Chapter Text
Sea Monster. The term evokes images of great wooden vessels, struggling amidst crashing waves while fending off krakens. Or perhaps a map with a long scaley serpent weaving through the water, perhaps surrounded by depictions of capsized boats. The term is deeply rooted in mythology. Yet mythology tends to only arise from guidance by reality. When reality provides a mind with only a partial image and no real way to complete it, often the mind fills in the blanks - completing the image in a hybrid of truth and fiction. Krakens, by all scientific account, do indeed exist. The giant squid, when viewed from above in what would be a comparatively small wooden vessel would spark tales of horrors about oddly shaped enormous creatures with tentacles whose thickness alone would dwarf a man’s size. Thus, the kraken was born. Yet when we attempt to apply the same logic to the titular scaley serpent, we find ourselves lacking in a source. At least, we did. Now we believe we know where the tales of so many sea-borne creatures of myth arise from, and that is the intelligent marine species that for the time being are still referenced as the colloquial term ‘Sea Monsters.’
By the time this manuscript has been released from its conditional hold, the scientific community will already know of the existence of the Sea Monster. Though many now are likely aware of said existence, few are likely to comprehend the ramifications of their existence, or worse yet - dismiss them as rumor. They are indeed real, and the sections of this manuscript will cover aspects of their species indulging in both factual and theoretical history, as well as physiological and social traits. This will, of course, include a detailed analysis of the Sea Monster’s most impressive unique evolutionary trait, their natural camouflage.
One final note must be made on the intelligence of the Sea Monster before proceeding. While the Sea Monster’s most impressive unique trait may be their human-appearing natural camouflage, there is no question as to what their truly most impressive trait is, their intelligence. While this will be explored further in later scientific works, it must be noted that the Sea Monster’s sapience is likely no longer contested. This may challenge some beliefs, even for many in the scientific community, and may be even more challenging for those who consider humans to be unique or otherwise special in the grand order of the universe. However, all psychological tests performed on Sea Monster participants yielded results that fall squarely within ranges established previously by the human race.
Special thanks must be given to the two separate Sea Monster communities who wish to remain unnamed for their participation in the studies and observations found within this manuscript.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Table of Contents
Section 1: History
Subsection 1: Hypotheses and Theories
Subsection 2: Taxonomical and Genetic Basis
Section 2: Physiology
Subsection 1: Natural Camouflage
Part 0: Trigger
Part 1: Skin
Part 2: Fins & Crest
Part 3: Face, Jaw & Teeth
Part 4: Eyes
Part 5: Tail
Part 6: Hands & Feet
Subsection 2: Respiration
Subsection 3: Thermoregulation & Metabolism
Subsection 4: Reproduction