Homebrew Deep One Ancestry Species Details

---

The Deep One Ancestry is a rare and mysterious race, born from the forbidden union between humans and the ancient, monstrous entities that dwell beneath the waves. These beings, known as the Deep Ones, are eldritch creatures of unimaginable age and power, and their influence runs deep within the oceans of the world. The offspring of these unions, known as the Deep One Ancestry, are marked by both their inhuman appearance and strange, unnatural abilities.

Lore:
The Deep Ones once ruled the oceans and the deep places of the world, leaving behind ancient ruins and whispers of their existence in myths and forgotten legends. Over time, these creatures sought to expand their reach to the surface, creating hybrid offspring to walk the land and serve their unknowable purposes. While many Deep One Ancestry individuals are drawn to the sea and the dark powers it holds, some have chosen to resist their heritage, seeking a life of freedom and discovery. Despite their dual heritage, they often face prejudice and distrust from other races, who view them as alien and dangerous.

The call of the deep is ever-present for those with Deep One blood, whether in the form of strange dreams, a desire for isolation, or an irresistible urge to seek out the dark, forgotten places of the world. Their existence is a balance between the surface and the depths, and their abilities reflect both the unnatural, alien magic of the ocean and the mortal world they inhabit.

Physical Traits:

• Appearance: Deep One Ancestry individuals often have unsettling, fish-like features, such as webbed hands and feet, scales, or elongated, slightly bulging eyes. Their skin is often a muted, aquatic hue—pale green, blue, or even darker shades that reflect their oceanic heritage.
• Aging: They age slowly, retaining youthful features for much longer than typical mortals, though they are still susceptible to time.
• Height and Build: Typically, Deep One Ancestry members stand between 5’5” and 6’5”, with lithe, sinewy builds that are well-suited for both swimming and land-bound activity.

Abilities and Traits:

• Darkvision: Deep One Ancestry individuals can see in complete darkness, their eyes adapted to the deep sea where light does not reach.
• Aquatic Adaptation: Due to their oceanic heritage, they are natural swimmers, able to move through water effortlessly and breathe underwater for extended periods.
• Innate Connection to the Abyss: Deep One Ancestry individuals often have a natural talent for manipulation of water and darkness. They may possess abilities such as casting Shape Water or communicating with aquatic creatures.
• Eldritch Mind: The hybrid blood of the Deep One Ancestry often grants them an uncanny insight into the hidden mysteries of the universe. They may receive strange visions or intuitive flashes of knowledge, giving them the ability to decipher cryptic symbols or languages no one else can understand.
• Longevity: Deep One Ancestry individuals experience an extended lifespan, living to around 200 years, but they often remain in good health for the majority of their lives.

Cultural Aspects:
Most Deep One Ancestry individuals are solitary, preferring to live on the fringes of society. However, some can be found in seafaring communities or as hermits living near the water, drawn to the ocean’s mysteries. They are often mistrusted by others, who fear their strange powers and inhuman features. Their bond to the sea, however, can make them excellent sailors, explorers, or guardians of lost underwater ruins.

Those who embrace their heritage might seek knowledge of ancient rituals, forbidden magic, or ancient gods beneath the waves. Others may fight to keep their lineage hidden, seeking to live a quiet life away from the prying eyes of the world. Regardless, the pull of the ocean is always there, whispering in the back of their minds, urging them toward darker secrets.

Typical Names: Since Deep One ancestors come from all manner of races, names can vary from individual to individual. They typically adopt a common name of their original species.

Deep One Ancestry Traits

Deep One Ancestry individuals have various traits.

Deepvision

You have Darkvision forever while submerged in water.

Eldritch Prescence

Once per long rest, you can use your connection to the abyss to emanate an unsettling aura. All creatures within 10 feet of you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier) or be frightened for 1 minute. They can repeat the save at the end of each of their turns.

Aquatic Adaption

You gain a swimming speed of 40ft; if you already have a swimming speed, this adds 10ft to that speed. Additionally, you can breathe underwater.