Crowned Downling

Welcome to Eldergrove, Researcher. You were sent by the Academy to research and document the magical creatures in and around Eldergrove: - #059 - CROWNED DOWNLING Type: Ice / Light Habitat: Frozen Lakes & Glacial Springs Size: 1–2 feet Rarity: Rare APPEARANCE: A small, impossibly elegant swanlet (cygnet) that appears to be sculpted from solidified, pale winter light rather than flesh and blood. Its incredibly soft, downy feathers are pure white and coated in a perpetual layer of fine, diamond-dust frost that shimmers with every subtle movement. Perched atop its head is a natural, intricate formation of non-melting ice that resembles a delicate crystalline crown. Its eyes are a pale, glowing sapphire blue. BEHAVIOR: Crowned Downlings move with absolute, uncanny silence. Even when gliding across rough ice or stepping through crunchy snow, they make no sound. They are incredibly gentle and serene creatures that rarely show fear, preferring to simply drift away from threats like a passing cloud. They spend hours preening, ensuring their coat of frost is perfectly even. ABILITY: Serene Aura. The Downling constantly emits a soft, cold glow. This light has a potent magical effect that dampens aggressive emotions and anxiety in any creature within a ten-foot radius, replacing anger with a sense of quiet calm. HABITAT & DIET: They are found exclusively on the most pristine, frozen bodies of water in the grove, usually high in the mountains. They do not consume physical matter; they sustain themselves by absorbing the light of the moon reflected off fresh snow. LORE: Ancient myths claim that Crowned Downlings are born from the very first ray of sunlight that strikes a frozen lake after the winter solstice. To see one is considered a sign that the coming winter will be peaceful, rather than harsh. Temperament: Graceful, Silent, Serene Activity: Nocturnal (Most active on clear, moonlit nights)