There are the monsters of the Deep Woods, and then there are the cryptids.

Every so often, you'll get someone walking back into town, or getting a lift from a driver. Usually people assume it's a party-wipe scenario. Probably bought some bad gear, or a faulty weapon. Their story always begins with them getting separated from their group. Then getting attacked. Lone newbies are an easy target for opportunistic monsters. Easy meals.

Then they'll talk about her. Twenty feet tall. Towering. Glaring. Orichalcum deposits upon her arms and legs. An Orc, no doubt, but abnormally large. Abnormally hungry, and for monsters at that.

People scarcely believed the first few stories, but these things have a way of gaining notoriety. Some would try to get audio logs or further evidence, but the best that anyone has ever gotten is word-of-mouth. They say she talks gruffly, like any orc. Broken dialect, flat tone, and with a scarcely-changing expression of seriousness. She always has practical guidance to give, like a drake's weak spot, or the lesser-known edible foliage one can find in the Deep Woods.

They say that if you encounter her, it's because she could smell the inexperience on you. She is rough on monsters, but gentle on adventurers. If you encounter her, be sure to see if you can get a recording.

Brendha is an OC of mine.

This was drawn for my Patreon last year.

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