The Raven

The basic foundation of the plan was already set into motion. Even with the added conditions of keeping whoever Wyatt was with, alive. I realized the best thing to do was send my Banshee to trail after the two, and let her keep watch over them. At least for the first part, since Banshees were amazing against whispering wolves, or anything with really good hearing. The second part was a bit harder to swallow. I had to send a few of my more trusted men on errands. Letting them know to talk about the horde of whispering wolves coming towards us.

That part would have worked extremely well, if it weren't for the fact that Oswald was apparently going to die at the first snow ball. Literally everyone was talking about it by this point. I honestly felt it was a lie, that hinted at Oswald disappearing for a bit. Regardless, it made things going forward easier, and more difficult at the same time. We'd have to watch the actions of the other kingdoms. See what gangs might try to infiltrate us, or otherwise might try to pop up to weaken us from within. The walls meant shit, if people could just open the doors wide open for anyone to come through.

Letting out a small sigh, I laid back in my chair as darkness covered my view. A gentle softness pushing against the back of my head, as those lightly scarred palms covered my eyes. I smiled, "Thanks Charlie, but it's too early for me to sleep. I can't let Edna (the Banshee) do everything on her own." Charlie tensed a little at her name, before sulking and putting her chin on top of my head. "Yeah, I know you don't like her too much. Though she's very helpful. All of you are precious to me, and I don't want to lose any of you."

Charlie pulled away with a mute huff. I just laughed a little, turning around in my chair to watch her. She stamped her foot, before balling her fists and plopping on the bed. I just smiled while watching her little pretend 'tantrum.' I understood well that she was doing this for my sake, to keep me from overworking myself. She rolled on the bed, pulling the covers for her, before stopping to face me with a small grin. Then she opened the blanket, offering to let me in to rest for the day.

"It's only morning right now, but I'll take you up on it tonight. I know you get bored stuck here, but we'll move soon. The minotaur likely won't be sending anyone out, given the news about Oswald. I know Edgar is still trailing after the pack, but captain idiot is probably going to fly around. We still don't know what broke those bonds, since your father holds Oath-breaker." She frowned at the mention of her father. I only nodded, knowing perfectly well how much she didn't like him.

I turned back to my desk, looking at the notes I received. Shifting through some of the reports. The guard was moving around, and striking at some of the warehouses above ground. I had already moved most of the important assets away from there, bringing them back below. The Hag (Vivian) was making her moves against all of us. I sincerely wished that the bitch (Princess) had killed that hag when she had the chance. Still, there was no point in complaining. Everything that was lost, could be recovered. The most important thing was that my men had already abandoned those warehouses and no one was caught, save for a handful of the hag's spies.

It was a kind of mutual agreement at this point, where we'd just let the other take their spies back. Not because we were nice enough for it however. It was more because we all needed manpower when we could get it, and doing this helped keep the balance of power below and above. This kind of invisible war was a headache and a half, but it kept a semblance of peace. Something even more important to uphold, given Oswald's eventual death.

I rubbed my temples, hoping the hag will hear what I told the spies to tell her. She needed to be warned about the pack I couldn't control to prepare her own defenses. Then I realized something. Getting up, I saw Charlie poking her head from under the covers. I gave her a winning grin, "If the pack is able to break bonds, who's to say that won't happen to other tamers? It's an excuse for us to not be out there on the front lines. Which means I need to send a very important message to the hag, and the Minotaur. Mal already probably figured I'd do this. I need to rally the man, what would you like for dinner?"

She gave me a leveled stare, before licking her lips. "Stew it is then. I'll be back to drop off the goods, and then back again to eat with you. I'll see you soon Charlie." She gave me a smile as I closed the door behind me. I felt through my connection to check where my bonds were, and how they were feeling. Everything seemed just fine, save for the Eds getting restless. I found one of my men hanging around the area. I soon realized it was a spy, and waved at them. They were young, and new. Though they clearly didn't have the brains to make it seem like they lived down here long.

