Hags

Classification
Spirit, Malevolent

Brief Description
A malevolent spirit, inhabiting the body of a dead witch or sorceress, kidnaps and eats children and elderly

Creation
When a witch or other female user of magic dies, whether from natural or unnatural causes, their body begins to almost leak out their supply of magical energies. This leaves their bodies vulnerable to inhabitation by any number of spirits tht=at may linger around them, if any of these spirits are malevolent in nature, then her body may be reanimated and a hag is born.

Varieties of Hags
Hags come in two known varieties which relate to the types of magic they use in their rituals
 * Blood Hags: Blood hags use the blood of their victims to create potions and tinctures to augment their power and maintain their decomposing bodies. The blood may also be used in ritual summonings of lesser demons and spirits.
 * Bone Hags: Bone hags use their victim's bones to craft talismans and charms for purposes similar to that of blood hags, but the bones may also be used for the practice of necromancy.

Purpose
Hags are most famous for kidnapping children, but they will just as readily snatch up the elderly. They will consume the flesh of their victims and use either the blood or bones in their rituals and concoctions. A hag will linger near a village for long periods of time, feeding off of its inhabitants until it either wipes out the population or being chased off.

Dealing With Hags
When seeking to dispatch a hag, there is one approach that is commonly considered to be the most effective. Hags are notoriously vain and will avoid mirrors in order to keep from having to see their own vile forms. When confronted with a mirror, a hag will avert her gaze and try to avoid seeing herself, this will leave them open to attack. When attacking a hag, fire, silver, or blessed steel are the most effective methods.