An encyclopedia containing information about my splatoon fanfiction. This book covers things such as unique species, original characters, and explanations of concepts, and some head cannons I use in my writing. It is written from the perspective of...
Vampire squidlings evolved from a small animal known as a vampire squid. Even though humanity has named this animal "vampire squid" it is neither a squid nor a vampire. Instead, the creature belongs to their own order: vampyromorphida. Squids, on the other hand, belong to the superorder decapodiformes. Think of them like cousins, in a sense. They are related, but not as close as say, a pair of brothers. Much in the same way, inklings and vampire squidlings are related, but not the same thing.
Adult squidlings are shorter than the average inkling, often growing no more than four and a half feet tall. Their tentacles are slightly thinner than that of an inkling and have a more tapered point on the end. On the underside of the two larger tentacles is a trio of fleshy spines called cirri. Cirri are primarily for show, and although they look sharp are actually rather squishy and harmless. In the back, slight bits of webbing connect their shorter tentacles together. Their coloring ranges from jet black to pale red, with multiple shades in between, while their eyes are usually bright blue. In adolescence, squidlings appear nearly identical to young inklings. Oftentimes their coloring and the points on their eyemasks are the only things that can be used to distinguish them.
Unlike inklings, squidlings grow much slower and do not gain control over their humanoid form until age sixteen. This is also when the cirri and webbing emerge, fully displaying their status as a squidling. Their eyesight is exceptional, and some have the ability to make the tips of their tentacles glow. This bioluminescence, however, appears to be slowly vanishing thanks to evolution.
Vampire squidlings are believed to be extinct, but the genes of squidlings still survive thanks to several inkling-squidling hybrids. The genes of squidlings are considered recessive when mixed with inkling genes, meaning that several members of society are unaware that they carry them. Most carriers look like any other inkling. When two inklings who carry the genes of squidlings have kids, however, that child has a chance to inherit the recessive squidling genes and express them. These hybrids have a normal eyemask and height, and gain control of their humanoid form at age 14. When they turn sixteen, they undergo a second puberty, in which the cirri and webbing grow in.
The following members of society are confirmed inkling-squidling hybrids:
Nyx
Quinn Inkdancer
Harley Inkdancer
Autumn Inkdancer (carrier of recessive gene)
Jonathan Inkdancer (carrier of recessive gene)
Gallery
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A vampire squidling's squid form. Note the webbing between the smaller inner tentacles, as well as the fact that the squid is smaller than that of an inkling's.
