Galvanta Ray

Overview

The galvanta ray is a large member of the ray family of creatures known for its unique ability to generate and discharge electricity. Typically found in tropical oceans, the galvanta ray is a naturally docile create. However, when disturbed, it becomes and unrelenting threat, releasing powerful electrical charges that can devastate anything in its path. Measuring up to 10 feet in size, these creatures pose a significant danger to sailors and ships that accidentally cross their territory.

Appearance

With a wingspan of up to 10 feet, their broad, diamond shaped bodies are one of the larger entities in the oceans. It's topside is typically dark, with patterns resembling storm clouds, while its underside is lighter, often white or pale grey, helping it blend into its environment from either angle. Its long tail is whip-like and often used to channel its electrical discharge towards threats.

Abilities & Behaviour

The galvanta ray is usually peaceful, a gentle giant coasting across the oceans. They are filter feeders, consuming plankton and small fish, and pose no inherent threat to other marine life or sapient species. Once provoked, however, through contact or a ship's wake disturbing the creature, the creature becomes highly aggressive. It is believed that disturbing the creature creates such a large build up of electricity within its body that it affects the brain of the creature until it has managed to discharge all of the energy against the threats. In general, galvanta rays swim solo, but migratory patterns have been observed where groups swim together, which are a particular danger.

The typical method of attack is to leap over the deck of the ship, which it can do when powered up, leaving a trail of lightning in its wake. This discharge is capable of massive damage. Once powered up, the galvanta ray is able to hover, and strike from above. Since the best method of dealing with galvanta rays is avoidance, ship's navigators are trained to avoid known hotspots for the creatures, and to see the tell-tale diamond silhouette in the waters.

Habitat

The galvanta ray prefers warmer waters, meaning its major habitats are the waters around the continents of Suriima, Drassau and Thrabad and the oceans between. Though, they have also been spotted during the height of summer off the southern coasts of Aldenia and Mysandros too.