Tracking Dolphin

Tracking Dolphins are a telepathic species of dolphins used by the Tarranoi whalers to find whales in the Tarran Sea. Usually 3 dolphins accompany a single whaling ship, while a mage onboard remains in telepathic communication with them. Dolphins use their echolocation to search for whales and report any finds to the mage.

Perception and Communication

Tracking Dolphins have a well-developed echolocation ability. They send soundwaves from the front of their faces. Then, the sound travels forward until it hits something and is returned to the dolphin. They are able to identify the size of the object, what it is and how far it is. Tracking Dolphins also have telepathic abilities, which they can use to communicate with each other or with Humans.

Husbandry and Use

Tracking Dolphins have been used by Tarranoi whalers since long before The Falling, a massive cataclysm which cut Veneficia from the rest of the world. In the past, they were using dolphins caught in the wild, but now the species is largely domesticated and bred in specialized facilities. Almost every town and city along the coast of the Tarran Sea has a dolphin farm. Usually, a dolphin is ready to serve at the age of 15 years and does so until the age of 45 years. Then it is returned to the farm to spend its last years of life in peace.

Breeding

To ensure a consitent rate of reproduction, farms usually keep about 4 females and 2 males. However, to avoid inbreeding these reproductive specimen are regularly replaced. Usually, one female gives birth 2 times in her lifetime. Specimen returning for their retirement are kept separate from the specimen of another sex.

Pools

When not used dolphins are kept in special pools onboard the whaling ships. They are located on the level of water and are filled to the half of their volume. Most harbours require ships to put dolphins into the pools before entering.

Lifespan

50 years

Average Weight

80 kg

Average Length

1.8 meters

Geographic Distribution

• Tarran Sea

Please put your dolphins into their pools before entering the harbour

— Harbourmaster on radio