Cryptids are creatures that are said to share the world with us, but for whatever reason haven't been officially recognised. They have appearances, behaviours, or abilities that are not considered natural.
Throughout history many of these entities have been sighted, documented and searched for; my site goal is not to detail the likes of Sasquatch, The Loch Ness Monster, or the Mothman, but local, substantiated and perhaps lesser known cryptids of Rookrost. I will also try my best to equip you with the knowledge to handle encounters so you, skeptic or not, have the power to stay safe.
There are a few reoccuring themes for cryptids, these are loose categories in which most cryptids can be placed.
This is a coloquial term, notimals are cryptids that -for the most part- resemble normal, known animals but posess unnatural attributes or abilities. Most altimals are low level cryptids that are not unnaturally powerful for their size (even if accompanied by unexplained abilities). Well known examples include jackalope, The Beast of Bodmin Moore, fur-bearing trout, and the Black Shuck. Not to be confused with shapeshifters or creatures.
This is a broad category which encompasses all cryptids that don't resemble any known species enough to be classed as a "type" of such. Well known examples include the Yeti, Chupacabra and Ningen. Creatures / Monsters can resemble a general group of animals such as "ape", "reptile", etc. but are unique enough to be their own species, as opposed to "dog with horns", for example. Cryptids that appear to be hybrids of many animals may be classed as creatures instead.
A shapeshifter is any cryptid that can change its form, including via metamorphosis. They can take on any form, but each shapeshifter appears to be unique in its own abilites. The most common type of shapeshifter are those that have two distinct forms, a kelpie for example. Many reports of shapeshifters site a human form. These are among the most dangerous cryptids.
We live in a unique period of time where in unearthing, harnessing, and creating various elements and technologies, we have potentially opened the way for new forms of life. An animate is a type of cryptid composed of inorganic materials, either partly or wholy. Animals subject to human interferance are of tentative inclusion -unless they are alarmingly atypical- as they are an undisputed commonplace. Animates have a will of their own not acheivable by machines. These are among the most dangerous cryptids.
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