[color=CECECE][h1][center][b]The Cold Hunger[/b][/center][/h1][/color]

In contrast to the lands far behind them, Yesaris found these new lands very, very cold. Which, in truth was fitting, as they believed this was as far north as they could go, well, at least go and there to be some sort of food waiting for them. There was some worth to these lands, a land worthy to host some of their spawn, but, they felt something strange here. 

The sensation was odd, it was something they had not felt before. Everywhere else, their children fed uninterrupted, some hiccups here and there, but nothing like this. Here, there was a hole, a gap, somewhere, or something that was refusing the feast. This, this could not be allowed to stand. Yesaris was determined to find the source, and so they crept along the cold swept lands of the north, eager to find this gap that had forbidden them their sustenance. 

To their surprise, it was not an arduous search. They had confirmed it was something, something they were, not at all quite sure of. They were such ethereal beings, ones that only floated and twisted about in the cold air, crafting such intricate dances alongside the frozen wind that swept from the far north, creations of this land and such natural parts of it. 

Yesaris hated it. 

What was this! These were not creatures of flesh and blood! There were no places for their spawn to infest, no systems for worms or microbes to make their homes, not even a single drop of blood to consume. They were spirits through and through, and spirits were not any kind of feast to Yesaris. There was no way they could feed upon them. This, in truth, confused and angered Yesaris, so they sat amidst the trees, pondering this development. Before now they had not at all encountered something that just [i]could not[/i] become any sort of host, how would they even go about that! Their mind twisted through any sort of ideas, what could be done? Was there anything that could be done??

Yesaris sat there and thought for a good while, this was proving to be a conundrum they had not anticipated. They could just let these beings go, but that would be no fun, and what would that tell anything else that may decide to avoid their spawn? No, these creatures had to be taught a lesson, a sign that nothing could avoid the maw of the Devourer. 

And so, it hit them, why try to parasite upon such creatures, when merely, they could be [i]turned[/i] into the parasites? Now that, was an idea, one that might just work. Of course, this was another impasse, spirits were not the best parasites. Perhaps they could feed upon one’s mind? No, too obvious, and not as showy and punishing as they wanted it to be. As Yesaris stared upon the floating group of spirits, they danced along the winds, but one did a peculiar thing. It came across a pile of rocks, nearly frozen with the chill breeze that came from the north. Then, it seemed to, possess them, using them as a shell for their form, if only for a brief moment before they moved on, seemingly discontent with them. 

If Yesaris’ smile would widen, it surely would at that moment. Finally, an idea they liked. It would be simple, a curse to place upon these spirits, grant them just a portion of their own ceaseless hunger. Now as spirits, surely they would be utterly unable to sate this alone, and so, they could possess corpses, wherever they may be found, and from there, they could feast upon the flesh of those mortals. Of course, if they couldn’t find a corpse, they would starve, and the more they ate, the more they hungered, this was a punishment after all. 

They would need some resistance though, sure this was a punishment for them, but they were also a reminder to fear the Devourer, these spirits were clearly of the cold, and Yesaris was sure fire was already quite the force against them. So why not make it so these cursed forms could only be killed by fire while within their host? That way they could keep going even if those pesky mortals killed it. As for the creation of others, this was simple enough, they would just make nests from their kills and implant some essence into it, Yesaris was not one for semantics here, the easier it was, the more could be infected. 

Now, all that needed to be done was to corrupt these spirits, and what better first subjects then the ones in front of them! Yesaris grabbed at their mouth, forcing it wide open with a creak, from within erupted a putrid cloud of green gas that rapidly moved to encompass the spirits as they danced around. It seeped into their skin before they could even react, worming its way through their forms, it snaked around in long strands, wrapping itself everywhere it could reach, seeping its corruption deep within. The spirits writhed as it took hold, many fell to the ground, clearly unable to comprehend just what had occurred, and why they felt this searing pain within them, a desire for something they had never experienced before then. Yesaris could not help but laugh. 

They had been humming before, chords that ran wholly apart to Yesaris' own beat but now those hums turned sour, discordant- hungry.

As their gaze looked over the writhing spirits, their focus fell upon one specific one, the one who had for a brief time, possessed the rocks. It’s ethereal body was shaking violently as the green veins pulsed within it, but it seemed to hold some semblance of will left within it, it was fighting back. It clearly had a greater will within it than the others, and well, Yesaris found that appealing. Not enough to end its suffering mind you of course not, this one would be perfect for other reasons. 

With a twisting of flesh, bone, and exoskeleton, Yesaris transformed once more, away from their insectoid form, and this time into the form of a great white bat, almost dog sized with fierce red eyes in its sockets. They outstretched their wings, and took their place upon a branch just above the rock spirit, there, they would speak, their hissing, buzzing, voice breaking the silence of it’s suffering. 

[color=CECECE]”Oh us, quite the will this spirit holds, yes yes.”[/color] They gazed down, though, entirely unsure if these creatures spoke at all. 

