General
Martelus are small, arboreal creatures found only in taiga regions. These creatures hunt by freezing their prey, using ice magic to kill and encase it in a layer of ice for when they're ready to eat. The sharp claws on their feet help them to grip onto ice-covered branches while they traverse the trees, preferring to fly only if the distance between trees is too far to jump. Magi who keep these creatures as companions find that they are quick to learn. Synarans in particular favor blue-faced martelus for their brilliant feathers, while adventurous types and treasure-hunters prefer the white-faced martelus for its ease of training and hardier nature.
Egg
This egg has pink splotches on it.
Hatchling
Martelus hatchlings are notoriously feisty, eager to nip at their mothers, siblings, and any unwary fingers that wander too close. Despite their temperaments, newborn hatchlings are frail and vulnerable to predators, so they remain in their mother's den for some weeks until they are strong enough to follow her outside. They remain with their mother until the end of their first summer, accompanying her on hunts so they can learn how to feed themselves and use their ice and tracking powers. Although their wings do not reach their full size until they are nearly a year old, Martelus hatchlings are able to fly almost as soon as they hatch, suggesting they use magic to fly. Flying seems to take up a great deal of their energy stores, however, so the young use this ability primarily to escape from predators.
Adult
Blue-faced martelus are the larger of the two species of martelus, suited for hunting larger game, and also more brightly colored than their brown-and-gray counterparts. These martelus lack the treasure-seeking behavior of white-faced martelus, but they are often seen as superior hunters, able and willing to track prey for weeks at a time. Their coats tend to be paler in color than those of white-faced martelus, likely because they range further north than the white-faced martelus, and are often active throughout the winter. Their fierce reputation and skill in hunting, as well as their elegant appearance, has made them favorable companions to Synaran nobility, especially in provinces where sport hunting is popular.
Notes
Obtained from: Donation (Dec)
Breeding: Yes
Renaming cost: 2000 gold
Release date: December 1st 2016
Element: Water 
Breeds with the following:
Blue-faced Martelus + Blue-faced Martelus = Blue-faced Martelus (Guaranteed) Cost: 3 shards
Blue-faced Martelus + White-faced Martelus = Blue-faced Martelus (Guaranteed) Cost: 3 shards
Blue-faced Martelus + White-faced Martelus = White-faced Martelus (Guaranteed) Cost: 3 shards
December 2016 3-shard Donation Pet
Sprite art: Tekla | Description: Tekla/PKGriffin