Siéhnam

Siéhnam (plural: Siéhnams) are creatures found exclusively on Solmundo in the Ethermos Story. It is believed that the Zagames of Ethermos were "evolved" from Siéhnams in some way.

These creatures look like ordinary deer from a distance, but in fact are effectively wolves who have evolved to mimic deer. Their ears are more wolf-like, along with their tails being longer than a real deer. In addition, the eyes are more golden, its paws have evolved to look halfway between wolf paws and deer hooves, and its teeth are far more like a canine's teeth. Its mouth can open up wide like a wolf, compared to how deer and other ungulates can't open their mouths "fully" due to how their skin and muscles are placed on their skull.

Siéhnams will act like deer in order to get their prey, including humans, to lower their guard before attacking them. One of the important things to watch out for is a "deer" that sniffs at plants and grass but never eats them.

They form packs much like wolves as well. They will scatter about an area, acting like deer until they find prey. Once one of the Siéhnam has at least wounded the prey, it will howl to summon the rest of the pack so they all finish it off. If the Siéhnam gets wounded itself, it will also howl to warn the rest of the pack, causing them to come to its rescue. Thus, the best strategy is to chase off a Siéhnam instead, since then it will not call for its pack nor try to hurt you. You should only outright fight these creatures if you know that you or your party can take on a whole pack of carnivorous deer.

There are also mutations of Siéhnams with bird-like wings, though the wings do not seem to allow for flight. However, Siéhnam can use their wings to jump higher, as well as gliding. These winged Siéhnam are relatively rare.

Trivia

These creatures were inspired by the creature of the same name from Argentinian folklore. According to the original story, there is simply one carnivorous deer named Siéhnam, who was known for killing people at night until he was chased off by a shaman.