Prologue
Bestiarium Magicum
Page 36, Entry #314
Name: CORODIUM
Classification: SPIRIT-BEING (FORMERLY: BEAST)
Frequency: RARE (occuring in not more than 1% of the magical population)
Physical properties: Humanoid; often shrouded in black or grey mist which dissipates with age/growth; blackened extremities spreading to arms a/o legs a/o mouth by the onset of early adulthood
Magical properties: Areas of giftedness include Legilimency and Occlumency, offensive magic, hexes and curses, potion making*; areas of deficit include healing and medicine, charms, defensive magic, care of magical creatures
Origins: The Corodium is not conceived, but asexually produced between two individuals (henceforth referred to colloquially as ‘parents’) through a pattern of repeated, non-mutual magical violence. Despite being the correct size, shape, physical makeup, and approximate appearance of a human being, a Corodium is rather a manifestation of magical energy tainted by prolonged feelings of bitterness, entrapment, and resentment. The modern wizard may find it helpful to concieve of Corodium as an industrial byproduct produced by the manufacturing of sustained interpersonal violence.
The occurance of a Corodium often results in the grisly death of the more violent parent, and the formation of a parasitic relationship with the remaining or less violent parent. The Corodium grows and matures as a typical child, at the progressive expense of the health and magical ability of their attached parent. The siphoning of life from the attached parent occurs regardless of will, and is typically accompanied by a dream-like, doting, or protective state over the growing Corodium. The under-developed Corodium may lose some of their magical ability, become ill, or become anchored to a single location in the absense of the attached parent. This is their weakest and most vulnerable state.
History: It is a common misconception that Corodium only occur in the context of intimate partner violence—indeed, this seems to significantly increase the likelihood of the creation of a Corodium, but it is not a prerequisite. There are several historical examples to the contrary featuring sworn-enemies-turned-co-parents, which the interested reader may find in supplementary literature such as Most Macabre Monstrocities and Marauding with Monsters.
Until the mid-1970s, Corodium were classified strictly as beasts. However, the Minister for Magic in France campaigned successfully for their reclassification as beings upon becoming the uncle of one such creature. However, they remain largely barred from entering the ‘helping’ professions, and enjoy a social class similar to that of werewolves, vampires, and half-breeds.
*Giftedness in the brewing of potions is dependent upon the type of potion being brewed.