Bokaa

Bokaas are very close taxonomic relatives to Orca whales. Averaging at 20-30ft in length with some outliers reaching lengths of nearly 35ft. These animals have reached levels of self-awareness that is comparable to most humanoid races of the material plain, having cultures and working relations involving conservation and friendships with individuals of different species, including local humanoids. These animals look almost identical to Killer whales aside from a deep red stripe that begins at the animal's eye spots and extents to the middle of their saddle patch. at the mid-way point from their eye spot to their dorsal fin the stripe extends into a display feature that trails off similarly to the crests of an oarfish. The animal's head is also wider, with a shorter snout, and rounder head.

Culture Due to humanoid exceptionalism, not many have the joy of recognizing that humanoids and dragons are not the only living things that have culture. "Less developed" animals like the non-magical dolphins, whales, and even primates have their own culture and rules that they follow for morality and tradition. Some Killer Whales will only consume one kind of fish, even if there are other, more nutritious food items for them to partake in. This is simply due to tradition, culture, and a deep appreciation for those who came before, who did the same thing. Bokaa culture is similar to this form of tradition with some more advanced developments. similar to their Killer Whale ancestors, old female Bokaa's will stop giving birth to calves, and assume a role of leadership among the pod as a matriarch. The most accepted and most dominant of the matriarchs will have a form of leadership position over the pods of the region. These animals have always had a deep desire for acceptance and balance in the ecosystem and for the emotions within their pods. Bokaa's ideal goal is a lack of hate for a full lifetime, and a good chance for the same for their children and grandchildren. Conservation of prey animals and well relations with local humanoids has always been a priority, even if they do such from afar, and with a more strategic approach than being hands on. Unfortunately, due to the history of this northern species, hate and fear has seeped permanently into their minds, and friction of ideals involving revenge and herd mentality healing as caused unwelcome disagreements within pods.

 History of Bokaa's have had a troubled past as an up-and-coming apex species. The local peoples including the vast tribes of Goliaths have not only observed and allowed the species and individual pods to inhabit the same waters but have actively accepted and embraided their ways of a hate free, and conservation-based culture. The Goliaths have also been observed tattooing Bokaa's for personal and spiritual reasons. In contrast to the locals spiritual and familial views of the Bokaa, foreigners had other plans. Seeing another advanced species led them to become overcome with fear. drown with their own arrogance, these travelers returned to these sacred waters and wedged war on the Bokaa. The foreigners, referring to the Bokaa's as their southern known name of "Sharp Shade", systematically slaughtered all that they could. However, the humanoids invent, and craft their way into environments. As humanoids clawed their way to the top, Bokaa's were born for it. Being one of the most biologically capable beasts of the realm, they came out on top, but not without an incredible loss of whale life. Although the war was hundreds of years ago, fear of foreigners still persists, and can manifests in aggression. Older individuals may sometimes have hated so strong, that they will completely abandon their culture in order to pursue revenge.

Bokaa lairs are inhabited by up to ten individuals, and a larger matriarch. these are cold waters averaging at 100 feet deep. The seafloor is usually littered with the bones of their dead which they find sacred.