The spirit did not reply, merely rolling about in the frozen dirt further, seemingly fading in and out of possession with the land and not. almost like a creature being shocked to death. Yesaris sighed, well this would be less fun than they wanted, no matter, they could speak by themselves. 

[color=CECECE]”Such fight, such determination, such a perfect spawn for us,”[/color] they chuckled once more [color=CECECE]”It would be such a waste to let this go, just another beast, so, we shall reward you.”[/color] 

They outstretched their wings, and once more opened their mouth impossibly wide, this time, a pure white gas erupted from within, swirling around the spirit. The gas quickly forced itself within the being once more, fusing alongside the green to further twist and worm itself around, but this one would do something far different. This spirit would be elevated, given a much higher calling, one to serve the Hive and Flesh in all of their needs. In short, they were the first champion of Yesaris. 

[color=CECECE]”Rise great spawn,”[/color] Yesaris creaked, slowly dropping themselves onto the floor in front of them, [color=CECECE]”Look into the eyes of your creator, and tell us, how do you feel?”[/color] They hoped this would give the spirit some form of speech, monologuing was far less fun at this moment. 

It did more than that. The blue mist that it had been before, muddled by green poison now blessed with white, grew larger and dim. Like a blackness that snuffed out anything that came into view of it in ceaseless hunger. The mist contorted, if mist could do such a thing, and became crazed. Screams were its first words, deep, disjointed and numerous. Two blackened arms burst forth and grabbed at what Yesaris could only imagine was its forming head. Large jagged spikes of black ethereal burst forth and it became as if a beast in appearance, crosses of the creatures it had perhaps seen before? Or something else entirely but when the screaming stopped, the creature let out a low growl, animalistic in nature. 

It looked at the God with an unnatural snap of its neck, a position that if it had been of flesh, would have killed itself. Instead, green eyes akin to flame looked forth upon its creator and it spoke but one reply in a voice as twisted as its appearance.

"HUNGER." 

Yesaris laughed at this, not a laugh at their pain, but a laugh of joy, of celebration. [color=CECECE]”Good, good! You are very hungry yes yes. And we can help that, can help sate that pain, you would like that no?”[/color] Their bat head titled some, their ever present smile growing even upon their animalistic form. 

The creature twitched erratically.  

"YES."

[color=CECECE]”Very well, we will tell you a simple way to fix this, and tell your new kin this as well. Find a corpse, any one will do. And then, feast upon the flesh of that species, alive flesh might we add. That, that will sate you.”[/color] They outstretched their wings, flying upwards and landing back upon the branch of a tree. [color=CECECE]”With that, you will be great spawn for our hunger, and you will be a special spawn, yes yes.”[/color]

If the creature knew the depth of what it had been told it gave no mention at first, then unprovoked, it slammed itself into the tree that Yesaris roasted in. Or at least it tried, for it flew through the tree and hovered on the other side. It had no legs, only a mass of black mist that wafted. It looked up at the god with the same burning hunger that they felt.

"Flesh." It demanded, in a voice no less deranged and guttural then the few words it had uttered before. Like a snake, it began to coil around the tree, climbing higher.

[color=CECECE]”Now now,”[/color] Yesaris began, looking down at the writhing mass [color=CECECE]”You must find a suitable host first, we’re sure there’s some kind of corpses around here.”[/color] They turned their head about, looking throughout the frozen lands that surrounded them. Perhaps they should go find some hosts, but again, this was to be a punishment after all. 

So, they merely rose higher into the tree, looking down upon the creatures they had created, waiting to see if they would actually listen to their orders. They didn’t want to linger here long, there was still more to be done elsewhere, but these creatures, especially this great spawn, were proving difficult. 

It slithered further, taking no heed of the orders. "Pain…" It moaned in a small voice, interwoven with whines before thrashing it's ethereal body against the air. Shaking so violently as if it was in death throes. The others began to circle the tree, like sickly mists that hung about in the air. Taking the shapes of animals but twisted. Some had deformities, others had extra appendages and all them circled like vultures beneath the tree. 

The champion righted itself and tried to attack the others but it seemed it was less than fruitful. Like everything else, they simply passed between each other, making terrible, vicious noises as they did. 

Yesaris sat upon the tree, looking first down upon their spawn, and then, back to the lands that surrounded them. Surely there must be something out there. They smelled the air around them, searching for something to give them a sign. Ah, there it was, the scent of death, it was there, now this could be of help. 

They extended their large, white, wings, and began to waft the scent of the dead down to their spawn. It wasn’t much at first, but more and more it came, that sickly sweet smell that drew both god and creation, fueling that ever present hunger within them. Soon enough it was ever present, its scent swirling along the tree in tandem with the spirits that threw themselves upon it. Yesaris was sure this would give them the idea, and they could finally begin their work as their spawn. 

