bestiary
The Many Faces of Al: Postpartum Hunters
Regional variations of the Al entity—the most feared threat to mothers and newborns across Persia.
The Universal Threat to New Life
The Āl (آل) is a class of div that appears in folklore across ALL Persian regions. While local names and exact behaviors vary, the core threat is universal: it preys on pregnant women, new mothers, and newborns during the vulnerable liminal state of new consciousness entering the world.
Why the Āl Exists in Magic System
In Némand's cosmology, new life represents:
- Soul Arrival: Consciousness transferring from 9th planet to mortal vessel
- Weak Anchoring: First weeks, soul not fully integrated with flesh. Can be torn away.
- Maternal Depletion: Mother's consciousness depleted from creating life-bond. Temporarily vulnerable.
- Double Feeding: Āl can consume both infant's unanchored soul AND mother's protective terror. Efficient feeding makes them persistent.
Regional Manifestations of Āl
Al-Aarvadi (ال آروادی) - The Breast-Milk Thief
Region: Azerbaijan, Gilan, multiple provinces
Alternative Names: Al Nane-si, Dalg Al, Dalu Mameh, Madar Sineh Lakto, Aleh Zhanak, Al Basti, Al Zanay, Mamak Shoreh
Method: Steals or spoils breast milk, causing infant starvation
Appearance: Often invisible, sometimes as old woman with saggy breasts
Feeding: Maternal despair as milk dries up, infant hunger
Tier: 1-2
Aleybani (الیبانی) - The Desert Al
Region: Ardabil, Hamadan, Azerbaijan (broader distribution)
Alternative Names: Al Biabani ("Al of the Desert"), Gulibani, Ghulibani, Albis, Albas, Ghulibano
Habitat: Desert and wilderness areas
Method: Attacks mothers traveling through uninhabited regions
Tier: 2 (stronger in isolation, weaker in populated areas)
Alkhatu (اَلخاتو) - The Lady Al
Region: Hamadan, Khorasan
Alternative Names: Alkhtoo, Al Khatun
Appearance: Aristocratic female form (Khatun = Lady)
Behavior: Targets noble/wealthy mothers specifically. Class-specific predation.
Tier: 2-3
Story Hint: Shows even nobility isn't safe from div. Wealth cannot buy protection from supernatural—must have consciousness-mastery (Spenta alignment) or proper magical wards.
Alazangi (الازنگی) - The Zangi Al
Region: Gilan, Ilam, Kohgiluyeh, Lorestan
Alternative Names: Al Zanay, Al Zanak
Name Note: "Zangi" historically refers to East African people. Indicates possible foreign origin or cross-cultural div adaptation.
Tier: 1-2
Traditional Defenses (That Actually Work)
The Three-Element Ward
1. Light (Didār/Observation):
- Vapour-Lantern kept burning throughout night
- Consciousness represented as illumination
- Āl cannot fully manifest in observed space
2. Iron Implements (Darmāndan/Remedy):
- Open folding knife above mother's bed
- Two sickles crossed
- Agricultural tools (consciousness-imbued through use)
- Iron forged with intent disrupts div essence
3. Human Vigilance (All Six Laws Engaged):
- Family members take shifts watching mother and child
- Conscious presence creates protective field
- Dāvar (judgment of threat) + Peyvand (connection to family) + Didār (observation) + others engaged passively
- The more people watching with love and intent, the stronger the ward
Chromaturgy Protection
- Gold Thread: Woven into swaddling cloth. Protective enchantment against Āl
- White Thread: Never-fading purity. Eternal protection for newborn
- Emerald Thread: Strengthens infant's life force, anchors consciousness to flesh faster
- Red Thread: Old tradition. Possibly corrupted (Angra alignment), avoid unless desperate
Why Old Traditions Work
Peasants don't understand Pair of Threes or Azhur's Ore, but their folk practices accidentally align with magical principles:
- Light = Didār: Observation prevents invisibility
- Iron = Darmāndan: Physical remedy against spiritual threat
- Vigilance = Consciousness: Aware humans create protective field
- Offerings = Peyvand: Creating relationship with protective entities
This shows magic is semi-intuitive. People stumble upon working techniques through trial and error across generations. The science emerges from practice.
Story Applications
Tension Without Combat: Āl threats create suspense in domestic scenes. Pregnant ally needs protection. Protagonist must maintain watch, craft wards, defend against invisible threat. Different from sword fights—requires magical knowledge and vigilance.
Cultural Authenticity: Shows Persian folklore integrated into magic. Old women's warnings are literally true. Rituals have mechanical reason.
Vulnerability: Even powerful Tier 4 warrior is vulnerable during childbirth (wife/ally). Cannot punch Āl into submission. Must use knowledge, preparation, community. Shows limits of combat prowess.
Regional Flavor: Each province has slightly different Āl variant. When traveling, protagonist learns new defensive traditions. Shows geographical magical diversity.