#nnk analysis

Species Name: Grandsun

Franchise: Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Creature Compendium: "A slightly temperamental creature, it it's in low spirits, its attacks tend to be tamer."

Wizard’s Companion: "The flames that surround these creatures indicate their mood. It's best to avoid them when they are blazing brightly and wait for the flames to die down."

Genus: Arcana

Celestial Sign: Sun

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The faces of these familiars are...bewitchingly strange to say the least.

Sometimes they have no reason to move in expression and sometimes they do. But as my research has shown, the face is nothing more so than a mere mask. The familiar attempts to show off the dominance to others by forcing a creepy smile to their faces. The way you can truly tell the emotions are from the flames.

Low yellow-ish flames that are at the cinders and slowly dying out are when it is at its low point. The attacks are weaker and its movements sluggish. The face may contort into sadness and grumpiness during this state.

Bright blue and and larger flames are when the familiar is at its strongest, dashing around at the speed of sound and turning their spikes like a wheel on the ground. It is highly advised to be cautious when your familiar is at this state, as the flames could potentially burn you. It doesn’t hurt to have salves and heat proof gloves (that can properly withstand the hot temperatures of your familiar, be sure that they are indeed familiar-safe fireproof gloves) but again, caution is advised. At times, during this heightened state, they can accidentally burn and harm their masters.

They really don’t mean to, sometimes sparks jump out whenever they have blue flames.

Angry red flames show off their rage, and is probably the default color of their fire. While not as bright as the blue fire that they have whenever in battle and raring to go/being excited, it is best to provide extreme caution as they are most volatile whenever this occurs. They risk accidentally imploding their surroundings with their fires. The best way to calm down your raging Grandsun would normally be feeding it their favorite treats, speaking to it in a calm voice, and anything else to help appease its mood. 

Then finally, there are the sweet purplish flames, flames that are only shown to the masters that they trust and adore. It is a sweet and calm flame, a hint of incense to the smoke burning off of their bodies and helps warm up their masters. It shows a calmer side to them. While normally Grandsuns as a whole species rarely exhibit these elusive purple flames because they are always angry about something, to items like mates, family, close friends, and etc, they will showcase this sweeter side of them. The flames are warm but not hot to the touch, like holding a mug of a warm drink. 

In general, people who have befriended the familiars and earned their trust and respect will not have any reason to fear their flames at all. Even when the bright blue flames of battle are showcased, their masters will not be harmed or even singed by flying debris and sparks. According to my research, they have become used to the oils of the skin and the scent of their master, allowing their body to pass through their flames without issue. They are also able to absorb flames as like a very nutritious snack, like a protein bar. Some prefer actually eating cakes over fire and their normal diet of sulfur, twigs, brimstone, and wood, but it all depends on the preference of your familiar.

I have seen special Grandsuns be used by fire departments, absorbing fires to help their masters enter the building to rescue people inside or to stop fires from destroying neighborhoods. 

Temperamental at best, it takes quite a bit of time and patience for a Grandsun to warm up to you. Especially when you have just tamed it. Research has shown that wizards who have summoned Sunshines from their hearts and evolved them into Grandsuns are more likely to be closer to them and bond with them quicker. Do not rush the relationship, as Grandsuns are mostly solitary creatures and are comfortable just in the presence of their master.

In battle, these are magical tanks. Protecting their allies while charging up their own spells and powers to launch amazing attacks. It is better to have them fight on a a sunny and windless day, for they get even more power from the solar rays. In the rain, they will not be as energetic and will most likely be rather cranky and crass if summoned. 

Name: Greater Naiad

Franchise: Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Creature Compendium: "Though it looks defenseless, this creature can unleash mighty blasts of light. It also holds a gem with potent healing powers."

Wizard's Companion: "Creatures whose tiny bodies glow with a divine radiance. They are known to carry magic stones with the power to heal even the most grievous wounds."

Genus: Nymphae

Celestial Sign: Sun

  An absolute must-have for any wizard or healer that is within this world, Greater Naiad are absolutely indispensable in the workforce. They are shy creatures and it takes a while for them to warm up to any person or familiar they come across, but once you get to know them, they are sweet creatures that will most likely sit on your head, watching you as you work.

When it comes to the behavior of Greater Naiads, they are very bashful. Sometimes it takes time for them to get used to their summoner, and you can catch fleeting glimpses of them hiding behind corners, keeping a watchful eye on you from a safe distance. Overtime, they will slowly start to drift closer when you are not looking. Eventually, they will find a way to sit beside you comfortably as you work.

But when it comes to their duty as healers, they are dedicated to their job. These familiars are popular amongst hospital folk and doctors of that ilk, helping them treat patients. They are very proud of their work and it’s not surprising to see them practically glow with pride after they finish. In fact, they can glow, in a way. Their heads are bioluminescent, tending to glow when in the dark or when they are happy. Don’t be alarmed when their heads start glowing like a headlight whenever they get comfortable around you.

