The first thing to understand about the Morok is that it is a creature that is absolutely dangerous and yet mortal. Basically, it's an animal that, fortunately, hasn't been fully discovered by humans, and the Morok as a species has been described above. But let's talk about the possessed "other side" of this animal.
The Prystrὶt (пристріт - "curse") Morok is a Morok that was not buried and/or died an unnatural death. Moroks as highly intelligent animals are aware that their loved ones may not find their rest if they are not laid to rest respectfully. You could already read the "Rite of Forgotten" paragraph to see some details.
Now let's dwell on the promised and the creepiest part of it.
The scientific name for this type of creature is Canis Dirus Maledictus Serpentis, or Canis Dirus Maledictus Draconis if it was a winged type.
Prystrit is something between a ghost and a zombie of a deceased Morok. They are also made of flesh, their organs function and they still have feelings, but they have to endure terrible challenges to their bodies and suffer their harsh fate, staying that way until someone is merciful enough to create a special rite for them. Some Prystrits, however, begin to like what they have become and can see fear in the eyes of others as they emerge, bringing pain and suffering whenever they wish.
Fortunately, Prystrits will not appear near humans unless they are too deep in the forest. But they can be summoned, and trust us, you don't want to mess up the summoning ritual.
Witnesses would describe Prystrits or Maras ("мара" (evil apparitions) if females) as a big canine-like serpent, which looks pretty dreadful, thanks to its long tongue with barbs on it and huge maw which reveals circling rows of teeth as if a huge snail's. So, be sure, this thing will maul you and make you suffer a long death if you're not going to be careful enough around them.
After becoming Prystrit, these animal's fur fades in colour and their bodies may be screwed through with big holes. Sometimes fungus and moss may grow on them, which doesn't bother Prystrit at all. They already don't resemble slender and graceful creatures. Unlike Morok, Prystrit is tougher in build and smaller in size. The metamorphosis influences all their body.
Below you may see an obvious difference between Morok and Prystrit
Prytrits are bloodthirsty, cruel and generally more dangerous. Their pain threshold is much lower and they can endure much longer than their living relatives. However, they can still perform the same activities as Moroks. It is important to remember that some of the activities with extra requirements are specifically designed for Prystrits, which means that Moroks cannot do them. This also means that there are some activities that Prystrits can't do if they're only designed for Moroks.
Mostly, people who have bad intentions become their handlers. But if your handler is brave enough and trusts in themselves, they may try to tame this thing and maybe as well cancel its suffering. Deep inside, even though sometimes badly corrupted, every Prystrit wants to find its peace in eternity or through the Rite of Revival regain its life again.
Prystrits are tortured souls. Moroks who for whatever reason or another couldn't move on to afterlife. Cursed and trapped within their malformed bodies, they became drained of colour that symbolizes the way how their life was reaped from them. As a result of such a heartless curse, Prystrits lost their flexible spines on heir back and most of their beautiful fin membranes and long tails. Their appearance twisting into a more sharp and intimidating appearance that resembles the anger and pain of their souls. Their coloration is always resembling that of burnt or ashes, as if their very existence was burning hatred that seems to defy the very existence and refusal to leave this mortal soil. The creatures undead are often believed to be a sign that brings bad omen and death with it. People speak of events and disasters that might follow once a smoking form of Prystrit is sighted. Because of these beliefs, very few even dare to approach them, less alone attempt to tame one. Prystrits' violent and unpredictable nature has led many to their early demises. However, taming one is not entirely impossible, but it requires discipline, preparation and years of prior experience with handling and understanding Moroks. The reason why you won't see "tamed" Prystrits around really is because many seek to give them salvation. A second chance you might say.
Many who obtain a Prystrit seek to grant them blessing via Rite of Revival. This means that they are either revived or they are granted a life in a new body through a ritual. It should be mentioned that people who choose to keep their Prystrits within their current states receive discrimination from the general public. As they believe that it would be a form of torture for the creature to keep it in such a pained state. However, the truth is that not all Prystrits accept the offer for salvation. Some are incapable or not ready to move on, still holding onto the whatever reason that caused them to become a Prystrit in the first place. Table of Contents:
Core Elements of Prystrits
The Look of Prystrits
Taming a Prystrit
Prystrits in Activities
Rites of Purification
Unnatural Creature - Prystrits are undead Mrooks. They have unnatural traits and abilities that are not normally found within Moroks. Capable of appearing and disappearing in dark smoke, seemingly disappearing into thin air. Prytrits are bloodthirsty, cruel and generally more dangerous. Their pain threshold is much lower and they can endure much longer than their living counterparts. Dangerous & Unpredictable - Prystrits are creatures created out of pain and horrors. Their nature resembles exactly of that: a pained and tortured soul that lives within a deceased body that resembles dull and rot. Demonic appearance fills people with discomfort and uncertainty, which often links them to myths of them being bringers of bad omen. Blood Contract - Taming a Prystrit requires one's offering of their own blood. This is essential to showcase that a handler is willing to form a bond with a Prystrit, and increases their chances in taming this unpredictable force of undead monstrosity. Talisman of protection will assist in calming the creature to an extent during taming, however, the blood offering is what truly seals the deal.
