I have plenty of creatures in my world, but as I'm focusing on book 1 right now, I thought it best to start with a race that plays a prominent role.
What are Daiths, you may ask? Here's some background, which is kind of sketchy because I haven't fully fleshed it out.
They are evil creatures commanded by the will of Vaulrod, the dark lord (antagonist). They began as Venari (wizards), but when Vaulrod (also a Venari), fell from the path of truth and light, he convinced many of his companions to join him. Thus they became his most powerful servants.
Their appearance is where I ran into some problems. Basically, they were too much like the Black Riders from LOTR. I described them as pale apparitions in the form of humans, but greatly aged, almost with ghostlike qualities. They are hardly more than shadows in the light of day, but under the cloak of darkness, they become easier to see (and more frightening
). Originally, I pictured them sort of like the kings Frodo saw on Weathertop when he put on the ring. But I need to change them to something entirely unique to my imagination. I'm thinking of making them more bestial and less human-looking, with large jaws and long, sharp teeth, and maybe even a horn of some sort protruding from their bodies. I might even give them the ability to fly (doubtful).
So what do you think? Are they too much like the Black Riders?
It'd be cool if one of them had wings or something, if you think that would fit well. If they were all different in some way (one with wings, another with a horn or claws or something), that might be cool too.
*makes note to return to this topic after he has fleshed out some answers*
