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 shiny blue patches 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
Although their primary range is among the trees, white-faced martelus are unusual in that they can also be found in mines and caves. These martelus have a knack for finding metal ores and sensing danger, making them invaluable companions to miners, and their more even temperament makes them easier to train than blue-faced martelus. Contrary to popular belief, white-faced martelus do not hibernate like bears, but they are often less active during the winter, especially compared to their blue-faced cousins. No one is quite sure why white-faced martelus are so good at finding rare metals, but many think they may derive some energy from certain ore minerals, which may help them stave off hunger during the winter months. Miners with trained martelus often report them licking the walls of mines to get at the minerals within. Although they are able to detect more valuable materials like gold and silver, the martelus seem to prefer licking gangue minerals like pyrite and arsenopyrite, the toxicity of which doesn't seem to bother the little animals.
Notes
Obtained from: Donation (Dec)
Breeding: Yes
Renaming cost: 2000 gold
Release date: December 1st 2016
Element: Water 
Breeds with the following:
White-faced Martelus + White-faced Martelus = White-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 5-shard Donation Pet
Sprite art: Tekla | Description: Tekla/PKGriffin