The Malkut King Fish

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[Tagaloa]

Beastiary > Water Creatures > Fish > Malkut

The Malkut, more commonly called the King of Fish, the King Fish, Put'ine, Chó'yph'masýr or, more colloquially (especially amongst fishermen) the King. Endemic the coasts of Sanguia, eastern Manthria and Brendolan, the Malkut (which will be hence forth referred to as the King Fish) is massive, and many are the grizzled fishermen boasting about their scars gained from fighting with these fish.

Appearance
A fully grown King Fish averages 2 peds long, with exceptional specimens reaching 2.2 peds, and at least one confirmed specimen having been recorded at a massive 2.4 peds, and weigh anywhere from 3 pygges to 6 for the largest specimens. These great sizes are attained because the King Fish has no definite top size. If there is abundant food, the King will eat and continue to grow. Their scales are a beautiful blue, their fins the same color but noticeably darker, they would be counted amongst the most beautiful of fish, likely, if it were not for the frequent scars they gain during their long lives.

King Fish have cone shaped heads, with narrow, toothed mouths, beady black eyes and, naturally, gills. Rapidly flaring out into a much larger, stockier body, they possess pectoral fins that appear awkwardly small to terrestrial observers, and pelvic fins that seem exaggerated, but have been seen to aid the bulky fish in feats of incredibly underwater agility. Noticeably, they have three dorsal fins, which some have postulated to have developed to keep the fish's large bulk from causing them to roll over during dramatic hunting chases. Starting from about a fore behind their gills, the first sticks about 3/4 fore from its back and is deeply curved. The second, roughly in the middle of the fish, is even more deeply curved, and is about 1/2 a fore tall. The last, near the base of the tail, is much smaller, only 1/4 of a fore tall and is much straighter. On their inferior side, King Fish have a short, long and curved anal fin, which stretches for almost a ped across their underside.

They're large bodied and very bulky and muscular and covered in very thick scales that are a deep blue that sparkle spectacularly in the sun, a sight that is often remarked upon as being one of the rewards for catching these fish. Their tails are large, and, uniquely, diphyceral, resembling an axe head with a bulbous growth in the centre, and that their vertebrae extend all the way to the end of their tails. It has been postulated by many researchers and observers, that having their spine extend so far allows them to generate more power as they swim.

Special Abilities
King Fish are considered a mundane species of fish, as they lack poison, or massive regrowing teeth, outstanding size (though they are quite large), or any magical enhancement. Nevertheless, they are still counted amongst the most extraordinary of fish, perhaps more so because they lack any special enhancement. They have shown a stupendous intelligence, outsmarting commercial fishermen by destroying their nets and outmaneuvering boat nets. Thier scales are quite thick and serve their purpose well - spearing a King takes either profanely precise aim, or great strength.

Also of note is the great strength and agility these fish display, which makes them among the most dangerous of catches for fishermen. Tales abound of spear fishers taking a shot at these fish, only to have it smash the boat, or for a particularly angry King to pull a fisherman into the sea after being hit. Few who are pulled into the sea with an irate King Fish live through it and those who do are usually maimed for life.

Territory
King Fish live all along the western coast of Sarvonia, ranging from the Aertyram Sea in the south, to the Sea of Tears in the north. They also roam further west in smaller numbers, and some individuals have been found farther north and south. During spawning season they can be found in great number in Eight Winds Bay or the Gulf of Maraya, depending on their normal range, to fertilize and lay their catches around the coasts of the bays.

Habitat/Behavior
Considered a gentle giant, despite their fierce reputation and incredible strength and agility, the King Fish doesn't pose much of a threat to the average person. Indeed, during the spring, when the Kings congregate in the Gulf of Maraya, some can find smaller individuals of the species journeying into shallower water, where many a delighted children have found the large fish to be docile, although showing a rather troubling level of comfort around people. Apart from spawning season, King Fish are known to be loners, roaming from the gulf far out into the Aertyram Sea, sometimes in pairs or trios. During mating season, however, they have been observed attacking one another, but this seems to be entirely mating-related, as there have been no reports outside of the spawning season of fighting.

Despite this docility, fishermen know the terrifying ferocity and strength they possess, both attributes displayed to the fishermen who try to spear them - unless one is incredibly skilled or lucky and manages to pierce their heart on the first thrust, one must be prepared for a brutal struggle! Tough, and possessing thick plates that act as armor, the logical way to catch these beasts would be to simply use a net. Kings are just too intelligent for that. They avoid nets, and a few fishermen have found their nets simply ripped apart by an irate individual who was unforntunate enough to get caught.

