Mist Whale Chariots
Taming the Wilderness
The Plane of Mist is named after the vast oceans of sparkling vapour that its many islands sail upon. Most creatures and objects who plunge into this fog will fall straight through and be sent tumbling down into the bottomless abyss below. There are, however, some things that can defy this rule. Several trees that are endemic to the realm produce wood that can float atop the clouds, and several otherworldly species of animal can swim through the windy currents. Perhaps the most iconic of these creatures is the Mist Whale. Despite its name, it resembles a catfish of extraordinary size. From its flanks, six appendages which seem to be partially wings and partially fins sweep through the clouds, propelling the gargantuan beast through the glistening tides.
The denizens of the realm previously hunted the Mist Whale for its bountiful meat, but recently such predation has declined. Instead, these huge animals have become the engine for an incredible vehicle. By attaching a series of ropes and hooks to a passing Mist Whale, a person can take control of it. The hooks cause minor pain for the beast and, by tugging the ropes, the animal can be cajoled into turning in certain directions. Furthermore, lightweight structures made from buoyant materials can be secured to the back of a Mist Whale so that additional passengers can be accommodated for. These small buildings are known as Mist Whale Chariots.
Luxurious Voyages
Mist Whales are lethargic swimmers. They have no natural predators and scarcely make sharp turns or sudden dashes. For this reason, they offer a comfortable journey for those aboard them. They are such gentle swimmers that it is possible for a painter to add the precise final touches to a masterpiece with little risk of a random jolt unsteadying their hand. Many wealthy and powerful Fey elect to holiday on Mist Whale Chariots, travelling the vast expanses of their home world in lavish comfort.
Unfortunately, these vehicles are not widely available. The craftsmanship to create the chariots, the expertise needed to control Mist Whales, and the aforementioned animal's rarity mean that only a select few can procure one. Because of this, they have become a symbol of status. Though it is not just the exceedingly rich who possess Mist Whale Chariots. Since many of the islands of the realm have sunken beneath the tide, many people were forced to flee their homes. Some of these refugees leapt upon the backs of Mist Whales and, over time, built small settlements upon their backs from pieces of driftwood.
Mist Whales
These fog-faring behemoths are a symbol of patience and fortitude. They never seem to hurry anywhere, being content to steadily sail through the misty seas from birth until the grave. Where the aquatic whales of the material plane feed on vast quantities of minute krill, the Mist Whale's diet is not entirely known. Many scholars allege that, like their counterparts, they feast on miniscule creatures in the fog, but more superstitious folk allege that they have a much grander purpose. It is thought that all spirits arise from the cloud ocean, and that the mighty Mist Whale's purpose is to devour those spirits that possess a malevolent disposition. Any who believe this tale stake that slaying a Mist Whale is an act of ultimate evil.
Naval Superpower
Although Mist Whale Chariots are still a relatively new invention, they have seen their use in warfare. Despite the Enmanari being mostly uninterested in the Plane of Mist, some of their rapacious forces still find their way on to its shores. All manner of monsters have assailed the surviving islands in search of blood, but many have been repelled by the beguiling natives' magic. Whilst those invaders who could not escape were slaughtered, those who could fly often evaded justice. Since the invention of the Mist Whale Chariot, winged adversaries are no longer granted the same leniency. Despite the Mist Whale's slow speeds, it is tenacious. Runaway raiders are often stalked into the foggy expanse for days until they either succumb to exhaustion or are slain by the Chariot's crew.
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