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This article is an expansion based on a canon element. For canon information on this topic, follow the link to The Witcher Wiki: The Witcher: Monster Slayer Bestiary. |
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This article is an expansion based on a canon element. For canon information on this topic, follow the link to The Witcher Wiki: Foglet. |
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This fan-fiction article, Royal Foglet, was written by Witcher190. Please do not edit this fiction without the writer's permission. |
The Royal Foglet was an almost extinct subspecies of foglet commonly found in wetlands such as swamps and in the vicinity of rivers and other bodies of water. However, the expansion of human settlements and the resulting drying of wetlands for the creation of settlements and farming lands, along with the establishment of communities near rivers, pushed them to the brink of extinction. Witchers played a significant role in this decline. Forced to retreat to remote wildlands or underground zones, at least a group of these surviving Royal Foglets rapidly evolved into three new subspecies: the High Royal Foglet, which retreated underground; the Tropical Royal Foglet, which migrated to the sylvatic wetlands of the south; and the Boreal Royal Foglet, which migrated further north to places like the Great Lake in Vinland and beyond. Their numbers increased in 1358 with the Second Conjunction of the Spheres and the crossing of new and old worlds with the Continent.
Appearance[]
The Royal Foglet resembles a standard foglet but is larger in size, similar to or occasionally larger than a standard human. It has a head that ends in a square shape at the top, accompanied by large, twisted horns emerging from either side. Its skin is peeling and black, with less glowing eyes and mouths. The peeling black skin allows them to blend into their surroundings more effectively, aiding their hunting and ambush tactics.
The High Royal Foglet, having adapted to underground environments, has slightly paler skin and shorter, more robust horns suited for navigating narrow tunnels. The Tropical Royal Foglet has adapted to the dense, humid jungles, with longer limbs and more agile movements to maneuver through thick vegetation. The Boreal Royal Foglet, living in the cold northern regions, has developed thicker skin and fur-like growths to endure the harsh climate.
Behavior and Abilities[]
Royal Foglets behave similarly to their standard counterparts, luring their prey into traps using magic, but with deeply nocturnal behavior. Although in extreme cases they can be seen during the day, they have several physical advantages compared to standard foglets. These include horns, which they can use to attack like bulls and deer, greater strength, a larger size, and peeling black skin that they can use to camouflage into their surroundings.
Unlike standard foglets, Royal Foglets can't summon fog themselves, which is likely why they developed peeling black skin, along with deep nocturnal habits, a larger size, and less glowing eyes and mouths. These adaptations compensate for their inability to summon fog by enhancing their unique ability to summon complicated illusions rivaling those of human mages, as the greenish and glowing appearance of standard foglets would not aid in their hunting tactics.
Their illusions have been reported to create entire landscapes, mimicking groups of creatures and even persons, making it difficult for prey to distinguish reality from deception. However, these illusions are less powerful than those of aguara, making it relatively easier for the trained eye to detect them. This ability is not only used for hunting but also for evasion and communication.
Due to their ability to summon complicated illusions, and in these illusions create persons that could talk with the victim, Royal Foglets are believed to have some form of sentience. However, this is only a belief, as no one can confirm whether their communication through illusions is a true attempt at communication or merely a tactic to deceive their prey.
On some occasions, Royal Foglets, especially those slightly larger than the average human, have been seen commanding groups of standard foglets. It's unclear why this occurs, but it is theorized that other foglets may see the Royal Foglet as an "alpha," hence the "Royal" designation in their name. This leadership ability may indicate a rudimentary social structure among foglets, with Royal Foglets at the top.
Slaying[]
Slaying a Royal Foglet is similar to slaying a standard foglet, but with a few key differences. Like standard foglets, a silver sword with necrophage oil is essential, along with the Sign of Quen to protect from their attacks and the Aard Sign to knock them down, allowing for a one-hit kill by piercing their body with the silver sword. However, unlike standard foglets, one would need dimeritium bombs instead of Moon Dust bombs to destroy the Royal Foglet's powerful illusions.
The Royal Foglet's illusions are more sophisticated and can create complex visual and auditory hallucinations, making it difficult for witchers to pinpoint their true location. Dimeritium bombs are essential to dispel these illusions and reveal the Royal Foglet. Additionally, Royal Foglets have a weakness that standard foglets do not have: fire. Fire can disorient and hurt them more than it would a standard foglet, as their skin is reported to be more fragile in comparison. This weakness can be exploited to gain an advantage in combat.
When preparing to slay a Royal Foglet, witchers must also consider their enhanced physical abilities. The horns of a Royal Foglet can deliver powerful, charging attacks, so maintaining a safe distance and using quick, agile movements is crucial. Royal Foglets are also stronger and more resilient to compensate for their fragile skin, requiring precise and powerful strikes to bring them down.
In combat, using the Igni Sign to exploit their weakness to fire can create openings for critical strikes. Setting traps and using the environment to limit the Royal Foglet's movements can also be effective strategies. Witchers should be prepared for prolonged battles, as Royal Foglets are cunning and will use their illusions and physical prowess to outlast their opponents.