LitMon

Litmon encompass a wide range of semi-sapient to fully-sapient creatures with a wild version of Literomanctic abilities. Variations appear to be localized, with ranges being from a specific forest or river to multiple continents.    

Species Details

First Appearance

According to the Book of Literomantic Creatures in the Great Library, they first appeared in folklore. They're considered a type of Litwalker of a sort. Magic written into the recording of those tales brought them to life in the LitVerse.   But this was before the disappearance of magic. Something changed in the nature of Literomancy when it returned to the LitVerse with the Reawakening¹ of the The Iron Tome in 2020. In the current era, LitMon can be difficult to write into existence. Your mileage may vary on your attempts to write them into existence.   The first of these to be documented in the LitVerse was the PineTails—vulpes silvestris novem caudata—a magical 9-tailed, forest-dwelling fox from Japan. It was brought to life through the Literomantic recording of local tales by Hai no Manto in 968. He'd hoped to make the text endure for eternity, so the appearance of the creature he'd described came as a complete shock. He remarked on the power of the word to bring a life into existence! After that, Hai-san was extremely careful about how and what he wrote.  

Disappearance and Reappearance

There seems to be phases in what may be population blooms. After each dwindling of magic in the LitVerse, the LitMon are much more difficult to find until Literomancy returns again. Theories as to why this happens include:

There isn't enough magic to sustain their abilities and the LitMon return to being regular creatures. When wild Literomancy returns so do the LitMon.

LitMon go into hiding when Literomancy dwindles, since during those ages humanity becomes deeply suspicious of anything magical and hunts all creatures with such abilities.

  In the current Literomantic age, LitMon made a massive reappearance after the folklore about them was turned into a game with its slogan "Gotta snatch* 'em all!" (*Here snatch isn't meant to be "stealing", but slang for collecting LitMon willing to befriend the player.)   So the most popular theory is:

LitMon appear as people believe in them—not worship, but believe in them as if they are as real as regular creatures. They thrive when sapients—in particular Literomancers—partner with them and help them grow in power. (See Symbiosis section.)

  Which of the theories is true? Or is it a combination of them all? No one knows! LitMon researchers strive to help discover and document every species.  

Literomantic Abilities

LitMon have a huge range of abilities. The youngest and most inexperienced ones show minor powers, but each variety's abilities grow as they age and gain experience. Most powers are for fighting or defense, things they need in the wild. Though, some powers are more altruistic in nature. A few examples include the ability to shift a few meters to the side (for dodging an opponent), creating bubbles of happiness as they fly, and being able to shield an entire forest region from outsiders.  

Metamorphosis

Each LitMon infant variety has a minimum of one other form (with additional powers) that they can morph into after gaining enough experience and Literomantic energy. Usually, the morphed form resembles the baby form, but not always. Consult your *LitMon Guide* for the various LitMon morphs.  

Symbiosis

A Partner, usually a Literomancer, can work with a LitMon to help the creature increase in ability and become more likely to morph into a more powerful version. The pair form a lifelong bond where they care for and protect each other. To begin this symbiosis, the potential LitMon partner catches at LitMon with a Litroball and does their best to befriend the LitMon.  

Exploitation

Unfortunately there are people that will take advantage of LitMon and their incredible powers. The LitMon black market exploded after the reappearance of the magical creatures in 2020. News coverage of LitMon being forced into fights for betting and cruel experimentation was common.   It became such a problem that, in 2021, an international law, signed by all the The Great Houses, was passed to protect LitMon from forced capture and exploitation of their abilities. LitMon protection groups were quick to form and to this day continue to rescue LitMon from harm, trafficking, and forced labor.