Neo-Dolphin

by Aaron Wigley (wigs@yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au)

Tursiops Nobilis

Critter Statistics

Normal critters

Name              B   Q   S   C   I  W  E  R   Attacks
Dolphin, Typical  6  6x5  5   -  3/7 2  6  4   5M
    Note: running multiplier on land is x0

Paraspecies

Name         B   Q   S   C   I  W  E  R   Attacks
Neo-Dolphin  6  6x5  6   4  5/7 3  6  5   6M
    Powers: Enhanced Senses (Echo Location - aka. 'Sonar'), Search

Identification

The male neo-dolphin ranges in length from 3.0 to 4.5 metres in length while the female is from 3.0 to 5.0 metres. It is remarkably similar to the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in overall appearance and shape, which has lead marine biologists to believe it is an Awakened Bottlenose Dolphin, and have classified it as such.

Similar Species

It is often mistaken as a common Tursiops truncatus.

Habitat and Range

The Neo-Dolphin is found worldwide in temperate and tropical waters. It is absent from polar waters. They are encountered principally in coastal regions.

Magic Capability

This is innate, and magically active individuals have been documented. The Neo-Dolphin takes the shamanistic path of magic (totem: Dolphin, sometimes Whale, rarely Orca), being closely tied with the Dreaming-Songs of the whales. Dolphin shamans can initiate, and go astral.

Habits

The Neo-Dolphin live much like their T. truncatus cousins in community groups ranging in size from 2 to 30 Members. They interact with the more common dolphins and whales quite regularly, treating their ‘cousins’ with respect, especially the larger and older Whales for their Songs. They are air breathers, like all aquatic mammals. Their lifespan is not yet known, but extrapolation of data from T. truncatus provides an estimate of at least 50, possibly even 60 years.

Young

Usually one. Calves are nursed for aproximately three years. Gestation lasts 12 months.

Commentary

The neo-dolphin was recognised by the United Nations in 2042 as sentient, rapidly after the Sasquatch attained the same recognition. Scientists, working on dolphin communication since the previous century, had made some advance in human-dolphin communication, and with the discovery of the T. Nobilis in 2028, this information was able to be applied to some degree of success. Prior to the award of their sentient status, they had been previously classified an Endangered Species by the International Wildlife Commision in 2035 due to their low numbers. In 2053 their numbers are estimated to be around 10,000 worldwide.

Powers

Enhanced Senses (Echo Location - aka. ‘Sonar’), Search

>>>>>[ It appears the Neo-Dolphin isn't liked much by the 
    Japanese, after several fishing trawlers apparently were 
    sunk by pods of dolphins hurling magic. ]<<<<
    - Pacific Eye (12:54 30/1/2053)

>>>>>[ Heh. Another anti-Japanese group? I bet Nippon doesn't 
    like it. ]<<<<<
    - Anonymous (13:36 30/1/2053)

>>>>>[ More like a case that the 'fins were fed up with the 
    drift netting practices of the Japanese. The Japanese 
    should get everything they deserve ]<<<<<
    - Nicole Pellisier (19:12 1/2/2053)