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Carbuncle — Description

Carbuncles are creatures across South American countries consistently described as having a magical stone upon its head. Countries and communities often differ when describing it, with Tarapaca communities in Chile believing it to be a Bivalve which closes itself within its shell before anyone can approach. Chilote peoples vary hugely on what it may be, from a dog to a cat to a firefly.
If anyone should catch it they will become incredibly wealthy. Sometimes the Carbuncle itself will guard fabulous treasure, mimicking the hue of the treasure it keeps. However it can be tricked into revealing its horde, though this ritual requires the sacrifice of a black cat.
I like to think that the Carbuncle is a particularly intelligent and evolved mollusc. Their shells can magically take on the form of a rock when danger approaches similar to a cuttlefish, but it cannot change its body. When in danger it will curl up inside its shell where it is safe. A brilliant blue light will be emitted from the core of its shell though its many morphs have different colour palettes and light colour; the most common morph is Cosmic Purple.
Within magical realms the Carbuncle can quickly become a pest thanks to their rapid breeding and ability to scale nearly any surface. Others will intentionally breed them for their shells and rarer still their meat for escargot and caviar. Nobody can take their gemstone as doing so will kill them, losing all magical properties thereafter. It is common to keep a Carbuncle as a pet.