kappa

In The Familiarverse, a kappa is a thaumaturgogenically polymorphic semiaquatic reptile.

form

humanoid

size

half the size of a human

exterior

typical coloration of scales

green

parts

head

cheek fins

Three spiny fins project from each cheek.

eyes

coloration

yellow sclera

tail

tail length

The tail makes up slightly more than half of the entire anteroposterior length.

tail fin

tail fin size

The tail fin is the largest fin.

absent features

body hair

typical psychology

typical environmental preferences

The typical kappa prefers to live on or near a large body of water, typically a river but sometimes a lake or swamp, with a houseboat as a residence.

capabilities

subtopics

mutualistic cephalic teleportive portal on a kappa

armor

The skin may develop patches of keratinous armor after injury or irritation. This armor is made up of hexagonal segments.

possible behavior

possible interpersonal behavior

The members of a social group of kappa may gather their houseboats together into a fleet for security and social support.

images

Scaly Self-care in a Lithic Lair

individuals

Ubzuki

commentary

basis

conceptual basis

The kappa concept is based on the Japanese cultural concept of かっぱ (kappa), a river-dwelling monster typically represented as a green-skinned humanoid with a turtle-like carapace, webbed hands and feet, and a dish-like depression on the top of its head.¹²

linguistic basis

The word kappa is based on the word かっぱ (kappa), or river child in Japanese.²