Edge Beasts

The Edge Beast is a creature from Asharu mythology, which is said to haunt settlements at, or near the world's border. They are said to be the only beings (besides Ashuntash and Ankar) that have the ability to actually cross the grand barrier, making them one of the most dangerous critters the void can produce. However, the fact that they have never been seen anywhere further inland than 100 blocks indicates that leaving the eternal darkness for too long takes a considerable physical toll on them.

Their exact appearance is a mystery, as the only surviving image of them was drawn by a 7-year-old whose village was massacred by one, drawing a horde of Larvelings with them. After decades of debate, scholars assume that they take on the appearance of two, 10-legged beetles melting together. Their rump is generally perceived as purpur with translucent skin exposing their internal organs and making a solid red core visible. The red sphere is thought to be a kind sensory organ, as well as serving a reproductive function, as it moves closer to the skin when the beast is agitated, or looking to produce offspring.

Their reproductive cycle is closely tied with their attack pattern. First, they capture and incapacitate living humanoids, then their core moves closer to the subjects, and multiple thin trunks starting to sprout out of it. Once the proboscis penetrates the skin of the humanoid, it will start sucking out its inner organs, leaving only the shrivelled up but largely intact skin. It will then proceed to fill the limp body sack with many hundred larvae, all possessing a small part of the former human's personality, which will grow and consume each other until only the strongest is left. This larvae will now shape itself after the human, connecting its outer membrane with the human hide, and steal their identity. The "Larveling" will now return to his village, persuading others to travel to the world border, often speaking about things of unbelievable beauty and wonder in great detail.

Once the Larvelings are mature enough, a dozen of them will gather and produce a small cocoon, utilizing sticks, stones and a form of silk they produce themselves. They will then liquify and form a new Edge Beast in only a couple of days.