Maran Otters of Starsong Lake

“It is on the moonless nights their song can be heard best. Haunting harmonies drifting across the still waters, as soul rendingly beautiful and heartbreakingly desolate as their grief-stricken mistress taught them.” 

- Monsters and Myths of Tordronnen, by Leopold Der Vitner

Overview

Sometimes known as "Water Badgers", due to their similar black and white facial markings, Maran Otters are magical creatures found on the shores of Starsong Lake. They are easily recognisable for these markings but also for their ability to make crooning sounds akin to singing. Alongside their song, which is said to have the ability to charm passersby into immobility, it is believed that the blood of the Maran Otter can temporarily halt the progress of any curse, ailment or disease. However, it is not this attribute for which the Maran Otter is most famous. 

One would think the existence of a creature with so valuable an attribute would be short lived, and that being hunted into extinction an inevitability. This would be true were it not for the being for whom they are named. Starsong Lake is the resting place of Mara, a being of tragic legend and the eternal love of Thallo. There she remains, the Undying Lady of the Lake and the Maran Otters, his gifts to her, and so to harm one is to risk the wrath of both the Lady Mara and the Lord of Death himself.  

Biology and Anatomy

Maran Otters are among the largest species of otters with a body length of between 1.5 - 2.25m long from nose to tail tip, and weigh between 25-30kg. They have the sleek appearance common among otters with muscular tails and coat colourations ranging from dark brown to black along their body. The head of the Maran otter is more elongated than other otters and has the characteristic black and white bands marking from their snout to past their small rounded ears where they fade into the rest of their colouration.

Maran Otters have exceptional senses of hearing and scent, in addition to their whiskers which are sensitive enough to allow them to sense changes to water pressure and currents.

Dietary Needs

The diet of the Maran Otters is primarily fish and amphibious creatures found in the lake and the adjoining streams. They will occasionally be seen to consume small animals and rodents, but these do not appear to be their primarily food source.

Behaviour and Psychology

Maran Otters live in extended family groups of between 6-12 members and are very social and playful amongst themselves, and even between other family groups. They are surprisingly curious creatures and will willingly approach visitors to their lake with seemingly no concern about their safety. They have long memories of people coming to their territory and will appear particularly happy to see friendly returning visitors to the lake shore. Likewise, those who have behaved threateningly will be either hidden from or even treated with aggression in attempts to drive them away. The singing of the Maran Otters can be heard in small melodies and moments most evenings on the lake, however it is on the dark nights of New Moon when they will sing the most.