Because of this, the only way to catch these fish is to spear them. An incredibly dangerous, though lucrative, proposition, many Sanguians, Manthrians and Brendolans risk it for the prestige and the money. Many young men die attempting this, though if you ever chance upon a young man from central Santharia with a necklace of deep blue scales and teeth, give this man respect.

Uses
By warrant of their great mass, and therefore large quantity of meat, the primary use of the King Fish is for sustenance. A single adult fish, averaging at 4 pygges, provides a great amount of food for fishing villages, or fetch a very (very) high price at fish markets - these fish are considered to increase the strength and stamina of those who eat its flesh raw, and many a superstitious soldier will pay large sums of money for some. When caught during the spring, the eggs, which are rather large, are harvested and sold as a very expensive delicacy.

These fish are much too difficult to catch to waste, and little is allowed to waste. Scales and teeth are traditionally fastened into a necklace for whoever speared the giant - thus, should you find a man with several strings of Malkut teeth and scales, be sure to show him respect! This custom evolved independently amongst both the Avennorian and the Trk'Matiu, the only difference between the two being that the Trk'matiu keep a single tooth from every catch and add it to a string, while the Avennorians generally make a new necklace out of several teeth and the scales for every successful catch.

Of particular interest, these fish have an organ located behind their stomach that produces a viscous, putrid looking yellowish fluid. For a long time, this fluid was considered toxic and the sack and organ producing it was discarded by fishermen during the slaughtering process. Recently, however, it has been found that this fluid is a very powerful anti-infectant. This caused a surge in demand for a few years, and a demand for larger fish with larger glands - a demand that resulted in many untimely deaths, as the larger the fish, the further out they roam and therefore, the more dangerous it is to hunt. Most scholars, judging by the frequent scars found on older members, believe that these organs release the fluid when the fish is injured and keep infection from setting in.

Diet
King Fish are fish eaters. Due to their size, teeth and ferocity there are few fish that they won't eat. During their youth they often eat molluscs and smaller fish, and gradually climb up the food chain to the larger ocean going fish. Kings are also known to have developed a particular taste for Dolpholk, a preference that has resulted in some truly spectacular submarine battles and chases.

Predators of the Kings include any larger meat eating fish, including sharks and, most commonly, larger Kings. However, this is not a hard and fast rule - it is entirely reasonable to assume that even sharks, occasionally, become the food for the King, though it is unlikely they actively hunt the larger fish.

Mating
Being sea dwelling creatures, the exact details of their mating rituals are unknown.  What is known is that they congregate in the Gulf of Maraya or Eight Winds Bay to spawn in the spring, depending upon where they range. Those that range further north head to the Bay, while those further south head to the Gulf.

 Clutches are found in egg sacks, which are fertilized during the spring and laid in shallow waters, probably reefs, where they develop and hatch. The number of eggs in each sack is estimated to be between 200 and 300, accounting for a high mortality rate for hatchlings who are only about 1/3 of a fore in size when they hatch 3 months later.

Myth and Lore
All the names of the King (Malkut, King, King Fish) stem from a popular and prolific Avennorian fairy tale, called Malkut the Fish King. Detailing the story of Malkut, who is only ever identified as 'From the east', the fairy tale follows his journey to the ocean kingdom and his battle of wits and might with the king of all fish, a King Fish. Through the generations and cultural osmosis, the fairy tale spread to other provinces bordering the Gulf of Maraya and Aertyram Sea and the name of these fish gradually changed to a name taken from the story.

[Seeker]

OK I have read through and my first comment is good job on holding back.  What I mean is many newbies like to make extraordinary beasts with magical powers and ferocious claws that will someday dominate the whole of caelereth. 

Besides bragging rights, why do fisherman catch them?  Are they tasty, can there bones be used for anything, caviar?  I like the necklace idea.


Do you imagine it resembles a real life fish?  which one?  I am curious.  Can you clarify the color of the fish and the fins? You mentioned the blue color of the tail fins.

What is known to eat this fish? Any large sea creatures?

good start, we can always use this type of entry.

[Tagaloa]

Well, I wasn't quite done, but thanks for pointing those things out, Seeker. The appearance is a little vague, I realize that now.

As for real life inspiration, the King Fish was built from taking the Arapaima and... well, tweaking it. Making it distinct, turning it into a saltwater fish - basically, this fish is the Santharian, sea-dwelling broth of the terran Arapaima.