A change came upon them, slow and certain. As the smell wafted between them, mingling with the putrid mists. One by one they lifted their heads, taking deep breaths of the smell. They grew quiet at first, woefully so but then, the champion amidst them growled deep. Then sprang forth in a flurry as the rest rushed after him like wolves on prey. 

The god of Parasites couldn’t help but chuckle at this sight as they took flight after them. Now this is what they had wanted them to do, glad to see all that it took was just the scent of death to drive them into a frenzy. They kept just behind the writhing beasts, watching them from the sky as they shot forward towards that delicious scent. 

It did not take them long to find the source, in a small clearing amongst the thick trees and brush, there were the carcasses of two large deers, antlers interlocked, it was clear they had died because of this, their antlers were locked in such a way that it was clear they couldn’t release themselves from the other’s grasp. But, there was something else as well, a group of cave lions, large ones, were feasting upon the two carcasses, clearly eager to have their fille upon the beasts. 

Oh this, this could be lots of fun. Yesaris merely took their place within a tree, making sure they were clear of the mess that was about to be made. Though with a clear view of it, just so they could get enjoyment out of seeing their spawn in action. 

The champion was the first to arrive, skittering across the ground and stone with fluid ease. The lions spooked at his arrival and appearance but quickly took back their senses, fighting for the closest carcass with deep growls but it was too late for the closest corpse. The champion hovered above it for a few moments, then flew inside. The deer corpse itself was almost bones but there was just enough meat on the ribs and shoulders that it would still work. An otherworldly glow began to seep through the cracks, where flesh and hide had given way to ferocious appetite. It became more animated with each passing second, body heaving to undeath. Green eyes snapped to focus and the champion rose, as did its host, but not as it had been. For the champion had been a large spirit and it needed to grow…

The snapping of  bones startled the lions, who were still pawing at the other deer. Arms and legs broke in half, replaced  in the middle with a black substance that oozed and dripped something foul. Hide and fur stripped and stretched as flesh dangled and dropped, forming a sort of strange stomach from where there had once been emptiness. It’s spine snapped in no less than three places as it began to stand upright, breaking the other head of the deer off as it climbed higher. The champion's own antlers grew longer like some macabre deity of horror. Then finally, it unclenched its jaws and from the terrible maw of the creature, it let out a shriek, half deer, half… 
The champion ripped free the other deer head and took one long look from it before ripping what little flesh remained from it free. Devouring it as if it hadn’t even swallowed. 

By that time, the other children had arrived. One was lucky enough to be first and possessed the corpse of the other deer. Its head was ripped free from the champion’s grasp and reattached by a green mist that seeped from its wounds and flesh. The lions jumped it and began to tear into the hind as it too began to transform. The champion bellowed and went to attack the one who had stolen its food but stopped as if something unseen barred it from claiming what it wanted. Instead, its attention fell upon lions. 

It was a grisly sight and one that allowed for no further nourishment, for as soon as the hungry spirits had ripped to shreds a lion, it became possessed by a free spawn. It went on like that until the last lion fled, chased by its reanimated kin, now warped by a hunger none could know save Yesaris. The champion did something odd next, it looked upon its hands, as if awareness was taking hold but quickly scampered off into the trees in an unnatural gape. 

Yesaris cared not to follow, the spirits had found their hosts, and their great spawn would surely become something worthy of their creator. For now, the lord parasite could feel their own hunger satiated, it was little, and they knew it would vanish in no time, but it was something. They were content in their actions, those pitiful creatures thought they could’ve escaped their grasp, now hopefully this would prove to be a message for others, nothing could escape their maw for long. 

Regardless, their work was done, now, they had to leave for other matters. Already they could taste the scent of something else upon the horizon. A new thought was forming into their mind, they just needed to find something, no, [i]someone[/i] desperate enough. They outstretched their wings, and took flight once more, heading off into the distance, letting their spawn perform their savage hunt, they would do just fine. 

[hider=summary]
Yesaris comes upon the northern giantlands, and senses a disturbance in their parasite force. They quickly come upon the Nisshi, who promptly piss them off by being spirits, and as such, hard to parasite. Yesaris decides to punish them for this, and modifies the group in front of them to become Wehnieks, violent and eternally hungry spirits who must possess corpses(or carcasses) in order to feed upon flesh to satiate themselves. They also decide to make one their first champion out of one of the more spirited...spirits. 
The new Wehnieks promptly go insane and have to be led towards the carcasses of some deers being fed upon by cave lions, which promptly turns into a bloodfest(to Yesaris’ amusement). With that done, the Wehnieks are let loose, and Yesaris heads off for their next plan. 
[/hider]

[hider=vigor]
Yesaris-start with 8
2-Modify some Nisshi to become the Wehnieks, flesh hungry spirits who possess corpses that they twist and corrupt in order to feed upon flesh. They can only truly be killed by fire while being in a host, and create flesh nests that they use to make more of themselves. They must inhabit a corpse and feed or else they starve to death. 
1-Bless one of the new Wehnieks to become a Champion(name pending)
Final Vigor=5
[/hider]