Octoids differ from their common cousins in that they’re nearly man-sized, and use a complex language consisting of tentacle motions and color changing. Given enough time, intelligent or insane members of other races can usually interpret them. Octoids dwell in a system of caves beneath the surf of Kraken’s Beak Isle (23.32), but many venture above the surface to raid fishing boats or map stellar and planetary motions.
It is hard to believe that the octoids ruled Jahur for twelve years. When the Zurhiman Empire collapsed, the Janissaries were released from service. The wealthy city was left without an army. The octoids struck without warning. They sunk the city’s navy and stormed the palace. For twelve years, the city suffered under the bizarre edicts of the Cephalopedic Emperor. Some of the most notorious edicts include the production of 10,000 pairs of felt gloves and an annual tax of broken glass from every man, woman and child. An alliance of wizards and priests toiled in secret on a ritual to recall the Janissaries. Their plot finally succeeded and the reawakened Janissaies drove the octoids from the city. Many of the city’s ancient relics, however, remain lost. The most sorely missed relic is the Moon’s Daughter, a flawless pearl the size of a grapefruit that can bend the tides to man’s will.
In memorium of the strange, dark years, the reinstated Viceroys built a chain of twelve black obelisks, one for each year under the octoids. One was plundered in the War of the Six-Fingered Hand (46.01). The remaining eleven stand as a reminder for citizens to remain vigilant, and to never forget the Cephalopedic Empire. They have also inspired generations of adventurers to attempt to retrieve the Moon’s Daughter and other relics from the octoids. Those who returned did so empty-handed. Many of Jahur’s citizens are resigned to never seeing the Moon’s Daughter again.
Connections
- In fact, the Moon’s Daughter was not stolen by the octoids at all but by the rogue janissary (02.11.03).
- Selene, one of the twin wives of the Doge of the City of Shuttered Windows (29.14.28) is aiding the octoids in exchange for their help in cornering the pearl market.
- The Dead Fish is a front for octoid agents in Jahur (19.31.04).
- The octoids harvest a narcotic form of kelp (26.33).
- Lars the Chimera has octoid tentacles growing from his back (29.14.41).
Hooks
- Tell me about some of the weirdos who trade with the octoids.
- What can adventurers discover in the octoid caves?
- Do octoids live elsewhere?
- Why were the Janissaries released from service?
- Where is the Moon’s Daughter?
- Tell me about the War of the Six-Fingered Hand.
- Why do octoids care about stellar and planetary motions?
- Does any of the Cephalopedic Empire remain?