With an appearance that treads the line between the comedic and horrific, the ichthys is a twisted centaur-like creature with a humanoid upper body that protrudes from the shell of a massive crab. This monster is the result of a cruel curse bestowed by the gods upon merfolk and other aquatic humanoids, usually as punishment for severe transgressions.

As a result of their loathsome origins, most merfolk look upon ichthyses with utter disgust, and the creatures become outcast from merfolk societies. Doomed to aimlessly wander the seafloor, the ichthys becomes consumed by the desire to search for victims as outlets for its unrelenting pain and anger. The only joys it knows are those of torture and senseless bloodshed. Most ichthyses continue to wield the same weapons they did before their transformation. Hence, the creatures tend to favor tridents and other implements used by merfolk.

Tortured Forms#

An ichthys’s body is racked with perpetual pain, and any attempts at quick movement are especially agonizing. This state is a product of the strain put upon crustacean anatomy that is not designed to support heavy humanoid torsos. Despite its incompatible physiologies, the body of an ichthys continues to function by way of the curse’s magic. Pain and poor balance create a plodding, awkward gait paired with a relatively slow swimming speed.

Macabre Artists#

Although largely nomadic, ichthyses set up temporary camps on the seafloor. There, an ichthys uses the bodies of its victims as bait to draw the attentions of both food and other humanoids. An ichthys arranges these corpses to create grotesque sculpture gardens. It often begins to “sculpt” its subjects when they are still alive, tying them in place before further carving into their flesh. An ichthys will sometimes leave a victim half dead, as their feeble attempts at escape make for an excellent lure. See the Ichthys Garden table for examples.