Homebrew Cecaelian Species Details

The oceans hide many secrets from the land-dwellers,  but the lands hold many secrets from those who dwell in the oceans.  The cecaelia are one of these sea-dwelling folk who have become curious as to what lies above the waves.  

Cecelia appear to be related to cephalopods, and on many worlds, the slight resemblance to mindflayers (short facial tentacles positioned over their mouths) could cause them seriously difficulties.  However, the land-dwelling folk who live near cecaelian enclaves have long found them to be friendly and helpful neighbors, who are as eager to lean about life on land, as some land-dweller scholars are to learn about the seas.  Cecaelians frequently trade with costal settlements, fisherman, and even passing sailing ships, exchanging fish, various seaweeds, exotic shells, and even occasionally ores they find, for metal goods, land-dweller fabric, jewelry, and other items that take their fancy. 

Occasionally, their curiosity and wanderlust will take an adventurous few cecaelia to explore the lands.  Being amphibious, while desert climates are distinctly uncomfortable, cecaelia can live comfortably on land, and merely require twice the water that most other humanoids need in order to stay healthy.  Because of this, many cecaelia opt to learn at least some magic, or quickly aquire items that can provide them with the water they need.

Most cecaelia stand around 5'6" to 6'6', but some shorter and taller examples of this species are not uncommon, and the average cecaelian weighs in at around 140 to 300 lbs.   There is very little difference in size or build between female and male cecaelians, with females being distinguished by a pair of small "feelers", thin, flat tentacles (3-4") sprouting from just above the inner corner of each eye, approximately where a human's eyebrow would start.  While humanoid in build, with the typical head, two arms and two legs, cecaelia heads are hairless, with four longer vestigial tentacles that drape over the backs of their heads (1'-4' long), somewhat like hair.  Their eyes are positioned in their faces much like those of other humanoids, and four short, flexible tentacles are held together over their beaked mouths.  Their slick skin contains chromatophores, which allow them to change color to help them hide or blend into their environment, and which they also use to express emotion.  While they can learn and speak vocal languages, the cecaelian language is visual, comprised of a combination of sign language and color, along with facial expressions.  When not using their chromatophores, cecaelian skin can range from a light tan, through the browns, and into red and purple shades.  Occasionally, an albino cecaelian will be born with light blue skin, and although this is rare, cecaelia do not see such a skin color as anything unusual.

Unlike other cephalopods, cecaelia have skeletons, similar to other humanoids, although with significantly more flexible joints.  Their 4 fingered hands and 3 toed feet are equipped with an extremely flexible webbing, which helps them propel themselves through the water.  Instead of mammalian noses or nostrils, they have breathing tubes, much like an octopus, located below each side of their jaw.   In addition, their blue blood is pumped through two hearts, instead of a singular heart.  Unlike their cephalopod cousins, cecaelians are live-bearing, and mating is similar to most mammalian humanoids. 

For those who do not know them, a cecaelian's eyes can be very disconcerting, for while their eye colors can be any human shade, as well as ranging through the reds and golds, their pupils are shaped like an octopus or goat, and can make their gazes seem quite alien at first.

Cecaelian Traits

The oceans hide many secrets from the land-dwellers, but the lands hold many secrets from those who dwell in the oceans. The cecaelia, the octopus-like folk, are one of these sea-dwelling folk who have become curious as to what lies above the waves.

Darkvision

Cecaelian are able to see in the darkness.  In pitch black conditions, they will only be able to see in shades of grey.

Ability Increases

Select one ability to add 2 the score, and one ability to add 1 to the score.

Languages

In addition to Cecaelian and Common, choose one additional language. 

Amphibious

Cecaelian can not only breath water (fresh or salt), they are just as comfortable breathing air.  However, they do require twice as much water as the average human while on land.

Camouflage

The chromatophores in a cecaelian's skin give them advantage on stealth checks, and they are naturally proficient in Stealth.

Slippery

Cecaelians have both a smooth, somewhat slippery skin, as well as extremely flexible joints, which gives them a bonus against being, or escaping from a grapple.