over those wrecked sites, hiding even deeper into subterranean realms as ever more darkness coated the earth. Individuals daring to conduct research on them have vanished, their locations now grounds for rumors and dread within frustrated adventurer circles. It is unclear how many more remain, either attempting to evolve, adapt, or become summoned once again by the grave ambitions of the greedy.