The two appendages coming down from their cap-like head are prehensile, able to hold things when their hands at full. Mostly they use them to hold extra gems or treats to munch on. They are also a form of self-defense, able to sting their foes and leave a nasty rash-like burn. Wizards who befriended them are actually immune to these harmful stings, keep medicines around in case they accidentally harm a person. They are able to control their stinging powers, however, as I have seen Ainsel – my dearest Greater Naiad – unable to sting Lil Bud because of how close they are.

As part of the Nymphae genus, while they do love sweet things – cakes being their favorite – they love anything homemade. To them, it’s a sign that you put love and effort into such a creation, and makes it even more valuable than a store bought cake. Store bought cakes are all fine and dandy, but if you decide to make them one? Oh, you have won their friendship forever and ever. I’ve noticed a majority of Nymphae enjoy cheesecakes and Greater Naiads seem to be no different. Then again, what kind of cakes each individual likes is up to them.

Now let’s talk about their gems. As any person would know, they store excess healing magic within these shiny rocks for the sake of healing. But it is also seen as a piece of their soul, as they pour their love and hopes and wishes into their healing magic, genuinely wanting their friends to be alright. A sign that you have gained the complete trust is when they give you the shiniest stone in their collection, filled to the brim with healing magic. They worry that if they are not there to help you, then at least this stone will protect you in their stead. They also love collecting jewelry and shiny rocks, so if you bring some to them, they will be equally elated.

Diets are insectivorous, and great garden protectors. They know which bugs can harm crops and will snatch them up to munch on while leaving the helpful insects alone. They also are a huge fan of sweet foods, and again, homemade goods. Do not be surprised if they are trying to help you cook.

In battle, they have no certain weaknesses or strengths, as they are just mainly healers. It is important that you ensure that their own health is up as you fight, else you might find yourself in a bit of a pickle when they’re down and you have no healing items left.

In my opinion, Greater Naiads are a rare and highly elusive species but are relatively easy to care for. A beginner wizard would have no trouble gaining such a familiar, provided they care for its previous forms appropriately.

Species Name: Napdragon

Franchise: Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Creature Compendium: "This adorable-looking creature appears to be asleep, but it's actually wide awake."

Wizard’s Companion: "Much-loved creatures who owe their popularity to their charming appearance. Though they seem to be sleeping all the time, they are in fact mostly awake and alert."

Genus: Dracones

Celestial Sign: Sun

 Napdragons are a rather rare familiar amongst wizards, due to the fact they are rather high maintenance and require a rather large amount of mana to sustain. While personalities are different from each individual, they are shown to be highly alert of their surroundings, even though they don’t show it at all.

Do not be fooled by their sleepy little expressions, they could be scheming something devious from under that sweet little face.

From my experience, Napdragons actually do love to sleep, cuddling with their summoners is a favorite activity for them.

Like all Dracones genus members, Napdragonns do love chocolate, but their main diet is rather omnivorous, leaning towards meat. They need a balanced diet of meats high in protein and leafy greens. Of course, as these familiars are from your heart, it is also important to take good care of yourself too.

For starters, get regular exercise. Sure Napdragons do love to sleep but they enjoy being outside just as much. Daily walks and letting them experience new things at a young age will help open its eyes up to the world – figuratively not literally – and become more sociable as a result. It is also recommend that you keep an eye on them when they’re off running around a large expansive area, sometimes they will try and use their ear wings to fly. They’re easily carried away by the wind, so stay cautious.

When it comes to personal care, the fluff on the edge of their wrists, feet, and necks tend to get fluffier with colder weather. During summer months, it tends to shed but it doesn’t hurt to help trim if they are having difficulty doing so.

I recommend a soft set of scissors that will not cause too much damage to the skin of the Napdragon.

The wings also act as ears and they tend to become gunked up every once in a while, so it is also important to help not only clean the winged outer ears with a soft washcloth and cotton tip applicator, but also ear solution. Do not, I repeat, do not, just dump the entire solution into the ear. Instead, wet a cotton ball and cotton tip applicator and gently prod the ear canal to dig up all of the debris.

Lil Bud himself has shown to be a big fan of hot chocolate and chocolate wafers, but again, taste can vary from Napdragon to Napdragon.

When it comes to combat, Napdragons are notoriously immune to falling asleep along with being hardy little creatures. They are incredibly loyal and will fight until the end. They tend to be rather reckless, so please stop your Napdragon if they are biting off more than they can chew.  

They are extremely easy to poison mostly because of the fact their immune system is not the best, their stomachs are also rather finicky as well, and can get food poisoning rather easy. I recommend having many potions on hand as their medicines. 

They are rather dexterous and able to wield blades rather easily, and it helps training with them at the same time since it’ll help build up your bond with them. Their Miracle Move, Song of the Soul, works to increase their magical damage by 50% than normal.

Overall, they are extremely useful in battle and are a high maintenance but endearing companion. Highly recommended. though i could be just biased because i love my son

Lil Bud lets out a small chirp of happiness when given a mug of hot chocolate, sipping it down greedily but ensuring it does not even scald the woolen scarf.

“Class dismissed.” 

Species: Papa Sasquash

Franchise: Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Creature Compendium: “This horned creature resides in the Glittering Grotto. It has the power to whip up biting snowstorms.”

