Cloo'nt of The Bay is a renowned and ancient Naga spirit residing in the Bay of Blossoms, known for his cunning nature and the ability to grant wishes to those clever enough to answer his riddles. Taking the form of a massive, golden koi fish, Cloo'nt’s shimmering scales sparkle like the sun reflecting off the bay’s serene waters, making his presence as much a visual spectacle as it is a mystical encounter. His eyes, deep and knowing, seem to pierce through the souls of those who meet him, always assessing the worthiness of the travelers who cross his path.
Cloo'nt's appearance is both majestic and otherworldly. As a Naga, he retains a spirit’s ethereal quality, but in his golden koi form, he resembles a grand, oversized fish, whose scales reflect the sunlight in hues of gold and amber. His body is massive, easily the size of a small boat, and his long, flowing whiskers add to his ancient and regal appearance. When he moves through the waters of the Bay of Blossoms, it is said that the water glows faintly in his wake, marking his path with an almost divine presence.
Though often associated with benevolent acts such as granting wishes, Cloo'nt is a trickster spirit at heart. His riddles are notoriously challenging, designed to test not just the intellect, but the morality and insight of those who seek his favor. Many who encounter him find themselves frustrated by his elusive nature, as he delights in toying with the ambitions and desires of mortals. However, those who manage to solve his riddles are rewarded generously, often receiving not only a wish, but wisdom that stays with them for a lifetime.
Cloo'nt became famously intertwined with the legends of The Sunsations, a band of adventurers traveling across the Bay of Blossoms on their journey to the Temple of Raijin As the Sunsations crossed the serene bay, they were suddenly greeted by the grand form of Cloo'nt, who rose majestically from the water, scattering blossoms in his wake. His voice, carried on the wind, challenged the group with one of his trademark riddles.
Among the group, Professor Henry Endsworth, known for his sharp intellect and scholarly pursuits, stepped forward and answered the riddle correctly after a tense moment of contemplation. Impressed by the wit of the professor, Cloo'nt honored his ancient promise and granted Endsworth a magical gift - a golden koi fish statuette - imbued with a singular wish. The fish, when called upon, would return to its original form as a spirit and fulfill one request, though with Cloo'nt’s tricky nature, the fulfillment of the wish would always carry a twist or unexpected consequence.
Cloo'nt's riddles are his primary means of interacting with mortals, and they vary greatly in complexity and theme. They often revolve around concepts of balance, wisdom, and the duality of nature, reflecting the harmonious balance of the Bay of Blossoms itself. Only those who can truly understand the meaning behind his words are deemed worthy of his favor.
While Cloo'nt’s wishes are powerful, they are never granted without careful thought. His trickster nature means that he enjoys twisting the literal meaning of wishes, often granting exactly what was asked for, but in a way that can lead to unforeseen consequences. Those who seek his blessings must approach with both humility and clarity, as Cloo'nt has little patience for those driven purely by greed or selfish ambition.
Cloo'nt has been resident of the Bay of Blossoms for as long as anyone can remember, and his legend has become part of the cultural fabric of the region. Sailors, fishermen, and pilgrims traveling across the bay often leave offerings of flowers, fruit, or small tokens in the water, hoping to gain his favor—or at the very least, avoid his trickery. Tales of his riddles and the wishes he grants have been passed down through generations, and many children in the City of Hojo grow up hearing stories of the great golden koi who guards the waters of the bay.
In addition to his trickster tendencies, Cloo'nt is also revered as a guardian of the bay. His presence ensures that the waters remain safe from malevolent spirits or forces, and it is believed that he watches over the great Y'azi Reef, protecting the vibrant schools of fish that live there. Many who fish in the bay offer prayers to Cloo'nt, acknowledging his dominion over the waters and hoping for a fruitful catch.
While Cloo'nt is a spirit of immense power, he remains elusive and mercurial. His sense of humor often borders on mischievous, and he takes great pleasure in confusing or outwitting mortals. However, he is not malicious by nature. Those who show him respect and approach with genuine curiosity are often rewarded for their efforts. His encounters tend to leave lasting impressions on those fortunate enough to meet him, as they are forced to grapple with the deeper meanings behind his riddles and the consequences of their desires.
Despite his trickster ways, Cloo'nt is also seen as a symbol of hope and fortune. His rare appearances are often taken as signs of change, prosperity, or good winds for sailors. Those who pass through the Bay of Blossoms always keep an eye out for the flash of gold in the water, hoping for a glimpse of the legendary Cloo'nt of The Bay who has much to say...