Homebrew Axolittle ✦ Species Details

Axolittle Physiology and Habitat

Axolittles are gentle amphibian humanoids that reside in freshwater lakes and underground waterways. Resembling from axolotls, these beings are endowed with frilled gills, a lengthy tail, and a soft, moist skin. Among their notable abilities are limb regeneration and bioluminescence, allowing them to be both valuable allies and a marvel in the dim aquatic corridors. Their skin colors range from pale pink to deep hues, influenced more by environmental factors and genetics rather than any societal hierarchy.

Unlike their aggressive counterparts, the Grungs, Axolittles lean towards introspection and community, forming tight-knit societies beneath aquatic surfaces.

Societal Structure and Community

Littlenooks

These are the serene aquatic settlements where Axolittles reside. Nestled in underwater grottos or surrounded by thick reeds, Littlenooks serve as concealed sanctuaries, hidden behind aquatic plants. Inside, Axolittles fashion homes using stones, native plants, and special clay from the water beds.

Elderlights

Age, wisdom, and knowledge dictate Axolittle society. The most venerable are termed Elderlights, easily identifiable by their vivid bioluminescence—a beacon of their wisdom. They are the decision-makers and guides, their glow signifying both their age and knowledge.

Community Dynamics

In the absence of a strict hierarchy, mutual respect and shared responsibilities form the bedrock of Axolittle society. Everyone contributes, be it through hunting, gathering, or tending to the unique underwater gardens.

Education and Knowledge

Knowledge stands paramount in Axolittle society. Young ones are tutored about their surroundings, legends of their deity, Eadro, and the importance of maintaining ecological balance. Seeking knowledge is revered and is a mark of esteem in their community.

Religious Practices

Axolittles hold deep spiritual beliefs, venerating Eadro, the guardian deity of the seas, merfolk, and locathah. Hidden underwater alcoves house shrines dedicated to Eadro, embellished with bioluminescent algae and radiant aquatic gems. Each Axolittle community appoints a Lumenherald, a conduit to the deity, responsible for interpreting divine messages. It's a shared belief that during specific lunar events, whispers of Eadro echo through the waters, granting revelations to seekers.

Economy and Livelihood

Currency is an alien concept in Axolittle societies. Their economy thrives on a barter system, emphasizing mutual benefits and strengthening community bonds. They prioritize community well-being over materialistic gains.

Naming Conventions and Titles

Given Names

Names bear great significance among Axolittles, being an amalgamation of their heritage, current roles, and aspirations. A grand ceremony, presided over by the Elderlights, marks the naming of a newborn, echoing the community's hopes and dreams for the young one.

Example Names:

• Male Names: Threxan, Caelum, Lurak, Virel, Talon, Mirel, Lunor, Draek, Sylas, Niven
• Female Names: Lurana, Aelis, Maela, Sylira, Vaela, Lorina, Trelia, Mirana, Eluna, Nyria
• Unisex Names: Lysan, Seral, Elyr, Mael, Viren, Loral, Tylin, Caela, Syrel, Lunea

Surnames

Upon discovering their unique societal roles, Axolittles adopt surnames indicative of their duties or skills. This act is a testament to their dedication to the Littlenook and its welfare.

Example Surnames: Glowseer, Tidecaller, Stonecrafter, Reedweaver, Echotalker, Algaetender, Gillteacher, Shrinekeeper, Currentdancer, Lumenherald

Glowseers are luminous beacons within their Littlenook, tending to bioluminescent plants and ensuring that their habitat radiates with serene light.
Tidecallers carry the wisdom of the waters, guiding their community with their knowledge of currents and tides.
The crafts of the Stonecrafters and Reedweavers give shape to the Littlenook, sculpting a safe and artistic haven for all its inhabitants.
Echotalkers are the communication bridges between various Littlenooks, spreading tales, news, and messages.
Algaetenders, Gillteachers, and Shrinekeepers form the trinity that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit, anchoring every Axolittle in tradition and knowledge.
The stories of the Currentdancers inspire generations, bringing tales of vast waters and adventures that lie beyond.
Lumenheralds, with their radiant presence, signal moments of communal importance, their very appearance an announcement of significant events.

The Title of “the Light”

This revered title, bestowed upon distinguished Elderlights, is more than just an honorific. It's a mark of their expansive wisdom, service to the community, and a pledge to mentor future generations. Distinguished Elderlights like Lurana, Threxan, and Meliya bear this title with pride, their names resonating stories of their contributions to the community.

Axolittle ✦ Traits

Your axolittle character has an assortment of inborn abilities, part and parcel of axolittle nature.

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 2 and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Age

Axolittles reach adulthood in 5 years and can live up to 150 years due to their regenerative capabilities.

Alignment

Most Axolittles lean towards neutrality, valuing community and balance. They have an inherent respect for life and nature, making them gravitate towards good alignments as well.

Size

Axolittles stand between 3 and 4 feet tall and weigh about 40 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 25 feet, and you have a swimming speed of 30 feet.

Amphibious

You can breathe air and water.

Languages

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

 

Water Dependency

If you fail to immerse yourself in water for at least 1 hour during a day, you suffer one level of exhaustion at the end of that day. You can only recover from this exhaustion through magic or by immersing yourself in water for at least 1 hour.

Aquatic Wisdom

You have proficiency in the Insight skill.

Limb Regrowth

If you lose a limb, your natural regenerative abilities allow it to grow back over time. It takes a week for the limb to fully regrow. After using this ability, you must wait a month before it can be activated again, regardless of if you lose another limb within that time frame.

Bioluminescence

You can emit a soft light from your body. As a bonus action, you can cause your skin to illuminate, shedding bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet. You can extinguish this light as another bonus action.

Aquatic Intuition

Your life underwater has honed your senses and instincts. You have advantage on Perception checks while you are underwater and can detect the presence of creatures within 60 feet of you in water, even if they are not moving.