Impries (Umbrafae dicentra) are small creatures most often found in bleeding hearts meadows across Wistcholy. They serve as both tenders and pollinators to the flora, sustaining their identifiable lanterns with petal essence. Impries are mostly nocturnal and forage two hexagons from the petals of bleeding hearts every night with their retractable sharp claws. Though the reasoning for the hexagonal shape is not certain, it is speculated that it may have physiological significance to the imprie. The damage inflicted to the bleeding hearts actually assists in their accelerated growth, much like blueberries growing after a wildfire.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔٠ ࣪⭑ It is crucial that the imprie keep their lanterns fed as their sight is very poor for a nighttime dweller. It is speculated that years of relying on the brightly burning lanterns have done irreversible damage to their pupils, which have all but turned white in most individuals.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔٠ ࣪⭑ Imprie coloration varies and greatly depends on region, especially taking into consideration the species of bleeding hearts most common in the area. Lanterns and tail tips will match the color of the flower most often foraged. Fur color ranges in neutral, earthy colors while their faces, arms, hands, and feet remain the same. Their faces in particular have a bony look and texture which is found in all species of imprie.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔٠ ࣪⭑ It is unknown why the imprie lantern is cycloptic but gazing into its eye makes one feel uncanny. There is speculation that the lanterns host souls of fallen imprie waiting to be reincarnated. Since imprie shelters are a mystery yet to solve, some think they climb inside of their lanterns, which would serve to be travelling homes. Others believe the lanterns suggest a sinister side to the imprie.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔٠ ࣪⭑ The imprie display a neutral disposition and are facially expressionless even while vocalizing, which is common in some Umbrafae species. Many people distrust these creatures and believe their proclivity for bleeding hearts makes them a soul siphoning symbol. Their unreadable nature incites fear into some and the belief that imprie are soul stealers is a stigma that not only persists but also cannot be disproven.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔٠ ࣪⭑ While mostly harmless when unprovoked, the imprie can transform into an alarming beast befitting of their name's prefix. Their fur stands up, making them appear larger, their eyes widen and a mouthful of sizable canines are exposed. Their claws are thick, sword-like, and no longer fit to carry their lanterns; even in this feral state, they take the time to set down their lanterns gently. Interestingly enough, these physical changes have been most often reported during diurnal hours; not many have witnessed this, however.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔٠ ࣪⭑ While impries are not particularly amiable, they tend to travel in groups, called ventricles, usually consisting of between 8-30 individuals. Two of the largest documented instances of ventricles consisted of 99 and 120 impries respectively. Both events occurred during the waxing crescent moon which has been a point of interest for researchers and imprie watchers.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔٠ ࣪⭑ Imprie tend to stay eye level with tall humans and seldom fly to the heights that birds do. Their wings are small relative to their body mass but it is speculated that magicks keep this creature afloat.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔٠ ࣪⭑ Impries have various vocalizations and are a relatively noisy creature despite their expressionless faces. While foraging and curious, they vocalize a "kyu-woo-woo" sound, the most commonly known imprie noise. Impries often vocalize subtle chime or bell-like noises while flying but this is disputed whether it is a vocalization or sound coming from the lantern. Impries will make clacking sounds with their face when irritated or threatened. When in their devilish state, they will hiss, screech, and snarl.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔٠ ࣪⭑ Impries are an abundant site across Wistcholy's nocturnal skies and meadows. Prince Damiana has a special patch of bleeding flowers outside of his castle cottage just to see their midnight foraging. They are a light in the dark.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔٠ ࣪⭑ Nicknames: Lantern Bat, Bleeding Hearts Faerie, Imp of Hearts, Little Soul Stealer, Bleeding Thumb