Shadow Lemur

All across the kingdom of Ri'kahar, in cities, near rivers and in the lush oasis that dot the desert, shadow lemurs might be found. These relatively benign and gentle beings mostly resemble an ordinary lemur in appearance, except for the black stripes in their fur, that seem to move on their own in an unending, foggy swirl.
They are small, agile creatures, about the size of a domestic cat, their body covered in soft, dark fur that blends seamlessly with the shadows they love. Its large, round eyes glow faintly in the dark, giving it an almost ethereal appearance. With a long, bushy tail and nimble limbs, it moves gracefully across the cities and trees, often mistaken for an ordinary little ape at first glance.

Behavior

The Shadow Lemur is a gentle and inquisitive creature, often seen flitting through the sunlit shadows during the day, its movements a blur of activity. With an insatiable curiosity, it explores its surroundings, its large, luminous eyes taking in the slightest detail of anything interesting. People, in particular, captivate the Shadow Lemur, and it can sometimes be a playful pest, drawn to the most mundane human activity. This has earned it the moniker of "Trader's bane" among fruit vendors across the bazaars of Ri'kahar , a title that is half jest, half truth.
Besides its diet of fruit, it also consumes something entirely different: tiny fragments of the shadows cast by those who intrigue it. This delicate nibbling leaves the shadows largely unscathed, and the resulting holes regenerate within a few days without any noticable effect to the person. Nobody has ever noticed any ill effects as a result of this and the holes in the shadows always grow back within a few days. To what purpose the lemur consumes the shadows is something that has puzzled sages and academics for centuries.

Habitat

The Shadow Lemur thrives near water and lush vegetation, whether in cities, oases, or along rivers. These areas provide ample fruits and endless entertainment for these inquisitive creatures. In cities, the Shadow Lemur navigates narrow alleys and hidden gardens with ease, drawn to lively markets and human activity. Near oases and rivers, it enjoys the lush greenery and cool waters, which offer both nourishment and plenty opportunities for it to play.

Cultural Significance

Among the kaharan people,many tales and legends are told about these elusive creatures. In these tales, the lemur is usually depicted as a well meaning jester or a amusing companion of the heroine. In folklore, this is a bit different: Some whisper that the Shadow Lemur maintains the delicate balance between light and dark, a guardian of twilight send by the gods. Others view it as a playful trickster, a mischevious being from the otherworlds with the spirit of a wild child. In some areas, getting your shadow "nibbled upon" is even considered a good omen, a blessing upon your river of life.

"This little troublemaker? That's Kamir. Found me in a seedy corner of the Harbor Quarter. And what can I say? It was love at first sight. He hasn't left my side since."

Maklor No'war, patron at the Whispering Waves