SCOTTISH EACH UISGE (WATER HORSE)
The Each Uisge (Aughisky) is a name for the Highland
supernatural water horse, supposedly the most dangerous of the
Scottish water dwelling creatures. The monster inhabited the
sea, sea lochs and fresh water lochs and is sometimes mistaken
in writing as the kelpie, which
only inhabits rivers
and streams.
It is an aquatic mammal resembling a horse with a dark
flowing mane, a pair of horns, four-toed front feet, and
five-toed rear feet. Unlike other equines, they have sharp
teeth and claws, and they are carnivores that feast
exclusively on metahuman flesh. It does not eat troll flesh,
and will eat ork flesh only when no other sources are
available.
The each uisge had the ability to shape shift, and could
disguise itself as a fine horse or pony. To lure people into
the water it would stand by the waters edge in one of these
forms, and wait for somebody to approach. If a man was to
mount the horse, it would immediately set off into the deepest
part of the loch, the rider being unable to free himself
because of the adhesive qualities of the creature's skin. Once
in its element, the unfortunate victim would drown, and be
devoured completely apart from the liver, which would float
ashore, a sure sign that the water horse had claimed another
victim. |
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