Prystrits are always dark and dull in comparison to their living Morok counterparts. They resemble that of a malformed, monstrous and demonic-like creature. They have sharp nose ridges, horns and long sharp spikes instead of long beautiful spines and fin membranes. Prystrits' tails are also short as their tails decayed and literally rot off of their bodies, having dropped them somewhere along the way. Their neck hoods also appear to be almost constantly wide open, a possible sign of their constant aggression and hatred towards the living. Prystrit designs DO NOT follow the usual Moroks design and colour guides! Allowed Prystrit Colours:
Black Base Colour: primary and most dominant colour in a design should always be black or off-black in colour.
Marking Colours: include dull and dark colours such as; brick, browns, reds and darker oranges.
Ideally colours that gives the appearance of a "burning soul" or a devil.
All colours should be dull and "rotten".
Banned Prystrit Colours:
All white and off-white colours are not allowed to be showcased in Prystrits. There should be no signs of "purity".
All bright, saturated and light colours are not allowed. Prystrits' torment must not be overridden by happiness or joy.
This means that an instant denial are colours such as baby blues, hot pinks, peach, sands, fuschia, neon colours, etc.
Markings within Prystrits:
If Prystrits showcases any markings within its design; the allowed coverage must remain under 50% coverage.
All featured markings (if included) must be faded or "cloudy" in appearance to add onto that smoking appearance.
For example similar to that of; Pangare, Darkening, Grease Spots, Shadow or Cloud are allowed.
Any hard-edged or "clear" marking edges are not allowed! Their designs should not appear nice and "tidy".
Avoid hard- and textured marking edges such as seen in Stripes and Spotting.
IN CASE OF a Prystrit is revived back into a Morok, they will be given a Morok genetics and require a redesign.
Prystrits are cursed Moroks that were not buried and/or they died an unnatural death. They are a creation that is paranormal in nature: something between a ghost and a zombie. They have physical bodies, made out of flesh and functioning organs, feelings and keep their personalities after death. However, their nature becomes notably more violent and unpredictable after they have reawakened as Prystrits. No Prystrit is completely affectionate and harmless.
They are dangerous creatures and on the other extreme end there are some Prystrits that choose to indulge their monstrous new appearance and being: becoming truly terrifying creatures. Due to their more unnatural nature, Prystrits are more solitary in comparison to their living counterparts. They do not live in packs and are known to be nomadic, which plays into them being such a rare sight and difficult to find. Not to mention that Prystrits are elusive creatures: they avoid civilizations and crowds of people and open areas.
If one is seeking a Prystrit, they will have to go deep into the dark forests, deep canyons or underground caverns where the daylight cannot reach. Taming a Prystrit requires experience and confidence. This is not for the faint of heart. Young handlers and minors are banned from attempting to tame such a Prystrit due to their danger and darkness that surrounds them. Even most adults will abandon their attempts at taming these things. On top of that one must be willing to sacrifice their precious blood to the creature with other offerings.
It is believed that during the taming process, a Prystrit will challenge the psyche of the person. This theory was born from the fact that most Prystrits choose to comply with people who have bad intentions or foul souls. Blood contract is an important part of taming process. Those who want to become handlers for Prystrits are required to draw their blood when giving offerings to the creature willingly. Prystrits accept offerings similarly to their living counterparts, but it should be noted that these beasts prefer meat most specifically fresh kills and bloody meat. Offering your blood with a fresh kill is the most valued. Just make sure that you are not accidentally bitten in the process. Once a bond between the handler and a Prystrit is created, that is when the real training and taming process beings. Prystrits are stubborn creatures. They are powerful and unpredictable. Just like Moroks, Prystrits are intelligent creatures and they will try to challenge their new owners by showing disobedience. Some may showcase mischievous nature long after the blood contract had been done and training completed, and this is why the handlers are required past experience and discipline. (edited)
Prystrits are eligible to perform in the same activities as Moroks does. However, they may perform more or less better in certain ones. For example due to their bloodlust, Prystrits may showcase better success in hunting entries in comparison to gathering for an example. These monstrosities enjoy the thrill of tracking, chasing and taking down their prey. So walking around and gathering things off of the ground is seen rather boring. Prystrits also have their own unique activities that only Prystrits can take part of.
More on these in the future.
Prystrits can be purified from their cursed state. Either by helping them to be revived or by granting them solace and eternal peace. While not all Prystrits will accept or even allow themselves to be purified, most Prystrits will jump at the opportunity of being released from their near-eternal torment. Rites of Revival - Are for a player who wishes to transform their Prystrit back into a Morok. This can be done in three (3) different ways:
Burning their current decaying bodies and rising new from the ashes.
Burning their current decaying bodies and allowing their soul to possess a freshly deceased body (stillborn pup).
Burning their current decaying bodies and allowing them to be possessed and be reincarnated from a Morok Egg.
Rites of Solace - Are for a player who wishes to release their Prystrit from their torment forever. This will mean that the Prystrit character will be deceased and they will not be able to participate in any group activities or events once this action has taken place. If a Prystrit or a Morok has been marked as deceased: this action cannot be reversed.