Mana Moths

Overview

Mana Moths are ethereal moth species discovered at Cerulean Hollow within Storvhit by Yzmir mage in 393 AC. Species composed of pure thought like Eidolons rather than corporeal matter, continuously releasing incredibly pure Mana throughout brief existence until complete disembodiment (death).

Physical Nature

Non-Corporeal Composition

Mana Moths are not corporeal creatures but appear to be creatures of pure thought, much like Eidolons. Throughout brief existence, moths continuously release incredibly pure form of Mana into surroundings. Exude Mana constantly until entirely disembodied - event equivalent to death for species.

Mana Concentration Effect

Cavity housing Mana Moths exhibits exceptionally high concentration of ambient Mana - comparable almost to that found in mush nursery. Moths’ very being refines Mana, not condensing it into droplets like Mushs do, but into air saturated with energy.

Lifecycle Stages

Stage 1: Physical Larvae (Eggs and Caterpillars)

Egg Formation: When two Mana Moths meet before disappearance complete, explosion occurs - vestigial idea of one merges with that of other in unpredictable proportions. From collision, physical eggs formed and scattered by blast, creating myriad facets and combinations derived from two previous individuals.

Egg Development: Translucent eggs settle into snow, invisible to naked eye. Nestled within white down, larvae slowly emerge. Hatching observable under microscope.

Caterpillar Stage: In caterpillar stage, larvae converge toward trees or rocky surfaces that will later serve as nesting grounds. Once reaching branch or stone alcove, caterpillars use ambient cold to weave cocoon of ice, within which they undergo metamorphosis into nymph.

Stage 2: Metamorphosis

Physical form dissolves into nutrient-rich fluid. Instead of self-digesting like typical caterpillars to form butterflies, Mana Moths shed physical shell entirely, becoming mere conceptual entity.

Abandoned Chrysalides: Physical chrysalides left behind serve as concentrated nutrient source. Vast majority of Storvhit endemic fauna feed on abandoned chrysalides. By ingesting them, animals also absorb Moths’ pheromones.

Stage 3: Ethereal Adult Moths

Brief Existence: During few fleeting hours of existence, Moths flit about embodying idea of themselves. This idea gradually fades as Mana that anchors them to world dissipates. State is by nature transient - Mana sustaining them continuously drained away, leaving only brief window to complete reproduction.

Reproductive Behavior: Before disappearance complete, Moths instinctively seek out partner. Meeting results in explosive merger creating next generation’s eggs.

Ecological Relationships

Symbiotic Relationship with Belisenki

Belisenki and Mana Moths exhibit symbiotic relationship. Belisenki embody very concept of cold - ability impossible without capacity to manipulate Mana. Most probable hypothesis: Belisenki absorb Mana diffused by Moths to anchor idea of cold within themselves. In exchange, Belisenki offer protection to ethereal butterflies, much like ants tend to aphids in return for access to honeydew.

Discovery of Belisenki molts in same areas as Mana Moth colonies supports symbiotic relationship theory.

Predation by Hakupopo

Hakupopo are among Mana Moths’ natural predators. Hakupopo blend into snow to gobble up caterpillars as they traverse snowy expanse. This predation pressure explains why Mana Moths tend to evolve in enclosed, sheltered spaces like Cerulean Hollow, ensuring survival of reproductive cycle.

Pheromone Protection Mechanism

Analysis of droppings from Storvhit endemic fauna revealed: vast majority of local animals feed on abandoned chrysalides. Animals absorb Moths’ pheromones when consuming chrysalides. Belisenki (Belasenka singular) perceives penguin or polar bear that has consumed chrysalis as if it were Mana Moth and instinctively offers it protection.

Potential Application: Theory proposed: if humans consumed nectar-laden cocoons, they could evade Belisenki’s vigilance or even place themselves under Belisenki guardianship.

Discovery and Study

Initial Discovery - March 393 AC

Yzmir mage exploring winding tunnels of Cerulean Hollow happened upon secluded grotto by pure chance. Hidden cavity far from open air housed swarms of ethereal Moths. Saskia Averina invited along with other scholars to lend expertise on creatures and astonishing properties.

Scientific Analysis

Taxonomic Classification: Lacking better taxonomic classification, researchers named insects “Mana Moths.”

