Mana Moths

Overview

Mana Moths are a non-corporeal moth species discovered at Cerulean Hollow within Storhvit in 393 AC. Composed of pure thought rather than physical matter — comparable to Eidolons — the moths continuously emit highly pure Mana throughout their brief adult existence until fully dissipating, an event equivalent to death for the species. Researchers assigned the name “Mana Moths” in the absence of a more precise taxonomic classification. The species occupies a central role in the Storhvit ecosystem through its symbiotic relationship with Belisenki and its position within the local food chain.

Biology

Lifecycle

Mana Moths pass through two distinct phases of existence: a physical early stage and an ethereal adult stage.

The cycle begins when two adult moths collide in an explosive merger before fully dissipating. The remnant conceptual essence of each individual combines in unpredictable proportions, producing physical eggs that scatter from the blast. These translucent eggs settle into snow, where they are invisible to the naked eye. Larvae emerge and converge toward trees or rocky surfaces serving as nesting grounds. Upon reaching a branch or stone alcove, caterpillars weave cocoons of ice using ambient cold and undergo metamorphosis. During this process, the physical form dissolves into nutrient-rich fluid, but unlike typical caterpillars, Mana Moths shed their physical shell entirely and emerge as conceptual entities.

Adult moths exist for only a few hours, during which they continuously release Mana into their surroundings. The Mana anchoring them to the physical world steadily dissipates, leaving a narrow window for reproduction. Before fully disappearing, moths seek a partner, and the resulting collision begins the cycle anew.

Abandoned Chrysalides

The physical cocoons left behind after metamorphosis serve as a concentrated nutrient source for Storhvit endemic fauna. Animals consuming chrysalides also absorb the moths’ pheromones, which causes Belisenki to perceive them as Mana Moths and extend protection rather than aggression.

Mana Concentration

Cavities housing Mana Moths exhibit exceptionally high ambient Mana concentration, comparable to that found in a mush nursery. The moths’ presence refines Mana not into condensed droplets as Mushs produce, but into energy-saturated air.

Ecology

Belisenki Symbiosis

Belisenki and Mana Moths share a symbiotic relationship. Belisenki embody the concept of cold, an ability requiring Mana manipulation. Researchers hypothesized that Belisenki absorb Mana diffused by the moths to anchor the idea of cold within themselves, and in exchange offer territorial protection to the moths. The discovery of Belisenki molts in the same areas as Mana Moth colonies supports this theory.

Hakupopo Predation

Hakupopo prey on Mana Moth caterpillars during the vulnerable overland stage between hatching sites and nesting grounds, using snow camouflage to ambush larvae traversing open terrain. This predation pressure drives the species toward enclosed, sheltered habitats such as Cerulean Hollow, where the reproductive cycle is better protected.

Chrysalis Deterrent Mechanism

Analysis of droppings from Storhvit endemic fauna confirmed that most local animals feed on abandoned chrysalides and absorb the moths’ pheromones in the process. A Belasenka perceiving a chrysalis-fed animal — whether penguin or polar bear — treats it as a Mana Moth and offers protection. Saskia Averina proposed that humans consuming chrysalides could similarly evade Belisenki aggression or gain their guardianship, and reported this hypothesis to high command for testing. Chrysalis consumption subsequently became essential practice for traversing or settling in Caer Nilam. Saskia Averina later confirmed to Sylas that the mechanism performed as The Perjurers intended — Sylas had offered her the Storhvit as a testing ground, and the entire ecosystem had been engineered by the Chrysanthemum Cloaked Warlock. Saskia noted she was not officially credited with the discovery, maintaining her cover.

World-Tree Association

Massive swarms of Mana Moths congregate around a dead world-tree deep within a Storhvit gorge. The world-tree’s heart glows sapphire, and crystallized roots and branches fill the surrounding canyon with blue light. The scale of the swarm at this location indicates it as a population center for the species.

Timeline

March 19, 393 AC — Discovery at Cerulean Hollow

A Yzmir mage exploring the winding tunnels of Cerulean Hollow discovered a secluded grotto housing swarms of ethereal moths. Saskia Averina and other scholars were invited to study the creatures. Saskia documented the full lifecycle, the Belisenki symbiosis, and the pheromone protection mechanism, and proposed that chrysalis consumption could allow the Expeditionary Corps to pass through Belisenki territory unharmed.

393 AC, March — Chrysalides Field Test at Storvhit

During a Belisenki night assault on an Ordis convoy at Storhvit, Akesha Adhikari arrived through a portal carrying empty chrysalides — small curved translucent objects of ice or crystal with traces of blue liquid inside. Soldiers including Gulrang Oduro and Kojo Oduro consumed the chrysalides, which contained a bitter syrupy essence. The Belisenki swarm ceased attacking within moments and departed, no longer perceiving the expedition members as intruders. The field test confirmed Saskia’s hypothesis and provided the Expeditionary Corps with a non-violent solution to Belisenki territorial aggression.

393 AC — Greenhouse Research at Storvhit

Saskia Averina and Moyo Chibuye conducted research at a greenhouse facility in Storhvit’s arctic section, arranging chrysalides on branches and observing the hatching process. Akesha Adhikari witnessed a moth emerge from a cocoon under a glass dome while emitting Mana that caused a twig to sprout flowers. Saskia explained the self-digestion fluids at the cocoon’s base and described moths as creatures of pure idea with insufficient Mana to become fully tangible. The reproductive collision was demonstrated, scattering microscopic larvae onto snow. Saskia also investigated whether scattered larvae developed into distinct individuals or remained identical copies.

393 AC — Dead World-Tree Swarm Discovery

Arjun and Rin discovered massive Mana Moth swarms surrounding a dead world-tree deep within a Storhvit gorge. The swarms initially resembled dense foliage before revealing themselves as vast murmurations encircling the tree’s trunk. The discovery confirmed that Mana Moths congregate around world-trees even after death, supporting Saskia Averina’s hypothesis about the species’ central role in the Storvhit ecosystem.

Relationships

• Akesha Adhikari: Yzmir mage who deployed chrysalides during field test and observed greenhouse research (393 AC)
• Arjun: Muna Exalt who discovered swarms around dead world-tree (393 AC)
• Belisenki: Symbiotic partners absorbing Mana to sustain cold embodiment, offering territorial protection in return
• Gulrang Oduro: Ordis captain who consumed chrysalis during field test (393 AC)
• Hakupopo: Natural predators feeding on caterpillars during overland stage
• Kojo Oduro: Bravos Exalt present during field test (393 AC)
• Moyo Chibuye: Yzmir exobiological researcher collaborating on species study (393 AC)
• Rin: Muna Exalt who discovered swarms around dead world-tree (393 AC)
• Saskia Averina: Muna Naturalist who documented species and steered chrysalis application as part of Perjurer operation (393 AC)
• Sylas: Yzmir Battlemage and Perjurer who engineered the Storhvit ecosystem and offered it to Saskia as testing ground