HABITAT: Varies
COMPANION: Yes
MOUNT: Yes but they are smelly
SHAPSHIFT: Yes you will smell like death
RANGER CALL: Yes
Guardians of: The Glowing Toadsprites



Catoblepases have the large body of a buffalo, which sat atop squat legs that resembled those of a pachyderm. A catoblepas' head resembles that of a warthog, and sat atop an elongated neck that seemed ill-suited for actual support. Perhaps the most terrifying feature of these beasts were their large and deadly bloodshot eyes, which were said to possess a gaze capable of bringing death to those who met their stare for too long.

Catoblepases possessed a scent that reeks of death and famine, not dissimilar to the swamp gas that fills their favored environment. The scent is reminiscent of skunk's stench mixed with foul bog vapors. They reside in ancient secluded bogs and swamps of Thedas, where the air is thick with decay and the ground treacherous with mire.

These formidable creatures are both feared and loathed by those who live near their habitats. Their presence is often indicated by the sudden disappearance of livestock and the pervasive stench that precedes them. Despite their ungainly appearance, catoblepases are dangerous predators, using their powerful necks to deliver swift, lethal strikes to their prey.

The eyes of a catoblepas are not only deadly but also hauntingly intelligent, suggesting a cunning beyond that of a mere beast. Legends tell of travelers who have locked eyes with a catoblepas, only to be struck down by an unseen force, their bodies found later, drained of life and marked by the foul odor of the creature.

In addition to their deadly gaze, catoblepases are known for their incredible resilience and strength. Their thick hides are tough to penetrate, providing them with natural armor against would-be hunters. This, combined with their muscular builds and aggressive nature, makes them formidable opponents in any confrontation.

The diet of a catoblepas primarily consists of carrion, which they can detect from great distances due to their keen sense of smell. They also hunt live prey when necessary, using their size and strength to overpower smaller creatures. The swamps and bogs they inhabit are often littered with the remains of their meals, adding to the eerie and unwelcoming atmosphere of their domains.

Despite their fearsome reputation, there are those who seek out catoblepases for the potential alchemical properties of their various parts. The eyes, in particular, are highly prized for their supposed magical attributes, though acquiring them is a perilous endeavor.

In the ancient, secluded bogs and swamps of Thedas, the catoblepas stands as a symbol of death and decay, a reminder of the dark and mysterious forces that lurk within the wild places of the world.