Inklings: Unmasking the Cephalopod Stars of Splatoon
Curious about the lively, ink-throwing Inklings in Splatoon? Beyond the action and gear, rich lore and biology shape these creatures. Let’s explore the details of Inkling life, sorting fiction from slightly less fictional biology.
Inkling Cuisine: What’s on the Menu?
What fuels these lively beings? You might ask. “What do Inklings eat?” This question arises in the heat of battle. The answer isn’t spelled out, but we can guess. Given their squid traits and aquatic environment, they likely enjoy marine-based meals. Think tiny fish, crustaceans, and maybe seaweed. Imagine a kelp smoothie! Not everyone’s taste, but could be an Inkling favorite.
What about their drinks? “What do Inklings drink?” is another fair query. They live around water, yet it’s known to be harmful. Still, Inklings need water and other liquids to stay hydrated. It’s a tricky balance, much like winning a Splat Zones match with only a charger – possible but tricky.
Inkling Biology: Under the Ink-Soaked Surface
Let’s dig deeper, metaphorically speaking. Inklings are mostly membrane. Knowing their biology helps us understand them better. Prepare for a strange yet fascinating biological exploration.
Blood: A Hue of Blue and Blush of Red
Ever thought about Inkling internal systems? “What color is Inkling blood?” might surprise you. It isn’t red; it’s blue, like the ocean. But they can blush! When they do, it’s red. How? Thanks to chromatophores, special pigment cells in their skin. These cells change color for camouflage and communication. Imagine a mood ring on your body – it’s like wearing your emotions visibly.
Teeth: Beak-like Bites
Check out an Inkling’s smile. Do you see teeth? Not really. “Do Inklings have teeth?” A quick look shows they don’t. Inklings possess two beak-like structures for biting; one on top, one below. Think of it as an ink-friendly beak. Useful for tearing kelp smoothies? Maybe.
Hearts: A Trio of Pumps
How many hearts do you have? Probably one. Inklings? Perhaps more. “Do Inklings have 3 hearts?” While not explicitly said, hints suggest they possess multiple hearts. Craig Cuttlefish mentions it, nodding to real cephalopods with three hearts. Why? Multiple hearts pump blood efficiently, vital during fast turf wars. Imagine the workout those hearts undergo!
Transformation: Squid to Kid, Kid to Squid
Inklings can shift between human and squid forms. Ever wondered, “Why can’t Inklings and Octolings swim?” It seems odd, right? They’re squids in water but can’t swim for long. The Squid Research Lab explains this is due to their thin outer membrane. It’s essential for their transformative nature. Yet, it’s also a vulnerability as water can cause ink leakage, leading to messy dissolution. Think of them like walking ink balloons until they burst.
When does this transformation start? Inklings begin life as squid paralarvae and gradually become humanoid. By 14, they master both forms. Switching comes naturally. It’s like puberty, but instead of voice changes, you can morph into a squid. Quite the upgrade!
Water Vulnerability: Rain, Rain, Go Away
Submersion is bad news, but what about rain? “Can Inklings survive rain?” Important for planning an Inkling holiday. Generally… no. A light drizzle? Could be fine, but persistent rain isn’t good. Remember the thin membrane? Rain starts that ink leakage process. It’s gradual, but it leads to discomfort. Think perpetual sunburn with worries of dissolving. Inklings likely found ways to deal with rain, perhaps with special gear or indoor fun.
Bones: Lacking the Skeletal Structure
Ever thought about Inkling skeletons? “Do squid kids have bones?” is answered simply: Nope. Like real squids, Inklings lack bones. This allows flexibility and transformation. They rely on hydrostatic pressure and cartilage for support. Picture being mostly jelly – that’s an Inkling! Makes you appreciate your own bones.
Lifespan and Aging: Years in Inkopolis
How long do these amazing beings live? Let’s explore their lifespan and aging. While not explicitly stated like humans, we see hints from character ages. Callie is 17 in Splatoon, 19 in Splatoon 2, and 24 in Splatoon 3. They mature similarly to humans, reaching adulthood in late teens or twenties. But what happens when they age? Wrinkly tentacles? Complaining about newcomers? Those mysteries remain.
Hairstyles: Tentacle Trends
Fashion matters in Inkling culture. Hair or tentacles play a huge role. “Can Inklings get haircuts?” In a way, yes. They can change hairstyles and pick from various tentacle styles. Splatoon features customization with many hairstyles for Inklings. They can choose from sixteen options, while later-introduced Octolings have eight styles. You can even modify eyebrows for added flair. Expressing oneself through tentacle hairstyles is the norm.
Wondering about popular styles? “What is Splatoon hair called?” Each style boasts a name. “The Slick,” is a favored Inkling boy style in Splatoon 2 with six slicked-back tentacles. It’s all about expressing style – whether wild tentacles or neat ink-resilient bob hairstyles. Choices are endless in Inkling fashion.
Height: Vertically Challenged?
