Board Thread:Fan-made Monsters/@comment-28530195-20170428074357

 Main Species: Ichthy

 Type: Ancient Reptile

 Habitat: Deeper oceans(Only in Reptile Kingdom)

 Disposition: Calm, laid-back

 Diet: Cephalopods, and other seafood.

 A subspecies of the Ichthy, The most obvious difference of the Shoni from the Ichthy is plainly size, with even an average Shoni often dwarfing even the largest Ichthy in both length and mass(Many of the larger ones are even comparable to Mosa’s in pure size). Aside from this, the most notable differences would have to be their fins: which are longer and slimmer, more meant for slow drifting than fast paced dashing, as well larger eyes: necessary for the deeper waters they typically inhabit. Also worth noting is that their dorsal fins are more prominent, possibly to help them in resisting currents.

 Unlike their smaller relatives, Shoni’s aren’t what many would call a ferocious predator, in fact: they are among the most laid-back and carefree manamo in the Reptile Kingdom’s oceans. Even when searching for food, they’ll often be lazily swimming around the depths of the ocean, usually nabbing whatever happens to swim by them.

 Due to their larger size, Shoni’s are usually not as keen on companionship as their smaller cousins, and thus they almost never group up in pods. While many would think this would leave them open to danger though: quite the opposite is true. More often than not: their sheer size is often enough of a deterrent to keep many would-be predators away and wary, and despite how they normally act, their tails are quite powerful: and often they will be able to race from any attackers in a short burst of movement should the need arise. They also are capable of holding their breath for far longer than the typical Ichthy, with many larger Shonis’s capable of staying underwater for days with a single breath.

 While the above may make them out to be purely nonviolent, should any creature or manamo seriously try to harm them, they might find that they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. When under attack a Shoni will use their size and quick bursts of speed to their fullest advantage, often ramming at their enemies at high speeds and sending them flying. Even  the larger predators would be dazed from a full-force tackle from a Shoni(Not even counting the damage they could do with their claws and fangs, which in their own right can cause major damage to an enemy's flesh.). Even the stronger underwater manamo such as Mosas often try to avoid an encounter with a Shoni, and there are many individual Mosa’s bearing chipped scales and scars from an attempted attack on a Shroni.

 While the creatures and manamo typically stay well away from them underwater though, they are typically regarded as a sign of safe waters by sailors and other seafaring folk, who will use the aversion the underwater-dwellers have to the Shoni’s as a free passage to fishing spots and other such activities. In fact: several trade routes currently mapped are actually the territories of many Shoni’s, often the ones who have been known to fight Mosa’s or other manamo. In exchange for the reputation they have though, when they encounter one people will usually be inclined to toss food to a Shoni out of gratitude, a tactic that gains their loyalty quite quickly. Like the eye of a hurricane though,  once the seafaring vessel leaves the Shoni’s territory, it’s fair game for other manamo, who often cluster at the edge of the Shoni’s patch of ocean in anticipation.

 Despite their strengths though: Shoni’s do have weaknesses, like their relative’s they are completely helpless on land, often completely immobile due to their size weighing them down, leading them to often ask for assistance from others. They also are not particularly bright, and occasionally can be tricked by Ichthy’s to ram into boats and ships for their amusement.

 Normally, they are not particularly lustful and are not usually forward in the desire to claim a husband. However, should a man keep feeding them on his trips out to see, soon they will become fond of him, and eventually they will try to court him. Due to their almost worshipping from seafolk though as a safe haven, getting the male is usually not problematic and romance and marriage usually blooms quite quickly afterward.

 On the other hand, if they spot a human man in danger of drowning for whatever reason(Usually as a castaway from the ship they probably have attacked.), they will head over to him at once and immediately start intercourse in order to keep him alive underwater as she heads to a nearby island or some other safe zone. After the sex she will then consider the man her mate and husband.

 Life with a married Shoni is usually quite a happy one: quite rarely for their species, they will put every ounce of effort they have into keeping him happy, and should he desire sex, she would be more than willing to give it to him in spades. However, more often than not the Shoni’s favorite thing to do for him is to just drift through the water slowly with him in her embrace, as they lazily snuggle together.

 Despite them not almost never searching for other manamo to form a pod with, occasionally lone Ichthy’s will come them and form a bond around the Shoni, treating her as a new leader of a makeshift pod. These Ichthy’s oddly enough will usually quite loyal to their leader, and will get them whatever they want, they’ll even bring any men they capture to her first so she can mate with him first. Despite this amicable relationship though the Ichthy’s will still attempt their usual antics, and will even try to get their Shoni leader to join in, often having disastrous consequences should she decide to do so.

(Alright, now my favorite marine reptile’s finally done! Tbh: this was one I was planning to do for a while, so when the Ichthy was made I just had to jump one the chance, since the creature this is based on is kind of special to me. As for how I portrayed them: I tried to liken them to a single Orca, since they Ichthy’s were apparently based on dolphins. So yeah.)

link to Reptile Kingdom: Link  </ac_metadata>