Outer Zoology - The Shantak

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The *Shantak*, or otherwise known as the *Shantak-bird*, are creatures predominately known to be allied with Nyarlathotep, the Crawling Chaos. These creatures are famous in the Dreamlands, but in other realms are known for their large stature and loud reputation. Their eggs are large and said to be rich in flavor, thus a well paying but risky career in the Dreamlands is stealing their eggs. They can also be a servitor race for other gods and deities, but if in the presence of Nyarlathotep, they defer to him automatically by the power of his will. As of recent over the past years, all shantak, no matter their location, have developed a viral curse that has now been integrated deep in their genes and bodies, which allows them to assume human form. Shantak have all clumsily accepted this development, and depending where they are, prefer one form or the other, or assume both equally. Curse cannot be cured as the Crawling Chaos has made it incurable, and finds it amusing. They posses average human intelligence or higher. Shantak age to adulthood, stop aging, and live continuously until death from disease, lethal wound, or other causes. This is not uncommon for other worldly beings where time is more malleable.