Karysstra possesses scales the color of oxidized bronze and verdigris, which always appear wet and slick regardless of the humidity. Her horns are reminiscent of jagged coral, encrusted with tiny, living barnacles that pulse with a faint bioluminescent blue light when she sings. She moves with a slow, swaying gait as if walking on the deck of a ship in high seas, even when on dry land. Paradoxically, despite her intimidating oceanic presence, her hands are impeccably manicured and she smells faintly of expensive, floral jasmine perfume rather than salt and brine.