I approached them with a crooked smile. Which caused them to back away a little. They were shaking as they finally stood their ground. I raised a hand, placing it on the wall above them. Looming over them, while they were pinned. They started to reach for their hip, but I grabbed them by the neck. Pulling them so I could talk to them without having to look down. Never losing my grin, as they struggled. "Who do you work for? You're a terrible spy."

They seemed to pale, before reaching for the dagger at their waist again. I grabbed their wrist, tutting. "Most spies are taught not to keep their weapons at their waists like guards. I have some important stuff to tell you, which might get you promoted if you're honest with me." I gently let go of their wrist, before taking the weapon off and throwing it down an alley. I took a second to look over the youth I caught. They were wearing dingy clothes that were clearly made to look that way. Baggy here and there, to not fit properly. While also being perfect for hiding weapons and other items. The kid still had helmet hair, where their hair had the tell tale signs of being creased from training for a season or two with it on. Other than that, they were completely forgettable and I didn't bother learning any more about them.

They tapped my wrist, "Can't... breathe..." I relaxed my grip a little, as color returned to their face. They started coughing, as I waited for them to settle down. "A-are you going to kill me?"

I didn't stop grinning at them, "If you don't do what I want, then yes. Not just you though, you'll be last. I'll target your friends, and use them to let you know I'm watching. Then I'll target your family, slowly dragging them out to sell as slaves or just keeping them safe and happy. That is, until I decide to brutally murder them in front of you." Honestly, I only did that for people that really pissed me off. Still it was better to live up to a coward's expectations. It makes them much more honest, and up front. "Oh! If you have any kids, I'll probably raise them to hate you. Now, why are you here? Who do you work for?"

He swallowed hard, "I-I work for the guard sir. Please don't hurt my family." He actually started to cry. I laughed a little, which made him shake his head, "Please! I'll do anything!"

I let out a small sigh, before setting the young man back down. "Good, if you run before I'm done talking to you. I will catch you, and peel your skin off in front of my wolves. Then let them slowly drain all the blood until you're just barely alive. Then I'll stop them, and have you healed before making it a weekly thing. Am I clear?" I tilted my head, and smiled at him. Honestly, this guy wasn't worth a second glance. I had better things to do, but he was a tool to get the message out.

He nodded, which meant he at least had a few brain cells to click together. "I-I was here to see where you lived. T-to mark it, and sell the information later."

I nodded back, before finally shaking my head. "Naturally you don't know where I live. This place was just another warehouse. It's kind of an unspoken rule that we don't know where anyone lives down here. Just the areas they tend to be around at certain times. Keep it that way, and you'll live longer kid."

He swallowed hard, "Y-yes sir."

"Now, I need you to go back up top to tell your boss something important. I would have broken a few bones, maybe dislocated an arm and other stuff. I'm not feeling it today though. Go up and tell your boss that a horde of whispering wolves are coming. A new kind has been seen, and they are breaking tamer bonds. Naturally the tamers won't be able to stop that, and the Raven's can't clean that up since the bonds break. The last thing anyone wants is monsters and beasts without bonds running wild right?" I gently grabbed the man's shoulders, gently squeezing them as he winced.

He quickly nodded, "I-I'll go tell them right away sir! You won't see me again, I promise." He didn't make an attempt to run. Which was a good move on his part.

"Good, it's important you tell them that, make sure I don't see you again. Now get the fuck out of here." I tossed him into the alley, before continuing to the warehouse we've been working out of recently. I felt a bit better thanks to the kid though, who I could hear running for the nearest passage above ground. Today was shaping up to be a good day. Now I only needed to tell the Minotaur with someone else, and I could use my men to break into the Hole as planned.

Edna, The Banshee

He loves me, he loves me not. I gently plucked at a flower given to me by my one true love. I managed to pluck a few more petals, before the poor thing finally succumbed to my dark energies and wilted before rotting. The world was ever so dull without my love around. Alas it was a personal request given to me, with this flower. The one I adored had gone out of his way to give me this gift with the request. It had been a black flower, similar to that of a rose.

