Dolphins, porpoises, and whales have intrigued humanity for centuries and belong to the cetacean order, which is divided into three primary groups. The toothed whales (odontoceti) use their teeth to catch food. Odontoceti have one blowhole (nostril) and hunt by echolocation. Dolphins, porpoises, and 64 other species fall under this classification. Toothed whales frequently hunt, crave!, and migrate together.
Baleen whales (mysticeti) feed on small sea creatures by filtering them though a comblike structure called a baleen, and they have two blowholes. They may seek the company of their kin but can also be found traveling alone. Ten species make up the mysticeti group.
The archaeoceti are whales that are presumed to be extinct. This group includes the primitive basilosaurus, which was the first known eocene whale.
Dolphins dwell in the world’s temperate and tropical waters and may migrate to follow the availability of food. An adult bottlenose dolphin can reach 2.7 meters in length and weigh 260 kilograms. These intelligent creatures are sleek and streamlined. Their backs and sides are typically gray but their underbellies are usually white. According to Greek legend, dolphins are descended from humans, and their skeletal structure bears a striking resemblance to the forelimbs of land-based mammals. They have been known to entertain strangers with their oceanic acrobatics.
Porpoises are similar in size to dolphins but have striking differences. They do not have a beaklike face, and their dorsal fin is triangular in shape instead of curved. These creatures are rare! y seen in large groups and are nor performers; larger cetaceans and ships appear to frighten them.
Whales often travel in social groups called pods. The first sign of a whale’s presence is usually the blow created by water expelling from the blowhole. They might also leap above the ocean’s surface and return to the depths with a mighty splash. This breach communicates their presence to others. One might see the head of a whale surface until its eyes are exposed as the creature orients itself. Angered whales have been known to slap their tail or extend it. Such creatures should be given a wide berth due to their destructive power.
When undersea, whales navigate by sound. Their songs have mystified those who study these noble creatures. Blue whales are the largest animal to ever exist. They can reach 33 meters in length, weigh 108 metric tons, and can live for 50 years. These creatures are an endangered species and protected by the International Whaling Commission.
The basilosaurus lived nearly 40 million years ago during the middle Eocene period and resembled sea serpents more than modern day whales. Full-grown specimens were nearly 32 meters long, and their heads could reach two meters in length. The basilosaurus’ jaws were outfitted with two different kinds of teeth. The cone-shaped teeth near the from held on to the prey it captured and triangular-shaped teeth near the rear were used to chop up food.
Typical Dolphin / Porpoise
Reflexes 4D: acrobatics 4D+1, brawling 5D, dodge 4D+1
Coordination 1D+1: throwing 4D
Physique 5D: stamina 5D+1, swimming 6D
Knowledge 3D: navigation: underwater 4D
Perception 3D: search 3D+2, survival 4D, tracking 3D+2
Presence 2D: charm 3D, willpower 3D+1
Strength Damage: 3D
Move: 13
Fate Points: 0
Body Points: 25
Character Points: 0
Wound levels: 3
Natural Abilities: bite (damage +2; +5 to combat difficulty); highly developed sense of hearing (+2 to related skill totals); thick hide (Armor Value +1; protects against pressure and temperature extremes)
Typical Blue Whale
Reflexes 3D: brawling 4D
Coordination 1D
Physique 14D: stamina 16D, swimming 14D+1
Knowledge 6D: navigation: underwater 7D
Perception 4D: search 6D, survival 5D, tracking 5D
Presence 5D: intimidation 7D
Strength Damage: 7D
Move: 20
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 0
Body Points: 52
Wound levels: 3
Natural Abilities: tail slap {damage +2D+1); highly developed sense of smell (+3 to related skill totals); thick hide (Armor Value +1D; protects against pressure and temperature extremes); large size (scale value 23)
Typical Basilosaurus
Reflexes 6D: brawling 8D
Coordination 1D
Physique 13D: stamina 14D, swimming 13D+1
Knowledge 1 D: navigation: underwater 3D
Perception 2D: search 3D, survival 3D
Presence 3D: intimidation 5D
Strength Damage: l4D
Move: 16
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 0
Body Points: 49
Wound levels: 3
Natural Abilities: bite (damage +1D; +5 to combat difficulty); highly developed sense of hearing (+2 to related skill totals); thick hide (Armor Value +1D; protects against pressure and temperature extremes); large size (scale value 23)