Hypnosquid

Dancing under the tides around the coast lie innumerable flashing lights. The Meridians believed that when the spirits were largely slain, the moon spirit wept tears of light into the ocean which later became the many glowing beasts we see today. One of these alleged monsters is the Hypnosquid, a curious cephalopod. For a pretty light, it is often written off as a non threat- an assumption of poor thought indeed.  It has been rumored to be the cause of numerous disappearances across the coastal region, although the lack of organized reports have made these accusations less than reputable. Nevertheless such a creature has developed an infamy, one well deserved by its nature.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Despite its name, Hypnosquids are more closely related to cuttlefish. Their slim bodies let them weave between the rocky reef crang along the coast in search of prey or to hide from predators. Hypnosquids also produce a mucus membrane around themselves so they are not cut on the rocks or sharp coral as they pass through it. If threatened, they can generate a jet of propulsion that can send them a number of yards through the water at speeds comparable to a dog on land. These great feats cause the Hypnosquid to tire so they only use them if there’s no other option in their defense. They have a set of wings and eight arms to propel themselves through the water and manipulate objects.

The namesake of the Hypnosquid is derived from the wings lining its mantle. These are unfurled from against the siphon when in use and can be tucked in to reduce drag while fleeing. The wings are lined with vitorically charged chromatophores which generate a **Psychomancy compulsion** when exercised. ***This compulsion will hypnotize anything that stares directly at the wings and compel them to move forward without hostility- only Expert+ Psychomancers can resist the effects of a Hypnosquids compulsion.*** While entranced, victims describe the sensation as ‘soothing’ as the beast lulls its prey into a false sense of security. Its preferred prey are organisms up to the size of a goblin but its hypnotic effect works all the same for creatures larger than that.

Once the prey has reached ample striking range the second effects of the Hypnosquid engage. Its major tentacles are lines with a four-pronged end, used to ensnare victims and prevent them from escaping. Once the victim is ensnared the Hypnosquid then pulls the prey into its ‘processing’ tendrils, tipped with a very thin stinger. The venom produced with the Hynosquid induces paralysis in anything on par or smaller than that of a goblin, effective almost immediately after contact. ***Due to the fragile nature of the creature this secretion cannot be harvested and decays rapidly after the squid's demise.*** This venom acts in conjunction with the ink glands on the underside of the Hynosquid, used as a deterrent to keep predators from attacking it.

#### Psychology

Hypnosquids are fairly intelligent but their fleeting lifespans disable their ability to form complex taught knowledge. They’re naturally curious and playful, engaging with any and all stimuli in their reef home. Every individual Hypnosquid must learn by themselves which grants each a distinct personality. Between Hypnosquids socialization is not particularly common- they only congregate in great numbers to spawn which is followed by a swift end. Toward other creatures they’re shy and outright fearful of organisms bigger than themselves. Although certain giant animals like Or’gara and Fracturga Whales often employ Hypnosquids to clean them of parasites clinging to their skin.