avatar
Tulkun

28
Span life: 150-250yrs old. Size: Males: 93-263 ft (28-80m)
Females: 65.5-230 ft (20-70m)
(size varies on age/maturity)
Tulkun are a large marine whale-like species native to the oceans of Pandora. These sea animals are highly intelligent and bond with the Metkayina clan.
Tulkun are highly intelligent creatures with their own unique philosophy. Ian Garvin mentions they are likely smarter than humans, as well as being more "spiritual" and "emotional". However, this intelligence can only be expressed in its own unique way, similar to whales.[2] This intelligence has allowed the tulkun to form a culture among themselves, including the establishment of the Tulkun Way, an ancient pacifist doctrine stemming from their early history that forbids all for Of all the marine fauna inhabiting the Metkayina reef, only the enormous, highly-intelligent, sea-dwelling tulkun are truly sentient. In fact, the tulkun possess their own names and a rich family history and culture as well as sophisticated music and poetry. Eons ago, the tulkun engaged in long stretches of bloody warfare that spanned generations. Eventually, the tulkun changed their ways and collectively swore to a life of absolute pacifism. With their thick armor plating shielding them from aggressors, tulkun have no need for violent retaliation.
The tulkun share a unique interspecies kinship with all of the various marine reef clans. Each Naβvi is paired with a brother or a sister tulkun calf for life. The Na'vi communicate with the whale-like creatures using a constructed sign language.
The RDA have set their sights on the tulkun after the discovery of a naturally occurring substance in the creatureβs brains known as amrita. The substance has the medical power to stop human aging. Since this discovery, the RDA have deployed tulkun hunting squads to capture and harvest the material.