Are Inklings tall or short? “How tall is an Inkling girl or boy?” Hisashi Nogami states playable Inklings at age 14 are around 4’11″/150 cm tall. That’s compact! Perfect for maneuvering ink-filled areas. However, height varies among Inklings. Pearl is 21 yet stands at 4’10″/145 cm. Height isn’t solely age-dependent; it might reflect individual traits similar to humans. Regardless, they bring lots of character to their small stature.
Purring: A Rumble of Contentment
Do Inklings show a softer side? “Can Inklings purr?” Surprisingly, yes! They can purr subconsciously, a gentle throat rumble indicating contentment or relaxation. Octolings often confuse this with unfamiliarity with Inkling ways.
Even a bit scared, an Inkling’s purr can be surprising. One species purrs. The other thinks they face an attack from a vibrating creature. Communication is vital, even for interspecies purring interactions.
Inkling Culture and Society: Beyond Turf Wars
Inklings are more than battles and clothes. They have a vibrant culture, a distinct society, and intriguing customs. Let’s delve into their social dynamics.
Showers: Staying Fresh and Ink-Free
Hygiene in an ink-focused world must be intriguing. Yes, Inklings can shower. They utilize specialized options to eliminate ink while avoiding dissolution. There may be unique solvents or special soap. Perhaps their ink is water-soluble outside of their bodies. Inkling hygiene remains an intriguing mystery.
Alcohol Consumption: Splatoon Happy Hour?
Does Inkling society have vices? Yes! Alcohol exists in Splatoon. This fact comes from “The Art of Splatoon 2,” a fun look at the game’s creation. Splatoon games rate PEGI 7, targeting younger players. Alcohol’s presence adds depth and complexity. Imagine bars with neon decorations and squid-themed drinks, like “Kraken Kamikaze.”
Religion: Demonizing the Salmonids
What about Inkling beliefs? Do they have gods or creation myths? They appear to demonize Salmonids. According to in-game scrolls, Salmonids are chaotic creatures that eat Inklings. This view likely springs from historical conflicts, maybe over territory or resources. Even in Splatoon’s colorful world, tensions exist.
Inkling Characters: Meet the Personalities
Splatoon features many memorable Inkling characters. Let’s highlight some key figures.
Callie and Pearl: Idol Ages
Curious about the ages of Callie and Pearl? Callie is 17 in the first game, 19 in Splatoon 2, and 24 in Splatoon 3. Pearl, of Off the Hook, is younger than Callie but her age isn’t fully clear. These age changes help ground characters over time within the game’s narrative.
Frye: Appearance, Style, and Ink Uniqueness
Frye, a member of Deep Cut in Splatoon 3, stands out visually. What does Frye wear? In her usual look, she has a crop top, baggy pants like hakama, and sandals. For Splatfests, Frye elevates her style with a white bolero, a chrome crop top, matching shorts, and knee-high boots. Quite the fashionista!
What about Frye’s background? Frye has dark brown skin, with golden eyes and cross-shaped orange pupils. She has one eyelash per eye, adding a unique touch. Her fingers and toes have vibrant purple tips. These features create a visually rich character.
Ever noticed Frye’s blue mouth? It’s not a medical issue—it’s her ink! Shiver’s ink is orange/pink, and Frye’s is blue. Even their mouths reflect this color coordination. It cleverly connects their appearance to the game’s driving mechanic: ink. Plus, who doesn’t want a blue tongue?
Agent 3: Sanitized State
Agent 3, a main character, has a dramatic arc. This centers around “Sanitization.” Did Agent 3 get sanitized? Yes, they did. In the Octo Expansion, Agent 3 and Cap’n Cuttlefish faced an ambush by the Telephone. This nefarious entity sanitized Agent 3, creating a controllable puppet. Sanitization brainwashes Inklings and Octolings into soulless soldiers.
Agent 4: Teenage Turf Warrior
Agent 4, hero of Splatoon 2, plays a crucial role. How old is he? Like the playable Inklings, Agent 4 is about 14 during Splatoon 2. This fact came from an interview with Hisashi Nogami. Five years later, in Splatoon 3, he’s roughly 19. Tracking ages offers insight into their growth within the game.
Inkling and Octoling Relationships: Love and Lore
Inklings and Octolings were rivals but can now be allies. Where there are characters, there are connections, including romantic ones.
Marina’s Crush on Pearl: Off the Hook Romance?
The idol duo Off the Hook includes Pearl and Marina. Fans perceive a special connection. Does Marina have feelings for Pearl? Many fans believe she does. In the original Japanese version of Splatoon 2, Marina is described as “in love” with Pearl. This adds depth and representation to their relationship dynamic.
Inklings and Rain: A Recurring Problem
Inklings struggle with rain. Can they survive heavy rain? No, prolonged exposure poses a threat due to their thin membrane and ink leakage risk. While they don’t dramatically dissolve in light rain, it can be harmful. Rain shapes their activities and living spaces.
Squids: Real-World Inspirations
Inklings draw inspiration from real-life squids. Understanding their biology helps grasp the essence of Inklings. Let’s explore actual squids in nature.
