| Beastheart Lore: From Heresy's Living Days
Observations on the Reality and Legend of the Ma'lanth Beastheart
as noted by Thessalonius P. Crankdazzle III, PpD, BA, DAS
"Some days have passed now, and it is only with a good deal of patience that the Ma'Lanth have allowed me to continue on my travels with their tribe. The taller one, who appears to be an elder of some description,
speaks the common tounge quite well and assures me that as long as I keep my observations for my own records and purposes of academic study, that the Ma'Lanth will accomodate my curiosity and allow me access to their way of life and traditions.
As near as I can surmise, the small bands operate as miniature, non-related families, devoid of any traditional sense of 'mother' or 'child' and instead a basic hierarchy crafted around experience and age. There is little to no quarrelling from what I can see; quite firmly established is this structure such that nobody seems to question it; and in fact they work so well together that it impresses me to no end. Their artwork and jewelry is simple but beautifully made; they are skilled hunters and articulate communicators. On the other hand, they are staggeringly naive on certain subjects that we 'civilised' individuals would find commonplace. Upon showing them one of my finer spyglasses, they had never seen such a thing before, and were quite shocked indeed when I showed them my transporter.
One subject of particular interest to me has been what has been simply, and mysteriously referred to as the 'beastheart', which - and as of this writing I still feel I have not completely grasped this concept fully - appears to be some sort of animal spirit that passes through one selected female of their tribe, and has done so since the dawn of their culture. The posessor of this...spirit, if you will...is therefore granted the dubious benefit of having, essentially, a split soul - partly human, partly animal - granted a full conciousness as a woman, but with the sensory perception and instinct of an animal. From what I understand of their 'religion' (I hesitate to use this word, for their shamanistic beliefs hardly compare to our own form of worship!), this beastheart is both a sacred entity that powers the wielder, and also embodies the spirit of their people as a whole, carrying within it the memories, spirit and strength of all who posessed it prior.
At present it has been explained to me that the red-headed woman, Shaana, is the keeper of this entity, and is currently with child. I must say I find her somewhat..disturbing to encounter, for she appears a normal if somewhat primitive (by our standards) woman, and yet her behaviour at times is uncannily feral; sniffing unfamiliar objects as a wolf or cat might, snarling at unexpected movements or changes (to great effect; I have learned in her presence that picking up my sword too swiftly is a rather risky venture) and her sense of spatial awareness is nothing short of extraordinary. It has also been said to me in confided whispers that she is perhaps too easily influenced by her own gift; indeed, she seems almost less woman than animal at times, and is prone to unusual and curious acts that are sometimed disturbingly violent, and may even put her own child at risk.
Among other things, I have watched this woman - who with some fundamental changes to hair and wardrobe could pass as any normal human - eat the flesh of animals even as they still gazed upon her, hearts ripped from their form even as they still were beating. Neverthless it is a fascinating phenomenon to observe; quite unlike anything I have ever witnessed.
As much as I long to bring this creature to Lordaeron for further study, I am quite sure that the Ma'Lanth would never allow it; doing so would not only betray their trust in me, but I worry that inspection of this unusual creature would bring her no small end of discomfort. The Ma'Lanth seem to cherish their privacy and independence above all else; I must be satisfied to study them in their own domain.
I see that the hunters have returned and they are preparing the feast for the evening meal. I will conclude my notes for the time being.
((rest of the page is blank, except for some scribbled addition, and what appears to be a food stain)) |