Dream Eater

Appearance
The Dream Eater's initial form is something of an amalgamation, as it exhibits physical traits from several other Grimm-types; While its torso is somewhat stout and unremarkable, its face resembles that of a Goliath Grimm, having a small elephantine trunk for a nose. Also similar to the Goliaths, it has two small tusks emerging from its lower jaw. However, these tusks are more crescent in their shape and formation when compared to the Goliath, making this trait closer to the Boarbatusk's more than anything. On top of its head are two small white horns in place of ears, similar to those seen on the Dragon Grimm. Its front legs bear a striking resemblance to the Ursa Grimm's paws, having sharp nails in a similar arrangement. Its hind legs seem to be derived from the Beowolf, having a more canid-style build along with four white nails (as opposed to the Ursa's five). It also has a scorpion-like tail and orange stinger, similar to that of the Death Stalker, but much smaller given its overall build.

Despite effectively having the combined appearance of several menacing Grimm, the Dream Eater is very underwhelming in terms of its size. It stands at roughly 2'4" when on its hind legs, and has an estimated weight of just over 26 lbs. Similar to most Grimm, a large portion of its body is coated with black fur. While it has several white, bone-like portions covering its body, a majority of these are found over its very top half. Its face is plated with a white mask with several red, waving marks that circle around the openings for its blood-red eyes. The white portion extends up its head and along its entire backside, and finally along the tail, where it stops at the orange stinger. Notably, its backside has red markings which form into a circular shape containing several ovals of more red marks within - each of which converge to the center. Along the outside rim of this circle are even more red marks, which resemble small feathers pointing at different angles.

While initially very pitiful looking, the Dream Eater has the potential to become far more menacing when it uses its noxious steam to effect an individual's perception. While under these hallucinogenic effects, this creature's overall build turns from stout to sleek and well-adjusted, along with gaining a general size increase. Though its exact measurements are unknown, it is estimated that this form is somewhere around 20 ft in terms of height, and weighing in at somewhere over 24,000 lbs. The Dream Eater also exhibits new physical traits in this form, such as spike-like protrusions forming from its scapula regions (shoulders). Its teeth become more jagged, along with its tail gaining small, but razor sharp bone-like blades running along its sides. It is worth noting however that this form is simply an illusion created by its steam. While the Dream Eater can appear as many different things while under the effects of the fumes it creates, this particular form is the most common one seen by the few who have been exposed to it.

Abilities / Threat Ranking
Initially, the Dream Eater is a very fragile combatant. It does not possess any outstanding qualities as far as fighting goes. It will use its claws, teeth, and stinger to strike at and ward off foes. Notably, the stinger does not have any poisonous attributes to it. While its attacks are enough to be harmful to most normal civilians, they pose very little threat against those with basic combat skills and Auras. Its low speed and weak physical properties make it an easily disposable target, at least when it comes to first glances.

When faced against humans who are more than capable of fighting back, the Dream Eater resorts to its most dangerous ability: Through heating a unique natural liquid that builds up in its body, it is able to spew forth a noxious, purple, gaseous substance from its trunk. This steamy substance serves as an extremely potent hallucinogen, and is capable of effecting anyone who inhales it. While almost anything can happen when under its effects, those subjected to it will often be exposed to vivid hallucinations involving negative themes; Such as things that might induce sadness, anger, feelings of helplessness, and so on. These hallucinations are said to last anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour, with the Dream Eater itself often taking the opportunity to attack those under their effects.

Capitalizing on the effects of its hallucinogenic gas is a top priority for the Dream Eater, as this is generally the only way it can defeat stronger foes. This Grimm will usually appear as a much more menacing incarnation of itself to those hallucinating, giving it a potential advantage in confusing and terrifying its targets even further. Despite this however, its physical body does not actually change, and thus retains its weak physicality. This essentially means that the Grimm must employ an intimidation tactic to wear down its opponents. However, once the effects of its gas wears off, the Dream Eater goes back to being nearly helpless until it can build up more of its natural hallucinogenic substances. This process takes several hours for it to complete, meaning that the only real choice for the Grimm in such a scenario is to flee. Notably, if a Dream Eater is knocked out or slain, the effects of its steam will quickly begin to subside and eventually fade out.

Additionally, there are a few ways others can go about preventing this Grimm from using its hallucinating vapors. Firstly, the gaseous substance is only projected from its trunk. If circulation to the trunk was cut off or plugged up, the Dream Eater would not be able to produce its steam. Secondly, the only way to be subjected to its hallucinations is to inhale the vapor itself. If an individual is quick enough, they can potentially outrun the substance if they see the Dream Eater preparing to unleash it. Gas masks are said to be effective in neutralizing it as well, though there is no current proof of this beyond word of mouth.

Due to the Dream Eater's low fighting capabilities and generally weak destructive potential, it is initially assigned an "E" Rank. However, the threat of the hallucinations brought on by its gaseous substances can easily propel it to an "A" Rank, should someone inhale the vapors themselves.

Additional Notes
The Dream Eater itself is a very rare creature, to the point where most would consider it little more than a myth. Very few have encountered it before, which has left little information surrounding it in the current age. While very elusive, it is still possible to run into these creatures under the right circumstances. Much like all Grimm, the Dream Eater is attracted to negativity. Rather than seeking out sources of negative feelings however, it is rumored to dwell in areas with a history of strong, negative emotions attached to them in some way. This can include places such as ruins from old accidents or ancient cemeteries. The Dream Eater is also something of a recluse, as it tends to roam by itself while avoiding other Grimm.

Trivia
- The Dream Eater is based on the Baku, a spiritual creature from Japanese myths. In the original legends, the Baku was said to be created from the leftover pieces of other animals. This is why the Dream Eater's appearance is a combination of several (official) Grimm.

- The pattern on the Dream Eater's back is meant to resemble a dreamcatcher.