Homebrew Atlantean Species Details

Atlanteans are an ancient and advanced civilization, spread across multiple cities on their island beneath the waves. Masters of both magic and technology, draw their power from the ocean's depths. Though hidden from most of the world, they subtly influence the course of mortal history, ensuring their legacy and guiding the future.

 

 

 

Born of the Depths

Deeply connected to the sea, the Atlanteans are an ancient and yet mortal people. Their pale, near-glowing skin reflects the moonlit sea, while their hair ranges from soft pastel cyan to deep oceanic blues and greens. They carry the power of the sea in their eyes, in shades that reflect the ocean itself - deep blues, greens, and the occasional seafoam hue. Often believed to signify extraordinary power or a unique connection to the ancient forces of the sea, gold or silver eyes are a rare and almost mythical trait.

With tall, slender bodies built for grace and strength, Atlanteans move fluidly, as if shaped by the waters themselves. Their clothing, minimal yet intricate, is made from materials harvested from the ocean: pearls, coral, and seaweed. They are master craftsmen, making everything from clothing to tools, often from living coral and marine metals.

 

Atlantean Society

The island of Atlantis is ruled by a king or queen, who is chosen through a sacred ritual that tests both strength and endurance. As part of the selection process, candidates must survive alone on the open sea for several months, battling the unforeseen elements and proving their resilience. This trial is seen as a way to demonstrate a deep connection to the ocean, a necessary quality to lead the Atlantean people.

In all things, but especially in their connection to the sea, the Atlanteans place great value on skill, knowledge, and mastery. The worship of the ocean and its gods is at the heart of their culture, and those who excel in magic, diplomacy, or craftsmanship will earn respect and influence. They believe that they are destined to maintain the balance between the mortal world and the mysteries of the ocean, guided by the divine will of the gods they worship.

 

Magic and Abilities

Atlanteans are born with an innate connection to the ocean. Their magic flows from the tides and currents that shape their world. Hydromancy, the art of controlling water, is one of their most powerful abilities, allowing them to shape the seas, create water constructs and even manipulate the weather. They are also known for their ability to communicate with sea creatures, summon storms, and heal the wounds of both land and sea life.

The Atlanteans' connection to the sea also gives them the ability to breathe underwater, withstand the crushing pressure of the ocean, and survive in deep water. Some Atlanteans can even shape-shift to blend seamlessly with aquatic creatures or take on aquatic forms for extended periods.

 

The Cities of Atlantis

Atlantis is a collection of extraordinary cities scattered across the island. These cities are bound together by their deep connection to the ocean, and their architecture blends seamlessly with the natural world as if growing organically out of the sea itself. While each city thrives in its way, they are all united by their reverence for the sea, their mastery of magic and technology, and their shared destiny beneath the waves.

• Varchos
  The capital and largest city of Atlantis, Varchos is the center of political power. Towering spires of living coral reach high into the sky, glowing softly with elemental magic. It is here that the governing body, the Council of Waves, convenes to maintain the harmony between cities and ensure the continued prosperity of the island. Varchos is known for its canals, vast libraries, and floating temples dedicated to the sea gods. The city’s vibrant culture is reflected in its advanced technology and the delicate balance between nature and magic.

• Nyrithis
  A city shrouded in arcane mystery, Nyrithis is home to Atlantis's greatest minds and mages. The city is surrounded by magical barriers that protect its secrets, which are believed to include the true history of Atlantis and its divine heritage. The vaults beneath the city extend deep into the waters surrounding the island, guarding the deepest secrets of the Atlanteans. Nyrithis is where the greatest mysteries of the deep are studied, and many believe it is the key to understanding the Atlanteans’ true purpose.

• Coralath
  Built among lush coral reefs and expansive kelp forests, Coralath is a city devoted to preserving the life and balance of the ocean. The people of Coralath are known for their ability to shape the living sea into tools, weapons, and even homes. Here, the Atlanteans’ connection to the ocean is at its most visible, with the citizens working in harmony with the waters to cultivate both plant and animal life. It is said that the greatest practitioners of Coralath can call upon the sea to heal and restore life, even in the most barren stretches of the ocean.

• Ithali
  Situated near the region where the legendary city of Aqualis once stood, Ithali is the most outward-facing city of Atlantis, known for its embassies and explorations beyond the sea. The Atlantean Fleet is based here, ensuring the protection of their people and maintaining influence over the mortal world. Ithali’s proximity to Aqualis, the first great city of Atlantis, lends it a sense of both grandeur and caution. The city is an essential point of contact between Atlantis and the outside world, acting as both a protector and guide for the nation’s interests.

• Thalassys
  Thalassys lies at the very edge of the vast ocean trench, the last city before the abyss. Known for its dark, primal magic, Thalassys is where the Atlanteans commune with the deep forces of the ocean and study the most ancient and dangerous secrets of their world. Only the bravest Atlanteans choose to live here, for the city lies close to where the titans and ancient sea creatures slumber beneath the waves. The power of Thalassys is drawn from the very depths of the ocean, and its people are the keepers of forgotten knowledge and the guardians of the most dangerous forces in the world.

• Aqualis
  Long before the rise of these cities, there was Aqualis, the first true city of Atlantis. It was a place of unmatched beauty and power, where the Atlanteans honed their magical and technological mastery. However, it disappeared beneath the waves under mysterious circumstances. Some believe that Aqualis was sunk by the wrath of the ocean gods, who punished the city's inhabitants for failing to uphold their sacred bond with the sea. Today, Ithali stands near the site where Aqualis once stood, a constant reminder of the fragility of Atlantis’ relationship with the ocean.

 

Atlantean Names

Atlantean names are inspired by the sea, often changing over time to reflect an individual's evolution and deeper connection to the ocean. Their names are lyrical, capturing their bond to the natural world.

• Female Names: Nymara, Thalassa, Lyssea, Coralys, Oceania, Ithalia, Sephyra, Mareva, Seleneia, Tethys

• Male Names: Dorianos, Myrion, Arionis, Kaelios, Thalax, Nautilos, Varanis, Cyris, Delphos, Lyran

 

Atlantean Traits

Your Atlantean character has the following racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

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

Age

Atlanteans mature at the same rate as humans but live much longer, often reaching up to 200 years or more.

Size

Atlanteans are typically between 6 and 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

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

Amphibious

You can breathe air and water.

Dark vision

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.

Emissary of the Sea

Aquatic beasts have an extraordinary affinity with your people. You can communicate simple ideas with beasts that can breathe water. They can understand your words, though you have no special ability to understand them in return.

Tidal Magic

You know the Shape Water cantrip. At 3rd level, you can cast Create or Destroy Water once per long rest. At 5th level, you can cast Control Water once per long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Guardians of the Depths

Adapted to even the most extreme ocean depths, you have resistance to cold damage.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Primordial (Aquan & Atlantean).