Kraken

Kraken: a large predatory creature common in all regions of hyperspace which shows no fear of manufactured structures, or mobile well armed vessels. Kraken are both solitary and cooperative hunters depending on the situation, and their age. preying on any large life form they encounter including other Kraken ( usually injured, or vulnerable members of the species)

Kraken use their powerful bladed tentacles to physically attack prey, or use their naturally generated bursts of plasma, and directed disruptive energy to strike fast moving prey at a distance.

Ranging in size from three to over 800 meters in length Kraken can at times threaten lone capital ships, when attacking in swarms, or flotillas. Often larvae, and juveniles will group together into squadrons for mutual defense, and group hunting. In cases where a large adult is in the area it will often use its larvae, and juveniles, to sweep the area of other kraken. And when attacking dangerous prey, the adults use Larvae as expendable support.

While Larvae seldom are encountered in real space, it is known that an adult can house many dozens of them in it's body, and seems to carry a large number of dormant larvae in sacs along it's flanks. bringing these larvae into real space with them on raids and scouting hunts. These larvae perform similar role for the adult as do remote operated vehicles, skirmishers, and fighters. Larvae are often seen screening juveniles/adults,harassing opponents, and striking at vulnerable targets to slow and distract them while the adult maneuvers into an attack position.

Larger juveniles, and young adults will sometimes travel with the largest specimens acting like smaller escort craft. Sharing the kill, or gathering smaller prey to feed to the adult. During larger more ambitious attacks the adult in turn provides heavy direct support, and engages larger threats, while acting as a command and control asset for the smaller members of the flotilla.


When attacking manufactured vessels Kraken will often disable the engines, and weapons at range, or use swarms of larvae to do so. This and their coordinated mass attacks on planet side colonies,demonstrate a clear knowledge of tactics, and technology. Which indicates the Kraken are far more intelligent than a simple predator. Their observed ability to solve problems, plan and adapt to changing situations indicates a human level of intellect and great intuitive abilities.

Examination of Kraken corpses and larva captured by armed forces indicate they are very likely an engineered species, which at one time may have served as a bio-engineered warship for some unknown now extinct civilization.
Additionally genetic markers indicate that Krakens are related to both Leviathans, Hydra, Abeoloi, and M'n'kuhl. this may be due to the species being of similar origin or having been used as seed material for the original Kraken.

The largest, and most aggressive, Kraken known to be surviving is K'et'chohl. the beast is named for the ancient Kohl Kuhl demon of destruction. Which coincidently seems to match the general description of a Kraken which tends to indicate the Kraken is an extremely ancient species having existed in folklore for more than 75,000 years.


K'et'chohl is believed to be responsible for over one hundred lost vessels, including the heavy cruiser Belfast, and the light carrier Antietem during an incursion by a large fleet of Kraken which resulted in over 40,000 civilian deaths on the O'maeda world of K'nahn shortly after the O'maeda Battle group operating from that station engaged, and seriously injured, another Named Kraken ( H'tcoh'nahl) who was reported to often accompany K'et'chohl.
The attack coincided with the deployment of the Fleet to defend a frontier cluster against a Najuhlim attack. Indicating the Kraken was aware of the absence of the fleet and, deliberately waited till the protecting group was out of system targeting the civilian colony in what appeared to be a revenge attack.
While K'et'chohl was seriously injured by rapid response forces from a TAE reserve group, and a Valkiir Fast strike squadron. The beast has been spotted several times since the raid. Including an attack on the O'maeda heavy Cruiser H'ran Ko which killed half it's crew, and destroyed four of its escorts.