Bogeymen (Vestiarium sapiens) are primarily nocturnal, and actually experience pain if forced into direct light for extended periods of time. Their scientific name means, literally, "thinking closet," and is generally assumed to be the work of Frances Healy, after a bit too much cooking sherry.
Most human settlements have their own associated populations of bogeymen, who combine a social network comprised of family obligations and favors with a strong solitary streak. Very few bogeymen will live within a mile of bogeymen to whom they are not related. This may not be a natural behavior; as with many human-formed cryptids, their social behaviors have shifted over the centuries in an effort to protect the species from the Covenant.
When dealing with bogeymen, it is best to remember that they place little value on long-term loyalty, but high value on debts and favors owed. Always read the fine print, and be certain of what you're getting into before you sign anything a bogeyman might offer you. The term "bogeyman" applies to both males and females of the species.
BIOLOGY
Bogeymen are members of the family Hominidae, making them close relatives of Homo sapiens. Their exact evolutionary path is unknown, and we have been, as yet, unable to determine exactly where they branched off from other known hominids. Bogeymen are omnivorous, much like humans, and favor a wide and varied diet. Many of them enjoy slightly rotten food, and seem to have a stronger digestive system than the average human. Bogeymen can catch human diseases, but their physiology often causes them to have unusual symptomatic progression. Bogeymen have been key in the spread of several human plagues, considering them to be "minor colds."
Bogeymen share the biological makeup of most members of family Hominidae. While they tend to be somewhat stronger than humans of the same size and gender, their sensitivity to light makes this a questionable advantage. Bogeymen possess enhanced sight and hearing, making them excellent spies, and stalwart haters of heavy metal music. They are warm-blooded, and bear live young, with the average birthrate being close to the human norm.
DESCRIPTION
Bogeymen have grayish skin, extremely long arms and legs, and three-knuckled fingers. We believe they may have branched off from the rest of the hominids around the time the orangutan was developing, and have maintained some of the applicable physical adaptations. Bogeymen are extremely good climbers, but prefer to remain underground, or in your closet.
Artwork by Kory Bing.