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"Was out on the water last month when I hooked something big. Was reelin’ it in when I felt something tugging back. I look down and what do I see? A damn octopus with a sword stealin’ my fish."
—Daria Loriv, fisherwoman

Overview

The Swordsman Octopus, also referred to as the Duelist Octopus or the Scarred Octopus, is a large cephalopod that inhabits the murky depths of Haven’s oceans. Known for crafting swords made from bone to hunt and fight, the Swordsman Octopus is a very resourceful creature. They are also known for their elaborate mating rituals and habit of attacking fishermen.

Characteristics

Appearance

The Swordsman Octopus is a large octopus species with tough, somewhat leathery skin. It is theorized that its skin became thicker to better protect against rival sword strikes. Like all octopods, it possesses eight tentacles covered in suction cups, letting it grab and hold onto just about anything, whether it be a surface or potential meal. At the center of its tentacles is a sharp, serrated beak capable of crushing both hard and soft-bodied prey alike.

The Swordsman Octopus’ body is often covered with multiple scars, usually located near the head. These are the result of countless duels against other Swordsman Octopuses. The older the octopus, the more scars it possesses. Swordsman Octopuses with many scars seem to be held in high regard by other members of their species, often getting picked more during mating season. Additionally, these scars seem to make the Sword Octopus’ skin tougher, giving it a better chance at winning additional fights.

Biology

Unlike many other octopuses, the Swordsman Octopus lacks the ability to camouflage itself. It is theorized that they lost this ability as they learned to craft bone swords, favoring fighting instead of hiding. They do, however, still possess the ability to shoot out a cloud of dark ink to blind any potential attackers. They are also known to coat their swords in their ink in order to reduce the chances of light reflecting off of them and giving away their position.

The Swordsman Octopus is a carnivore, usually feeding on fish and crustaceans. It will also go for birds and small land animals if close enough to the surface. In times when food is especially scarce, they are even known to attack and kill lone fishermen. They prefer to use their swords to kill food, but if their prey is hard-bodied, like a crab or snail, then they will simply grab them with their tentacles and crush them with their beaks. However, it seems to prefer not to resort to this as it requires them to temporarily let go of their swords.

When mating, the female Swordsman Octopus is capable of laying up to a hundred thousand eggs. It usually attaches these eggs to the undersides of rocks, protecting them until they hatch. This usually results in her death as she never leaves the eggs alone, not even to hunt for food. Upon hatching, the young Swordsman Octopuses take a few years to mature, with few surviving to adulthood. Maturity for them is marked by the crafting of their first swords, signaling that they are ready to challenge whatever the ocean throws at them.

Behavior

When hunting, the Swordsman Octopus tries its best to avoid damaging the bones of its prey, as they are what it uses to craft its signature swords. It takes the largest and sturdiest bones it can find and sharpens them on rocks until they feel it is worthy enough of being used as a weapon. Some specimens have even been sighted crafting a primitive crossguard using another piece of bone and some kelp, further highlighting the intelligence of these creatures.

The Swordsman Octopus takes great pride in its weapon, carrying it with it wherever it goes. It never lets its blade out of its grip, even when sleeping, always making sure to keep at least one tentacle firmly wrapped around it. Many older specimens are known to make notches in the blade, seemingly for every kill they make. Some blades have been found to have hundreds of notches, usually owned by very successful octopuses.

The Swordsman Octopus is a very solitary creature, only converging to either mate or fight. They defend their territories with utmost ferocity, slashing and stabbing at any who dare intrude on their lands. Even against larger foes, the Swordsman Octopus almost never backs down, only fleeing if they sense that there is no possible way to win or if their weapon is broken. A Swordsman Octopus with a broken sword becomes noticeably depressed, lying still for up to a week at a time before they can work up the energy to go and craft another sword.

Swordsman Octopus Duels

During mating season, the female Swordsman Octopus will begin to search for a mate. Once a male is found, she will then challenge him to a duel, usually ending when one octopus scores a particularly painful blow. If the male succeeds, then the female will allow him to mate with her, recognizing him as a worthy partner. If he fails, then he will be driven away, with the female continuing the search until a suitably strong male is found. This ensures that the parents will produce strong offspring.

Interestingly, the Swordsman Octopus has been documented as having duels against many of the civilized races of Haven as well. During intense storms, Swordsman Octopuses sometimes wash up on the shores or the decks of ships, becoming agitated and attacking whatever comes near. Sailors who have fought against a Swordsman Octopus and lived describe the creature as being so alien yet so familiar, almost possessing a code of honor. If they get injured in these duels, then the octopus will flee back into the ocean, though some have even been spotted trying to get revenge on those who hurt them in the past. They aren’t always successful, but they are known for going to great lengths to hunt down their quarry.

Notable Individuals

TBA

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 {{Haven}}
 {{quote|"''Was out on the water last month when I hooked something big. Was reelin’ it in when I felt something tugging back. I look down and what do I see? A damn octopus with a sword stealin’ my fish.''"|Daria Loriv, fisherwoman}}
+{{Infobox Species
-{{!CreatureInfobox|image1=|caption1=Swordsman Octopus|designation=Mollusk|classification=Cephalopoda|lifespan=30 years|native_environment=*Coral reefs
+|title1 = Swordsman Octopus
+|image1 =
+|caption1 = Swordsman Octopus
+|scope = [[Scope:Imagindarium's Creation]]
+|setting = Haven
+|author = LordApollyon
+|classification = Cephalopoda
+|diet = Carnivorous
+|reproduction = Viviparous
+|average_height = 0.64 meters / 2 feet, 1 inch
+|average_length = 4.2 meters / 13 feet, 9 inches
+|average_mass = 56 kilograms / 123.5 pounds
+|number_of_limbs = 8
+|number_of_eyes = 2
+|possible_body_colorations = *Brownish Red
+*Orange
+|possible_eye_colorations = *Black
+|native_environment = *Coral reefs
 *Oceans
-*Underwater caves|most_prominent_location=|behavior=*Solitary
+*Underwater caves
+|notable_distinctions = Weapon-crafting behavior
-*Territorial|diet=Carnivorous|reproduction=Viviparous|form=Cephalopod|height=*0.64 meters/2 feet, 1 inch (Height)
+}}
-*4.2 meters/13 feet, 9 inches (Length)|weight=56 kilograms (123.5 pounds)|possible_skin/fur_colors=*Brownish Red
-*Orange|possible_eye_colors=*Black|number_of_limbs=8|number_of_eyes=2|number_of_digits=|notable_distinctions=Weapon-crafting behavior}}
+== Overview ==
 The '''Swordsman Octopus''', also referred to as the '''Duelist Octopus''' or the '''Scarred Octopus''', is a large cephalopod that inhabits the murky depths of [[Haven|Haven’s]] oceans. Known for crafting swords made from bone to hunt and fight, the Swordsman Octopus is a very resourceful creature. They are also known for their elaborate mating rituals and habit of attacking fishermen.