chlalabym

Chlalabym is a fictional term used in worldbuilding and fan-fiction communities to denote a small nocturnal creature. The name is an invented word that has circulated in online prompts, forums, and collaborative lore projects since the early 2020s. Because it originates in participatory writing contexts, there is no single canonical description; depictions vary by author, but several common strands have emerged.

Most renditions describe chlalabym as roughly the size of a small rabbit, with soft, dense fur that shifts color under moonlight. It typically has large ears, a short snout, and bioluminescent markings along the spine or cheeks that glow faintly in darkness. Its diet ranges from fruit and berries to small insects, and it is generally portrayed as agile and quiet, able to move through underbrush with little sound. Habitats vary, but forested regions are the most common setting; some versions place it in mangroves or highland scrub. The creature is typically nocturnal or crepuscular, shy around humans, and sometimes described as having a sensitive reaction to weather patterns or magical energies.

In community projects, the chlalabym serves as a design prompt to explore themes of camouflage, curiosity, and resilience. It also appears in fan art and role-playing schemes as a minor companion or omen. As a term from fiction and online subcultures, its specifics are not standardized and can differ across works.