Homebrew Merfolk Species Details

"I remember my first visit to Fort Poseidon, and i shall until the end of my days. The underwater city not only gave me a sense of intimidation, but a silent, calming peace. 'If i want to meet a Merfolk, this is the only place to do it.' I remember thinking to myself as i descended into their territory. I immediately began to see such interesting creatures, men the size of halflings, with the tails of sea horses; women walking by as their long fish-like tails swayed behind them; Older men with soft expressions, twisting their mustaches which when thinking back were more like the whiskers of a catfish. If i could only speak to one, observe their anatomy, my book would have been complete, but will they speak my language i wandered. Thats when a young lady no taller than any man walked up to me and put her hand out, saying plain as day, "You look lost, need a hand?" My book is now finished, and i am enlightened. Such a small people can really make such an impression, even if they are under the sea." - Tremble Organa, Pandoran Scholar and Archaeologist. 

Born of the Shallows

In the shallow coves and cave systems of Southwestern Pandora, the Merfolk live peaceful, and sometimes infallible lives. Living inside of a metaphorical and literal bubble, Merfolk have very little dealings with the outside world, sharing their home with mostly adventurers or scholars. Not many outside races visit the water filled streets of the Merfolk's home, Fort Poseidon, most due to their need for Breathers (small cartridges that produce oxygen from water once inhaled through the mouth, allowing non aquatic races to breathe while in Fort Poseido .) This fact, however, does not stop the Merfolk of Fort Poseidon from living life cultivating their algea farms, performing off sight trading deals with other races, and celebrating festivals, carnivals, and holidays most days of the year. A Merfolk who has left Fort Poseidon may not have the luxury it provides, but most would have an appreciation for the beauty back home. 

Semi-Aquatic Nature

Merfolk are both of the land and sea. While their bodies may be equipped to trek over the land and through the sea, their abilities whilst under the water are much greater than that of their abilities on land. All Merfolk naturally have Lungs, Gills, teeth, arms, and legs, but not much else is as consistent. Some Merfolk may have fins, tails, webbed fingers, or a lack of eyes, as their fish-like heritage would determine depending on their variant of Merfolk. Their physical human traits may also be dependent upon their Human heritage, such as a dark skinned Human or a red headed human. While in the sea, Merfolk can be persuasive creatures that can convice the impossible to the improbable, and can do all the same while on the land. 

 

Merfolk Traits

Merfolk are granted certain abilities based upon their aquatic anatomy. While the vast sea of Merfolk may be diverse in size and shape, they all have the following traits.

Ability Score Increase

As a Merfolk your Dexterity Ability Score is increased by 2 while your Charisma Ability Score is increased by 1. 

Age

Merfolk are a hardy race that are known for their thick hide and moderate lifespans. The Average Merfolk will live to be close to 1 and 1/2 the age of Humans, so at around 130 to 150. However, if having stayed in consistently good health their whole lives, Merfolk can live to be close to 200 to 220. 

Alignment

Due to their peaceful lives, joyous celebrations, and beautiful city, Merfolk are often found not to be Evil or Chaotic. There have been few instances when Merfolk have been problematic when compared to the rest of the average Merfolk, but the vast majority of Merfolk are of a Lawful or Good alignment, with a large population of Neutral Merfolk as well. 

Speed

Merfolk have adequate speed while on land giving them an average 30 feet of movement. However, when submerged in water, Merfolk can move with up to 60 feet of swimming speed. 

Darkvision

Accustomed to life underground, 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.

Aqua Bladder

As a Merfolk, you can use a Bladder found just below your Skull that can be used to produce a steady stream of your choice of Salt or Fresh water equaling 30 Gallons a day. It comes out of your mouth and does not have enough power behind it to damage. If depleted completely, or partially, you must take a long rest to replinish all 30 gallons, or if you have access to your chosen water type you may spend 5d4 minutes refilling your Aqua Bladder.

Biting

Most Merfolk have serated teeth that are often hidden behind average faces. Using these Teeth, Merfolk may bite and tear like predators dealing 1d6 + Strength or Deterity Piercing Damage. This may we changed to Poison Damage depending on the Aquatic half of your Merfolk.