Wizard’s Companion: “These widely feared beasts are believed to hail from the Glittering Grotto. Physically strong, they are also capable of directing blizzards towards their enemies.”

Genus: Beastiae

Celestial Sign: Star

 A rather bulky familiar for a wizard to have, they are excellent companions for those living in colder climates or venturing into the frozen wilds. Because they live within such a cold place, they are experts in foraging through the dense snow to find supplies for their summoner. They also seem to have a knack for finding shelter for their…not cold-suited companions and able to lead them to caves and such for the sake of rest and such.

They are elusive and rare creatures in the wild, even amongst wizards they are hard to come by. Papa Sasquashes are noted to keep to themselves and seldom warm up to their own summoners. They do not tolerate place with high temperatures very well, as their thick fur insulates them and will cause them to overheat.

They are not always as aggressive as people believe, they have a temper sure, but the aggressiveness mostly comes from the fact that these creatures have something they wish to protect. Whether it be their family, a wizard they care for, or a friend they have made. They are deathly protective of those they care for, and will not hesitate to charge blindly into the fray for the sake of keeping them safe.

Like their name suggests, Papa Sasquashes are rather fatherly to many who summon them. They seem to have a sense of humor – from what I have seen at least – and interact with their wizards in a rather comical way, always trying to make them smile or laugh. They all seem to have a fatherly instinct, showing it in different volumes. Some will wake up their wizard in the morning with a jolly song and a smile, others will shyly slip them a piece of candy whenever they are feeling down. It all depends on what their personality is like.

I have noticed from personal experience that they view physical touch as something sacred, and can even attempt to sign to their wizards what they want. I have even heard of some learning sign language and writing!

Papa Sasquashes are rather social creatures, as they need something to take care of. In the wild, it could be their own biological family or a poor sap on the side of the road. Compared to Mama Sasquashes which are doting and all up in your face with care, Papa Sasquashes are tamer about it and – as I have said before – will keep their distance unless they form a close bond with an individual. Do not be surprised if you see your Papa Sasquash barreling towards a small group of children because of their instincts as a caretaker overtaking them. Why, I have even heard of some trying to help their wizards out in day to day tasks – keyword here be trying because one story goes that one was learning to cook and set the kitchen on fire.

If you have multiple familiars, Papa Sasquash will take up the fatherly role amongst them as well. Along with fathering their own wizard. It is not wise to get them angry, I’ve noticed many are rather forgiving with their children – biological or not – and will give them a stern talking to. But I have heard of some kicking up such a violent rampage all for the sake of protecting their brethren before.

Not surprisingly, Papa Sasquashes all enjoy ice cream. Whether it is a popsicle, soft serve, or an ice cream cake, they’ll enjoy every bit of it; of course, what flavors they like are up to the individual. Their main diet is omnivorous, leaning towards herbivorous. They enjoy fruit and leafy greens, and since they are used to foraging for items in the snow, they are used to fasting. In fact, sometimes they will refuse to eat all together and give their food to their children; as in their minds, it is much more important that their offspring survive. In terms of meat, they will hunt small carrion every now and then but they mostly survive on foraging. And if desperate, bugs.

When it comes to caring for your Papa Sasquash, remember to always groom them. Their fur is an absolute mess when unkempt and they view grooming as a social bond and helps deepen connections. Always go through their thick fur with a fine-tooth comb and pick out the mites and bugs that just so happen to crawl in there. Yes, I know its gross, but if you decide to give your Papa Sasquash those bugs to eat, it’ll be grateful for sure. They will try to groom you as well, show them how to use a brush so they don’t try and ripe your hair out of your head. Though sometimes they will go through and ‘pick’ out bugs so they can munch on.  

Always keep a pair of scissors on hand, you never know when you need to snip a few matted pieces of hair. Also, if you live in a warmer climate, be sure to trim the fur, especially the undercoat. That is where all the insulation happens.

Speaking of the undercoat, it is a pain to wash whenever its bath day. Make sure to thoroughly scrub your familiar and brush the undercoat. There are topcoat and undercoat brushes available at specialty stores.

They also see their horns as a social status symbol, and take great care of them. They actively do not allow others to touch them as it is a sign of vulnerability and pride, but if you are allowed to touch them, it means the Papa Sasquash trusts you with its entire being.

With their mastery over ice and snow, it is no wonder that they make great summertime pals…provided they can find ways to cool off first. They can rain down ice upon your enemies and are not hesitant to go whacking away at whatever is in your way. Many wizards have them in the front lines, acting as their ‘tank’ and such. They are also skilled with axes and hammers, and amusingly enough, some have started to play a game with trying to whack moles that pop out of the ground. Please stop them.

They are rather sleepy individuals, and its rather easy for them to sleep, as they tend to sleep almost 12 hours every day. But their eyesight is absolutely remarkable, because of the snowy environment they live in, their eyelashes have adapted to a way to block out the snow from falling into their eyes.

Overall, while Papa Sasquashes are rather a hassle to handle, what with their temperaments, grooming needs, and whatnot, they are some of the most loyal familiars I have ever studied. I recommend them for more advanced wizards as they are not for the faint of heart.