Moon rays

Under the velvet cloak of the darkest night, when only the pale moons illuminate the darkness, the desert may come alive with a strange and ethereal sight.   For a fleeting moment, the night is transformed as an aurora of spectral blue light dances across the dark sands. The light shimmers and flickers, like a thousand tiny stars caught in a whirlwind. And then, out of nowhere, a school of moon rays bursts forth from the solid ground itself, whispering by like phantoms in the still desert air. Their spectral auras glow like wisps of ethereal smoke, casting an eerie glow over the landscape. They move gracefully trough the sands, as if the desert were the deep and vast ocean itself. In their wake, they leave a trail of shimmering light, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that leaves one thinking what other wonders may lie just beyond the horizon.   The desert people believe that moon rays are spirits of the desert, guardians of the land's secrets. To witness them is considered a great blessing and a sign of portents to come. They are creatures of both worlds, this one and the one beyond - and if one were to follow them they would show the way to the hidden wonders of the universe.   Appearance   Moon rays are typically about 45 centimeters long, with a wingspan of almost a meter. Their bodies are covered in soft, silvery scales that shimmer and gleam in the moonlight, adding to their ethereal appearance. Their wings are translucent and iridescent, like the gossamer wings of a butterfly, and their large, expressive eyes reflect the colors of the desert around them, from the pale golden hues of the dunes to the deep blue of the night sky.   Behavior   Moon rays are ambush hunters, using their unique abilities to their advantage. They often wander the desert in small groups, moving like a school of fish, their blue spectral auras creating a mesmerizing display. When a suitable victim (usually small insects and rodents) is drawn in by the lights, the moon ray strikes from unexpected angles, swallowing their prey whole. Moon rays are social creatures, living in close-knit schools of no more than a dozen individuals. They work together to hunt and defend themselves, fiercely protecting their home range from intruders.   Reproduction   The reproductive habits of moon rays are not well understood nor have they ever been observed. Some say they are spontaneously formed along leylines, others say they are created by the gods themselves.   Habitat   Moon rays are found in deserts all over Aran’sha, where they prefer areas with soft sand dunes and sparse vegetation. Being nocturnal creatures they are rarely seen during the day. At night, they emerge from the sand and hunt for food.