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Sperm whales, also known as cachalots, were large carnivorous whales.[2]

Abilities[]

Sperm whales were powerful swimmers. They could swim up to 36 miles (58 kilometers) in a single day, and dive to a depth of 3,000 feet (910 meters)[3], although it has been reported they could dive as far down as 5,000 feet (1.5 kilometers).[6]

Behavior[]

Sperm whales lived in groups called pods. They communicated with each other via whale-song. They maintained positive relations with good-aligned sentient aquatic species. Sperm whales were curious about surface-dwelling humanoids but cautious around those who hunted whales.[5]

Combat[]

Sperm whales defended themselves by using their massive tail as a weapon.[2] Sperm whales were large enough to swallow entire boats in one gulp.[4] Sperm whales were hunted as prey by other large sea creatures such as the Zakharan kraken.[7]

Habitat[]

Sperm whales lived in oceans and seas. They were known to inhabit the waters of the Sea of Fallen Stars.[8]

Biology[]

Sperm whales were carnivorous and hunted large fish and octopuses.[5] Their primary prey were giant squids.[9]

Uses[]

Sperm whales naturally produced spermaceti. This waxy substance was used by wizards to craft white candles that were used in spellcasting.[10] Additionally, sperm whales produced ambergris, which was very rare and could sell for up to 20,000 gp. Due to their habit of swallowing entire boats whole, treasure could be found within the stomach of a sperm whale.[4] The teeth of sperm whales were used in scrimshaw.[11]

Notable Sperm Whales[]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

Adventures
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

External Links[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Christopher Perkins (September 2020). Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 309. ISBN 978-0786966981.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Skip Williams, Jonathan Tweet and Monte Cook (October 2000). Monster Manual 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 283. ISBN 0-7869-1552-1.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Steven E. Schend (1999). Sea of Fallen Stars. (TSR, Inc), p. 185. ISBN 0-7869-1393-2.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Gary Gygax (December 1977). Monster Manual, 1st edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 100. ISBN 0-935696-00-8.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Doug Stewart (June 1993). Monstrous Manual. (TSR, Inc), pp. 358–359. ISBN 1-5607-6619-0.
  6. Bryan K. Bernstein (February 1993). “Deep Beneath the Waves”. In Roger E. Moore ed. Dragon #190 (TSR, Inc.), p. 19.
  7. Wolfgang Baur (October 1993). “Campaign Journal: Scimitars against the Dark”. In Roger E. Moore ed. Dragon #198 (TSR, Inc.), p. 71.
  8. Steven E. Schend (1999). Sea of Fallen Stars. (TSR, Inc), p. 43. ISBN 0-7869-1393-2.
  9. Gary Gygax (December 1977). Monster Manual, 1st edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 92. ISBN 0-935696-00-8.
  10. slade et al (December 1994). Encyclopedia Magica Volume I. (TSR, Inc.), p. 238. ISBN 1560768428.
  11. David Howery (September 1988). “Treasures of the Wilds”. In Roger E. Moore ed. Dragon #137 (TSR, Inc.), p. 18.
  12. Christopher Perkins (September 2020). Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 978-0786966981.
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