[Tagaloa]

Well, I'm not sure if double posting is frowned upon, but I'm going to find out. First draft is done, for when anyone has time to look over.

[Seeker]

Sorry about jumping the gun. 

Ahh the Arapaima, very nice.  Yes that would be quite a fish to haul in indeed.  I will read through again more carefully this weekend.

I think you certainly have a knack for fish, you seem to know what you are talking about with the terms.

[seth ghibta]

Hi Tagaloa! first off, welcome to Santharia, as I never got round to saying it in your introduction thread. Secondly, nice work! This is a very good first entry, you clearly know your stuff, which is always promising. not sure if there's much needs correcting, but let's give this a look through- my comments and nosy questions will be in yellow, and grammatical/spelling things (if I notice any) will be in pink.


The Malkut, more commonly called the King of Fish, the King Fish or, more colloquially (especially amongst fishermen) the King. Endemic the coasts of Sanguia, eastern Manthria and Brendolan, the Malkut (which will be hence forth referred to as the King Fish) is massive, and many are the grizzled fishermen boasting about their scars gained from fighting with these fish.
Oh, could you stick a categorization on here? It isn't necessarily in the template (is it? can't remember off the top of my head) but it's good practise, and helps the magicians who will be putting the entry on site when it's done. for this one I'd guess it's pretty straightforward, something like "Bestiary> water creatures> fish> Malkut.

Appearance
A fully grown King Fish averages 2 peds long, with exceptional specimens reaching 2.2 peds, and at least one confirmed specimen having been recorded at a massive 2.4 peds, and weigh anywhere from 3 pygges to 6 for the largest specimens. These great sizes are attained because the King Fish has no definite top size. If there is abundant food, the King will eat and continue to grow. Their scales are a beautiful blue, their fins the same color but noticeably darker, they would be counted amongst the most beautiful of fish, likely, if it were not for the frequent scars they gain during their long lives.

King Fish have cone shaped heads, with narrow, toothed mouths, beady black eyes and, naturally, gills. Rapidly flaring out into a much larger, stockier body, they possess pectoral fins that appear awkwardly small to terrestrial observers, and pelvic fins that seem exaggerated, but have been seen to aid the bulky fish in feats of incredibly underwater agility. Noticeably, they have three dorsal fins, which some have postulated to have developed to keep the fish's large bulk from causing them to roll over during dramatic hunting chases. Starting from about a fore behind their gills, the first sticks about 3/4 fore from its back and is deeply curved. The second, roughly in the middle of the fish, is even more deeply curved, and is about 1/2 a fore tall. The last, near the base of the tail, is much smaller, only 1/4 of a fore tall and is much straighter. On their inferior side, King Fish have a short, long and curved anal fin, which stretches for almost a ped across their underside.

They're large bodied and very bulky and muscular and their tail fins, which are unique for being diphycercal in shape. and are covered in thick scales that are a beautiful deep blue color that are said to sparkle in the light, which is often considered one of the rewards of the catch by some Avennorian fishers. As for their tail, to put it in perspective, is diphycercal, which means their fin is tri-lobed, and most resembles an axe head with a bulbous point in the middle, and their vertebrae extend all the way to the end of their tail. this is a point of preference more than anything, but I'd put the explanation of diphycercal (brilliant word by the way) after the first time you use it rather than the second, so the reader doesn't spend that half a sentence wondering. It has been postulated, by who? we have a list of researchers and the like which might have someone you could use, though don’t feel you have to by any meansbecause of the awesome swimming speed demonstrated by the King, that have their spine extend so far allows them to generate more power as they swim.

Special Abilities
King Fish are considered a mundane species of fish, as they lack poison, or massive regrowing teeth, outstanding size (though they are quite large), or any magical enhancement. Nevertheless, they are still counted amongst the most extraordinary of fish, perhaps more so because they lack any special enhancement. They have shown a stupendous intelligence, outsmarting commercial fishermen by destroying their nets and outmanoeuvring boat nets. Their scales are quite thick and serve their purpose well - spearing a King takes either profanely precise aim, or great strength.

Also of note is the great strength and agility these fish display, which makes them among the most dangerous of catches for fishermen. care to give us a measure of this, by some example? Doesn’t need to be an actual numerical measurement, but something like, I dunno, it being common knowledge they can pull a dingy full of fishermen if they get tangled in the nets, anything like that that’d give a definite idea, whilst adding a little more colour? Again, feel free to ignore me, I’m in the habit of just peppering entries with any questions that come to mind, as starting points to help elaborate a bit.

