Homebrew Kawaso (Otterfolk) Species Details

The Kawaso, also known as Ottterfolk, are a race of Humaniod Otters that live around Lake Nubis. It is said the first one that gained sentience learned to speak from a Dox traveler and named his new race after the Doxian word for Otter. Kawaso are a hardy species that call the River that spans the continent and any body of water of any degree their home. They often find employment as sailors or traders on river flats. 

A Kawaso family is called a clan, and each clan is lead by a Skipper. The Skipper is picked by the previous Skipper to take their place but is usually the strongest and/or wisest among their peers. This means sometimes even the Skipper's own blood is not guaranteed the position. 

Kawaso hate to be separated from their kind and generally have at least one of their kin or friends with them when traveling. Each year, all the Kawaso clans swim down river to throw a massive party by the sea. Only Kawaso and their sworn brothers and sisters may attend this Jubilee, a high honor for a non-Kawaso.  

The Kawaso stands between 4 feet and 6 feet tall and have brown to black fur. They are lean and agile though, most preferring speed over raw strength.

Names: Kawaso normally names their offspring after plants and animals, males are generally the names of trees or predators while girls are more like to have the baby names of animals or flowers. Clan names are different but important. Marriages are like contracts deciding which clan the couple belongs to. Each Kawaso wears a braided clan garment or accessory somewhere on their body. A child may also break away to form a new clan if they desire, the name usually being something they idolize. Their clan insignia will reflect this name in some fashion. 

Clan Names: Swfitstream, Flashbolt, Silverriver, Oaken Rudder.    

Kawaso (Otterfolk) Traits

All Kawaso share the following traits in common:

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity Score increases by 2 and your Wisdom score increases by 1 

Size

An Kawaso stands between 4 feet to 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium 

Alignment

Kawaso tend towards good and lawful alignments though some crave the freedom of the open water so much they might slip into a Chaotic alignment 

Age

Kawaso mature at the age of 8 years old. Kawaso typically only live to be 50 years old although some have lived up to 80. 

Speed

You have a walking speed of 30 feet and a swimming speed of 30 feet, you are a natural swimmer and the water is your true home. 

Aquatic Nature

You are a water beast, as such you can hold your breath for 15 minutes before needing to surface for air. Also, thanks to your rudder like tail, you have advantage on Athletics checks made to swim in rough waters. 

Natural Fisher

You are a natural fisherman and the water surrenders it's bounty to you. You are proficient in the Survival skill and during a long rest, you can spend up to an hour looking for fish and other aquatic plants and animals for food. You can find enough to feed 6 medium sized creatures each day. You cannot use this feature again until your next long rest. 

Fearless

Kawaso are bold and daring and it is not easy to scare them. You have advantage on saving throws against being Frightened 

Thick Fur

As Otterfolk, Kawaso have a thick fur that sheds water and helps protect them. You have resistance to cold damage. 

Languages

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