Female Hatchling
Name: unnamed
Species: Numbul
Birthday: Thursday, November 18, 2021
Owner: schtefy
Mother: unnamed
Father: unnamed
Element: Earth 
The first thing any magi notices about a new Numbul hatchling is its dedication. Despite being slow and clumsy as hatchlings, they will bumble after their magi unceasingly in an attempt to follow them, and are only content when placed safely in a bag or pocket near their owner. If their magi ignores them or they cannot find their magi, they will turn to stone in fear and remain that way until their magi pays them attention. The only other thing that makes them happy and will convince them to leave their magi’s side is a patch of soft dirt filled with the roots of spring flowers. Young Numbuls will happily burrow in shallow dirt for hours, hunting for the freshest roots. Unfortunately, they tend to eat what they find.
These small, furry companions look unassuming, but are considered one of the most helpful creatures in the Keep, especially to those who study herbs and potions. Their loyalty to their magi is unparalleled, making them easy to train as well as wonderful, loving companions. Their fur is soft to the touch, and they like nothing better than to curl up next to their magi and take a nap in the sun. On top of this, they have incredibly keen senses of smell and hearing. Numbuls are instinctively drawn to the scent of flowers, and are only found in areas where there is plenty of flower growth. Tame Numbuls are able to learn new natural scents with one repetition. Magi make use of this ability to train them to find rare herbs. Numbuls are also helpful for another reason. Their large ears give them a keen sense of hearing that helps them hear danger from amazing distances. They will alert their magi, and other creatures, to danger by turning their bodies to stone in an attempt to hide. Once turned to stone, Numbuls become incredibly heavy and all but impossible to move. In the wild, this makes them near impervious to any predators. On long journeys, many magi have had their lives saved by their cautious Numbul companion when they have turned to stone and alerted the magi of coming danger. Of course, at the Keep this ability can be just as much a nuisance as a help. Some Numbuls turn to stone with no provocation other than a sneeze, and more than a few botany students have stubbed their toes on stone Numbuls.
Sprite art: Jrap17 (hatchling) | Description: Raneth