Homebrew Cyrrakwa (Nurse Shark) Species Details

Cyrrakwa (seer-ah-kwah) are a species of humanoid sharks specifically deriving from Ginglymostoma cirratum, or nurse sharks. Unlike mer-folk, cyrrakwa retain their fishy features and appear more like anthropomorphic sharks. These amphibious beasts often reside on coastal areas and are known for being expert fishermen and oceanic navigators.

A sheep in wolf's clothing

Standing from 7-8ft tall, cyrrakwa are typically seen as intimidating or dangerous due to their towering heights and predator-like appearance. Despite their looks, cyrrakwa are typically amiable folks who tend to avoid conflict unless provoked first. This population of misunderstood gentle-giants enjoy sharing their culture and have a "the more the merrier" mentality. In fact, similar to their unevolved counterparts, nurse sharks, they often sleep in groups and engage in what some may call "cuddle puddles." Don't mistake their friendliness for docility, though! Cyrrakwa still have powerful jaws with a vacuum-like bite due to an expansive cavity in their throats and tend to come with back-up thanks to their loyal nature.

Enhanced astuteness

Cyrrakwa's diet consists of mainly smaller fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and other similar invertebrates. Using their barbels, they are able to navigate shallow coastal waters and detect meals that may be hiding in the sands. These barbels aren't just useful for finding sustenance, however! Cyrrakwa's fleshy sense organs have evolved to detect chemical signals given off by various creatures above sea-level as well. Pheromones, blood, and other living essences can be picked up with ease, giving cyrrakwa an edge when locating other organisms and reading others' emotions. Some say certain predators can smell fear; cyrrakwa make this saying much more literal!

Crowds to coteries

Whether it's an entire family of companions or a small close-knit crew, cyrrakwa find comfort in community. Socialization is an important part of daily life for this populace. It is rare for cyrrakwa to leave their family and start a solo act, and often times the only reason one would leave their clan is if they have an established group to transition into, such as a partner's community. Not only do cyrrakwa tend to belong to groups, but they also believe in safety in numbers. Traveling, hunting, foraging, and other activities are done in bunches or at least pairs. These groups aren't random, though. Each cyrrakwa has a specific role assigned to them to play in their community, which they believe helps keep their society functional. All things considered, if you see a lone cyrrakwa, they've likely either been exiled or you're wrong.

 

 

Cyrrakwa (Nurse Shark) Traits

You receive certain traits given to you from your shark ancestry.

Size

Cyrrakwa are larger and bulkier than humans, and they range from 7 to over 8 feet tall. Your size is medium.

Speed

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

Darkvision

Due to your nocturnal ancestry, your genetics have given you 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.

Vacuuming Maw

An expansive cavity in your throat allows you to create a vacuum-like sensation when biting into your foes. You can use your action to bite down on one target and grapple them on a successful hit. The target can make a strength (athletics) check as an action on the beginning of their turn contested by your strength (athletics) check, in which you have advantage, to attempt to break free from this grapple.

Perceptive Barbels

The barbels on your face give you heightened senses to other organisms' whereabouts and emotions. These whisker-like appendages grant you advantage on investigation checks regarding locating targets. You also have advantage on insight checks related to detecting the emotions and honesty of others. 

Chilling Denticles

Having adapted from frigid waters, your incredibly thick skin grants you resistance to cold damage.

Amphibious

Your evolved gills allow you to breathe in both air and water.

Ability Score Increase

Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age

Cyrrakwa mature faster than humans, reaching adulthood at around 15 and rarely living past 65.

Languages

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