Homebrew Abyssal Humanoid (Deep Dweller) Species Details

The ocean's waves gently caress the shore, and the pale moon shines down from above. Peaceful and calm, a perfect image of tranquility, seemingly untouched by mortals and magicks. 

Until a whirlpool forms in the water. A swirling vortex to parts unknown, churning the water violently for many minutes until a bloodied figure pulls themselves out, struggling. Dragging behind them is a collapsed heap of tube-like constructions similar to that of an Artificer's creation. They collapse to their knees on the shore, breathing heavily through an apparatus.

'The stories were true! I'm free! We're free! Mother needs to know, they all need to know!'

A Twang sounds out over the beach, and the joyous thoughts are interrupted by a crossbow bolt striking home, directly into their throat.

Three cloaked figures step out from the tree line, one reloading their crossbow.

"Begone, foul beast! Take your accursed tongues and wretched pallor and return to the hells you emerged from!"

Unheeding of their assailant's words, they finally stop struggling and fall, reaching towards the sky.

Blood soaks the sand. Death is certain, on this stretch of moonlit land.

'I can't...why?'

 As the three congratulate themselves on another job well done, the Abyssal that had escaped from their lightless prison bled out on the cold sand.

— Unknown Author

 

To the average person, the term "Abyssal" means demonic speech and script. To a sailor and his family, a wives tale to scare the kids into obedience, a story of the dark depths of the ocean to share around the fire. The truth, however, can always be scarier than fiction. Abyssals do in fact exist, far beneath the deepest points of the sea, dwelling in a plane of existence well beyond crush depth, and no sunlight reaches even the shallowest layers.

The Deep is a convoluted mess of layers and territories, bending in ways that would drive a physics mage to insanity, but I digress. Our focus today is on one species that call this place home... or a prison.

Bottom of The Chain

 Within the Deep is a vast and diverse ecosystem. Playing host to countless creatures, aquatic evolutions of common animals and beings, and even entirely new species. This ecosystem is ruled over by true Abyssals, creatures beyond comprehension with too many limbs, too many shapes, too many eyes. Humanoid races are also present in the Deep, as prey. The descendants of the unfortunate souls who were taken as livestock from the time Abyssals roamed the surface, they have merely survived in the deepest and darkest layers, building tools, fighting tooth and nail, passing tales of the sun and lands that are rumored to dwell above while huddled closely around bioluminescent flora.

Escapees of the Nightmare

Headstrong, arrogant, young, or simply desperate. Many Abyssals hear of the stories of sunlight, and seek freedom from their captors who barely acknowledge their existence. Despite the warnings of others, they attempt to break free and find an exit. They are never heard from again. It is presumed that the foolish attempts end either half-digested in some horror's stomach, or crushed into a mist by powers beyond mortal comprehension. Besides, no-one even knows where the exit is located, if there is such a thing.

As a matter of fact, there is. Multitudes, if you know where to look.

Many of the would-be escapists end up killed, and that's a mercy compared to suffering the weight of insanity. The average mortal mind is fragile, like a robin's egg. Very rare is the one who looks into madness and leaves with what they seek, without paying an exorbitant price. A price that the denizens of the Deep are verily prepared to reap.

Abyssal Names

 

EXCELLENT SURVIVORS

Abyssal Humanoid (Deep Dweller) Traits

Abyssals are used to life in the lightless Deep. As such, they aren't well suited to life on land. Adaptation will take time.

Intimidation Increase

Your pale visage causes great fear in those who perceive you. Intimidation increases by 3.

Age

Humanoid Abyssals age, but the effects of aging never show. It is speculated that Abyssals can live upwards of 2000 years.

Size

Abyssal humans are about the same size as normal humans, ranging from 5 to 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

You are unused to living on land, Your base walking speed is 15 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your upbringing well below crush depth, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. This effect is stronger underwater.

Abyssal Adaptation

Adapting to life on land can be difficult, but you've made it this far. You gain proficiency in two skills of your choice.