The Nightmarish Niata

The terrifyingly grotesque water-snake Niatas are part of many scary bedtime stories. Especially amongst riverside villagers, old wives tales are told about these tentacle-mouthed creatures. Niatas are known to live and hunt in rivers and are only found in lakes for breathing purposes. Lakes are a perfect environment for baby niatas to grow, but the lack of shade and the deepness of the waters usually means a lack of prey and compels each niata old enough for hunting to venture into the rivers. This particular story features a niata that is rumored to have never left its birth lake. But then, what does it hunt? You might ask. Humanoids, of course. And, if the lake is where niatas grow, did it ever stop growing?

Historical Basis

Many Treds ago, the first son of The Balancer and his daughter Fae went rowing on Redpond lake. The only thing that ever washed up on shore is the wooden plank with the boat’s name painted on it, The Fae.

Spread

Tales of the lake niata are spread widely around Matonga. Some claim to have seen it’s body making sinus like movements through the water.

Cultural Reception

There are no scholarly records of existence of this gigantic monster. Most educated members of society do not believe the tales told in inns and taverns.

In Literature

The lake niata is featured in some children’s literature and in romantic novels.

In Art

Some riverboats are decorated with river niata carvings or paintings. These are believed to scare off other niatas, since they are known to hunt their own.