Territory
King Fish live in the Aetyram Sea, around the provinces of Sanguia, Manthria and Brendolan. They are particularly prolific in the Gulf of Maraya, where they also congregate in the spring to spawn. Some have been found far out to sea, around the Isle of Hope.

Habitat/Behavior
Considered a gentle giant, despite their fierce reputation and incredible strength and agility, the King Fish doesn't pose much of a threat to the average person. Indeed, during the spring, when the Kings congregate in the Gulf of Maraya, some can find smaller individuals of the species journeying into shallower water, where many a<remove delighted children have found the large fish to be docile, although showing a rather troubling level of comfort around people. What about amongst themselves? Are they sociable? Do they stick to certain set areas or wander around freeliy within their whole range? Do they swim in shoals or alone?

Despite this docility, fishermen know the terrifying ferocity and strength they possess. is this ferocity a product of being hunted, or do they attack unprovoked? It seems quite a contrast between the docile fish that play with children and the ones that coud kill a fisherman, so a distinction between why they switch might be good. Tough, and possessing thick plates that act as armor, the logical way to catch these beasts would be to simply use a net. Kings are just too intelligent for that. They avoid nets, and a few fishermen have found their nets simply ripped apart by an irate individual who was unfortunate enough to get caught in a net.

Because of this, the only way to catch these fish is to spear them. An incredibly dangerous, though lucrative, proposition, many Sanguians, Manthrians and Brendolans risk it for the prestige and the money. Many young men die attempting this, though if you ever chance upon a young man from central Santharia with a necklace of deep blue scales, give this man respect.

Uses
By warrant of their great mass, and therefore large quantity of meat, the primary use of the King Fish is for sustenance. A single adult fish, averaging at 4 pygges, provides a great amount of food for fishing villages, or fetch a very (very) high price at fish markets - these fish are considered to increase the strength and stamina of those who eat its flesh raw, and many a superstitious soldier will pay large sums of money for some. When caught during the spring, the eggs, which are rather large, are harvested and sold as a very expensive delicacy.

These fish are much too difficult to catch to waste, and little is allowed to waste. Scales and teeth are traditionally fastened into a necklace for whoever speared the giant - thus, should you find a man with several strings of Malkut teeth and scales, be sure to show him respect!

Of particular interest, these fish have an organ located behind their stomach that produces a viscous, putrid looking yellowish fluid. For a long time, this fluid was considered toxic and the sack and organ produced by it was discarded by fishermen during the slaughtering process. Recently, however, it has been found that this fluid is a very powerful anti-biotic. Not sure this term is in use in Santharia, it may be just a bit too advanced for the medieval(ish) culture there, as it does tend to suggest an understanding that disease is caused by bacteria and the like. You could call it an infection remedy, or describe its effects though, I can’t off the top of my head think of a single word that does the same job but more olde-style. This caused a surge in demand for a few years, and a demand for larger fish with larger glands - a demand that resulted in many untimely deaths, as the larger the fish, the further out they roam and therefore, the more dangerous it is to hunt. Most scholars, judging by the frequent scars found on older members, believe that these organs release the fluid when the fish is injured and keep infection from setting in.

Diet
King Fish are fish eaters. Due to their size, teeth and ferocity there are few fish that they won't eat. During their youth they often eat molluscs and other smaller creatures, such as? and gradually climb up the food chain to the larger ocean going fish. Kings are also known to have developed a particular taste for the Jun'era fish, which seems an odd choice since the Jun'era fights back. It is quite a sight to be sailing through the Aertyram sea and sea a few Jun'era and Kings chasing one another in an intense submarine chase.

Predators of the Kings include any larger meat eating fish, including sharks and, most commonly, larger Kings.

Mating
Being sea dwelling creatures, the exact details of their mating rituals are unknown.  What is known is that they congregate in the Gulf of Maraya during the spring, and do spawn. They have been observed fighting fiercely during this time, and most assume that these are males fighting to earn the right to fertilize eggs.

Clutches are found in egg sacks, which are fertilized during the spring and laid in shallow waters, probably reefs, where they develop and hatch. The number of eggs in each sack is estimated to be between 200 and 300, accounting for a high mortality rate for hatchlings who are only about 1/3 of a fore in size.

