Baird's Entry - Kelpie (Patreon)

Kelpie

The water horse nay be a mischievous water spirit like the unpredictable Fuath. These shape-shifting beasts are creatures black as ink with souls as dark to match. The Kelpie rises from the watery depths of the lochs and rivers, just waiting to take hold of their next victim to feast upon. Like the home it inhabits, the Kelpie's eyes are dark pools that draw in the unsuspecting. Do not approach the evil Kelpie when seen in its equine form. One touch and yer hand will be clung to the animal's mane, as tight as tar. Then it has got ye! Down into the murky waters the horse will drag your soul and body. A breath will ne'er be had again.  

Also beware any human with eyes near aflame. Those golden orbs shine with the demonic spirit of the Kelpie in another form. The water horse easily transforms into a human. 'Twas seen by the eyes of Aindreas Bathgate himself just a decade past. The strapping lad, a sheep farmer from Glenfinnan, discovered a nude woman sitting by the shores of Loch Shiel, her long hair flying in the breeze. He slowly came up to her, intending to ask if she needed help, but not wanting to scare her away. She turned towards him with an outstretched arm, and eyes of amber. Bathgate was transfixed and reached out to her hand. By the time he noticed her hands were hooves, it was too late. At once, his fingertips were scalded and seared to her hoof as her body shape-shifted back to that of a black horse. Pinned to the ground, the man struggled to free himself. Just as the horse plunged into the loch’s depths, Bathgate fished a sharp stone from the loch floor and sliced his fingertips straight off, leaving the Kelpie to sink all alone. He claims he found his fingertips at the loch’s edge the next day and his wife was able to sew back two of four. 

Be not the prey of the foul beast Kelpie. Its torments know no bounds. While fae-seekers scour the shores for the mysterious dark horse, be it known they look only for danger.

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Pictured, a Kelpie mid-transformation, already luring her next victim to a watery grave. Certainly not anyone Baird knows. No, not at all.

Robert Columba Crimthann Baird does not like Kelpies.

Month by month, we'll keep filling out the compendium with new and mysterious creatures voted on by you. Sponsors can vote on next month's size-themed entry here:

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