#bastooc

> You shuffle into town, dragging behind you about two dozen undead corpses on a rope. You’re covered head to toe in decaying blood, viscera, and grime. It’s barely sundown, and it’s pretty clear to those awake at this hour that you were out all day. That’s your norm, though. The townsfolk know you, and they avoid you.

> This town is on the edge of the desert, the climate too dramatic for most trolls but pleasant on a good night. It’s not too cold during the night, and not too hot during the day. At least, not compared to the shifting sands of the vast desert from which you came.

> There’s also a small system in place to encourage the inhabitants, or outliers like you, to cut down the huge undead population. One caegar per corpse, granted the body is sufficiently decayed and you’re not just killing people elsewhere or something It’s a meager price, but it’s all this town can afford, and it’s enough for you to get what you need.

Starting once more with Hylian biology. Hylians are most comparable to humans, with the shortest lifespan of the humanoid races- Roughly 100 years, on average. They can easily adapt to various environments and can make use of many natural ingredients which would otherwise be ineffective or toxic to the three non-humanoid races.

Sheikah differ from Hylians in more than appearance, growing roughly a foot taller on average and being considerably more agile, with keener senses than a Hylian. Their night vision and hearing in particular are considerably beyond that of a Hylian’s, though they tend to lack some physical strength and endurance. Contrary to popular belief, it’s possible for them to have shades of blonde hair as well as stark white, and their eyes come in many shades of red.

Gerudo grow considerably taller than Hylians at eight feet on average, and being considerably stronger. While their senses are generally the same as Hylians, they tend to have excellent far sight and very good vision as an average.

Armos are the remnants of Hyrule’s ancient soldiers, long since turned to stone. They appear as simple humanoid statues in plate armor, armed with a sword and shield. They have a large crack in their back, revealing an unnatural glow from within. Their eyes and this crack only begin to glow when awakened. Armos can no longer move their stone limbs, and thus jealously try to ram or crush any living people that come near. They can be found in the oldest ruins of Hyrule, still standing guard over the place they once protected. Once defeated, they will drop their sword and shield as a boon.

Aeralfos are a variant of Lizalfos that are winged. They are rare, often solitary, and are more intelligent than their Lizalfos counterparts. They often fashion armor for themselves from stolen metal, bone, leather, or fur. Their coloration is also often darker than that of Lizalfos, and their behavior more subdued and calculated, especially in combat. They tend to inhabit the taller ruins in Hyrule, especially those also near water. The same items that can be collected from Lizalfos can be gotten from Aeralfos, with the addition of armor and weapons.

Arm-mimics are a small monster which, when within range, will perfectly mimic the movements of any person near it. They appear to be similar to clay Haniwas, with rounded figures, empty eyes, open mouths, and each arm bending in different directions: Up, and down. They are not particularly dangerous but will headbutt anyone who manages to run into them. The carapace of arm-mimics has similar properties to monster horns and can be used in elixirs.

Aruroda are large scorpion monsters, the main difference being the large singular eye on their faces. During the day they bury themselves in the sand of the Gerudo desert and ambush those who pass by, and roam freely at night. They are a frequent meal for Molduga, as they often wander into their territories. Aruroda venom is potent and can be used to coat weapons or made into an antivenom, and the tough chitin is useful for small pieces of armor.

Bari are drifting jellyfish-like monsters often found along the coast, which electrocute anything it comes in contact with and may split into smaller Biri when attacked. While they move slowly, they will attack anything that comes close. They are also scavengers, and use the small pincers on the end of their two largest limbs to pick scraps off things it finds. Their jelly has potent anti-electric and slight healing properties.

Bullbo are large boars which are often tamed by bokoblins and ridden. They can be found rarely in forests, as boars can, and may be ordinary boars tainted by Malice. Bullbo can also drop large amounts of high-quality meat.

Bubbles are animated skulls surrounding by a blazing blue fire, which emerge in the dryer parts of Hyrule (Apart from Gerudo desert) at night. They fly erratically and can be difficult to predict, and don’t always seem to attack those who come too close to them. However, their flames will burn those that come in contact with, as well as curse them with such weakness that they will not be able to lift their weapon- Though, only temporarily.

Chilfos are tall, skeletal ice monsters found in the coldest parts of Hyrule. They often hide among glaciers and large icicles, and attack passersby with a lance of ice. Their bodies can be easily shattered or broken, and unlike other stalfos-like enemies, they will not reform. Sometimes, they have rupees or gems frozen in their bodies. 

Desbresko, or Skullfish, are skeletal fish that can be found in swarms in most major bodies of water. They tend to hide under bridges or in the shadows, and swarm and bite anything that enters the water, or may jump out of the water to attack those in boats. They are carnivorous, but unsuccessful hunters of small prey such as fish due to their tendency to swarm and then begin attacking each other, allowing their prey to escape.

