Homebrew Axolotl Species Details

Axolotl humanoids typically dwell in or close to large sources of fresh water, such as lakes or rivers, where they form intricate communities with their own kind. When going into a town, they got many looks as it's not everyday they see an axolotl humanoid. Some axolotls may have come into contact with magic, a different plane of existence, been blessed by a god, or born through traditional means. They don't get much guidance for life and are forced to continue their lives on their own. Axolotl humanoids rarely act cocky or brag. They believe others are equal to them, if not higher, and often do their best to make others feel the same way. They are therefore very wholesome people. It is unknown if they were just made this way or meandering through life has gotten them to this amicable worldview. This is not to say they are sycophants, as axolotls will usually not treat a bad person as well as one they perceive being good.

A Life of Land and Lake

Originating from the Feywild themselves, Axolotl are fond of other fey creatures, and will often form meaningful relationships with Elves, Firbolgs, and Gnomes among other creatures, as well as many forest-dwelling animals such birds, deer, and small mammals.

Expect to come across Axolotl communities around large lakes, rivers, and waterfalls in temperate climates, or even on the coast, although Axolotl are cautious of the ocean's harsh currents, salty water, and many predatory monsters.

Creativity and Passion Unmatched

Once an Axolotl finds an activity they find enjoyable and fulfilling, it's very likely they'll stick with it for life. Many Axolotl are known for being incredibly talented tailors, cooks, artists, jewelers, musicians, and alchemists among many other creative professions. Known as an Axolotl's "knack" their creativity is believed to have been gifted by their mysterious divine creator simply known as "Mother Lake."

As a result of this, Axolotl society has a strong sense of religion, emphasizing the acceptance and learning of cultures other than their own, as well as a platonic love for their community.

Axolotl Names

While Axolotl posses some subtle physical traits to differentiate between sexes, they tend to pay no thought to the concept of gender, and have therefore adopted a universally androgynous naming system. Additionally, Axolotl do not posses surnames, will usually take both parents' forenames as middle names, and take a kind of title in place of a surname.

Instead of being named at birth, an Axolotl usually chooses their own name around 5 years of age, resulting in small celebrations similar to birthdays upon the individual naming themselves - a deeply respected Axolotl tradition.

Axolotl Appearance

Axolotl are short, amphibious humanoids that mature quickly compared to other sentient creatures. In place of skin they have a network of small, tightly woven scales, which can range from the deepest blues to the most vibrant pinks in colour. In infancy, Axolotl scales take on an iridescent sheen as the pigments in their scales develop.

They grow no hair whatsoever, and posses large frills on the side of their head - their gills - which are essential to their amphibious nature. Axolotl posses large, lemon-shaped eyes that are often turquoise, golden, lilac, blue, or various shades of such colours.

Axolotl Traits

Axolotls share similar characteristics with other axolotls.

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Axolotl reach maturity at age 6, and live an average of 60 to 70 years.

Size

Axolotl usually stand between 2 and 3 feet tall, and weigh an average of 30 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

You have a base walking speed of 20 feet.

Alignment

Because of their naturally curious, altruistic, and social dispositions, Axolotl lean heavily towards a good alignment.

Amphibious

You are amphibious, meaning you can breathe both in water and on land indefinitely. You also have a swimming speed of 40 feet.

Additionally, when underwater, you can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it was bright light, and in darkness as if it was dim light; however, you cannot perceive colour when in dim light or darkness underwater, so everything appears in various shades of grey.

Regeneration

If you are below half of your maximum hit points (rounded down), you can use a bonus action to regain hit points. Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.

Water Dependency

While maturing, Axolotl live almost exclusively underwater, and therefore a species-wide dependency on water has emerged.

You must regularly submerge yourself in water for at least 30 minutes every 8 hours, and if you fail to do so, you become dehydrated. While dehydrated you cannot use your Regeneration feature, and suffer from disadvantage on any saving throws made to resist disease or the poisoned condition.

While dehydrated, you gain 1 point of exhaustion every 8 subsequent hours until you submerge yourself again. Upon submerging yourself, you no longer suffer from disadvantage on rolls against disease or the poisoned condition, and you may use your Regeneration feature.

Cute Face

With a cute and squishy face, it is difficult for you to instill fear into others. You have a disadvantage in Charisma (Intimidation) checks, but advantage in Charisma (Persuasion) checks.

Language

You can speak, read, and write Common, Sylvan, and Aquan.