Byakhee

Lore & Background

They are capable of carrying human souls or bodies through the cosmos, sometimes acting as intermediaries between dimensions. In certain tales, they are associated with ancient witch cults on Earth that sought to summon them for forbidden knowledge or transportation. Their presence is often heralded by a chilling silence in the air and a sense of dread, as their leathery wings blot out the stars. They represent the invasive nature of the Outer Gods, bringing cosmic horror directly into the mundane world.

Reader's Guide

The Byakhee function less as an independent faction and more as a specialized division of Nyarlathotep's forces. They are the logistical backbone for the Crawling Chaos's terrestrial operations, providing rapid transit across impossible distances. Their goals are entirely subservient to their master: to transport him, his agents, and sometimes captured souls between worlds. They do not have independent ambitions but execute commands with cold efficiency, often appearing during rituals or summonings intended by cultists who mistakenly believe they can control them. Members of this group are uniform in appearance and purpose, lacking individual names or distinct personalities in the traditional sense. Their role in the cosmic conflict is that of enablers; without them, Nyarlathotep's direct interference on Earth would be significantly slower and more difficult to orchestrate.

Did You Know?

• The Byakhee are famously known as 'Flying Polyps' due to their gelatinous internal structure despite their bat-like exterior.
• They are one of the few Mythos entities capable of traveling through the vacuum of space without any form of life support or shielding.
• In some accounts, they are depicted as being able to carry human consciousnesses back and forth between the waking world and the Dreamlands.
• Their association with Nyarlathotep is so strong that they are often considered an extension of his will rather than a separate species.