Homebrew Carcharadon Species Details
“Any fool close enough to count a Carcharadon's teeth is likely doing so from inside their mouth.”
Tail-less Terrors
Sighting a member of this partially bestial pack above ground is rare among landsmen. Any who have met one will recount such a meeting as if they had been face to face with a wolf in the woods. The unblinking, jet black eyes and pointed snout of Carcharadons are alien in nature to those unfamiliar with deep ocean creatures. Rippling muscle prefaced by a wide toothy maw give the impression of one constantly on the hunt.
A point of pride for most Carcharadons is the singular dorsal fin protruding from their spine. Slightly rigid like a human ear, these angular shards of skin are often tattooed with swirling tribal markings denoting kills, feats of glory, familial ties or other deeds considered honorable in Carcharadon culture. Although they do not have tails like their ancestors, many of the race may display a slight webbing of the toes or hands, neither of which have nails. The final and most noticeable similarity to fish kind are the flattened gils on each side of the thick musclebound neck. These airways open only when swimming or when a Carcharadon is unable to breath air normally.
Fearsome Fin-Folk
These hulking hunters of the deep are not to be underestimated. Territorial disputes between Carcharadons have been known to last generations and result in the destruction of sea life for many nautical miles in every direction. A leftover of their Triton heritage, the pride of the shark folk is more than a primary characteristic of their race. It is a way of life for the small clan units governed by a deep seeded hunter-warrior culture.
When two individuals of this species greet one another, it is traditional that they make a slow but deliberate circle in opposite directions in order to see the markings and size of their acquaintance's dorsal fin. This somewhat odd display allows the two parties to gauge not only the primal virility of the other but the number and type of deeds they claim. It is considered extremely rude not to participate in this ritual for members of their society and it is also common to see a fight break out when one side does not acquiesce.
Triton Heritage
Carcharadons are the product of several generations of intermingling with compatible seafolk by Tritons desperate to promulgate their dwindling numbers. Over the eons, several crises have presented themselves to the Tritons. Changes in water temperature, leyline alterations creating pockets of dense dark magic, landsmen incursions and the like. The most recent of these great decimating events is cataloged in the annals of their society as Panzuriel's Third Arising.
During this massive invasion of chaotic magic, it was rumored that 4 Ancient Kraken had been awakened. Although only two appeared before Panzuriel was banished it was feared that if he had succeeded in summoning the remaining two that The Great Unbeheld would soon rise from the crushing depths to swallow the world.
Hundreds of Tritons were killed in the effort to defeat Panzuriel, and unbeknownst to most of landed society the ensuing battles nearly eradicated the Triton people. In the centuries that followed the Third Arising it was decided by the Triton elders that saving their people was more important than their historically vehement pride, thus intermingling was allowed.
Fish out of Water
Due to the duality of their predecessors, the appearance of shark folk outside the comfort of the rippling waves is usually confined to coastal areas. On occasion those whose clans interacted with land folk may be more accustomed to traveling the surface. Though frequently Carcharadons will opt for professions and activities pertaining to the ocean, such as sailing or fish-mongering.
Carcharadons have been known to form fearsome pirate bands when a more ambitious leader emerges but it is common for those who are either cast out of their clans or who lose their kin to turn buccaneer. These pirate bands are especially dangerous given their ability to breath underwater and their well known physical prowess. At one time, the largest fleet of Carcharadon pirates was thought to have numbered more than 25 ships including 2 galleons with Captain Savoh the Slaughterer at the helm.
The Many Toothed God
Though many descending Triton traditions can be found in Carcharadon society, their central deity Sekolah, is not counted among them. As they are a relatively new race only oral traditions exist and in them Sekolah is known by many names but most refer to him as The Great Hunter when speaking common. Historians believe the Carcharadons amalgamation of this traditionally Sahaugin deity primarily derives from their perceived physical alienation from mainstream Triton culture. Their mindset, drive to hunt and values based in personal strength seem to have led these deep sea clans to follow such a god.
Prayers or shrines to Sekolah are not very common with the Carcharadon people. They instead choose to invoke his name when acting in a manner they perceive to please him such as hunting or fighting a powerful foe. Most of their great kills are seen to be possible as a result of Sekolah's great predatory will.
When a Carcharadon finds a shrine to Sekolah in the world it is customary to leave one of their teeth at it's feet. As their teeth continually grow back and fall out as they age, it is not a permanent loss, instead it is considered good luck as well as a ritual contribution to the maw of The Great Hunter.
Carcharadon Names
Carcharadons are clan based in nature but derive their individuality through actions or achievements called Hunting Names. They are given a name by their parents and until they achieve something worthy of note, they are called by this family name. When they earn their second name it often replaces their family name, and is usually the subject of their first dorsal fin tattoo or adornment.
Male Family Names: Srkal, Gren, Waet, Bori, Poie, Vleo, Jeel, Caele, Tettre, Rera, Lito
Female Family Names: Akala, Elre, Ulue, Amna, Ili, Yala, Etrea, Ope, Eme, Asara, Ieloe
Hunting Names: Toothtaker, Wavesplitter, Farswimmer, Bloodseeker, Bonegrinder, Squidslayer, Hullcruncher
Carcharadon Traits
Your Carcharadon character has the following racial traits.Ability Score Increase
Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age
Carcharadons reach maturity around age 10 and in areas which lack larger predators they commonly live be 150 years old. Although legend tells of some who have lurked the worlds waters for over 3 centuries measuring over 11 feet in height.
Alignment
Carcharadons are usually chaotic in nature, tending toward good or evil depending on the family group they are born into. Groups closer to Triton society trend toward good while those offshoot groups living on the fringe of society trend toward evil, mixing more with Sauhaugin.
Size
Carcharadons are slightly taller than humans, and grow continuously throughout their lives on average half an inch each decade. Your size is Medium. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
Bite
Your fanged maw is a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with it, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Natural Armor
You have tough, scaly skin. When you aren’t wearing armor, your AC is 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use your natural armor to determine your AC if the armor you wear would leave you with a lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while you use your natural armor.
Amphibious
You can breathe air and water.
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 the meaning of your words, though you have no special ability to understand them in return.
Guardians of the Depths
Adapted to even the most extreme ocean depths, you have resistance to cold damage, and you ignore any of the drawbacks caused by a deep, underwater environment.
Gnashing Teeth
In battle, you can throw yourself into a vicious feeding frenzy. As a bonus action, you can make a special attack with your bite. If the attack hits, it deals its normal damage, and you gain temporary hit points (minimum of 1) equal to your Constitution modifier, and you can’t use this trait again until you finish a short or long rest.
Languages
You can speak, read, and write Common and Primordial.
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