My cheeks flushed a light blue at the memory of such a passage. Life was every fleeting, but my beloved had promised to stay with me after death. The mutt could have him in life, as death itself was eternal. Merely a blink, or perhaps a fraction of one given my beloved was human. Still, the kiss of death lingered on him. Not once, not twice, but thrice had he been embraced by death. The aroma was intoxicating, while it made the living fear him. He himself was not aware of it, but when death finally claims him. He will be given the choice to become a very powerful monster.

For now, I stalked among the shadows of these sleeping woods. Following the songs sung by those that passed. Trailing after the dark shadows that lingered after death. The sweet scent of souls touched by those they have slain. I could not find the pair yesterday, an unfortunate surprise to say the very least. Yet, now I held their scent. The familiar smell of the a certain captain. Then the curious scent of a fused soul. Unique in that I had never smelt such before. It was the sweet soul of an elf, mixed with the sour odor of a monster. I still could not decide if I liked such or not.

My beloved requested that I keep the two safe. The wailing soul (princess), had threatened my beloved's safety in exchange for their own. I understood well, that I held no chance for stopping such a wailing soul. It was a grand soul, split and bleeding. Other souls tied to it in a perverse manner to keep it from fading. Alas there was no hope for such a soul, and it would be far kinder to end it's pain. The black barbs that surrounded it, were like the thorns of a rose.

So much beauty lies within this kingdom. So much death, and pain that I can observe and hear. The sweet songs of struggle, the wonderful woes of pain. A stark contrast to the lesser souls that linger outside the walls. Everything was so black, so dark. Small flames wavering, and fleeting. Only to grow and spread with the passage of winter. New life blooming forth, with the embers. Everything becoming more vibrant, more alive. If only I could become a mother of such flames as they passed. To hold onto them, and guide them with me through the dark.

My beloved would never betray me however, and I could not bring myself to ingest his heart if he did. I only wish to serve such a beautiful dark soul. One tainted and stained with death and sin. The one that bonded with me, despite how intimate with death I was. That spared me from eternal slumber, and showed me such splendid things.

I felt my face become damp with my bloody tears. I gently wiped them on my black handkerchief.. The frilly thing, was also a gift given to me, by my beloved. Our bond allowing us to feel how the other felt. I was the first to enter the warehouse after the wailing soul left. The first to console him, and share his pain. Such perverse pleasure, that I might enjoy from my beloved.

Now I lingered, like those flames I must protect. It is night, and they stay huddled around the burning light. To keep the cold from them, as death creeps with the cold. Death runs through me, whispering such sweet words. Ever hungry, and seeking others to join under her. Yet, I must walk this path. To keep these flames lit and bright. I watched from the shadows, my song keeping the other quiet. I wished so much to sing for these two. To let them know I was here to help them, but alas I could see one hated monsters so much. I could appreciate the turmoil within this dark elf's soul.

The other just seemed to swirl, eternal in it's motion. Spinning and joining more and more. An unholy union that most gods might strike against for spite. Yet, our gods were false. The wailing soul screamed as much before it was torn. We were told to run from the dark voice. The same that commanded my sisters back in our home. Those that could not leave, succumbing and being driven to march. Their own voices chanting of death to the other races. Guided by the dark voice barbed with thorns. Yet, this swirling soul was pure. It did not have such thorns.

This innocent swirling soul, held tints of yellow and green. With a dark bond to something immensely powerful. A bond of blood, a pact made with a devil. A demon's kiss perhaps? To what end? I moved among the shadows still, staying a safe distance from the group. To keep the peace, to keep the other souls quiet. Countless bonds connected with the swirling soul. It reached out, to touch others. To share minds, to share thoughts. A choir, that sang to themselves.

