The Soulwatcher (or Danse-Macabre) is a Mystery-class dragon. It has a long, flexible body supported only by two powerful forelegs. The rear of its body is entirely limbless. Despite this, it moves with great ease both on the ground and in the air thanks to its large wings.
Its elongated head is topped with three long bony spikes, and its lower jaw is lined with numerous flexible, barbel-like projections. The exact function of these appendages remains unknown, although several observations suggest they may be involved in spatial awareness or vibration detection. Its forelegs have long, curved claws particularly well-suited for climbing and capturing prey. Its slender tail ends in a forked tip.
The Soulwatcher's body is covered in intricate bluish patterns. The most striking features are found on the backs of its wings, where they form large circles reminiscent of the fixed eyes of a massive predator.
Small bioluminescent pockets are also distributed along its underside. These produce a soft glow in the dark but can become much brighter when the dragon is hunting or trying to intimidate a target.
The Soulwatcher possesses no fire breath. Instead, it produces a particularly foul-smelling, corrosive liquid capable of rapidly dissolving organic tissue. This substance is primarily used for self-defense or to neutralize prey too dangerous to approach.
However, the Soulwatcher generally prefers to avoid using this weapon while hunting. Its acid would likely damage the flesh of its victims before it could consume them. For this reason, it almost always prioritizes immobilizing its prey rather than destroying it.
Hunting Abilities and Behavior
Despite its relatively modest size, the Soulwatcher is considered a formidable predator. It doesn't hesitate to attack creatures larger than itself, including other dragons.
Its hunting method relies almost entirely on its "Dance."
Once its prey is isolated or cornered, the dragon tilts its body forward, presenting the backs of its wings to its target. The immense circular patterns covering them then become perfectly visible. These false eyes alone are often enough to cause a moment of hesitation or paralysis in many creatures.
The Soulwatcher slowly vibrates its wings and tail while activating its luminous pouches. Simultaneously, the bright patterns on its body begin to move fluidly and irregularly. After a few seconds of exposure, the victim gradually enters a deep hypnotic state.
Those affected who have survived sometimes report particularly terrifying visions. Others seem to relive traumatic memories or perceive nonexistent creatures. Each hallucination appears different, as if the dragon were directly exploiting its target's deepest fears. This characteristic is what earned it its name. Many claim that the Soulwatcher is able to see the nightmares buried deep within its victims' minds.
Once its prey is completely paralyzed or disoriented, it finishes it off with its claws or jaws without needing to use its acid.
The Soulwatcher is an extremely solitary and territorial species. Each individual fiercely defends its territory against its own kind. Encounters between adults often end in violent confrontations, and it is not uncommon for a victor to simply devour its rival.
Regarding its diet, it consumes a wide variety of prey including birds, fish, mammals, and other dragons. Unlike most dragon species, it particularly enjoys eels and regularly consumes them when found.
The main danger for a Soulwatcher paradoxically stems from its own ability.
Under exceptional circumstances, an individual can be exposed to its own dance by observing its reflection in a sufficiently clear surface. Although this phenomenon remains extremely rare in nature, it can induce a temporary self-hypnosis, leaving the dragon vulnerable.
Its power also relies on its target's vision. Blind creatures, those with different perceptions, or those able to avoid its gaze are much less susceptible to its hypnotic techniques.
Finally, its territorial behavior is often a weakness. Its aggression towards its own kind prevents it from forming groups or receiving help from other individuals, even when facing significant threats. Many Soulwatchers, in fact, die in battles against their own kind rather than against natural predators.
