Kraken Leviathan

Kraken Leviathan are the largest known aquatic creature known on Terra. Often called the Chimera of the Great Waters, they have been seen with attributes of octopi, turtles, fish and sharks. Generally known for their "many arms" they are a fearsome sight for any sea faring vessel. Lurking within the deep waters, they have been known to be pulled closer to shore by the presence of loud noises and impacts, or the deep hum that is attributed to electrical currents cause by lighting storms and other phenomenon. Though several specimens have been recorded with various attributes, it is hypothesized that they range in size from 30 meters up to 2.5 kilometers. The more average Kraken Leviathan, weighing more than 1800 kilograms, has been discovered washed ashore during large storms. These circumstances lead to the appropriate gathering of physiological information.

Basic Information

Anatomy

SKELETON & MUSCULATURE

Krakens are in part invertebrates, which means they do not have a traditional system of skeletal bones. Unlike vertebrates, which have a rigid internal skeleton, Krakens have a hydrostatic skeleton made up of muscles and fluid in their outer extremities allowing them to be more flexible and agile. The deviation lays in part with the skeletal structure of their torso which is constructed with a network of dense cartilage. Though the structure of their bodies are primarily without traditional bones, the decrease in density from their skeletons (unlike those who have a collagen and calcium phosphate system) allows for the Krakens to more easily, stay afloat longer, all while using less energy to move.
Krakens have two types of muscle- red and white. Red muscle is a grouping of slow contracting muscle fibers and helps the shark swim for long periods of time with minimal exertion. These muscles require an oxygen rich environment within the blood and works by breaking down fat in the Kraken’s body. White muscle is the relatively fast contracting system which helps with bursts of speed. This system relies on stores of glycogen to propel themselves with their legendary speed. The main muscular system of the Kraken also contains an array of muscle fiber connections that rely on a skeletal support system called a muscular hydrostat. Support and movement in the arms and tentacles depends on the fact that muscle tissue resists volume change. The basic principle of function is straightforward; because the volume of the appendage is essentially constant, a decrease in one dimension must result in an increase in another dimension. Since the muscle fibers are arranged in three mutually perpendicular directions, all three dimensions can be actively controlled and thus a remarkable diversity of movements and deformations can be produced. By selective activation of these muscle groups, elongation, shortening, bending, torsion and stiffening of the appendage can be produced. The predominant muscle fiber type is obliquely striated. Cross-striated fibers are found only in the transverse muscle mass of the prey capture tentacles of Kraken Leviathans. These fibers have unusually short myofilaments and sarcomeres, generating the high shortening velocity required for rapid elongation of the tentacles. It is likely that Krakens use ultrastructural modifications rather than tissue-specific myosin isoforms to tune contraction velocities.

Suckers

In order to maintain proper traction and grip, Leviathans have rows of sucker like pads on their tentacles. Though these suckers are constructed of a complex muscle system, each with a serration of specially adapted Keratin like minerals that forms teeth giving them further strength and flexibility. These suckers have a complex muscular structure that creates a system of pressure suction. Each sucker is individually attached to the arm by a muscular base that can rotate the sucker as needed, elongating to twice it's normal length in order to maintain a proper hold.

Teeth

Krakens are known as one of the most dangerous oceanic predators. Not only for the crushing power of their tentacles but also for their powerful razor sharp teeth and jaws. With a little over 3000 teeth, the jaw system of a Kraken is more akin to that of a shark. Multiple rows of teeth line the interior of the mouth and down the throat which are easily replaced when dulled or damaged. Like sharks, their teeth are not attached to their gums allowing for easily regrowth.

Genetics and Reproduction

Though Kraken have not been monitored for their reproductive rituals, it is thought that they reproduce through a system of eggs. It is unsure if these creatures lay their eggs in under water cavers or if these eggs are transported with one of the parents. Due to their large territories the prevailing theory is the later. Though the Kraken's themselves have few evident signs of sexual dimorphism, they are believed to be sexed.

Ecology and Habitats

The Kraken are known to have large territories, consisting of waterways and oceans that are teaming with life. Though their dietary habits are suspected to be carnivorous, even with their large size, they do not seem to have an impact on the amount of fish in the ecosystem

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

The average Kraken is said to have sub-human intelligence. Though they live their lives with a predatory nature, the vast majority of Krakens operate through their base instincts and territorial behaviours.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Ocular Sight

With a set of large angled eyes, the Kraken is able to see perfectly underwater with the protection of a special convex allowing them to focus on the fluctuations of light in their environment. Their sensitive eyes are also specially adapted for optimally reflect light in low light conditions

Ampullae of Lorenzini

Ampulla of Lorenzini are facial pits that work as electroceptions. These mucus filled pores in their face and body work as a sensitive nerve fiber system that sense for voltage difference in the water and within their body. These receptors are said to be the cause for Krakens being drawn towards electrical storms and electricity. Sensing the differences in the surrounding area they will move to these areas, agitated by the bombardment of current. These Ampulla are also responsible for magnetic perception thought to be used for direction sense and migratory behaviours, as well as a keen temperature sense to track warm bodied animals in the area.

Skin Receptors

Skin receptors in the Krakens have been credited not only for pressure sense, but also for their ability to see light and pigmentation. Such senses allow the Kraken to adjust the pigmentation of their skin to blend in to their surroundings.

Civilization and Culture

Common Myths and Legends

Cipactli

One of the largest Kraken Leviathans on record, Cipactli makes his home off the coat of Rivershire. Known as the "Great Bane" or "Great Guardian" depending on who you ask. This Kraken is said to be 2.5 Kilometers in length, though no one has seen the complete length of the beast, and weighing several thousand tons. This aquatic creature jealously guards the trade routes and due to his demand for toll, has become synonymous with the Banker's Guild.
The Exacted Toll
All ships that cross the waters of Rivershire are expected to pay a toll upon the waters as they pass. These gifts are often given in the form fish, meat, alcohol or coin. The Guardian Cipactli is said to gather these tolls from within crates and barrels upon the ocean floor. Where this treasure resides is anyone's guess. Once a year, the city of Rivershire will send a small vessel as a gift to the Kraken which is sunk in his honour. In exchange, the guardian continues to watch over the shipping routes.
The Bakers Guild
Due to the protection of Cipactli, the banker's guild has adopted him as a sign of prosperity. The guild itself, sometimes called The Krakens Arm is invested in the protection of the interest of the four cities and those that surround them. The bankers guild protects the value of currency and the prosperity of the people of the land, all under the sygil of the great Kraken himself.
The Gift of Sacrifice and the Skipped Year Drought
Once a year there is a festival in honour of Cipactli and his protection of the trade routes. One year, the new leadership had decided to skip this payment. Seeing the ritual as tired and overdone. Much to their surprise the stores of fish began to dry, nets were empty and the town began to suffer. Unwilling to accept this as anything other than a coincidence they continued to refrain from payments to the Great Cipactli. During the rest of the year, courses of storms began to rip through the shoreline. More violent and volatile the waters began to churn with such unpredictability that even transportation vessels began to sink from the docks themselves. With such clear escalation, the leadership of Rivershire finally decided to cede to the age old traditions of tolls. Once the tolls resumed their regular schedule, the fish returned and life on the coast returned to normal. It is not certain if the storms were created by Cipactli, but he has earned the name the "Storm King" due to this terrible year

Scientific Name

Astrophyton Linckii

Origin/Ancestry

Unknown

Geographic Distribution

Ocean

Related Organizations

Bankers Guild