Bonds stretched from this swirling soul, stretched and bunched from one group all the way back to the city. Things I could never perceive unless I was so close to the source. A wonderful web of ties. Some bonds moved towards me, as if offering me to join. To which I politely declined and moved away. Perhaps the innocent one noticed my presence? Midnight was creeping closer, as I moved further away. I could not hear their words, nor their plans. All I could do was follow and chase. To trail after them, and protect them if needed. All for my beloved.

Alas, it must be the betrothed's duty to clean up after their lover. Such a thing, I take with pure pride and joy. Unlike the mutt, I do not need to be sealed away. I do not need to be the first wife, but I shall be the best wife. My musings kept me company on this night. While I enjoyed the soft songs of the choir. I held the scent, and if I were to lose the two, I would find the problem at its source. If I could only bring death to such a problem, then I could sooner depart once more for my beloved. To linger in the shadows around him. Yes, that would be quite wonderful.

An Overview on Banshee and their kin -by Oswald Manfred

One of the more common denizens in Dark Fall. The Banshee follows something known as a branching life cycle. There are also different sub groups of Banshee, falling in line with the story of "Three Sisters." Accounts of this story vary from the three main types of Banshee. Likely in line with the different views of the three original Banshee. I shall recount the details of this story before continuing on. It is not the full version, and the main points are going to be outlined. Many Banshee actually prefer to tell their own version to anyone that will listen.

The story starts with three sisters, the youngest, the oldest, and the middle. I do not know why they are mentioned in this order, but every Banshee does this. The three came from a noble house, hailing from the Kingdom of Fire. This house was powerful, but lacked an heir. Only having the three sisters. Suitors came, and suitors went. Then along came a knight, that tended the sisters morning, noon, and night. The sisters were smitten, but the affair was forbidden. When they were discovered, the knight was put to death. The sisters cried, over his casket until their eyes bled. Then they were sent to Dark Fall. There they would find a beautiful flower blooming in the dark. The flower was poison, and as they slowly died, they made a vow.

There isn't much proof to back the story itself up, but there are three distinct variants of the Banshee. The flower itself is believed to be Demon's Blood. A weeping black flower that has the potential to force monsterization on those that prick their fingers on its thorns. The story continues without every stating what the vow was. The youngest sister is the one agrees to propagate. The Oldest is the one that protects from the shadows. The Middle becomes the one to procure food. While that is not the vow, the Banshee telling the story will specifically state what their purpose is. Which is a good way of finding out which of the three you are dealing with.

With that out of the way, it should be noted that Banshee are one of the friendlier monster races out there. Physically they are all weak, and can be overpowered by most races. They are also undead, which means they are incapable of reproducing. That said, the way they actually make more is unique in it's own way. Which is why I'll be starting with the Whisper, a race thought to be different from the Banshee until I analyzed a few.

The Whisper are essentially the children of Banshee, Wisp Mothers, and Sirens. By that, I mean that a Whisper comes from a Wisp 'hatching' from an actual Wisp. How that works, will be covered in the Whisper's, and Wisp Mother's overviews respectively. The main point is that they are children in appearance, made out of ghostly fire. They have many different evolutions themselves, based on their gender. The females typically become one of the three Banshee, while the males typically turn into any variation of zombie or ghoul based on the body they find. The Whisper only reach their next phase if they find a compatible vessel. It can be a body, a tree, even a sword or suit of armor.

If a Whisper finds the body of a recently deceased woman, and if the Whisper is female. They will enter the body to become one of the three Banshee. There are many rumors about noble daughters running into the wild and dying, only to return as Banshee. These rumors are ultimately false, in that a Banshee does not just pop up when a noble woman dies. If that were the case, we'd be drowning in Banshee. It is far more likely that a Whisper just happened to be in the area, or even a Wisp Mother. Since they can just place a Wisp into a person if both agree to do as much.

