Homebrew Baketako Species Details

(This is a direct port of someone else's work with a little bit of editing. I love this race, and I take no ownership. Feel free to use it though.)

 

 

Physical Description

Baketako's appearance is similar to that of their less sentient brothers, looking like large octopuses about 10-11 feet in diameter and covered in tough but slimy skin. They have four long and powerful tentacles that they can use as legs to walk upright in a human-like manner when on land and with the right amount of covering and posture they can pass themselves as a tightly covered human quite easily in most towns. In their upright position, they may use their remaining four tentacles, which are shorter but more flexible than their longer tentacles, as a human would use hands.



They can change their coloration freely but usually maintain a dull green or light orange coloration, only entering bright coloration when they feel threatened or experience strong emotions.

They have two small eyes that are usually glassy and pale and have a sharp jaw, similar to that of a parrot under their tentacles.

History

While early records are unclear, the Baketako believe their origins lie with the Goddess of Sea and Storms, Arakushi. They believe that it was Arakushi that first uplifted them into a state of sentience from their primitive mollusc roots to combat those who would wish to enslave the creatures of the sea. As such the Baketako believe it their duty to protect the sea from evil and corruption, and fight wars with local tribes of Sahuagin and Merrows.

Other historians argue that Baketako were created when the Spirit World brushed against the Material Plane many years ago beneath the waves, causing sentience in a population of octopuses, however, neither theory has been proved.

Society

Baketako live in a feudal society in castles under the sea. They have a rigid hierarchy where the Daimyo (leader) is the highest followed by the Bushi (warriors), hunters, artisans, and finally merchants. At times of great conflict they sometimes elevate a Daimyo to the rank of Shogun, or high leader, to organize offensives, however, this is only a temporary rank.

Baketako are very talented artisans as they can use their four "arms" precisely and efficiently when crafting, and often trade their goods with friendly sea races such as Merfolk and Aquatic Elves. This has fostered an economy greatly focused on trade, and while merchants are the lowest class in the feudal hierarchy, this has caused them to become the most wealthy.

Baketako value loyalty above all else and Baketako who do not adhere to a strict moral code are often exiled from the castle. These exiles are rarely ever allowed to return and most send their squinted eyes up at the surface world.

Baketako Names

The true names of Baketako are in their native language which is based on complex coloration changes and tentacle gestures. However, when interacting with other races, Baketako tend to pick a name for themselves arbitrarily from the first race they encounter.

 

Age. Baketako have relatively short life spans of about 50-80 years. They reach maturity quickly at the age of about 5.
Alignment. Baketako believe in rigid loyalties and strict moral conduct. Many are lawful good or lawful neutral. However, Baketako exiles are less predictable and can even become chaotic evil if they reach that depravity.
Size. Spread out a Baketako has the diameter of about 10-11 feet. However, standing on their "legs" they can be 5-6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Baketako Traits

Baketako are, essentially, octopi. With the way their society functions, they are often compared to samurai.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom increases by 1. Your Strength or Dexterity increases by 2.

Suction Grip

You have advantage when initiating a grapple against a target and subsequently keeping them in a grapple.

Extra Limbs

You have 4 limbs that you can use to wield and use 2 additional items. This does not allow you to make additional attacks or actions on your turn.

Squishy

You are an invertebrate. On your turn, if you are not carrying anything, nor wearing clothing or armor, you can move through any space that is at least 3 inches in diameter and do so without squeezing. When you stop moving, the regular squeezing rules apply if you’re in a space one size smaller than you. You can’t willingly stop in a space smaller than that, and if you’re forced to do so, you immediately flow to the nearest space that can fit you, back along the path of your movement.

Ink Shot

If you are underwater, you can use your action to release a 10- foot-radius cloud of ink extends all around you. The area is heavily obscured for 1 minute, although a significant current can disperse the ink. After releasing the ink, you can use the Dash action as a bonus action. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Aquatic

You can breathe underwater as well as normal air.

Water Dependency

You require triple the normal amount of water per day to not suffer from exhaustion levels.