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Documentation Area

Document Path: /doc/monsters/whale

Name:
	Whale  (Sea Animal)

Stats:
	No. Appearing  : 1-8
	Climate/Terrain: Oceans
	Frequency      : Common
	Organization   : Pod
	Activity Cycle : Any
	Diet           : Plankton

Description:
	Whales are the largest sea mammals. They are highly intelligent crea-
	tures that occuy a number of ecological niches. The common whales in-
	clude plankton eaters like the blue or hump-backed whales and carnivo-
	res like sperm whales.

	Common whales range in size from a 10-foot-long calf to 110-foot-long
	blue whales. The skin is normally blue-gray. Whales share a common lan-
	guage that is difficult for land creatures to learn since it uses tones
	below human hearing.

Combat:
	All common whales can attack with their tails. Plankton-feeding whales
	can attack with either of their flukes (fins). Carnivorous whales can
	bithe. Whales are vulnerable to surface ships only then whe whales are
	on the surface.

Habitat/Society:
	Whales live in tribal gatherings called pods. They maintain strong per-
	sonal and familiy ties. Their culture is based on complex songs that
	can be heard for miles underwater. Whales are curious about humanoids
	but if attacked they can become deadly foes. Whales rarely initiate
	combat. They welcome communication with other beings. They do not lie,
	but they may not reveal everything they know.

	Most whales feed on a variety of plankton, shrimp, and small fish that
	they stuck up as they swim along. Sperm whales feed on larger fish, oc-
	topi, and especially giant squids.

	Whale cows normally give birth to a single calf. The calf remains with
	the cow for the next five to ten years, depending on the species. After
	five years, the cow may give birth again. The calves are protected and
	taught by all members of the pod.

Ecology:
	With their great size, power, and diversity, they are the masters of
	the sea. They preserve order through their conflicts with evilly in-
	clined sea monsters.

	Unfortunately, their relations with seafarers are less certain. Because
	of the value placed on parts of the whale's body, the creatures are
	hunted to excess by greedy whalers. Despite the hostility of the huma-
	nois, whales remain curious and basically friendly to non-whaling
	seafarers.