Homebrew Zora Species Details

    "The Zora are an aquatic race who live in the pure, bountiful waters of Lanayru. They have fish-like fins and uniquely colored scales. They excel at Swimming and water-based activities, but that also makes them vulnerable to electricity. They have their own royal family which goes back countless generations and unifies the people. Compared to other Hyrulian races, the Zora age slowly and are extremely long lived."

    - Creating a Champion

 

     - Image credit: Yanagi & Takumi Wada

Those Who Guard the Water

     Their home is nestled in the valley of Northern Lanayru province, the mountains just south of Akkala forming a natural barrier of colorful flora, vibrant blue stone and shimmering waterfalls.  Their domain was carved from a gargantuan rock formation which once served as the foundation of an ancient island at the center of a wide lake.  The lake then fell in depth as the rock was fashioned into a radiant, artful, burgeoning city held aloft by mighty pillars piercing the mirror-like waters. The Zora boast guilds of skilled craftsman, artisans, and performers. It is not uncommon for the most beautiful pieces of armor or weaponry to have originated from a Zoran crafter's guild.  The Zora also enjoy co-habitation in the nearby lands with Hylians, having set up shop in Goponga village near Central Hyrule and a Co-op pier on the coast near Brynna plain. They swim the rivers of Hyrule, using their prowess as skilled fisherman and navigators to trade in ocean-fish and fine crafts with the other races of Hyrule.

Culture

    Zora are somewhat aloof and move gracefully in spite of their lanky physique. They favor soft blues and silvers in their crafts and clothes, using opals, sapphires and sometimes even diamonds set in silver in their appearance and architecture. The Zora are a communal people. Having built their domain from a single piece of stone, they do not have singular living quarters, but rather share all the space in the city as a community. They sleep in deep pools of water situated near each other and typically eat fish raw from the lake they live in. The Zora appreciate and celebrate music almost as enthusiastically as the distant Rito people, though their songs differ in sound. They revere the Goddess Hylia and sing her praises with the most enthusiasm. Shrines and Chapels to the Goddess Hylia can be found in Lanayru Province, often kept by Zora priests. Though the Zora are a spiritual people, they are also skilled warriors. They fill their military with spear-wielding infantry, archers, and elite monks. They are most effective while swimming, so they do not engage in risky tactics that take them too far from bodies of water. The Zora monks who patrol the Eastern waters of Hyrule keep tabs on the activity in the ocean, paying close attention to the oceanic Lizalfos.  Lately, they report increased activity on the shores of Hyrule..

Zora Traits

Your Zora shares traits with all other Zora.

Powerful Fins

You are adapted to swimming unlike any other race and can propel yourself so forcefully through the waters that you can actually swim up waterfalls at a speed of 20 feet. The body of falling water must be large enough for your whole body to be considered submersed in order to swim through it.

Aquatic Combat

You live in the water. You sleep in the water. While engaged in combat you have advantage on attacks of any kind while in the water against creatures who are not adept at moving through the water who are also in the water.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom score increases by 2. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Zora are long lived and reach maturity at around 75 years, with the longest lived among their elders living as old as 450 years.

Size

Fully grown Zora are range from slim to bulky and stand roughly 7 to 8 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Your base swimming speed is 50 feet.

Darkvision

Your Zoran eyes are adapted to seeing well under the murky depths.  While on the surface you can see in dim light within 40 feet as if it were bright light, and 20 feet in darkness. While under water, you can see up to 120 feet in darkness.

Keen Senses

You have proficiency in the Perception skill.

Languages

You can speak, read and write in Common and Zora.