Shantak
Shantak are a race of bird-like creatures that reside within the outer regions of the Dreamlands.
Description[]
Enormous birds larger than any elephant, Shantak have slimy, reptilian skin, a pair of membranous, bat-like wings and a head which is said to resemble that of a horse. They have scales rather than feathers, and lay eggs of colossal size and rich flavor.
Overview[]
They are known to inhabit the Cold Wastes region of the Dreamlands, where they are sometimes used as mounts by the denizens of that strange land, although they are deeply fearful of the Night Gaunts which also live there.
Many Shantak are known to serve Nyarlathotep, and many more can be found in the service of Ithaqua, but the Shantaks of the Dreamlands (amongst other creatures) are frequently ridden down and killed for sport by Nodens, possibly explaining their fear of Nightgaunts; in the Dreamlands, Nightgaunts serve as the hunting-dogs of Nodens.