Shape-Shifters, Liminal Beings & Threshold Guardians

Beings Between States

Some entities exist in transitional spaces—not fully one thing or another. They are dangerous specifically because they violate categorical boundaries.

Oujubunugh / Ooji Baniq (اوجوبونوق)

Region: Ardabil, Gilan, Tehran, widespread

Alternative Names: Ooji Bonikh, Ooja Buyun, Ooji Balukh, Ooji Banalooq, Oojubunoukh, Guzubunooq

Behavior: Unknown specific behavior (name appears frequently but details vary)

In Némand:

• Theory: Name variation suggests oral tradition entity—told differently in each region. Possibly shape-shifter that appears differently to each person.
• Tier: 1-2
• Shape-Shift Mechanic: Uses corrupted Peyvand—reads victim's fears, transforms into personalized nightmare.

Shevahe / Shah Veh (شِوَهِه / شه‌وه)

Region: Azerbaijan, Hamadan, Kermanshah (Turkic/Persian mixed areas)

Alternative Names: Sho, Sheh-sheh, Sheh-veh, Shavee, Shavug

Connection to Earlier Entry: Shah Veh (postpartum hunter) is likely regional variant

In Némand:

• Tier: 1-2
• Linguistic Spread: Name changes but entity concept remains. Al-variant specifically targeting mothers.

Doranj (دُرَنج) - The Desert Dweller

Region: Hormozgan, southern deserts

Alternative Name: Druj (related to Zoroastrian concept of "The Lie")

Appearance: Varies—sometimes as mirage, sometimes solid

In Némand:

• Tier: 2-3
• Desert Specialist: Thrives in heat and desolation. Creates mirages (false Gardūn—shows fake futures/destinations)
• Druj Connection: If related to Druj concept, represents fundamental falsehood. Desert manifestation: oasis that doesn't exist, safety that's actually trap.
• Weakness: Didār mastery sees through illusions. Thirst makes victim vulnerable—staying hydrated prevents full deception.

Story Hint: Protagonist crossing desert. Sees oasis (Doranj-created). Knows it's illusion but dying of thirst. Must choose: drink fake water (corrupts consciousness) or maintain clarity and find real water. Tests discipline vs. desperation.

Transformation Creatures

Ash & Fatemeh (اَش و فاطمه)

Region: Ardabil, Fars, Gilan, Kerman, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Mazandaran, Semnan (massive distribution)

Alternative Names: Maryam va Khers ("Mary and the Bear"), Banu va Ash ("Lady and the Bear")

Folklore: Woman (Fatemeh/Maryam/Banu) and bear (Ash) in partnership or transformation relationship

Story Variants:

• Woman who can transform into bear
• Woman protected by loyal bear
• Woman cursed to become bear
• Bear that was once woman

In Némand:

• Tier: 2-3
• Transformation Mechanic: Actual shape-shifting possible through advanced consciousness manipulation (Tier 4+ Metamorphosis). Ash is example of human who mastered bear-form.
• Alignment: Neutral-to-Spenta (protective, not predatory)
• Power in Bear Form: Enhanced strength, endurance, natural weapons. But loses human speech, fine manipulation.
• Story Integration: Shows transformation magic exists. Could be NPC ally—woman who transforms to fight, needs protagonist's help to break curse, or teaches transformation technique.

Twilight & Threshold Beings

Arouda (آرودا) - The Guardian at Dusk

(See full entry in "Deev Lords of the Bundahishn" section)

Summary: Kermanshah deity strongest at twilight—threshold times. Protects during transitions.

Lady Wednesday (چهارشنبه خاتون)

Region: Azerbaijan, Gilan

Alternative Name: Choshmbe Khatan

Domain: Wednesday (specific day power)

Behavior: Appears on Wednesdays. Can be benevolent or threatening depending on how day is spent.

In Némand:

• Tier: 1-2
• Temporal Entity: Exists in specific day-consciousness. Only manifests Wednesdays.
• Cultural Note: Wednesday (Choharshanbe) has special status in Persian culture—especially Choharshanbe Suri (Wednesday of Fire) before Nowruz.
• Power Variation: Extremely strong on Wednesdays, non-existent other days.

Gorg-e-Twilight Predators

Principle: Many div stronger at transitional times:

• Dawn/Dusk: Between day and night
• Midnight: Threshold of days
• Equinox/Solstice: Seasonal transitions
• Thresholds: Doorways, borders, crossroads

These times/places have weakened reality-boundaries. Div can manifest more easily. Also explains why threshold protection (doorway wards, crossroad shrines) is common in folklore—real magical need.

Mirror-Walkers & Reflection Entities

Hamzad Corruption - The Evil Twin

(Related to Hamzad from "Tricksters & Household Spirits")

Concept: When Hamzad (companion spirit) becomes corrupted by Angra, it inverts:

• Normal Hamzad: Protective guardian, intuition, gut feelings
• Corrupted Hamzad: Saboteur, self-doubt, internal enemy

Horror Element: Your own consciousness-echo working against you. Cannot be fought externally—must be purified through internal work (meditation, confession, Spenta action).

Story Hint: Protagonist under heavy Angra influence. Hamzad corrupts. Begins experiencing "intuitions" that lead to disaster. Realizes internal voice isn't trustworthy. Must undergo purification ritual (Zoroastrian priest-guided) to cleanse own soul and restore Hamzad. Internal horror arc.

Threshold Guardian Archetypes

Many creatures serve structural purpose: guarding transitions between safe/dangerous, known/unknown, mundane/magical:

Guardian Functions:

• Samand Eslar: Guards pyramids (sight-death serpent prevents approach)
• Mushkhushu: Guards ancient ruins (blocks access to past)
• Shahmaran: Guards knowledge (tests worthiness before teaching)
• Owj: Guards wilderness (size prevents casual exploration)
• Baba Darya: Guards sea passage (must earn right to sail)

Pattern: Major locations/resources have guardians. This creates narrative structure: each destination requires overcoming appropriate threshold. Teaches that advancement requires preparation, not just arrival.

Writer's Guidance: Liminal Encounters

Use threshold beings when:

• Protagonist crossing from one region to another (border entities)
• Entering sacred/forbidden location (guardian encounter)
• Transitioning between character states (corruption/purification arcs)
• Moving between tiers (ascension tests)

These entities make transitions feel earned. Can't just walk into pyramid—must pass Samand Eslar. Can't just take ancient knowledge—must satisfy Shahmaran. Progress requires trials.