Shimmerlure (Sh-im-mer-looer)

It's a natural instinct for many creatures to touch. One of the first senses many beasts and sentients have access to upon being born, it is subsequently the first used to explore, to understand how the world around them is shaped.
However, not all things should be touched. Taking advantage of this instinctual need to touch, to determine if what you are seeing is indeed real, the Shimmerlure displays bright shimmering colors to lead to unwary into its dazzling arms where, once there, it will take them to the skies to never be heard from again.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Consisting primarily of two parts, the first being sticky thick shimmering tendrils that trail down from the second portion, a transparent jewel-like bell, both work in tandem with each other to keep the creature fed and afloat. The tendrils latch onto any organic creature that touches them, drawing them up into the bell for digestion, with the cap also helping to keep the body of the creature in the air with potent gasses gathered and processed from the surrounding atmosphere.

Genetics and Reproduction

Lacking sexual organs, the Shimmerlure will instead reproduce by forming clutches of transparent sacs within its body that are then steadily released to float in the air behind it. After a period of time, these sacs will then decay and release juvenile Shimmerlures who will steadily drift down until they are able to reach the ground for feeding.

Growth Rate & Stages

Growing relatively quickly if they have an appropriate diet, the Shimmerlure is capable of growing to immense sizes given enough time with myths being told of even giant beings being consumed by their dazzling tendrils.

Ecology and Habitats

Bound to the air, the Shimmerlure does well wherever the wind takes it with the exception of heavily polluted skies due to the sensitivity of its internal body in processing the many chemicals to remain buoyant.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Hunting aimlessly but subsisting on a diet of meat, the Shimmerlure relies upon its incredibly enticing body to lure unsuspecting prey to touch its shimmering tendrils. Once touched, the sticky nature of their trailing organ will quickly become apparent as the creature is quickly wrapped up and drawn up towards the creature's main bell.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Small juveniles have been known to be captured and kept for the processing of the creature's buoyant gasses for alchemical or industrial use.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

These beautiful creatures can be found drifting all throughout Refuge with their most successful hunting grounds being in areas with good wind flow and expanses that allow creatures to see the Shimmerlure from a moderate distance.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Lacking any significant sensory capabilities of its own, the Shimmerlure drifts along seemingly at random only showing significant movement once it touches prey, its sticky tendrils wrapping around the enticed creature with a surprisingly strong grip before drawing it up to its bell for consumption. This is postulated to occur due to chemical reactions within the cilia of its many arms upon contact with the correct organic substances.

Lifespan

Unknown. Some have been reported to have lifespans spanning centuries if fed properly

Conservation Status

Relatively rare, these wandering monsters may be encountered en masse, their tentacles trailing through regions with heedless hunger, or in solo groups, a single Shimmerlure enticing the unwary with its singular dazzling effects. Considered relatively defenseless and annoying creatures to the wise or powerful, it's not uncommon for these jellyfish-like creatures to be removed from the skies by more formidable forces or beasts.

Average Height

Around 40 to 60 feet long, on average, with the possibility of larger and longer versions.

Average Weight

300 to 400 pounds on average.