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At the same time the Gnarl is resisting that element it was struck with, it becomes vulnerable to all of the other elements. Interestingly, this is where the Gnarl's vulnerability comes into play. Once struck with fire, frost or lightning, the Gnarl grows physically larger and becomes resistant to just that element for short time. One of Sheogorath's truly unique creations, the Gnarl has the most unusual trait of being able to use magic cast upon it, and harness that power to bolster its own defense. Like the Elytra, this animated plant can be found roaming almost anywhere on the Isles. Perhaps the strangest creature of all is the Gnarl, or "Walking Tree" as it's sometimes called. The Purple and Red varieties also seem to possess innate magic abilities, including healing and fireballs. Shock magic seems to affect them adversely, which appears to be their largest weakness. As expected, the Flesh Atronachs are all completely impervious to disease and poison and highly resistant to fire and frost. The function for these spots is still a mystery, but from my observations, I suspect them to be a magic dampening gland of some kind. In increasing order of magnitude, these seem to be Yellow, Purple, and Red. These colored areas seem to glow with an inner light and denote the power of the Atronach. A unique visual feature of this creature is the energy spots located on its body. Usually found inhabiting underground ruins, the Flesh Atronach will defend areas it's set to guard until it's destroyed. Although it's uncertain whether Sheogorath or some other Daedric Prince created this creature, it's obvious that the intent was to use them as guardians.
LEADERS OF THE SHIVERING ISLES SKIN
One of the most unusual creatures in the Isles, the Flesh Atronach appears as a sewn-together conglomeration of skin and muscle adorned with mystical symbols and wearing an iron collar. Especially deadly is the Elytra Matron's venom, which can last much longer than the poisons found on the lesser varieties of the creature. Gone unchecked, the venom can slay the average man over a period of hours. This venom is very deceiving, as it is very low yield, but its real deadly nature comes from its duration. Their second ability is natural venom in their sting. The antenna sends a signal to their brains, and they instinctively lift their arms to block. Through my observations, I have deduced that they utilize their antennae as an early warning system to detect incoming attacks, say from a sword blade or an arrow.
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The first is their uncanny ability to block weapon attacks. The Elytra pose a serious threat to the casual traveler, as they have two interesting mechanisms that benefit them in combat. Although there is a marked color difference between the Northern (Mania) Variety and the Southern (Dementia) Variety, they are remarkably similar in behavioral patterns and physical makeup. The Elytra are large insect-like creatures indigenous to much of the Isles. From our observations, it's best just to avoid these brutes, although it's said some of them carry flawless pearls in their bodies, though it is not known why they would swallow them, or what use they may serve to the creatures. Also of note is the Baliwog's uncanny ability to regenerate when immersed in water. The lethality of this beast comes not from the actual damage it can deliver, but from the horrible diseases it seems to generate. A fully-grown adult Baliwog can deliver a nasty blow from its claws or a potentially deadly bite from its razor-sharp teeth. Although the Baliwog, or "Wog" as some of the locals call it, walks on all fours, it should by no means be considered stupid or docile. The Baliwog is an extraordinarily ugly aquatic-dwelling creature that frequents the lakes, rivers and bogs of the Shivering Isles. Please note that this information was obtained at the cost of many lives, and this work should be regarded as the most complete and definitive reference of its kind. Below, I've done my best to describe each creature in detail. The Expedition was an extensive six-year exploration of every nook and cranny of the Isles in an attempt to categorize the indigenous fauna and record this information back for posterity and science. Even though I've lived here all of my life, I am just now discovering how wonderful and unique the creatures of the Isles can be. For my good friend and colleague Venristwie, who protected the creatures of all the Realms.Īlthough my early education involved extensive research into all forms of fauna, nothing prepared me for the surprises I've uncovered while exploring the Shivering Isles on the Great Expedition.