Kraken

History

The Kraken have long been regarded as enigmatic and terrifying titans of the deep, possessing immense intelligence and extraordinary physical strength. Roaming the uncharted oceans of the world, these colossal creatures fiercely guard their territories, waging war against any that dare trespass. Historically, Kraken have claimed vast swaths of sea as their own, driving away rival predators and attacking ships that dare sail through their dominion. Their hunger knows no bounds, and any sea life within their territory is considered theirs to hunt.
The Kraken’s wrath extends even to coastal settlements, with some daring to strike against port towns established on islands they view as their personal domain. Yet, there have been instances where mortals have managed to strike uneasy pacts with these sea giants, offering tribute - whether livestock, food, or even human sacrifices - in exchange for safety. These dark bargains often ensure that the Kraken will tolerate the settlement’s presence on ''their'' islands, at least for a time.
Over the ages, mortals have waged war against Kraken-kind, crafting ever more ingenious methods of fighting these colossal beasts. But Kraken, with their highly intelligent minds, have adapted swiftly. They analyze and understand their enemies' tactics, learning how to attack at precise moments, where to strike a vessel, and even how to exploit the fears of mortals. Their psychic awareness allows them to inspire pure terror, causing sailors to lose their nerve, make errors, and ultimately succumb to the Kraken's terrifying strength.

Age & Size

Kraken begin their lives as mere hatchlings, about the size of a large squid, vulnerable to the many dangers of the ocean. But their growth is rapid, and soon enough, they ascend the food chain, devouring larger and more formidable prey to fuel their ever-growing size. As they reach adulthood, Kraken often attain the size of a war frigate, at which point they become apex predators, dominating their territories with an iron grip.
These creatures are known for their near-immortal lifespans, with some Kraken surviving for hundreds of thousands of years. And in all that time, they never stop growing. Ancient Kraken, some the size to take on entire fleets, become monstrous forces of nature. They are revered as deities in certain oceanic cultures, with sailors and islanders alike praying for their favor - or at the very least, their indifference.
Fortunately, Kraken of such immense proportions are exceedingly rare. Most ancient Kraken have long retreated to the depths of the ocean to conserve their energy. Dormant for centuries, these behemoths rest, waiting for the oceans to teem with life once more before rising from the depths to feast.

Psionics

Kraken, unlike other creatures of legend, are not imbued with magic or elemental powers. Their true power lies in their vast psychic abilities, which manifest subconsciously. When angered, their minds radiate fear and dread, overwhelming the psyche of those near them, causing widespread panic and terror. Conversely, when on the hunt, Kraken emit an aura of false calm, lulling their prey into a false sense of security before launching their deadly attack.
These psychic abilities make the Kraken not only physically overwhelming but also mentally formidable, solidifying their position as one of the most feared creatures of the deep.