Lelfin

LELFIN

Long ago, the polar volcano Hohonu went through a period of low activity, completely ceasing to expel water, while the polar volcano Absu increased its counter-eruption activity, draining large volumes of moisture suspended in the atmosphere into the earth. This caused an era of great droughts and a significant reduction in sea levels.
One of the species that quickly adapted to this new ecosystem were dolphins. Their species went through an evolutionary branch, from which the Lelfins, land dolphins, emerged. Their bodies are similar to their marine cousins, but they have four legs and a tail without a tail fin, which is normally curled upwards when not in use, like a chameleon’s. The Lelfin can use it to wrap itself around a branch or interact with objects in a very limited way, such as pulling fruit from a tree. They have a climbing speed and are able to walk with ease on vertical surfaces such as trees or rocks. They still breathe through a spiracle on their foreheads, like their ancestors.
They are omnivorous animals and can feed on fruits, leaves or large insects that they capture by projecting their retractable tongue at great speed. They can be found inhabiting the tall trees of the Kau Kiek forest.

Lelfins as a mount

Although they have a naturally playful behavior and are very intelligent, it´s not easy to train a Lelfin. This happens much more naturally when a bond of friendship is built between the person and the animal than trying to train it through the imposition of authority. These creatures will purposely challenge and sabotage anyone trying to do so in the most creative ways possible. If the animal realizes that there is a true intention of friendship, a relationship of loyalty and harmony can be built between a knight and a Lelfin, who will not be merely a mount, but a friend and reliable squire.

Variants

Darfin

A subspecies of Lelfin adapted for life underground. Its appearance is less inviting than that of a Lelfin, possessing features that resemble an abyssal fish more than a dolphin. A darfin has an appendage on its forehead that ends in a protuberance capable of emitting light, which is normally used to attract prey. The animal is capable of seeing in the dark within a range of 36 meters and becomes dazzled if exposed to daylight. Its tail is vestigial and much shorter than that of its surface counterpart.
The Darfin’s behavior is not friendly like that of a Lelfin. They are suspicious creatures and would rather hide from people than interact with them. Although it´s possible to create a bond with one of them, it´s quite an arduous task.

Groufin

A groufin is a fully terrestrial variant of the Lelfin that lacks its natural climbing ability. Because they are more vulnerable to predators on the ground, they have developed more hostile behavior and more aggressive defense mechanisms. Its back is partially covered by thick plates and its jaw has a prominent tusk on each side, in addition to a short spiral horn on its forehead.
They will avoid combat whenever possible, but will attack ferociously with their fangs and horn if cornered or have their territory invaded, in addition to lashing with the bony tip of their tails. Of all the Lelfin variants, this is undoubtedly the most difficult of all to train, bordering on impossible. A groufin is naturally hostile, territorial, stubborn and will resist any attempt at domestication with all its energy.
Their favorite foods are field mushrooms, but they also use their horns and tusks to open fallen logs on the ground to consume the insects that shelter in them.

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