Homebrew Estrian Species Details

 

For centuries Mer-Folk were considered lore and myth, made up half-man half-fish legends by sailors too long at sea. Until the Estrians came to shore. Discovered long after most other races, the Estrians have repeatedly proven themselves worthy of respect. The troubles of the deep ocean are many. This race of humanoid beings have shown a battle prowess to match any other race on land. However, in the water they are terrifying foes.

Over millennia the Estrians were likely seen by sailors. There are rumors among the Estrian people of wanderers who spend their time saving those from the above world from drowning. While those wanderers are respected for the dignity of the life they chose, they will never find a home with others of their race. For Estrians, the safety of their underwater settlements is paramount. Any Estrian seen by a land based race could not return to their home for at least one month to ensure they were not being pursued. Those who chose to interact frequently with the above races were forced to create their own home far from any village. That is how the Estrian people remained undiscovered. Until a group of wanderers gathered the village chiefs and proposed a path towards peaceful interactions.

Anyone who wanted to visit the outside world could live in new, expansive wanderer villages. These villages were not to be made of any of the carving and stonework of the greater villages of the Estrians. But rather of those areas with extensive underwater cave systems. Wanderers could carve out a small living area within the caves, leaving the outside looking completely natural. Any who lived in these villages had to accept that they were part of a group that risked interaction with the outside world. Thus those from the wanderer village began interacting with the outside world. This is turn further insulated the main villages as no wanderer ever returned to any village, and any villagers wanting to see the above world would first go to the wanderer village. This became the new way of Estrian culture.

 

Creatures of the Deep

Given their upbringing deep in the ocean, Estrians have a unique ability to see in the dark and in dim light. This was born out of the depths beyond sunlight where they make their home. This unique ability has made them valuable for searching lakes, caverns, and caves where other races have difficulty.

Their body composition is also unique. Due to living at such great depths their bodies are resistant to any sort of bludgeoning or force damage. The most unique physical feature is their skin. Their skin appears almost translucent due to a clear outer layer of skin that helps insulate them from cold. Their inner layer of skin is also a light hue of color. The most common are light shades of blue, green, or purple. With the clear outer layer and light shade of color beneath, their appearance is mesmerizing. Once they began living amongst other races the Estrians were forced to get accustomed to being stared at. All wanderers soon learned of this aspect of living with other races and were trained to operate as if they didn't notice.

Their eyes are often the same shade as their skin, but blink from side-to-side like many reptiles. Estrians have difficulty seeing color. Those who reach adulthood while living in one of the five main villages see the world in merely black and white. Wanderers gain the ability to see shades of the color associated with their skin if they joined the wanderers before reaching adulthood.

Given the natural gill-like features they have on their back to breath under-water, they are severely hampered by armor and thus most of them choose not to wear any.

Estrian Culture

Estrians lead simple lives. Some gather and grow food for the village. Others are trained in combat both underwater and above on certain hidden islands. These islands are constantly watched by the wanderers now to ensure it is not visited by other races. There are crafters and traders among the Estrians. Crafts are made for decorations and freely given to local villagers. Some crafts are taken by traders to the other main villages to be traded for their crafts using a barter system. Crafts acquired from other villages can be freely given by traders or offered as prizes for the many sporting events. Children in villages are raised by their parents and taught by various villagers. They learn about history, sea life, mathematics, and basic hand-to-hand combat. They are also taught to live a life of loyalty, honesty, bravery, and honor. Only those who choose to become part of the guard are trained in weapons use. Each child must choose a path at age 13. They may change their chosen profession but only after they complete their initial training at 17. They reach adulthood at age 30.

Estrians have five main villages, each with a few smaller villages around them as well. Each village has a Chief that was chosen by the previous Chief. Every twenty years men in the village can choose to undergo the trials to become a candidate for Chief. The trials test their valor, dignity, character, fighting ability, and strategy through a serious of physical and mental challenges. The trials are to last exactly ten cycles (days). Many fail the trials along the way. By the end there are usually 5-10 remaining. Each of the finalists are interviewed by the council of of Elders and the Chief himself. The council is made up of former Chiefs and respected elders chosen by the people of the village. The council may rule out up to half of the finalists if they so choose. Then the Chief chooses his successor. The successor then trains with the Chief and his advisors for two years before becoming the Chief. This transfer of power will happen regardless of war or any other outside force. This was established long ago by the first Chief of Harrow Village to avoid any future disputes. If a Chief attempts to retain his power then all other Chiefs must unite with the villagers to capture and torture him for a minimum of 2 years. Since this was established, no Chief has ever attempted to retain power. Though given the Estrian culture, such an act would be against their nature.

The term village is what the Estrians use. Each village has an approximate population of 100,000. The villages are typically large caverns hidden from any above viewing. A few even have small carved entrances making it even more difficult to find. Once in the village, there are large carved  structures similar to high society buildings above ground. The farms are in the center of the city and typically run throughout the city. 

Estrian Names

Estrian names are most comparable to Aasimar or Tiefling names when pronounced in common.

 

Estrian Traits

Estrian traits are unique to their aquatic heritage

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan. Sylvan flows easily like elven, often spoken by nature spirits and creatures. 

Combat Proficiency

You gain proficiency with two Martial Weapon of your choice, and Two-Handed Weapons.

Skin of the Deep

Bludgeoning and Force Damage Resistance. You can cast mage armor at will. Ability to see well in the dark.

Ability Score Increase

+2 to Dexterity, +1 to Unarmored AC

Age

Estrians mature slightly slower than humans and reach adulthood at 30. They live longer than human do, up to 150 years.

Alignment

Estrians are always of some positive or neutral alignment.

Size

Estrians are between 6.5 and 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 20 feet. Your base swimming speed is 60 ft.