Observed Traits:

• First identified trait: non-corporeal nature
• Continuous Mana release throughout existence
• Pure thought composition similar to Eidolons
• Two distinct existence stages: physical (early life) and ethereal (post-chrysalis)

Microscopic Observation: Saskia Averina observed hatching under microscope, described as fascinating sight.

Proposed Military Application

Saskia Averina reported findings to high command requesting hypothesis testing as soon as possible. Expeditionary Corps facing relentless assaults since establishing mountain base at Storvhit. If future expeditions can pass unnoticed by Belisenki through chrysalis consumption, theory confirmed successful.

Field Test Confirmation - 393 AC

Akesha Adhikari deployed chrysalides during Belisenki night assault on Ordis convoy at Storvhit, distributing empty cocoons to soldiers including Gulrang Oduro and Kojo Oduro. Chrysalides described as small curved translucent objects made of ice/crystal with traces of blue liquid containing bitter syrupy essence. After consumption, Belisenki swarm ceased attacking within moments, with individual Belasenka showing no aggression and departing as if humans no longer perceived as intruders. Field test confirmed Saskia Averina’s hypothesis: absorbed pheromones made Belisenki perceive expedition members as Mana Moths deserving protection rather than territorial threats. Successful demonstration provided Expeditionary Corps with non-violent solution to territorial conflict through biological deception. Akesha Adhikari explained cryptically solution would “make sure we’re no longer intruders,” validating proposed military application.

Greenhouse Research Observations - 393 AC

Saskia Averina and Moyo Chibuye conducted detailed research at greenhouse facility in arctic section, arranging dozens of chrysalides on branches like tiny bells on reed stem. Akesha Adhikari observed hatching process under glass dome, witnessing moth emerge from side of cocoon while emitting Mana continuously causing twig to sprout budding flowers. Saskia Averina explained self-digestion fluids at cocoon bottom represent caterpillar’s transformation process, and described moths as creatures of pure idea with insufficient Mana to become fully tangible. Reproductive cycle demonstrated: two moths explosively merge annihilating both while scattering microscopic larvae settling onto snow for camouflage. Saskia Averina studied whether larvae evolved into distinct individuals or remained identical copies, investigating Mana Moths’ central role in Storvhit ecosystem. Observations confirmed moth trapped under glass dome repeatedly bumped against barrier despite being incorporeal, prompting discussion about intangible prisons.

Dead World-Tree Swarm Discovery - 393 AC

Arjun and Rin discovered massive swarms of Mana Moths surrounding dead world-tree deep within Storvhit gorge, appearing initially like dense foliage before revealing true nature. Swarms whirled and danced like waves, currents, and rivers of wings creating vast murmuration patterns around cyclopean trunk. Mana Moths encircled world-tree whose heart glowed sapphire color, with network of crystallized roots and branches filling gorge with fractal azure light. Discovery revealed Mana Moths congregate around ancient world-trees even after death, suggesting deep ecological relationship with these entities. Massive scale of swarm indicated Storvhit’s Mana Moths population centers on dead world-tree location. Observation confirmed Saskia Averina’s hypothesis that Mana Moths play central role in Storvhit ecosystem, with dead tree serving as focal point for species activity.

Habitat Requirements

Mana Moths tend to evolve in enclosed, sheltered spaces ensuring survival of reproductive cycle. Cerulean Hollow represents ideal habitat: secluded grotto hidden from sight, far from open air, protected from predators like Hakupopo.

Relationships

• Belisenki: Symbiotic partners absorbing Mana to anchor cold concept, offering protection in return
• Hakupopo: Natural predators feeding on caterpillars in snow
• Saskia Averina: Muna Naturalist who studied and documented species (March 19, 393 AC)
• Cerulean Hollow: Discovery location at Storvhit
• Yzmir: Faction whose mage discovered species
• Storvhit Endemic Fauna: Feed on abandoned chrysalides, gain pheromone protection from Belisenki
• Akesha Adhikari: Yzmir mage who deployed chrysalides during field test (393 AC)
• Gulrang Oduro: Ordis captain who consumed chrysalis during field test (393 AC)
• Kojo Oduro: Bravos Exalt present during field test (393 AC)
• Moyo Chibuye: Muna exobiological researcher collaborating on study (393 AC)
• Rin: Muna Exalt who discovered massive swarms around dead world-tree (393 AC)
• Arjun: Muna Exalt who discovered massive swarms around dead world-tree (393 AC)