As for Banshee themselves, I will begin by stating the most common features between all three. Then I shall discuss what makes them different and how to tell them apart. First and foremost, all Banshee are blind. This is without exception, and they make up for this by being able to sense souls and shadows. You will not be able to outrun a banshee, or even lose one. You are far better talking to them. Which brings me to my second point. All Banshee follow a very loose form of 'consent.' They are smart enough to understand words, and you should talk to them rather than fight them. If one leaves you alone after you run away from them, then that is because they lost interest in you. Third, all Banshee are weak to iron and steel. This is important because some monsters are weak to silver, some gold, some gems and so on. Most monsters are weak to something. The best way to kill a Banshee is to bring it close and stab it through the heart or lungs at the very least. You cannot fight a Banshee once it starts screaming unless you have a talent that can stop it, or protect you. Being adept at certain magics can help you, but not enough if you can't hurt them. It should be noted that all Banshee need to eat, but are otherwise immortal when it comes to age.

All Banshee scream, but the scream itself varies based on the type. That will be further explained when I set about describing the specific type. It is highly advised to kill Wisp Mothers, and the 'youngest' Banshee. As those are the ones that can make more, and will become a serious problem. Every guard and gang leader below, are expected to know how to spot the signs of such, and report them promptly to be dealt with. Now onto the different types of Banshee. They shall be separated and detailed based on least to most dangerous. Naturally talents can make exceptions to this, but all monsters are expected to be screened properly before entering the city. This includes talents cataloged within a week of them entering the inner walls.

No Banshee can truly be called weak, unless you are talking about their physical strength. That said, all Banshee are able to scream. Starting with the Banshee born from the middles sister, we have arguably the weakest of the trio. This Banshee has the weakest screams of the three, but makes up for that with the variety of different screams. They are also the least likely to scream, unless they are defending themselves or another. This Banshee can easily be identified by the black veins crawling up it's neck and under it's jaw. Their 'dress' will occasionally twitch, and their 'stockings' will either be full, have tears, or otherwise not be there. The state of this Banshee's stockings, is a quick way to gauge their hunger. If they have stockings without any tears, they are satisfied. If there are holes, it means they are hungry. If they lack stockings, then they are starving and likely debating on the merits of attacking someone.

The dress of this Banshee type, is very much a part of them and able to move around freely. Their dress will often gain frills based on the number of lives they have taken. They are also the most alluring of the three. Always accented with appealing features, and a dress that properly clings in just the right spots. The 'middle' Banshee will often hunt by tempting men into intimacy. They will happily push their partner onto a bed, before letting their dress bite into their partner. Draining their blood with the barbed tendrils hidden under the dress itself. I have been told this is a rather pleasant sensation for the victim. As it is a small sharp pain. That gives way to a pleasantly warm sensation, before they pass out.

This Banshee type rarely kills their prey, unless starving. They can be found in brothels, and are able to feed the other two types. Unlike the other two however, this Banshee type is not known to change or evolve into a Wisp Mother, or Siren. It is currently unknown if the conditions for one evolving has yet to be met, or if they simply lack the ability to do so. It has been noted that after gaining ten frills, this type is the only one that can regain their sense of sight. Though there is much debate as to whether this is a hint that they need to kill a certain number of men, or if this is their evolution.

The second most dangerous Banshee type, belongs to the 'oldest' sister. These Banshee only have one type scream that they can use. Though it is extremely dangerous as it can attack one's very soul. If this Banshee screams, expect all lesser souls to perish. Essentially leaving a dead zone devoid of life. Due the how Banshee perceive the world, they can be credited with making the metric for measuring souls. All newborns have a soul rating one step below it's parents until they mature. Tiny souls are reserved for bugs, and newborn beasts. Lesser souls for newborn people, and most beasts. Medium souls for regular people, and some beasts. Large souls for few people like influential leaders, and few beasts. Grand souls for heroes, and especially strong beasts (like dragons). There are theories about other soul types, but this is the metric we follow regarding souls.

