Homebrew Aquarian Species Details

"Many races boast their connection to the elements.  Many of these claims are false, some have merit.  However, none can match the natural connection to the world than the Aquarians."

Aquarians are a humanoid species that have fish like qualities.  All aquarians have gills on their necks and fins on their arms and legs.  Some even have a tail-like appendage coming from the back of their head.  Their fins and "tails" usually match the fish that reside in their home environment; seemingly at random.  The color of their skin also varies from one environment to another but can differ from individual.  They are quite an agile race, swimming faster than most of their prey.  Even outside of the water, they are just as fast as a human in peak physical condition.

Aquarians originated in the deep oceans.  One of their primordial gods, Leviathan,  wanted to make a race of intelligent beings like the other gods did.  He leaked his blood into the ocean ; spreading his mystical essence into the creatures that resided there.  Some of the creatures morphed into giant monsters.  Others evolved into the creatures commonly know today.  the remaining evolved into what is now known as the aquarian race.  

One of the most perplexing traits of Aquarians is their attunement to their environment of origin.  All aquarians have a strong connection to water.  Each one is able to manipulate water and control a small amount to their will.  Depending on where they are born, an aquarian may gain resistances to certain elements or ailments.  They will also acquire magical abilities based on said element.  This mystical connection to the earthly plain awards the species a dominion over their territories. 

Combined with their dexterous nature, Aquarians are quite flexible when it comes to combat.  Some Aquarians use their mystical abilities to develop their magical skills; becoming spellcasters.  Others use their connection to nature and focus within, strengthening their body and mind.  A few even use it to connect to their deity; becoming their chosen champions.

Outside of combat, The aquarians have a variety of skills and are very adaptable to their environment.  Some become craftsman, creating items out of shells, rocks, and material they gather from their prey such as teeth, scales, and fins.  They are well versed in making light armor made of the mentioned material but have also translated their skills into leathercraft.  A few have even masted smithing metal weapons and armor, despite their vulnerability to intense heat.  

Aquarians use their skills for the benefit of their tribe.  A tribe of Aquarians can range between 50 and 500; depending on the region and the number of other tribes in the general vicinity.  Multiple tribes create a schooling, which numbers reach the thousands.  Schoolings that live in the arctic, deep waters , and marshes are hesitant to interact with land dwellers.  Schoolings that live in rivers, lakes, and the ocean are more likely to trade and socialize with their land brethren.  

As the aquarians spread across the world, they began adapting to their new environments.  Soon their descendants acquired abilities based on said environment.  Their skin tones also changed based on this as well.  These are detailed in each racial subclass.  The colors are denoted below.

Colors of the Aquarian Variations:

Red, Orange, yellow - Tropical

White and Light Blue - Arctic

Greens,  dark brown, and purple - Swamp

Blues, light brown, greens - Terran 

Aquarian Traits

Aquarians are both an agile and knowledgeable race.

Amphibian

Due to their humanoid and aquatic nature, Aquarians can breath in and out of water.

However, they must stay hydrated or cover themselves in hot and arid climates or else they will eventually die of dehydration.

Aquatic Eyes

Your eyes are accustomed to many environments.  You have darkvision up to 60ft and proficiency in the perception skill

Aquatic Attunement

The Aquarian's relationship with water allows them to control a small portion of water.  You gain access to the shape water cantrip

Natural swimmers

This race has advantage on dexterity saving throws while swimming/underwater.

Wearing heavy armor removes the ability to swim and the advantage on the dexterity saving throws.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom increases by 1.  An ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Age

Aquarians live long lives.  They mature at age 80 and live up to 200 years old.

Alignment

Aquarians keep to themselves for the most part but have been known to interact with other races via trade and some small colonies along the coasts.  they usually run with a neutral alignment but differs from the various tribes/colonies.; lawful for those devout in their faith to their gods

Size

Aquarians have the same height and build as humans, from barely 5 feet to well over 6 feet tall. Regardless of your position in that range, your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Your base swimming speed is 60 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Aquan, common, and one extra language of your choice.