General
Until magi started keeping them as companions, there were many legends about water monsters based on the emerald malakios. With their heads sticking out of the water like elephant trunks, these creatures were the perfect inspiration for scary stories told by fishermen. Despite this, the malakios mean no harm and are helpful when one needs a ride across a large mass of water. The only challenge is to befriend them, as the malakios have little interest in bonding with humans. Although they live in bodies of water all around the world, their numbers are not as great as people believe. They possess a unique form of water magic that allows them to reshape the water particles into perfect copies of themselves. Whenever they feel threatened, they create a copy that acts as a decoy, allowing them to escape. They sometimes even make copies of themselves so they wouldn’t feel lonely instead of searching for companionship among their own. The emerald malakios are large for mollusks and like to spend their time with their bodies in the water and their heads in the air, enjoying the breeze and a quick snack when birds fly too close to them.
Egg
This green egg blends in with the surrounding algae.
Hatchling
Emerald malakios were first seen as hatchlings. They were mistaken for algae by seaweed gatherers and traded to the magi for little gold. The hatchlings’ ability to survive out of water for so long was impressive, and the magi decided to keep them even if they thought the malakios would grow into common mollusks. Although those who cared for them put a lot of effort into it, the hatchlings showed no interest in bonding with the magi, their main focus being on food. Nowadays, those who keep these hatchlings as companions know not to expect much in terms of affection. However, their endurance is incredible, so they are kept and trained at the Keep as future water steeds.
Adult
Adult emerald malakios use their magic to create copies of themselves whenever they don’t wish to socialize, making mating difficult. The female malakios are more aloof than males and rarely consider taking a mate. Thus, the male malakios travel far and wide, searching for females that might accept them. Their mating rituals consist of elaborate dances, their long bodies undulating in the water and their heads swaying in the air, trying to attract females. They often end up dancing for fake malakios as the females get bored of the dance and create copies to distract the males while they escape. Unfortunately, the emerald malakios are not an extremely intelligent species and often fall for their own decoys, unable to tell apart a real malakios from a copy. After they mate, the mothers care for their young until the hatchlings can hunt for their own food. Afterward, the females return to their solitary lives. If raised from a young age by magi, the malakios adults will respond to specific calls when their help is needed. However, they do not hesitate to offer a copy of themselves when not enough treats are given, thus giving the unsuspecting magi a surprise bath, as these copies disappear as soon as they are touched.
Notes
Obtained from: Donation (Sep)
Breeding: No
Renaming cost: 2000 gold
Release date: September 15th 2024
Element: Water 
September 2024 Midmonth Donation pet.
Sprite art: Mysfytt | Description: Real