Aether Mantas

Aether Mantas are a species of manta ray-like creatures that can fly and draw energy from the Aether. They are a young species, only appearing in the last 500 years with the niche of their unique habitat. They are seen as good luck charms by many cultures, and are a symbol of Igzael “Lord of the Wild”. These beautiful creatures soar silently across the sky, occasionally floating down near the surface out of shear curiosity. They are playful creatures, who often befriend rangers or druids temporarily while on their migration across the world, and to Igzael’s followers having befriended a Manta is a point of great pride.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Aether Mantas are similar in biology to normal manta rays, except they have a mutation in their DNA that allows them to feed on etheric currents and use them to fly.

Genetics and Reproduction

Aether Mantas reproduce in breeding sites at the end of the Aether currents. Male and female Mantas come together, and the mother carriers the baby for a full year before giving birth at the site of mating.

Growth Rate & Stages

A Manta is not born with the ability to fly, so it must be carried for 9-12 months by its mother on top of its wings before being able to fly independently. This takes a huge energy toll on the mother however, so the father often will also take turns carrying the child. After this, an Aether Manta requires another 5 years to reach sexual maturity, and can be expected to live another 12 years past that point.

Ecology and Habitats

The Aether Manta can only survive in its native environment of the etheric currents, outside of them it quickly starves and dies as it loses its ability to fly.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Aether Mantas are blind, but they have an innate ability to sense Aether currents around them that lets them follow said currents.

Aether Mantas feed off of the magical currents of the Aether. As such, they have latent magical properties in addition to their ability of flight. Manta’s that can actually use these powers are rare, but they can happen.

Lifespan

18 years

Variant: Etheric Channelers  The Manta can cast at will the follies cantrips with a dc of 12: Control air, minor illusion