Ragulfs

Ragulfs is an umbrella term used in speculative fiction to denote a group of fictional beings or species that inhabit water-rich worlds. There is no single canonical description; Ragulfs are an umbrella concept rather than a defined biology. In various works, authors use Ragulfs to explore themes of adaptation, culture, and technology in aquatic environments.

Descriptions of Ragulfs vary widely. Some portray them as humanoid or humanoid-appearing beings with webbed extremities, gill-like slits, and skin adapted to both air and water, others as crustacean-like or energy-based lifeforms. Across depictions, Ragulfs are commonly characterized by high intelligence and social complexity, often forming complex underwater cities, coral-reef crossroads, or riverine settlements. Their technology ranges from bioengineered systems to submerged architecture and hydrokinetic devices.

Ecology and habitat are likewise variable. Ragulfs may live in river deltas, coastal lagoons, subterranean lakes, or floating archipelagos. Reproduction, language, and customs differ by author. In some narratives Ragulfs maintain fragile relationships with surface-dwelling cultures, sometimes acting as guardians of submerged ruins or bottlenecks against ecological threats; in others they pursue exploration, trade, or scholarly study.

The term Ragulfs may also appear in role-playing games and fan-fiction as a customizable player race or species, emphasizing adaptability and diplomacy. Because there is no universal canon, readers should consult the specific work for details about Ragulfs in that setting.