Veilhounds

The Vaelshira, more commonly known as Veilhounds, are rare and dangerous fey creatures capable of sensing, tracking, and consuming magic itself. Originating in the Feywild, these creatures were not always the relentless hunters now feared across the Material Plane. In their natural state, Vaelshira acted as quiet regulators of arcane balance—drawn to ambient magical currents and excess spell energy, which they would harmlessly siphon and disperse.

This role was irreversibly altered by mortal intervention.

Centuries ago, paranoid archmages seeking dominion over uncontrolled magic captured and modified Vaelshira through arcane experimentation. Subjected to forced feeding, ritual binding, and exposure to concentrated mana sources such as Arcainium, these creatures were conditioned to associate active spellcasting with sustenance. Over generations, this transformed them into highly efficient predators of magic—and, by extension, those who wield it.

Veilhounds typically travel in bonded pairs or triads, forming tightly knit hunting units. Groups larger than three are unstable and prone to violent infighting. Notably, Vaelshira are never found alone.

They track prey using arcane scent, detecting residual magic signatures left behind by spellcasting, enchanted objects, or even emotionally charged magical events. Their hunting call—a flat, rhythmic, hyena-like cackle—serves as both communication and detection, increasing in tempo as they close in on magical sources.

While capable of consuming physical meat, Veilhounds strongly prefer arcane energy, often ignoring non-magical creatures entirely.

• Arcane Detection: Veilhounds can track magic across great distances and identify its type (e.g., necromancy, illusion).

• Mana Absorption: Incoming spells are partially absorbed, weakening their effect while empowering the Veilhound.

• Blinkstep: They can teleport short distances in pursuit of prey, leaving behind brief distortions in space.

• Overfeed State: Excessive mana consumption can push them into a heightened, unstable state, increasing aggression and magical discharge.

Exposure to Delirium, a volatile and corrupted form of red mana, induces catastrophic mutation in Veilhounds.

Corrupted Vaelshira become violently unstable, their bodies warped with pulsing crimson energy. Their behavior shifts from calculated hunting to indiscriminate aggression, attacking both magical and mundane targets. In this state, their mana absorption may evolve into spell reflection, and their attacks often carry necrotic or corruptive properties.

These creatures are widely considered uncontrollable—even by the Templars who employ their uncorrupted kin.

Veilhounds are most commonly associated with Templar Orders, who use them as living anti-magic instruments. Leashed and heavily controlled, they serve as trackers of rogue mages, guards for arcane prisons, and enforcers against so-called “Heretics.”

To the public, their presence is a sign of order.

To mages, it is a death sentence.

Among the Fey and elven cultures, the name Vaelshira is still used, often with a tone of mourning or reverence. Many view them not as monsters, but as fallen custodians of balance—creatures twisted from their original purpose.

Rumors persist of rare individuals attempting to restore Veilhounds to their original state, though such efforts are widely regarded as dangerous, if not impossible.