Homebrew Caridean Species Details

Though diminutive size of the Caridean should not lead one to mistake them for weak or frail. These small, six legged creatures are remarkably hardy, forged in the deepest of seas and the harshest of storms; thick carapaces and inquisitive minds keep them safe and prosperous, even in the most dire of situations. Carideans are equally at home on the shores of a beach or the bottom of the sea. Quick, intelligent and possessing of secret knowledge and powers, the Carideans are a rare and secretive race.

Small and Alien

Carideans are a completely alien race of highly intelligent deep-sea dwellers, spending much of their time in the undersea kingdoms they have carved from coral and bedrock. Their tiny, six-legged bodies built to accommodate the massive weight of the ocean above. Their diminutive size, complex eyes, and non-humanoid bodies are a rare and striking site for any that they cross.

Carideans are the smallest of all known civilized races, ranging from 2 to 3 feet in height. Despite this, they are often considered formidable combatants, their small size and numerous legs giving them remarkable speed and agility.

Carideans are covered from head to toe in a thick exoskeleton made of a chitinous material. This shell ranges from bright blue to completely transparent, revealing the inner networks of blood vessels and veins beneath. These shells do not grow with the Caridean as they mature and must be molted every several months for the first several years of the Carideans life cycle, though as they reach maturity this frequency decreases to 1-2 times a year. During molting the Caridean is extremely vulnerable and must be constantly submerged in sea water or they will likely die. Any limbs or major injuries to a Caridean are regenerated during molting as well.

Carideans see no need to wear clothing while on the surface, they find the idea of humanoid modesty impractical at best.

Brief and Bright Lives.

Carideans lead remarkably short lives. No Caridean has ever lived beyond the age of 30, further, no Caridean that has left their native habitat has ever lived passed 18. Due to their incredibly short lifespans, Carideans reach adulthood by the age of 8, possessing intellect rivaling the greatest human scholars. Despite their brief lives, the Carideans are innumerable in their kingdoms; born of clutches of 100s of eggs, about half of all Carideans die during their first molting, the survivors quickly reach of point of productivity in their societies. Collecting resources to feed their people, or digging out new structures within their cities. Carideans make the most of their time.

Carideans don't understand the humanoid concepts of familial bonds or love. Instead focusing solely on the betterment of their communities and themselves. Inherently selfish when it comes to personal manners, but completely selfless in the advancement of the community.

Uncommon and Misunderstood

Due to their unusual mind-set, most Carideans would never contemplate leaving the kingdoms they call home, only in times of great need will the communities send emissaries to the surface. More often, Carideans spotted on dry land have been exiled or ostracized from their community for some reason. Occasionally this is due to a crime they have committed in the eyes of their peers, sometimes it is due to lack of access to resources; some Carideans are simply born with the desire to explore the world, forsaking their heritage.

Regardless of what drives a Caridean to the surface, they often face scrutiny and misconceptions from the humanoid races. Due to their unusual demeanor, and lack of commonly held personality traits, Carideans are often viewed and cruel, selfish, or cold. Though this could be true in many cases, some Carideans adapt to their lives on the surface, finding community bonds with close comrades or friends, and in doing so learning and adopting the social norms of those around them.

Carideans are much more concerned with securing and protecting a settled home and stockpiling necessities than they are in hoarding wealth. Often a Caridean who comes into possession of any small wealth will invest it into growing their stockpile of supplies, or expanding and fortifying their home.

Caridean Names

Carideans do not assume individual names in their native kingdoms; instead, they assume a family name and a number within their lineage. For instance, the 12000th son of the Y'Thuro family would simply be known as Y'Thuro Male 12000. When making their homes on the land, Carideans often simply go by their family name, due to how uncommon it is for more than one Caridean to be in the same place at once, this usually does not pose a problem. Occasionally a Caridean may choose a new, or nickname, though these names are usually nonsensical.

Family Names: Y'Thuro, Anheir, Grot-Yein, Y'Tra, Exilm.

Caridean Traits

Cardideans come in two key varieties, both share most traits, though there are key differences.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 1 and your Intelligence score increases by 2

Age

A Caridean reaches adulthood at the age of 8 and generally lives to 25.

Alignment

Due to their lack of personal attachments and individual bonds, most Carideans are neutral.

Size

Carideans average about 2 feet all and weight 20-30 Pounds, your size is tiny.

Speed

Due to their aquatic lifestyle, Carideans have a Swim Speed of 30 and a Walk Speed of 25.

Languages

You can speak, read and write Common and Abyssal.

Undersea Life

Carideans can breath under water as well as they can breath air, in addition, Carideans have a swim speed of 30ft.