#383 Misery Finch

Age: 500 Years

Hidden or Lost: Hidden

History: Like many folktales of the open wilderness, the myths and lore surrounding the so-called ‘Misery Finch’ seem like unalloyed superstition. In truth, the prophetic nature of the small, rare bird is all too real. A fact which has led to the bird’s presence being turned to cruel and deadly new purpose.

Identifiable by its dark black stripes, and insectile eye clusters, the misery finch has long been a harbinger of suicide and self-destruction. According to the legends, the misery finch would appear in the vicinity of an impending suicide, perching on windowsills or in the branches overhead to watch for the victim’s final act of self-destruction, finally issuing its terrible, groaning call as soon as the act was done. The bizarre birds then scatter to the wind, never leaving nests or eggs, just small, black feathers that attract despair and ill fortune. Yet some believed it was the other way around, that the presence of the feared finch was what actually sparked the related deaths, the myth itself instigating those who were already thinking of taking their own life.

Early death cults believed that the birds held great prophetic powers, and sought to capture the many-eyed bird to use in their augurs. These grim zealots were known to skulk around sporting houses, tall bridges, and rotting dens, waiting to spot the creatures drawn by the souls of despair nearby. The cultists would then capture specimens and dissect them to look for the source of the birds’ theorized ‘death sense.’

The belief also arose that the misery finch’s power came from its many eyes, that the small black orbs could actually see the future and detect the kind of hopeless misery they found so appealing. Based on this, petty conmen and charlatans have been known to peddle misery finch eye tinctures and prophecy snuffs, although none have been proven to work.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, all who claim to have successfully captured a misery finch have met a terrible fate in relatively short order, leading to the continued mystery surrounding the creature.

Worryingly, modern rumors circulate in the world’s seedy taverns and thieves’ dens that the misery finch’s self-destructive aura can be deliberately turned towards specific targets. This insidious ritual requires a charm that must be placed around a misery finch’s leg. The charm must be inscribed with an unfortunate soul’s name and a handful of secret runes. The misery finch would then turn its many eyes to that unlucky person, dooming them to suicide.

Until further study can be conducted on this mythic bird, the misery finch is best avoided, but if you do see one, be sure to look out for any lost souls nearby.