Makara (MAH-kah-rah)

Water Serpent

The Makara glides effortlessly through the waters of Tír na nÓg, a serpentine marvel cloaked in iridescent scales that flicker with hints of deep blue, sea green, and pearl. Though they are often mistaken for mere creatures of beauty, the Makara is much more than aquatic ornament. It is a living expression of peace and guidance—benevolent, mysterious, and instinctively attuned to the rhythms of magical waters. With an elongated body adorned by graceful dorsal fins and a wide, rippling tail, it swims in elegant spirals through coral forests and tidal grottos, moving like a ribbon of light beneath the waves.
Said to be descended from mythical oceanic deities, the Makara carries an aura of quiet reverence in the realm. Though non-sapient, these beings exhibit patterns of behavior that suggest a gentle intelligence—one shaped not by language or tools, but by generations of magical harmony. They are protectors not of treasure or territory, but of balance. Sailors and swimmers tell tales of being nudged back to safety by the firm but gentle nose of a Makara, or of seeing one circle a vessel until its crew had calmed a storm of fear or sorrow.
Physically, the Makara is a study in aquatic adaptation. Its head blends features of both reptile and sea mammal, with a snout that may be elongated or blunted depending on its pod, and eyes capable of seeing clearly in dark or murky waters. Luminescence lines its belly and fins, sometimes glowing softly in response to other sea life. Its skin exudes a silken mucus, harmless to touch but said to possess mild healing properties, especially for burns or salt-chafed skin. Droplets that collect in the folds behind their eyes are prized for their purity and are often gathered by reef-keepers during moonlit ceremonies.
Makaras live in familial shoals—tight-knit groups governed less by dominance and more by age and memory. Elders guide the younger with subtle flicks of their tails and body undulations, passing down migration patterns and courting rituals through motion alone. They sing in clicks, trills, and harmonic pulses, resonating with coral and sponge alike. Observers who spend enough time near a shoal often report feeling entrained by their rhythms, describing it as being “rocked in the cradle of the sea.”
Interspecies harmony defines the Makara’s existence. They are often seen swimming alongside dolphins, rays, and even young sea-dwelling aetherkin. They are especially fond of music played near the water’s edge—emerging from depths not in curiosity, but in companionship. If a Makara circles near a child at play or a solitary swimmer, it is understood as a blessing—an unspoken promise that the waters remain gentle and watched over, for now.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Elongated body with dorsal fins and a head that features both reptilian and aquatic mammalian characteristics.

Biological Traits

Skin secretes a mucus that has minor healing properties and is luminescent in some individuals.

Genetics and Reproduction

Spawning occurs once every five years, with rituals that are said to coincide with the blooming of underwater flora.

Ecology and Habitats

Tropical waters around the island, particularly fond of areas rich in magical marine life.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivorous, with a diet consisting of small fish, crustaceans, and seaweed imbued with magical properties.

Biological Cycle

Mostly diurnal, with some species exhibiting bio-luminescence during nocturnal feeding.

Behaviour

Social within their pods, they communicate through complex vocalizations and are known for their playful nature.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Forms close-knit groups known as shoals, with a hierarchy that seems to be based on age and size.

Facial characteristics

Prominent eyes adapted for underwater vision and a snout that varies from elongated to blunt among subspecies.

Average Intelligence

Displays signs of communal intelligence and environmental awareness.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Acute sonar ability, electroreception, and a lateral line system for detecting movement in the water.

Civilization and Culture

Gender Ideals

Exhibits minimal sexual dimorphism; both males and females partake in nurturing the young.

Relationship Ideals

Mating pairs are formed during spawning seasons, with a strong bond that lasts until the juveniles are independent.

History

Non-sapient, with instinctual behaviors that are influenced by the island's magical energies.

Common Myths and Legends

Associated with the creation of the island's seas and guardianship over marine life.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Generally benevolent, Makaras are curious about other species and can often be seen escorting ships and guiding lost swimmers to shore.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Beastiary: Ethereal Creatures

Scientific Name

Ainmhí; Sidheánach; Indicus makara

Origin/Ancestry

Believed to be the offspring of ocean deities, these creatures retain a mystical aura and are revered as protectors of the sea.

Average Height

1.97ft

Average Weight

352.74 lbs

Average Length

13.12ft

Average Physique

Streamlined for swimming, with strong muscles for rapid movements in the water.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Iridescent scales that range from deep blue to sea green, with patterns that help camouflage within the coral reefs.