Skabbgangers

Skabbgangers are a fictional species originating from the novel "The Eye of the World" by Robert Jordan, the first book in the Wheel of Time series. They are depicted as monstrous humanoids, often described as resembling large, decaying, or emaciated corpses. Their primary characteristic is their unnerving, silent pursuit of their victims, and their ability to emerge from the ground or from hiding places with terrifying speed.

Skabbgangers are associated with the Shadow and are often employed as agents of Darkfriends or by the Forsaken. They are not typically portrayed as intelligent beings with complex motivations but rather as relentless hunters driven by a dark will. Their physical appearance is intended to be horrifying, evoking a sense of decay and unnatural life. Descriptions often include descriptions of their gaunt frames, sunken eyes, and the unsettling sounds they might make, if any, during their attacks.

In the narrative, skabbgangers serve as a recurring physical threat, representing the encroaching darkness and the danger posed by malevolent forces. Encounters with skabbgangers are usually high-stakes and often involve desperate fights for survival. Their presence underscores the perilous nature of the world and the constant struggle against the forces aligned with the Dark One. While not central characters, they are significant in establishing the atmosphere of dread and danger within the early parts of the Wheel of Time saga.