Mistfish

A Native Species Adapted to The Mist Sea

A native species that has adapted and evolved to The Mist Sea. Semi-transparent bodies, they are creatures halfway between fish and jellyfish that gain buoyancy by absorbing Aether particles and accumulating them internally.

Body length ranges from several centimeters to several meters; large individuals pose a danger to travelers in the mist as predators. They change direction by expelling Aether particles absorbed on their body surface, giving them smooth, unpredictable movements. Visual organs have almost completely atrophied; in their place, lateral line organs that sense changes in Aether concentration have developed to a high degree.

Body Fluid as Contraband

Mistfish body fluid contains trace amounts of Aether; it was discovered that when applied it lightens objects for several hours. Smugglers exploiting this trade the fluid through Mist Trading Company routes at high prices; the Canopy Council has made collection illegal but enforcement is difficult.

The Lanternfish and Mist Crossing Technique

Individuals that glow are called "Lanternfish" and are sometimes used as landmarks inside the mist. Guides who possess the technique of catching Lanternfish and placing them in cages to navigate The Mist Sea are called "Mist Crossers" and are highly valued by smugglers.

Reproduction as the Greatest Mystery

Mistfish ecology holds many mysteries. The greatest is reproduction. Eggs or larvae of Mistfish have never once been discovered anywhere other than inside The Mist Sea. Cases exist of smugglers bringing adult specimens outside the mist, but in every instance they died within 24 hours. Mistfish cannot live outside The Mist Sea — whether this is merely environmental adaptation or whether The Mist Sea itself functions as "part of the Mistfish's body" is being investigated by the Great Fall Research Institute's biology division.

Large Mistfish sometimes form groups. In accounts from explorers who have encountered these groups called "mist fleets," Mistfish cooperatively surrounded humans and expelled large amounts of Aether particles, creating localized gravity fluctuations that completely disoriented the humans' sense of direction. Whether group-level intelligent behavior exists has not been proven, but there are multiple accounts that it was too organized to explain by individual instinct alone.

"Mist perfume" made from Mistfish body fluid is gaining popularity in Rakuen's shadow market. Said to carry a subtle scent resembling The Mist Sea when applied to the body, and claimed to cause Shimobe to keep their distance — an effect favored by Mist Crossers.