Homebrew Baketako Species Details

History

While early records are unclear, the Baketako believe their origins lie with the Goddess of Sea and Storms, Arakushi. They believe that it was Arakushi that first uplifted them into a state of sentience from their primitive mollusc roots to combat those who would wish to enslave the creatures of the sea. As such the Baketako believe it their duty to protect the sea from evil and corruption, and fight wars with local tribes of Sahuagin and Merrows.

Other historians argue that Baketako were created when the Spirit World brushed against the Material Plane many years ago beneath the waves, causing sentience in a population of octopuses, however, neither theory has been proved.

Society

Baketako live in a feudal society in castles under the sea. They have a rigid hierarchy where the Daimyo (leader) is the highest followed by the Bushi (warriors), hunters, artisans, and finally merchants. At times of great conflict they sometimes elevate a Daimyo to the rank of Shogun, or high leader, to organize offensives, however, this is only a temporary rank.

Baketako are very talented artisans as they can use their four "arms" precisely and efficiently when crafting, and often trade their goods with friendly sea races such as Merfolk and Aquatic Elves. This has fostered an economy greatly focused on trade, and while merchants are the lowest class in the feudal hierarchy, this has caused them to become the most wealthy.

Baketako value loyalty above all else and Baketako who do not adhere to a strict moral code are often exiled from the castle. These exiles are rarely ever allowed to return and most send their squinted eyes up at the surface world.

Baketako Names

The true names of Baketako are in their native language which is based on complex coloration changes and tentacle gestures. However, when interacting with other races, Baketako tend to pick a name for themselves arbitrarily from the first race they encounter.

Age. Baketako have relatively short life spans of about 50-80 years. They reach maturity quickly at the age of about 5.
Alignment. Baketako believe in rigid loyalties and strict moral conduct. Many are lawful good or lawful neutral. However, Baketako exiles are less predictable and can even become chaotic evil if they reach that depravity.
Size. Spread out a Baketako has the diameter of about 10-11 feet. However, standing on their "legs" they can be 5-6 feet tall. Your size is

Medium.

Baketako Traits

Baketako are, essentially, octopi. With the way their society functions, they are often compared to samurai. Ability Score Increase Your Wisdom increases by 1. Your Strength or Dexterity increases by 2. Suction Grip You have advantage when initiating a grapple against a target and subsequently keeping them in a grapple. Extra Limbs You have 4 limbs that you can use to wield and use 2 additional items. This does not allow you to make additional attacks or actions on your turn. Squishy You are an invertebrate. On your turn, if you are not carrying anything, nor wearing clothing or armor, you can move through any space that is at least 3 inches in diameter and do so without squeezing. When you stop moving, the regular squeezing rules apply if you’re in a space one size smaller than you. You can’t willingly stop in a space smaller than that, and if you’re forced to do so, you immediately flow to the nearest space that can fit you, back along the path of your movement. Ink Shot If you are underwater, you can