Into the Light

Lore Dump: Octolings

What's up guys, this is RaveDoggTV here. Chapter 76 is coming soon, so before that, I figured I would give you all a little lore dump. And the topic on this lore dump is on the Octarians, specifically, the Octolings as well as the Octarian Empire, using official Nintendo lore plus my own interpretations.

I was inspired to make these lore dumps by DemonLordBlackRose, go check him out on DeviantArt.

So let's start with the Octolings.

=WHERE INKLINGS & OCTOLINGS COME FROM=

Unlike their Octarian counterparts, who emerge from severed tentacles, Octolings share a reproductive process more akin to that of Inklings and, by extension, humans.

In human reproduction, a fertilized egg develops into an embryo, which then implants in the uterus. However, in Inklings and Octolings, the process is slightly different. Once the female Inkling or Octoling's egg is fertilized by a male, it remains intact as the embryo develops within it. This method allows the egg to serve as both a protective casing and nutrient source until the baby is ready to emerge.

As the pregnancy progresses, the egg remains within the female's body throughout most of the gestation period, ultimately hatching inside her before she gives birth. This adaptation ensures that the offspring are protected as they develop. While both Inklings and Octolings typically give birth to one child at a time, it is not uncommon for them to conceive multiple. The occurrence of twins is relatively frequent.

The exact duration of pregnancy for female Inklings and Octolings remains a mystery, although it is generally believed to parallel the gestation period of human babies, which usually spans around nine months. However, due to the unique shape-shifting biology of Inklings and Octolings, their pregnancies can vary, typically lasting between 6 to 7 months.

=OCTOLING CULTURE & THE ROLE OF MALES=

Octoling culture is distinctly characterized by its unique societal structures and reproductive practices, setting it apart from the hedonistic lifestyle of their Inkling counterparts. The gender dynamics within Octoling society reflect a significant imbalance; while Inklings often exhibit a balanced male-to-female ratio, Octoling couples typically produce male offspring at a strikingly low rate of only 15-20%. This disparity results in a societal framework where men are an increasingly rare commodity, leading to a cultural landscape predominantly crafted and influenced by women.

The scarcity of male Octolings has fostered an environment where same-sex relationships among female Octolings flourish and are not only accepted but celebrated. In this close-knit community, female Octolings often cultivate profound emotional bonds and companionships with one another, forming networks of support that help to alleviate the challenges posed by the limited availability of male partners. These relationships serve as a vital outlet for companionship, sharing in both the joys and tribulations of life in a society where traditional romantic possibilities are limited.

In stark contrast, the role of male Octolings is culturally and biologically constrained to reproduction. Males are culturally obligated to mate with multiple female Octolings to ensure the propagation of their species. This practice has resulted in a familial structure where many Octoling offspring share the same father while having different mothers. Although associations between half-siblings are normalized, there are still nuanced boundaries within the social fabric; direct sibling relationships, as well as unions between fathers and their daughters, are considered deeply taboo. In contrast, relationships between cousins are generally accepted, and such unions do not carry the same level of societal stigma.

Female Octolings often take on the role of primary caregivers, frequently collaborating with each other to raise their children. The males, constrained by their societal obligations, typically do not engage in the active upbringing of their offspring. This division of labor aligns with the cultural perceptions of family dynamics within Octoling society, where the nurturing and educational responsibilities fall predominantly on the shoulders of female caregivers. Furthermore, Octoling children are viewed as emerging adults at a considerably younger age than their Inkling counterparts, allowing them to assume active roles in society even before reaching full maturity. These roles often start as assistants or apprentices, but those who demonstrate exceptional talents may ascend to more prestigious positions earlier than might be expected in other cultures.