Diet: Predatory Prowess
What do squids consume? They are carnivorous predators. A squid quickly attacks its next meal using speed and precision. They utilize their tentacles to capture and ensnare prey. Their meals typically include fish, crustaceans, and smaller squids. Squids excel as hunters in marine environments.
Intelligence: Smart Squids?
Are squids intelligent? Are they purely instinctual hunters? Both squids and octopuses rank as intelligent cephalopods. Octopuses typically show greater intelligence than squids. Known for problem-solving and curiosity, octopuses escape aquariums and utilize tools.
Their brain structure matters. Octopuses have larger brains relative to body size, indicating more complex cognition than most squids. Squids also display smart behavior but lack the adaptive problem-solving skills that octopuses possess.
Squids and octopuses show different neuron distributions, which affects their skills. Squids have brains that favor quick reactions. Octopuses are curious and playful. They have complex social lives, unlike squids, which use signals to communicate. Some squids might be as intelligent as dogs. This adds to the interesting study of cephalopod intelligence. You can dive deeper into the topic on Wikipedia.
Size: Colossal Giants of the Deep
Squids vary greatly in size. The colossal squid can be truly massive. It can reach lengths of 46 feet (14 meters). It weighs about 1,100 pounds (500 kg). That size can dwarf a bus! They exhibit abyssal gigantism in deep waters. The largest known squid was a mature female caught in 2007. They are giants that inspire awe and fear.
Reproduction: Squid Sex Life
How do squids reproduce? They have distinct male and female sexes. Males produce sperm while females produce eggs. Squid courtship is elaborate. Males present sperm in packets to females. After mating, females lay hundreds of eggs on the ocean floor. The process is instinctual, driven by the need to reproduce, as described by Stanford University’s Gilly Lab on Squid Sex and Babies.
Some deep-sea squids choose unique mating strategies. One is “drive-by mating.” Males deposit sperm indiscriminately on encountered squids. Some squids engage with multiple partners. The squid sex life is complex and varied.
Sentience and Feelings: Do Squids Feel?
Do squids act purely on instinct? Research indicates they may experience feelings, including pain. Recent studies suggest squids possess sentience. This means they can feel pain, pleasure, and emotions.
Their advanced nervous system hints at this complexity. Behavioral examples show they learn and remember situations. They react like conscious beings. A UK report reviewed over 300 studies showing decapods as sentient beings. This finding led to their recognition as beings needing welfare consideration. The understanding of cephalopods is growing. More information about pain experiences in cephalopods can be found on Wikipedia.
Bones and Genders: Wrapping Up Squid Basics
To recap key biological facts: “Do squid kids have bones?” No, squids are invertebrates. “Do squids have sexes?” Yes, with distinct males and females needed for reproduction.
Splatoon Game World: Context and Setting
Let’s now connect Inklings to the world of Splatoon. The game’s lore adds depth and appreciation for these characters.
Setting and Lore: A Post-Human World
Splatoon exists in a unique world. “What happened to the humans in Splatoon?” Humans are extinct. Before this, they built cities underground. These were to avoid rising sea levels. The biggest dome was Alterna, located in a volcano crater. Ultimately, humanity could not survive. Sunken Scroll 25 shows this extinction event. The professor is seen with Judd during this time. Splatoon portrays a post-apocalyptic Earth reclaimed by evolved marine life.
When does all this take place? “What year does Splatoon occur?” No exact year exists. However, it unfolds thousands of years after human extinction. Developers mention a distant future setting for the evolution of Inklings. The world blends familiarity with the alien, showcasing creative world-building.
Salmonids: Fishy Foes
Salmonids appear frequently as enemies in Splatoon games. “Do Salmonids eat inklings?” Yes, they consume Inklings in the lore. Salmonids are chaotic beings that come from the sea. Inklings view them as greedy predators in their beliefs. Players face Salmonids in Salmon Run mode. “What is small fry in Splatoon 3?” Smallfry are smaller Salmonids that attack Inklings and Octolings. They contribute challenges in gameplay but are manageable nuisances. Thus, players face larger Salmonid forms called Megalodontia. “How to fight megalodontia?” Its weak point is on its back. Players must aim when it faces previous attack directions for success.
Fuzzy Ooze: A Strange Threat
A mysterious substance exists in Splatoon 3 known as Fuzzy Ooze. “Why do the Octolings appear fuzzy in Splatoon 3?” Contact with Fuzzy Ooze coats Inklings and Octolings in a fur-like substance. This effect takes away their individuality. They roll around helplessly until they respawn. Fuzzy Ooze serves as a dangerous environmental barrier in the game.
Gender Representation: Evolving Norms
Let’s discuss gender representation in Splatoon 3. “Did Splatoon eliminate gender?” Yes, it moved beyond gendered creation options. Instead of “boy” or “girl,” players select a “style.” “Is Splatoon 3 gender neutral?” While not explicitly labeled as such, the game avoids gendered terms for character creation. Players pick body types or styles instead of genders for customization, making it more inclusive.
Inklings embody unique ink-based traits alongside a vibrant culture. They inspire from real biology but create a special identity within Splatoon.
