Homebrew Otter Species Details

Otters are known for their affinity for water. They love of travel and the waves were what first brought them to the coast of the North-Western Realm centuries ago. Finding a land full of winding rivers and futile lands, they soon spreed out across the region. Due to their good nature, endearing appearance and talent at fishing, they were accepted among the other races. 

Foreigners

Otters didn't travel north like many of the races that inhabited the northern realm. They came across the sea from their own homeland to settle the shores coming in three major waves. The first were the otters who landed in the barren lands north of the Jalid bay centuries ago. They were a religious sect that valued minimalism and was ostracized from their homeland. They set up a small community that soon grew to where they lived all along the northern coast. They were not unhappy, it wasn't an easy existence but they were left alone and had the sea to provide for them. It wasn't until the Aspelian conquest that some of them began to travel south. 

The second wave landed in the midland salt marshes. They soon built rapidly growing communities and spread inland, where they came into contact with the squirrels and races of the Vastwood. The otters were a peaceful people, and had more than enough space to provide for themselves so an alliance sprung up between the two races that remains to the current day. Some of these otters traveled farther inland where they settled down in communities with the other species of the realm. 

The final wave to come where those calling themselves the Aspelians. They came to conquer a new world. They landed in the southern portion of the real, building the city of Meerport and sent troops up along the Aigia river. The rest of the realm was not ready to combat such a potent threat and quickly fell to the otters. Becoming complacent in their victory, they were not ready when the southern races attacked. They swept through the lands weakened by war, slaughtering and devouring the inhabitants. Swift action was needed. The Aspelians had once been ruled by a king, but the desperate times required swift action. The king who had been inefficient in his governing was quickly deposed by, what later become know as, the Supreme Minister of War was to lead Apselians. Uniting all of the species of the realm behind them, they drove out the invaders, but at a massive loss of life. Upon the realization that there was such a threat lurking to the south, the Aspelians quickly dismantled the monarchy and formed a council that represented all of the other members of the coalition, in order to create a united front. However, The Supreme Minister of War, voted in my the counsel still holds the ultimate power. 

Kinship 

Wars in the past had been fought between otters, but when faced by an external threat, the species bands together. Otters put a lot of trust in each other, and are willing to come to each others aid in dire scenarios. Otter's kinship is even stronger among their own family or community. They enjoy the close, intimate company of other otters and it is not taboo for otters to platonically cuddle each other. 

Competitiveness 

Otters at times can be fiercely territorial. As a species and as the Aspelians demonstrated, they have a yearning to spreed their ideals and linage far from their home, enabled by their unmatched superiority on the seas. Generally when alone, otters have a good disposition, when in groups they can become divisive and mean on occasion. Otters also have an innate competitiveness that makes them strive to be better than others, even if their customs bid them not express themselves in such a petty way. 

Pleasant Disposition

In most cases otters try to exemplify positive qualities. In their homeland, they were the top predators, which led them to develop a sense of bravery not commonly found in races of their size. They also have a fun loving attitude, enjoy good music and food, are cleaver artist and bards and enjoy pulling pranks on others. In most cases they got on well with other races. 

Unconventional Ideals

Otters had always been wealthy. They were the undisputed rulers of the waves which led them to create massive trade networks that fed back to their homelands. This meant that there weren't many conflicts between themselves for resources. This led to advances in technology and the creation of a Bourgeoisie-like class and the spreed of ideas that went contrary to the normal sensibilities of the time. A value was placed on life, changes were made in the criminal system, an elected government was formed to challenge the monarchy. These values were carried over when the Aspelians made there way over to the North-West Realms and were instated easily after the deposition of their last monarch.

Short and Cute

Otters are known for their endearing appearance. They usually stand at around 3 feet in height and have thin, lithe builds suited well for swimming. The color of their coat is determined by when they arrived in the realm, the northerners having a light gray ting to their, the marshlanders having muddy brown coat and the Aspelians having a slight hint of ginger to theirs.

Aquatic Predator

When swimming, otters require lots of food. Otters prefer to eat aquatic creatures and can dine of most any if not poisonous. Although not usually to their liking, they can also prey on small vertebrates such as snakes and frogs. In situation where fishing equipment is not present, otters have the ability to catch fish with their bare paws although less efficient. Otter's ability to fish was one of the major reasons they were able to maintain order of the Realm as the supply of fish they were able to provide kept conflict down between predators and prey.     

Otter Traits

Otters have sharp teeth and extremely good mobility in water.

Ability Score Modifiers

Your STR decreases by 1, your DEX score increases by 2, your CHA increases by 1.

Size

Otters stand 3 feet tall and average about 40 pounds. Your size is small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet. You also have a swimming speed of 30 feet.

Aquatic Hunter

You can hold your breath for a number of minutes equal to 1 + twice your Constitution modifier (minimum 1 minute).

Cute

You gain proficiency in the Persuasion skill. 

Jaws of Iron

Otters have razor sharp fangs and iron jaws. As a action you may make an melee attack roll. On a hit, the target takes 1d4+STR piercing damage, and on each of your convective turns, you can use your action to deal 1d4+STR piercing damage to the target automatically. At any time you can release your target. If your target is medium or larger in size, if they were to move, you will move as well and remain adjacent to them at the same orientation you were originally at. You do not provoke attacks of opportunity when moving this way. Your target my not make ranged attack or attempt to grapple you, and makes melee attacks at disadvantage. The target may attempt to remove you by making a STR vs STR check at disadvantage as an action. An an adjacent creature to you may attempt the same without disadvantage.      

Languages

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