Lumina Dragonfish
Dragonfish
Catching a draonfish is considered to be an ill omen for your family, none moreso than the Lumina Dragonfish. Their scales are an unearthly white, with golden eyes that speak to an intelligence that a fish would not be expected to have. Their scales extend off their bodies to create an effect of feathers and their mouth is filled with sharp teeth that can cut through steel. These creatures are usually tossed back as soon as they come up to the surface in nets or on lines. Tales abound of fisherfolk being dragged off boats and down into the depths by these large fish. They feature in the cautionary bedtime stories of fishing villages.
Appearance
It can be said that dispite their fearsome reputation and intimidating size the lumina dragonfish is an ethereal beauty in the water. Its scales move like feathers and the fish move gracefully through the water as flying, their golden eyes reflect with molten ferosity when confronted by a threat. It could almost be seen as the reaction of an arrogant fish who knows that nothing in the water dares to hunt it which means being caught on a line is an indignity that cannot be stood for.
Fishing villages will tell tales of fish that are grotesque, malformed, with viscious attitudes, but academic circles view the fish with great interest in how the scales formed and how they function in the water. Caution is always recommended when approaching this animal.
Deep Water
Beware deep waters that hold fortune and death in equal measure. Dragonfish abound, the most fearsome is the lumina, reflecting light like a beacon of destruction. Better to crash upon the rocks and pray for rescue than throw your line to catch the white fish of doom.
Beware the Talking Fish
This cautionary tale comes in many forms from village to village. There have been a few attempts to create a single story that incorperates all the elements of each version. These efforts have failed historically, but Vi'layna describes the most common version in her Chronicles of The Wanderer.
The fish is white and it's scales like feathers are hypnotic, never watch them swim. Should a fish speak to you ignore it for it only brings death wrapped in golden promises. Such was the downfall a fisherman desperate to pull his family out of poverty who was approached by a talking lumina. The fish promised him coins and gold, whispered to him of the fortune that could be his should he just watch the lumina's frills. The fisherman ignored the fish for three days before he could take the taunting no more. Gathering his courage he walked to the edge of the boat and saw a glittering hoard just beneath the surface of the water. The lumina dance and swam for the fisherman and he was soon entranced and he leaned with his hand outstretched to the treasure below. It was in that moment that the lumina surged up and swallowed the fisherman whole.
From the image alone I thought of this animal as ethereal, which was reinforced within the article. But I'm curious, are those tales potentially true? Either way, fantastic article, I'm going to sleep terrified ^-^
They definitely eat people, the talking fish thing is never outside the realm of possibility when magic is concerned, and leaning over the side of a boat in open water is always a bad idea no matter what's lurking down there. I'm happy to terrify, it's not my usual style.