The scream of this type is capable of killing all lesser souls, making them dangerous around newborns and children. That said, they will not scream if they perceive a newborn or a child. Though they have to be made aware of such as they are blind. This Banshee type can be identified by being overly dressed. They are also the only Banshee type that wear veils. Without a bit of skin showing, besides their hair and the nape of their necks. This is also the only Banshee type capable of walking withing shadows. They are mostly nocturnal, choosing to rest during the day.

This type of Banshee is capable of tracking, to a rather impressive degree. They do not follow scents in the sense that a whispering hound might. They instead follow trails carved through space, by the passage of souls. As described by one very forward individual. Apparently one's passage, leaves a form of trail that can be smelt by this type. That allows them to trace what was touched, the emotions and so on; the closer they are to the one they are tracking. This individual continued to explain that a soul grows the more it has touched the souls of others, and are in turn touched by them. Which I am personally inclined to believe, since it both makes sense, and came from an undead that literally can observe souls.

One more notable thing about this type, is that they are the only type capable of walking within shadows. If they are touching a shadow that is not their own, they can 'disappear' into it and walk the network of shadows. Making them invisible to others, and almost impossible to perceive. Naturally magics that allow one to detect undead, minds, and other such things are capable of picking up on such. There are a magic users that are capable of doing such as well, and it is best described as a place of only black and white. You are pulled out of the shadows when the white touches you, but are free to move around the dark as you wish. Being untouchable, save for the niche set of monsters that traverse along such paths.

The final thing to know about this type of Banshee, is that they evolve into Siren. The requirements for them to evolve are difficult enough, that such is deemed an acceptable risk. To evolve, the 'oldest' Banshee must first find a 'beloved.' From there, they only need to stay with their 'beloved,' until they expire. That means they cannot be refused or cast out by whatever dumb ass takes them in. Given the extremely long life time of Elves, the aversion Dwarves hold to undead, and even the wild emotions of humans. Not only is it unlikely for such a thing to happen, but in the few times it does, it results in a happy, if somber, Siren. Sirens themselves are deemed an acceptable risk for being allowed within the walls. Even if the 'beloved' dies in tragedy, the only one the Siren will be angry at, is the person or group responsible for their death. Which pretty much solves itself.

As for the final group of Banshee. The 'youngest,' and the most dangerous. Any female that hears the wails, songs, or screams of this Banshee type, can potentially become a Banshee when they pass. Naturally this does not apply to monsters, or beasts. The voice of this monster is capable of inflicting a sort of taint that can only be detected through very specific means. They are also the most likely to scream, because they do not harm others. They have no real defense, or way to attack. Though their screams will usually be sensed by other Banshee in the area, and most will come to see what is happening.

I can only hope, that I do not need to explain how dangerous it is to have this kind behind the walls. The same walls protecting a city full of people. Where around half of the population can suddenly, and potentially turn into monsters if they hear this scream. Especially if they are more likely to turn if they die tragically. They can stay outside, away from the caravans, and the paths most people travel. Female guards are to be warned of the risks, before they take patrols outside the walls.

This is a very hard line that every guard, and wannabe gang leader knows and understands. Those that don't understand, are out there working the fields, or put into the hole. The 'youngest' can be identified by having an exposed belly button. They can wear veils, dress up or down with stockings and the like. The only key feature to be looking for, is where that stomach is exposed. In the case of wood elf Banshee, they have it as well. Though it should be noted that such is extremely rare, and the wood elf in question needed to be able to bear children in the first place. I know it sounds silly, and I never got an answer as to why they show off their stomachs and the belly button.

I know you're wondering why they don't just cover it up. I wondered that myself, but the most they will do is hide it behind a purse or something else. Check their stomachs! It is extremely easy for a Banshee of this type to become a Wisp Mother. All they have to do is scream, to potentially make more. All they have to do to evolve is; eat someone they have had sex with, their wife and their kids. It's why in those cases, the elites are dispatched to make certain it wasn't just a Banshee custom. They look for the signs that a Wisp Mother has come into being. Which is typically called the birthing alter. It's frankly very disgusting, but feel free to read about it in the culture part. (Seriously, it's pretty dark. You may be better off just skipping it.)

