Homebrew Half-Mermaid (Seaborn) Species Details

Born of two worlds, half-mermaids carry the legacy of the deep seas and the air-breathing folk above. One parent was a mermaid or merman, tying their bloodline forever to the rolling tides. Though they may walk on land with ease, the sea whispers constantly to their heart, pulling them back to its waves.

Half-mermaids are instantly recognizable for their aquatic features—glistening scales that shimmer across the skin, faintly webbed fingers, hair that always seems damp or flows as though underwater, and eyes reflecting the colors of the ocean depths. Some can even summon the faint echo of a tail when submerged, though on land their form remains fully humanoid.

They are natural swimmers, gifted with voices that carry the cadence of siren song and the endurance to thrive where others would drown. Yet, their dual heritage often leaves them caught between worlds: land-dwellers view them as strange and otherworldly, while full merfolk may regard them as outsiders. Many half-mermaids wander, seeking their own place in the ever-shifting balance of sea and shore.

 

Ability Score Increases

Ability score increase: Gain a +2 to WIS and a +1 to DEX

Languages

You can pick any one additional language  

Creature Type

Half-Mermaids are considered Humanoid

Life Span

Half-Mermaids can live anywhere between 150–200 years. 

Height and Weight

Anywhere within the medium size category. 

Half-Mermaid (Seaborn) Traits

As a Half-Mermaid, you have the following racial traits.

Creature Type

You are a Humanoid.

Size

You are Medium.

Speed

Your walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed equal to your walking speed.

Amphibious

You can breathe air and water.

Power of the Sea

Can cast <en>shape water</em> cantrip as a bonus action while wet and it doesn't count towards your total amount of cantrips. Is always prepared.

Darkvision

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 discern colors in that darkness only as shades of blue and green.

Emissary of the Sea

You can communicate simple ideas to any Beast, Elemental, or Monstrosity that has a swimming speed. It can understand your words, though you have no special ability to understand it in return.