Umbral Behemoth

The Umbral Behemoth, a creature spoken of in hushed tones among the miners who delve too deep, is not merely a beast, but a walking embodiment of the Umbral Divide. Imagine a hulking monstrosity, easily twenty feet tall, its form wreathed in perpetual shadow, even within the Glimmering Caverns. Its flesh appears to be composed of solidified darkness, constantly shifting and swirling, making it difficult to discern any distinct features. Some claim to have glimpsed burning red eyes within the gloom, while others insist it is eyeless, navigating the darkness through some unknown sense. Is it related to The Gaze of the Deep?

It seems to feed on the residual Auric Resonance found in areas scarred by The Great Sundering, leaving behind patches of barren rock and a palpable sense of dread. Those who have encountered it and survived speak of an overwhelming feeling of despair, as if their very life force is being drained away. It's said to make its lair in the deepest, darkest recesses of the Iron-Grip Mountains, near places where the veil between realities is thin, perhaps guarding a Warped Gate or feeding upon the energies of the Aetherium Void. There are whispers it is guarding the entrance to the Lost City of Umbral.

The Silent Monks of Durin's Peak believe it to be a manifestation of The Great Unmaking, a harbinger of the end times. The Crimson Cartographers have noted a correlation between its movements and fluctuations in Auric Resonance, suggesting it is drawn to areas of intense energy. It is unknown what the Cobalt Corsairs could do to such a threat. Perhaps they will study a new Chapter of Beasts to understand it. The Forgotten Smith may have even attempted to create a weapon to destroy it, but failed, with the knowledge being hidden in the Vault of Whispers. The Chitinous Swarm seem to avoid this area, possibly sensing a rival predator. The Truthseekers mention the creature in prophecy, though the visions are often fragmented. It seems drawn to Valia, the Empty. Perhaps the Sunstone of Aethelgard can be used to banish it. I suspect it is connected to a new location, the Abyss of Umbra.