Mythological Statues

In scant occurrences, there have been sightings of strange stone sculptures found at the bottom of the Nightlight Zone. They depict various supernatural beings from human mythologies, that are all related to the ocean, or water. Many of them appear to date back for several thousand years, and are randomly spaced in virtually every area of the Nightlight Zone.

[The Kappa, Funkwe, and Hippocampus shown above.]

Manufacturing process

Only one statue has been found in its unfinished state, which gives some insight into how they were made. The statue, depicting a large catfish - likely a Pairío - is carved out of a boulder, and attached to the ground only by a narrow strip of rock. The other statues were likely made in the same way, by carving it straight out of a natural landform, and chipping it away from the ground only when the main shape was finished. This could've been done by simple stone tools, with the statues possibly being pulled with basic kelp ropes and group cooperation.

Origin

The leading theory is that these statues were made by the Cave Stalkers long ago, as they are the only species able to manipulate their environment in this manner. Because the statues are spread across all areas of the Nightlight Zone, they would've been made when the Cave Stalkers' civilization was at its height, as well as after they first discovered humans. They might've been able to use their telepathy to see into the humans' minds and catch a glimpse of their various belief systems. Thus, they carved statues based around the mythological creatures.

Materials and Components

The statues are only made of stone, although it is a type of stone that is only found in the Frozen Wastes. Over time, the statues have seen algae growth slowly overtake them, though this likely wasn't intended.

Creatures Present

The statues depict mythological creatures from all over the world, yet each creature is represented by only one statue each. The statues include:

The Leviathan - The sea serpent in the Hebrew Bible, a monster which God slayed for threatening creation

Kappa - A yōkai from Japanese folklore, appearing as a humanoid creature with a turtle shell, and an indent on the top of the head where water is stored.

Hippocampus - A half-horse half-fish creature from Greek mythology

Funkwe - An enormous snake with the tail of a fish, originating from the Lambas of Zambia, inhabiting rivers where they coil into holes in the ground

Physeter - A creature that is said to live in the Indian Ocean, known for sinking ships for sport, and for influencing the modern scientific name for sperm whales

Nessie - One of the most famous cryptids of today, a monster inhabiting the Loch Ness

Pairío - A creature residing in Papua New Guinea, a spirit that tried to escape a swarm of butterflies and transformed into an enormous catfish

Quauhxouilin - A creature rumored to live in Mexico, a large fish-like creature with the head of an eagle

Zaratan - Also known as the "World Turtle," a turtle so large that its shell becomes an island. Analogous creatures are found in Indian, Chinese, and Native American folklore

Significance

The purpose of these statues is unclear, though considering they depict creatures from folktales, they may have had religious significance. Likewise, they could've also been made out of mere fascination with human folklore. They serve no other functionalities, and appear as though they would be best suited as decorations. As an added note, they seem to be intentionally placed in separate isolated areas far away from each other, and all have the same artistic style. 

Item type

Unique Artifact

Current Location

The Sand Plains

Rarity

Rare

Weight

Average of 120 lbs.

Dimensions

Average of 5 ft. tall