Apkallu
Apkallu are a fish-like humanoid species found in bodies of water located in Hell. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, rarely distinguishing between themselves. They are typically hostile towards demons located above water, seeing them as a threat to their domain which is ultimately a fair assessment given Greater Demons' habit of subjugating and over using natural resources.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Most Apkallu are covered in scales and have tails with webbed hands. They vary greatly beyond that but all Pureblooded Apkallu appear more "fish than person". Only those with mixed ancestry will have hair, for example.
Genetics and Reproduction
Apkallu reproduction varies but the most common involves sex between sperm bearing and egg carrying genitals where the eggs are fertilized inside the body of the egg carrier before being laid soon after. A handful of Apkallu give live births or lay eggs which are fertilized afterword.
Growth Rate & Stages
For Apkallu born out of a batch of eggs, they tend to leave the infantile stage within the first few days of life, rapidly growing to lively children. From their their aging slows and they will reach sexual maturity around 18 years of age and intellectual maturity around 25.
For Apkallu born out of live birth, they tend to follow more traditionally demon growth rates, being infantile for a few years, then children, then teenagers, and reaching sexual maturity around 17 and considered adults at 30 like other demons.
Ecology and Habitats
Apkallu live underwater but their biomes tend to very, from large seas, to smaller lakes and swamps, to rivers. They will often use their environment to their advantage, quick to domesticate any other animals which share the biome with them.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Apkallu are typically omnivores and will eat both plant and animal products without much complaint.
Additional Information
Domestication
Most modern Apkallu are domesticated by Greater Demons for a number of purposes. They can serve both as pets for aquariums or as sources of water production.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Apkallu which have a Magia Ostium or Magia Arca only have three types of manifest, regardless of the Greater or Lesser Demon who passed the gene on to them: Water, Ice, or Electricity (usually restrained to those of Chasmite heritage.) As a result, most demons use them to produce the water necessary to maintain a province. Many are kept and bred for that sole purpose. The more unique or beautiful ones may be kept as pets for the wealthy who could afford to take care of them. On the other hand, Apkallu meat is considered a delicacy in some regions and they may be eaten on occasion.
Average Intelligence
Apkallu are extremely intelligent and skilled at finding the best ways to use their limited resources. Larger Apkallu communities were recorded having academic institutions and strong social hierarchies.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Many Apkallu have enhanced hearing and sight, especially underwater. For example, Deep Sea Apkallu, or Chasmites, have remarkable eye sight which lets them see in near darkness. They are also in tune with their surroundings and can sense slight vibrations in the water around them. These special senses are naturally useless outside of water.
Lifespan
Immortal
Conservation Status
In Modern Hell, Apkallu are rare due to environmental destruction of their water sources. Most are now kept as pets and beasts of burden by Greater Demons.
Geographic Distribution
