Stellar

This mutation is named after tell-tale streaks, cloud-like marbling, and starry spots in the affected riardi’s markings. Fur texture is unaffected, unlike the solar and lunar mutations. These markings affect the riardi’s inherited markings either partially or fully. Their hands, fingers, paws, ears, and their tail in particular fades in a gradient from their main body color to white. This white effect is unrelated to dilution, double-dilution, or ultra-bright effects the riardi may or may not have. Uniquely, the stellar mutation politely displays itself in carriers’ markings by the presence of only a few white spots or streaks unrelated to the riardi’s other markings- and might be concealed, depending on if the riardi carrier’s fur already was white where these tell-tale markings land on their body.

Ore riardi with this mutation have dappled markings which more strongly resemble the texture of meteorites. Additionally, their metallic fur changes their sheen under bright light (not a frosted effect). Bronze fur gains a red sheen. Copper gains a bluish-green sheen. Silver gain a blue sheen. Gold gains a deeper brown sheen. All ore riardi have a bioluminescence which they can turn on and off at will, but any riardi with the stellar mutation can also do this, even if they have a different body type.

This mutation exists as a common nexus riardi fur pattern. Any nexus riardi with this mutation may also display another fur pattern in tandem with it, or solely the stellar pattern.

This mutation affects the riardi’s sphingolipid biosynthesis, however, which affects the brain and retina to an extent. When young, the stellar riardi's body handles any changes in their sphingolipid metabolism well. Without detailed testing, they might have very mild or undetectable neurological or visual issues. In adolescence, they might have slight balance issues, extremity tingling/numbness, or coordination issues. In low-light conditions, they might have unnoticed or almost-noticeable blurring in their sight, or other minor visual disturbances. In mid-life, they might require the assistance of an eye specialist to manage their eye health as their eyes undergo retinal changes. In elderly years, they might have reduced motor coordination or balance issues which could adversely affect daily activities. They might experience more significant vision loss or impaired visual processing and require assistance via magic, devices, or technologies. Overall, these symptoms are a minor annoyance at best, and easy to manage over time one way or another.