Now that the differences and types have been documented. I must state that I spent some time with their kin. I will go attach a document (spoiler) describing a typical birthing alter at the end of this section. Though proceeding forward I shall disclose the typical Banshee behavior. As well as a few more details between them.

Banshee are typically docile, and conduct themselves much like they did in their past life. With new Banshee actually recalling a majority of their past lives. Even if the Banshee is born from a recently deceased, and a Whisper. Said Banshee will hold the memories of the recently deceased, with their ego intact. They are effectively the same person in death, as they were in life. Given one last chance by the Whisper to settle all mortal affairs before passing on. As such, Banshee and Wisp Mothers are excellent for keeping away evil spirits, and are often well received in villages and towns with small populations. They will act as protectors and wards against other monsters.

That said, they do not tolerate affairs and adultery. All Banshee are capable of smelling another women's touch on a man. Depending on the type, it can end with the relationship ending suddenly, or just straight up death. Their view on love is a romanticized version. Every man is a knight to them, specifically their knight. They will tolerate multiple partners if they are told such and get to meet them. Even endorsing a union between all three sisters. Though I feel this might be another clue into the middle's path for evolution. I highly advise that no one attempts such an endeavor.

No Banshee holds a name. A newborn Banshee might respond to their past name in life, but after enough time has passed, even these names are discarded. They see names as a sign of marriage, or a pact of sorts. Which is why most encounters with them, happen to be when a male is crying out a female's name in the dark of night while wondering the woods. Depending on their mood, and general hunger. One might gain aid in finding a missing person, as well as a guide. Though it is highly advised that you do not flirt, or even pretend to lead them on. All Banshee hold an innate desire based on their type. An Oldest can just as readily evolve by killing her beloved, for betraying her love. As a Youngest can perceive the same man searching for his wife as having an affair. Be frank, be direct, and tell them you are not interested in them. They are still monsters, and won't think twice about draining or killing you.

The Banshee are actually rather kind to children, making excellent baby sitters. Save for the Youngest, and a perceived affair. Though again, that is why they aren't allowed behind the walls. Even if it literally takes an affair for that to happen. Most will outright go out of their way to protect children. Though it should be noted that the Oldest will try to groom young males. When I asked why this was the case, the Banshee I asked compared it to gardening. That they merely teaching the young ones to appreciate different types of flowers in bloom.

As for their diet, a Banshee typically feeds on blood and soul energy. When the Middle drains blood from their union with a male or female. They prick the soul to drain a little, often leaving the victim feeling lethargic. Initially thought to be due to blood loss, it is actually a weakening of one's soul. A Banshee cannot devour another's soul, since it will pass on when it reaches a certain threshold. The Middle can also share their meals by kissing their sisters. The Oldest can feed, or be fed by being offered blood willingly. While the Youngest seems to prefer soul energy, and will devour insects to eat their tiny souls.

If you have any further questions, most anything you could think to ask, can be answered by one Banshee or another. I would suggest checking the other overviews related to their evolutions, and life cycle. Though I understand the curiosity of wanting such answered in person yourself. The threat levels of the Banshee vary depending on the type. The Middle is viewed as a minor threat. The Oldest, as an acceptable threat. While the Youngest is viewed as most extreme. If you kill a Banshee, it is advised that you respectfully bury them, or burn the body. Unless such is done, they do have the very real potential to come back.

It should be noted, that all monsters, with extremely rare exceptions, have black blood. This blood is toxic to anyone that would ingest it. Transfusions with such will result in, the best case, death. The blood can be used to make poisons, salves, and certain potions. Typically this is used to harm rather than help. Though experimenting with black blood without permission is a severe offense in any kingdom.

