Wave 3 | Prompt 10 (Wild Card): A hybrid species intentionally bred
Type: Species
Well, this species was already created during the first wave when I made the Novascale Island for a prompt. It wasn’t until I created the character Tork Keghart and his pet, Nissov, that the Novascale amphithere could finally be used for a prompt. After creating the little pet, I decided his description fit a Novascale close enough and created a subspecies called Novascale minutissimus. This subspecies was intentionally bred over the years for domestication.
Novascale is the only known species of the Novae genus. They are large amphitheres with iridescent blue scales and purple or yellow eyes. While they can be seen traveling to many places on Azlov, they are only native to the Novascale Island.
There aren't any known varieties of this species. Novascales are currently listed as Near Threatened due to the likely risk of extinction in the future. Their habitat, an island in the middle of a sea, is gradually eroding away due to powerful ocean currents and severe storms. This erosion poses a serious threat to the survival of the Novascales, making their future uncertain unless conservation efforts are implemented.
They are listed as Near Threatened because their native habitat, Novascale Island, is slowly eroding away. This was the island that ultimately spawned this species and was used for the very first prompt of the 2024 Summer Camp event on World Anvil.
The mesmerizing beauty of their scales has led humans to selectively breed a subspecies to be smaller, transforming them into a domesticated pet. This particular subspecies is scientifically referred to as Novascale minutissimus. Although visually similar to the wild type, these smaller variants have a considerably reduced size. They tend to have shorter lifespans than their larger counterparts due to their diminished stature, and humans often regard them more as pets.
This is the “intentionally bred” part of the prompt. Domestication takes place over a long period of time. It is not making friends with a wild animal one day; that is just taming a wild animal.
Historical Figures
Sphyii
Sphyii is a remarkable novascale, one of the only known Ancient amphitheres. She distinguished herself by single-handedly facing the formidable Wyrm of Chaos, although this courageous act resulted in severe injuries and the loss of her voice. Consequently, the humans gave her the Legend name "The Voiceless". Sphyii shares a deep bond with Taavi, the largest known Ancient Dragonkin, who happens to be a majestic sea serpent. Together with their companion Airigold, they undertook the task of escorting and confining the Wyrm of Chaos at Frostcrest following the end of the Draconian War.
Sphyii was the first Novascale character, and she was used as a prompt for a character that went through great change.
Nissov
Nissov is a well known small domestacated novascale amphithere pet, owned by Tork Keghart. He can often be found gracefully coiled up in the Savage Serpent Alehouse, captivating the attention and affection of the tavern's regulars. With his mystical presence and gentle demeanor, Nissov has quickly become a beloved mascot of the bar, adding a touch of magic to the cozy atmosphere. From time to time, he can't resist taking something from a patron's plate, often prompting them to call him a savage before a burst of laughter follows.
Nissov’s description was close enough to a Novascale and is what made this species work for the prompt. He, however, is the smaller subspecies that was bred for domestication, unlike Sphyii.