Midnight Essence
The Midnight Essence was a type of monster of some sort on Roshar that was tied to the Desolations, possibly as a sign that one was soon to occur.[1] It was one of the Ten Deaths and fighting it changed a person. It was not considered by the Knights Radiant to be one of the Voidbringers, but it seems that someone had to release it from somewhere. Dalinar saw them in his 12th vision.
Appearance & Behavior
The Midnight Essence's skin was smooth, slick, black, and reflective.[1] It had six extremely thin legs that were bent at the sides with clawed paws. The Midnight Essence's body seemed almost fluid, with a long and flexible neck and sharp teeth that appeared like knives. The Midnight Essence also gave off a putrid smell.
As The Midnight Essence had no eyes, it hunted by smell, and made a soft wheezing whispering sound when hunting for a scent.[1] Its body was soft, it gave a little when it was struck. When the skin was pierced, the Midnight Essence bled smoke. If the Essence was damaged enough, its entire body would deflate with a hissing sound, leaving behind a skin that looked like a sack of black silk. The Midnight Essence's mouth was a weak point on its body.
The Essence was fairly clever as well, wary when facing a skilled or determined opponent.[1]
Abilities
The claws of the Midnight Essence were powerful enough to seriously damage Shardplate.[1] It was quite strong, able to burst right through the wall of a barn. As it hunted by smell, it could track people in the darkest night. They also often hunted as a pack. The Essence was seemingly impervious to fire. They were also swift, both while running and while fighting.