Soul Merger

Monsterpedia

Salamander

Monster Level - I

Soul Type - Composite

Intelligence - Animalistic

Strength - Large Dog

Magic - High

Rarity - Common

There's a very large argument in monster research circles on whether these should be called giant salamanders, salamanders, or renamed something else. For now they're mostly called salamanders due to looking much like a crocodile sized version of the smaller animal. However, while natural salamanders are amphibious these monsters exist in fiery areas, using their natural sweat to resist the heat.

They also have good fire magic, and prefer using that against threats. Delvers facing these creatures should prepare to be peppered with stinging fireballs and flame breath. Fortunately they're fairly weak for their size. The massive maw of the creatures rarely does much more damage than a big dog. Something still dangerous for unmerged people, but hardly the certain death an alligator's bite can be. And they aren't very hardy.

Salamanders have low aggression, but are farmed for their skin, and hearts. The skin gives fire resistance, while their hearts produce a constant amount of flameless heat.

Salamander meat is actually very tasty! But it spoils incredibly quickly and there's no known way of preserving it. It also requires preparation as several salamander organs are poisonous. It's not suggested for a dungeon snack, but if you can find a cook give it a try.

Merge

Benefits : Fire Resistance, Fire magic boost

Weaknesses : Cold dry weather

Salamander merges are a very uncommon merge, though small groups will form in areas around fire labyrinths. The merge tends to give darker skin, brighter eyes and expands the webbing of the fingers and toes. There's also a small loss of body hair, though how much is part of the merge and how much is general body reforming is hard to say.

The main benefit of this merge is people will sweat the same oil that gives salamanders fire resistance. Thus people who want to do low level delving and can't afford better merges will settle for a salamander merge if most of the nearby labyrinths are fire based. It's not fire immunity, and the oily sheen on skin can put some people off but it's a good skill. The merge also assists fire spellcasting.

The downside is that while they're very resistant to fire, a cold dry climate can cause serious issues with skin dryness for salamander merges. They won't suffer under the desert sun, but the freezing night air might be even more dangerous than it is to an unmerged human. Salamander merges need to plan carefully when traveling in cold areas.

Salamander merge oil can't really be shared so they can only protect themselves. It also makes sweaty palms extra dangerous so people who need strong grips should probably wear gloves.