General
Deep into the caves of Nareau, deeper than most magi dare to venture, there are clear lakes of salty water, their large surfaces a mirror of the walls above. If paying close attention, one might distinguish moving lights among the reflecting crystal images. These moving lights are Nareaun pterois abaias, their serpentine bodies undulating slowly in the shallow parts of the lakes, creating mesmerizing images with each move of their fins. Some say they've seen their most precious memories pictured in these images, while others claim to have spotted things that their souls most desire just beyond the surface of the lake. Many magi believe these to be simple stories of people who ventured too far into the caves of Nareau, while others, although skeptical, have heard before of the dream-like images the rumored Nareaun pterois abaias can create. It is believed that the Nareaun and Somni pterois abaias were once one and the same species. Through millenia the two diverged into their own species with one of them remaining in isolation and becoming endemic to the Caves of Nareau, and the other having a more wide spread range in the oceans around Somni. This separation has affected the two species in profound ways especially in regards of their habits and magical abilities.
Egg
The small fins of this egg reflect colorful lights.
Hatchling
Once hatched from their eggs, Nareaun pterois abaia elvers start exploring their surroundings, curious to meet their fellow playmates and eager to create mischief. While unable to control their abilities entirely, they like to play pranks on adult eels as well as on other marine creatures with spurts of magic, creating distorted, short lasting images of different objects or strange beings. It is unknown how the elvers create images of things they have yet to see. Some say memories are passed through their ancestors and while many dedicated magi have tried to prove this theory true, no conclusion has been reached. When not causing trouble, the elvers spend their time hunting for larvae and worms. They often fall asleep after a good meal, in a tangled mess of tiny, slippery bodies, regaining their energy for their next illusory prank.
Adult
Nareaun pterois abaias master their illusory magic only once they reach adulthood. Surprisingly, their magic is more potent if they grow alongside magi rather than in the wild as they read the emotions of both creatures and people nearby and are able to create more accurate images with their fin movements. They are often sought out as companions, especially by those who mourn a loved one as well as by those who are in need of comfort. These eels are able to create lasting images in the water, providing solace for those with a broken heart, or picturing an adventure for those who cannot travel. Unlike their mischievous behavior as elvers, adult eels are benevolent creatures, happy to create a beautiful image based on their companion magi emotions in exchange of a wormy snack.
Notes
Obtained from: Donation (Jul)
Breeding: No
Renaming cost: 2000 gold
Release date: July 1st 2024
Element: Neutral
July 2024 5-shard Donation Pet.
Sprite art: Mysfytt | Description: Real