Homebrew Arctocetus Species Details

Though they are large in numbers and widespread, encountering an Arctocetus is a rarity. This is due to the fact that most choose to inhabit areas that would be considered inhospitable for others, and they will typically avoid contact with outsiders if given a choice. This, of course, has never prevented the curious soul from leaving their home behind and venturing out into the rest of the world.

Tundra, Oceans, Mountains

Being well adapted for cold conditions, both in air and in water, Arctocetus can be found in the most frigid of areas across the world. Built similarly to centaurs, their bear-like ears and legs are protected by a thick coat of fur, and their large orca-esque tails by a thick layer of fat. They also typically have a ring shape of thick fur running from their chest to the back of their necks. Their mix of features allow them to easily traverse both in icy landscapes and underwater.

"Pods"

Arctocetus usually live in matrilineal familial groups, similar to orca pods. These groups are tight knit and tend to keep to themselves when it comes to outsiders, though they have occasionally been known to pull them into their group. Usually, several families can be found in an area, and they will constantly migrate around. Regardless of whether they choose to stay with their families or head out into the world, Arctocetus' loyalty to their family groups is nearly unwavering. 

Artists & Explorers By Nature

Wise and creative, Arctocetus are extremely adept in many areas of art and exploration. Longstanding traditions in either of these are common amongst familial groups. Some are known as musicians, others painters, mapmakers, the whole lot. On top of this, Arctocetus live up to 200 years, allowing them to pass down their passion and wisdom to several generations.

Arctocetus Names

Arctocetus mainly use one of two naming patterns. The first is names based on nature. This will most typically be based on their particular environment, though on some occasions they may get these names from elsewhere. The second is names ending in "-o", "-io", "-ey", or "-en". There is a large amount of variety with these names, but some familial groups do choose to pass down names through generations.

Arctocetus Traits

As an Arctocetus, you have the following traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength, Constitution, and Wisdom each increase by 1.

Age

Arctocetus reach maturity at 18 and can live up to 200 years.

Size

Slightly larger than humans, Arctocetus tend to be between 6 to 7 feet tall.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed of 30 feet.

Hold Breath

You can hold your breath for one hour.

Darkvision

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.

Claws

You have claws that you can use to make unarmed strikes. When you hit with them, the strike deals 1d6 + your Strength modifier slashing damage, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Powerful Build

You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push or drag.

Cold Protection

Adapted for cold climates and covered in thick fur and fat, you have a resistance to cold damage.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.