Metabeasts were simply a scholar's title for various races of anthropomorphic animals. Capable of a bipedal walking stance, language recognition, and complex social structures, metabeasts seemed relatively humanoid, although they could also pass for larger versions of most normal animals. Not that the majority of humans would ever admit that. In fact, most humans considered them mistakes of nature at best, abominations at worst, and used them in whatever manner pleased them. Sadly, it was probably their similarities to humans which made them so reviled, unlike normal animals. Different species of metabeast usually divided themselves into tribes, eking out existences in places humans did not desire or had not yet explored. Of course, that did not mean they were completely cut off from humans. Traders and various powers, such as the Sorcery Conglomerate, would often surreptitiously do business with the tribes whenever an opportunity arose. And then there were the slavers and black market hunters, who would often take any metabeast found alone to a bad end.
Reton's metabeast was obviously of the canine or lupine sort, much larger than an ordinary wolf. In fact, when on its hind legs it stood head and shoulders above even the tallest humans in Reton's crew, and would easily have torn them apart had it not been for the subjugation collar. From its especially bulky frame, it would seem the metabeast was a warrior, well-built even amongst its own tribe. It's forepaws functioned as hands, although it could easily drop to all fours for short bursts of speed. Its only real clothing was a loincloth, its fur protecting its body, but it was garbed in various ornamental wear, such as bracelets and necklaces, that were obviously of ritualistic value.
Merse could count at least ten of Reton's group that she could spot from her position, and knowing Reton, there were probably no less than five others she was missing. She barely had time to draw a breath and get into her stance before all the ones she had found descended on her en masse. While she moved as quickly as possible to minimize the number of foes she was facing at any one moment, the group closed in. Ropes flew out and a flailing Merse disappeared in the midst of the circle of rogues.
"Take 'er," Reton smirked. The metabeast lurched forward towards the wriggling mass of bodies with a snarl, obeying its master. However, just as the metabeast reached the crowd, bodies seemed to explode out in every direction. Those that did not die on impact were knocked unconscious. The metabeast did not even have time to move before fangs sank deep into its shoulder.
At first, Reton could not process what was happening. By the time he saw the eight eyes and as many legs, it was already too late. As Reton turned to run, his scream was cut short. The remainder of his group which had remained hidden in the surrounding buildings soon suffered the same fate. Soon, an eerie silence descended upon the empty streets in the dusky light.
**********
Normally, the death of a few petty criminals in a city of rogues would attract little attention. However, the manner in which they were found presented a unique problem.
The archmage assigned to Dregsbale stood at the top of the street staring at the odd sight as the mages under him quickly chanted light spells. Thick silken strands stretched from rooftop to rooftop, creating an enormous web. However, what drew the attention of all below was the fact that hanging interspersed thoughout the web were elongated silk-covered bundles, each the size of a body and dripping blood. The archmage cursed to herself. She knew that the Conglomerate had hunted a spider, but how and why would it show up leagues upon leagues away in Dregsbale? And of all times, why did it have to show up while she was here? If it wasn't the spider they hunted, just how many spiders were wandering around the realm?
"My Lady, we've confirmed that it was a spider, and a large one. We're not sure how it got into the city, though," one of the mages reported to their superior.
"Yes, even I can see that much," the archmage responded distractedly. While all of the mages, soldiers, and gawkers were staring above their heads, the archmage had her eyes to the ground. Spotting a large mass in one of the side streets, she hurried over, her assistant following.
"It's just a dead metabeast, my Lady," the mage stated in response to her gaze. "We found a subjugation collar on it; perhaps the deceased individuals were trying to use it to kill the spider."
"Oh, shut up already," the archmage irritatedly responded, not drawing her gaze from the body. The mage, a bit intimidated, gave a small bow and backed away, scurrying over to consult with some of the other mages on the scene. Alone, the archmage began to ponder. "Now then, why only you? Why did that spider attack every living thing in this street and hang them up like bloody ornaments, but not you?"