-Signed: Oswald Manfred (Aide of the King of Eclipse)

As promised, this is the attached file for a birthing alter. It contains gore, and might unsettle most people. Though if you are an elite, know that this is what you must look for. Typically when a Banshee kills, it is a messy affair. You are expected to find out everything you can about the victim. Specifically if they had family, a wife and children. If it is only a wife, then you still need to check in case she was pregnant. A birthing alter can be made with the unborn. If you do not wish to proceed, we will accept your resignation. If you find the courage, we will accept you in the future. We do what we must for the Kingdom, and the safety of its citizens.

In the event that there is a Banshee related death, three groups of elites are to be sent to the scene. You are the heralds that stand between our people and sacrifice. If you die while in service, your will shall be carried out as it is intended. You must deal with the most disturbing, and utterly disgusting parts of our kingdom. The king respects your valor, and I honor your tenacity.

Three groups are sent, not because you cannot be trusted. Three groups are sent, because each three is it's own specific branch. Each of the three are specialized in taking specific actions. You are to help the other two where you can. You either succeed, or you fail together. There is no fighting, no jealousy, no rivalry. You are one group, split into three. The sword, the shield, and the wings. If you are an elite, you were specially selected to carry out your duty. You were molded and trained with the help of mental attacks, physical conditioning, and even drugs.

This is to protect you, and separate what you see, and what you do. You accepted this, and the king bears the burden of your actions. You are tools, and you are needed.

The Shield is to discreetly gather everyone in the area. The people are to be informed of the event, and kept calm. Those that attempt to flee the scene are to be restrained and assured you are not here for them by other members. If the Banshee, or Siren emerges they are to be restrained and gagged. In the event that a Wisp Mother appears, they are to be slain on the spot. There are no questions, no negotiations. Even if hostages are taken, the Wisp Mother must die before it screams. Even if hostages are to die as well.

The Wings are to search the area for all trails left by monsters in the area. All Banshee are to be detained, while other members scan the female people for signs of soul taint. If such is found, the other groups are to be informed immediately. At this point, the shield will detain the afflicted civilians who are to be cleansed of the afflcition promptly. The detained Banshees are to be investigated and questioned. All of them are to be checked for the signs of the Youngest. If a Youngest is found, they are to be gagged and taken away. They shall be discreetly executed, in as humane a way as possible. Trails suggesting a monster is fleeing the scene, are to be prioritized if no Youngest, or Wisp Mother is found.

The Sword shall investigate the scene of the crime. It is rare for a birthing alter to be hidden, but it happens. If the body is drained dry, while children cower in the corner. It is safe to assume it was a Middle. If the room is filled with bodies, lying still, but no blood has been drawn. One can assume it was an Oldest. However, if there is blood anywhere, or if the Shield reports the deceased as having been married. You are to tear every inch of the place open. A birthing alter is created when the Youngest binds and gags the husband. He is then forced to watch as the wife is cut open from the stomach. The children are usually dead by this point. The Youngest will then carve out the ovaries of the mother, as well as her own. Effectively swapping them, as the black blood makes the barely alive victim spasm and twist. The blood altering the veins of the poor woman. Like a black tree taking root, branching outwards and upwards. The lungs swelling until the chest opens. During this time, the Banshee will sever the heads of the children, to place them in a pile atop the hip bone. The intestines curling like a snake and devouring the flesh of their faces.

By this point the mother will be deceased, but her lungs will continue to breath out a black smoke. One that surrounds the man. The body will have black bones, as his soul is pulled from such and absorbed into the Youngest. These are monsters, and they feel no regret for such. They instead feel a perverse pleasure, as their own womb now lives and they can bear children once more. I had the unfortunate fate of watching such take place. The Banshee are all proud of this, and most will readily admit to murdering an unfaithful husband.

If a birthing alter is found, you are to find and slay the Wisp Mother before she makes it into a fog. By that point, she will be able to traverse to any other fog, and we will lose her. Humans are afraid of death, and that is why so many Banshee hold such features. We do not kill them in rejection of their culture. We slay them, because they have lost the morals that allowed us to accept them as people.