Devalant are burrowing centipede-like insects with large pincers that can be found in Gerudo Desert. They will either attempt to ambush prey or will spit chunks of sandstone at them from a distance. If they manage to ambush or knock unconscious their prey, they will the drag them beneath the sand until they suffocate. Devalant dens may be home to various treasures from their prey, and their chitin may be useful in armor.

Darknuts are sets of ancient armor possessed by spirits. Their armor has decayed over time, causing their movements to be slow and jerky. Like Armos, they tend to be found in the oldest ruins of Hyrule. Unlike Armos, they still have a warrior’s spirit and will fight their opponent fairly. Darknuts are often the defenders of ancient ruins which hold treasure.

Deku Babas are plant-like monsters which hide their large heads beneath the ground, waiting for anything it can eat to pass by. It will then ambush them, making use of it’s fangs and crushing jaw strength to immobilize prey before trying to swallow it whole. Their saliva is a potent acid that quickly breaks down flesh and bone. They can most often be found in forests. When killed their heads rapidly dry and become seed pods, which can be used in cooking, or thrown on the ground for a bright flash and stun effect. Their venom can also be used to coat weapons.

Dodongo are large, slow-moving reptilian monsters which compete with the Gorons for their favored food- Rock roast. Dodongos aren’t particularly aggressive, but are defensive, and will attack those who get too close to their nests or food. They can often be found lazing on the shores of lava pools, but sometimes may be drifting in open lava, and their craggy rava-lock backs can be mistaken for a firm platform to jump on when crossing lava. When attacked they may bite, swing their heavy tails, or spit fire to defend themselves. Their teeth and talons are useful in creating long-lasting fireproof elixirs.

Floormasters are shadowy hands which emerge from dark portals in the ground, which drag unsuspecting creatures and people into their portals and spit them back out elsewhere. They drain their prey of their life force to sustain themselves. They are nocturnal monsters and hide in the shadows to ambush their prey, and can typically be found in ruins but will also show up along frequently used roads. When defeated their dark energy may be harvested, though it’s purpose is unknown.

Garo are robed spirits which haunt Tanager Canyon, attacking those who have found themselves at the bottom, or rarely, those crossing the Tabantha Great Bridge. Agile and intelligent, they can be formidable foes, and lethal to the unwary. They appear at night to hooded travelers, and are rumored to tell the location of a hidden, ancient treasure when defeated. 

Gyorg are shark-like monsters with armored heads which ram boats to knock the inhabitants into the water. They are aggressive and persistent, but have a small territory and will not give chase if the sailor manages to get beyond them. Gyorg meat is considered a delicacy. 

Kagarok are large birds which nest in cliffs and other high places. They typically won’t attack unless their nests are approached. They may also roost near monster camps to feed on scraps and alert monsters of nearby attackers or food. Their eggs are highly nutritious and their golden, iridescent feathers are prized for their beauty.

Like-Likes are tube-like creatures which swallow their prey, spit them out, and retain their metal equipment. Their stomach acids slowly disintegrate the metal, and in some cases will first break down the rust, resulting in polished equipment if it is retrieved quickly enough. Like-Likes do not move quickly but will often linger around Bokoblins and Lizalfos as garbage disposal, and may sneak up on adventurers while they deal with the other monsters.

Poe are spirits carrying lanterns which try to lure travelers off the road at night. They attempt to lead them into danger, either off cliffs or into monster camps. They seem to have no desire other than to trick the living, but may throw the fire of their lantern at those who manage to come too close.

Shell Blade are large clam-like monsters with razor-sharp teeth and a soft interior. They tend to open their shells in a threat display before suddenly lunging, snapping their shells shut with enough force to take off a limb. They burrow themselves in beaches and shallow seawater, but will attack if approached when exposed. The inside of their shells are lined with mother-of-pearl, making them prized for their uses in jewelry and crafting.

BOTW headcanons masterpost

Beginning with biology; Hylians are the race most similar to humans. They live slightly longer; About 100 years, on average. They are more agile with slightly keener senses than that of humans’. They are highly adaptable and can make use of many natural ingredients which would otherwise have no effect or even be toxic to Zora or Gorons.

Hylians were hit hardest by the Calamity and most are still displaced and nomadic to present day. As a result, their settlements are simple and built to be eventually dismantled. Even the most major of their modern settlements, the stables, tend to move every decade or so when monsters inevitably become too frequent due to the Hylian population in the area.

Even settled villages such as Hateno tend to be largely composed of nomads, with only a handful of long-term residents. Hylians are poor, and one makes more money as a traveling trader or adventurer than as a farmer trying to support their family. Hateno in particular provides a simple solution, wherein the fields are tended to by and provide food for all villagers, with excess being sold to traders.

Some have also chosen to settle in a more hermitical, self-sufficient nature, making their living off the land around them. While the Hylians of these small settlements are often the hardiest, they are more often than not doomed to die defending their home. Ruined, solitary homes dot Hyrule’s landscape, serving as a warning to those who dare build their own homestead.

Hylians’ main trade good is animal products, followed by weaponry. Hylian weapons are among the most durable, though they may lack the flair of the weapons of other races.