Myth and Lore
All the names of the King (Malkut, King, King Fish) stem from a popular and prolific Avennorian fairy tale, called Malkut the Fish King. Detailing the story of Malkut, who is only ever identified as 'From the east', the fairy tale follows his journey to the ocean kingdom and his battle of wits and might with the king of all fish, a King Fish. Through the generations and cultural osmosis, the fairy tale spread to other provinces bordering the Gulf of Maraya and Aertyram Sea and the name of these fish gradually changed to a name taken from the story. That sounds like a fantastic story! Please say you’ll write it! If not then I’m sure someone would be happy to, but I would love to see that story written out somehow or other.

A really nice entry, Tagaloa, a pleasure to read and altogether, there’s very little that really needs changing. I think a little extra detail would help it, but don’t feel you have to answer every question I asked up there. Like I said, those are just jumping-off points to get you started.

[Tagaloa]

I feel like I have no life, coming here so often, but in my defense the weather is bad for swimming and surfing right now! ... Anyway, changes have been made in this color.

Thank you both for the compliments, btw. Warm fuzzy feelings, warm fuzzy feelings.

[Altario Shialt-eck-Gorrin]

I know.  Weather is bad for swimming and surfing here, too.  Like 3 feet of snow!!!!

But, I digress.

Nice entry you have here.  Feel free to expand the territory of this little morsel to the northern areas as well.

I could help with more localized names for northern areas if you needed.

[Tagaloa]

Made some changes, which are... Extending the territory north, to the Sea of Tears (sorry Altario! The Ice Men won't get to snack on giant, potentially murderous fish) changed their diet to include Dolpholk, rather than the Jun'era, as it came to my attention that they inhabit waters of the opposite coast...

I would like help with what the elves and Kuglimz might call them, as I doubt that they've even heard the Avennorian fairy tale. And even if they did, why would they adopt a name from those frilly little southerners? Psh.

[Deklitch Hardin]

Elven word for fish is masýr
Elven word for male soverign is rónn

Maybe Rónn'masýr - though I'm really not a Styrash expert.

If your fish is also going to be in Eight Winds Bay, and you are looking for a researcher, feel free to use Steferin the Blue, a Blue Druid who has researched various other sea creatures in and around the bay.

If not, but you'd like to create another fish in and around Eight Winds Bay, please do so.

Great entry you have here by the way.

Dek

[Tagaloa]

Does Chó'masýr'ýph (Great blue fish) in elvish and Put-ine (Brave water) for Kuglimz?

I wouldn't like to use a direct trranslation of King Fish, because that name comes from the Avennorian fairytale. And for the Kuglimz name, I'm saying that Trk'matiu gave the fish that name (they being the only Kuglimz tribe that regularly fish) because of its ferocity it exhibits when attacked. The Kuglimz strike me as a people who respect traits like that, so I figured.

But, I'm no expert, so, please, let me know if this works.

[Deklitch Hardin]

There is also a thread for additions for Styrash words on the left hand side of your screen. Maybe asking about it in there might be a good thing to do. There is also a place in there for you to ask about Kuglimz words as well. But, they both seem to work to me.

[Mina]

Chó'yph'masýr might be a better way to say "great blue fish".  There are a few instances where the modifier follows the word it modifies, but those seem to be relatively uncommon.  In general, Styrash seems to prefer putting modifiers in front of what they modify. 

I think Northern Sarvonia might be too far away to be a suitable location for a second population.  A similar but separate species might work though.  Perhaps they were initially thought to be the same species but further research showed that they were actually different? 

[Tagaloa]

I don't see how Northern Sarvonia is too far from Southern Sarvonia for the fish to have an extended range. There are many fish who have ranges following the coasts of a continent from the tropics to the far north. Hell, there are some fish who have a range from the abyssal zone to the mesopelagic.

I personally don't find a problem with the extended range, seems entirely plausible to me. Obviously, there are going to be some physical difference, with the more northern individuals likely being somewhat smaller, but that doesn't change the species.

[Shabakuk Zeborius Anfang]

I have to agree with Tagaloa there. Even on earth things fish populations have very large ranges, so why not around the coast of Sarvonia?

Scales and teeth are traditionally fastened into a necklace for whoever speared the giant - thus, should you find a man with several strings of Malkut teeth and scales, be sure to show him respect!

In fact, this sounds like a Trk’matiu Kuglim custom to me, no?  Just a suggestion.

In general, we love it if developers integrate other entries into your own writing, as you have already very well done with your sound references to geography, tribes, and dolpholk.

Really good first entry, Tagaloa!

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