Hiraeth Creature #813 - Rivis

Carved in through Hiraeth and Tethys is a massive ravine going up hills, down caves, and even under ocean waves. Hiraeth is an ancient, primal place but this Great Betwixt has only grown into its own wilderness in recent times. The many sources of magic that swirl about the ravine have affected the creatures in ways no one may have expected. Once a small, serpentine fish, the Rivis have grown large, standing a few heads above most travellers, sprouting legs and feet to run through valleys and forests of fungi. Their once flimsy, wriggling bodies are now much bulkier, able withstand claws and fangs from lurking  hunters. Young Rivis are timid and high-strung, but the adults are calm and composed, patrolling the sides of rivers for fish to pierce with their long, pointed snout.

The Rivis originally came from Tethys, but after their magically-induced evolution, they moved onto the coast and slowly migrated along the path of the Great Betwixt. As the Great Betwixt's own bizarre version of nature spread, fish from all around took to the rivers, and some stayed to indulge in the magic they were absorbing through the plants and herbs growing underwater. The Rivis followed the rivers, some staying the southern Betwixt while most of them stayed in schools heading upwards to a more central area. As they hunt the gluttonous fish, they in turn gain the superfluous magic that sits in the mundane fish's gut, and use it to enhance their own abilities. They coat their scales in a layer frigid dew, giving them unnatural protection from magics that would be used against them. If this dew is still across their body, they are said to be able to transmute themselves fully into water and even snow, letting them hide perfectly if their is a hunter about. Though cunning and wily, they will act with aggression if cornered-- the subtle layer of frost can also be honed and extended from their bill as a sabre of ice, letting them do battle with those who look to challenge them. Though equipped to take on the dangers of the Great Betwixt, Rivis are actually more known as peaceful and curious creature to nomads of the ravine, as they greet them with soft songs and playful hatchlings.
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Hiraeth - A World Within (BOOK UPDATE)