Homebrew Brachyura Species Details

Crustacean Migration

Brachyura have more recently risen from the depths of the ocean, and much of their early culture is unknown. What is known, however, is that they once came from underwater canyons deep below the surface along coastlines. The oldest among them tell stories about their crude, burrow-like dwellings dug into the sides of canyons and ravines. Now, most settle around small inlets or coves in colonies ranging from roughly 30 to over 400 brachyura in one location. 

Brachyura hatch from eggs in shallow waters or tide pools, emerging as a nearly-translucent, shell-less creature no bigger than a gold coin. They sustain themselves instinctively on plankton, algae, or worms until they pass their first year, after which they will have grown to roughly the size of a newborn human child and will exit the water to search for their mother. At this stage, they have gained their inherited color and have started to form a shell, which will be fairly soft until they reach adulthood around the age of 15.

Female brachyura can choose to become a head matron after 16, devoting most of her life after adolescence entirely to mating until she is too old to lay eggs (typically 5-7 years before her death.) In a single mating season, a female brachyura can lay upwards of 10,000 eggs in shallow water, allowing them to hatch close to her residence so she can keep an eye on how many will survive into childhood (generally between 2-10.) Matrons would be remiss to not take multiple mates who work to provide her and their children with food and basic necessities. Their egg sacs are hidden under their shells until they fill with eggs once per mating season, after which they have three weeks to mate and fertilize the eggs before laying them in their watery home. They will stay there throughout the gestation period of three to four weeks. Large families are common and it would not be atypical to not know all of your siblings, especially if they were significantly older or younger. Most children will leave their birth home around the age 15 and search for other colonies so as to avoid any possibility of accidentally and unknowingly mating with their siblings.

Male brachyura will often be trained for a position within society from the time they are old enough to display basic motor function and linguistic capabilities. Though the brachyura tend to be a matriarchal-based people, there are colonies that will put the burden of political power on men when their head matrons grow old and can no longer produce children. Males are more likely stay in their birthplace if their trade is particularly short-handed or if there is an abundant need for manpower (such as specialty craftsmen or soldiers.) Any number of positions may be available to both men and women, as the brachyura have few disputes in the way of gender equality, though women tend to choose to become matrons more often than choosing a trade field.

Fab Crabs

Brachyura have no real need to wear clothing as they have no external sex organs, but most enjoy fashions crafted from gifts of the land. Seaweed, algae, fish scales, banana leaves, natural leathers of sea-dwelling creatures (such as whales or sea lions,) and other such materials are used for articles of clothing that loosely resemble other humanoid fashion though armor is typically forgone because of the natural armor of their shells. Jewelry often sports abalone or pearls, and weapons can be found made from the ivory of walrus, narwhals, and other sea-dwelling creatures as well as shells of tortoises, clams, or mussels. 

Brachyura possess large claws with high splitting power, and their craftsmen produce weapons that are well-suited for them. (Not to say that they would't be able to wield any average weapon.) Under these powerful appendages, they have a smaller pair of claws that are used for grooming and other more delicate actions such as writing or eating. Their shells can range in color from a sandy tan, to deep blue, and all shades of reds, oranges, and pinks. Some large, long-standing colony members paint their shells to display signs of status such as head matron, master of the hunt, or craftsmen. Their eyes are black from birth and can turn a milky grey as they age due to cataract-type growth, and they do not grow hair.

There are few differences between male and female brachyura other than size. Females typically grow to be between 5 and 6 feet, and males tend to stop growing just before the 7'0 mark. Females may weigh slightly more typically because of their egg sacs, but the average weight sits around 280 lbs. 

Selfless Shellfish

Brachyura are an easygoing, adaptive people with a generalized heavy focus on the success of their race. As innate water-dwellers, their recent evolution serves as a source of curiosity and drive for scholars, and as a vehicle for adventure for those brave enough to venture far inland. They tend to be inquisitive, looking to learn about other species previously unseen by their colonies and making good listeners for those telling long-winded stories of adventure and conquest. Most communities tend to not place a great sense of importance on religion, though it is commonplace for the brachyura to worship Istishia (the deity of elemental water and purification; i.e. King of the Water or The Water Lord) or Umberlee (the sea goddess; i.e. The Queen of the Depths. Though this form of worship was moreso done in fear of her wrath, rather than done in reverence.) Some brachyura that venture away from home may find a calling to a god or goddess that may have been previously wholly unknown to their colony, and some may not feel a connection to any god at all. They are open-minded individuals that lean slightly more toward good without falling too far toward lawful nor chaotic.

They admire other humanoid cultures, often modeling their style, private dwellings, and cuisine after examples, stories, or various depictions brought from those who come to their colonies. The coastal location suits them well, as even after gaining their land legs they prefer a largely aquatic diet with small amounts of fresh produce. None would bat an eye to eating crustaceans, despite their similar appearance. Though they tend to not have strong accents, it can be seen in multiple colonies close to other established villages or cities that they may mimic the dialects of those they admire, or those they encounter most often. 

Those that venture out are often taken with great caution or curiosity due to their odd and mildly terrifying nature. Outright racism confuses all but the most seasoned traveler, as within their own populations they find comradery and unquestioned acceptance. Other aquatic races, such as sea elves, locathah, and triton, may see them as less of a potential threat and more as an anomaly at worst. 

Brachyura Names

Brachyura are named once they exit the water and usually have short, single-syllable names with hard sounds. Some may choose to go by different names, choosing a subject of their admiration from humanoid culture.

Male names: Kaht, Dep, Yuuk, Met, Wick, Tarro, Beset, Platinum, Cedar, Spark, Ale

Female names: Reet, Hisa, Mok, Geer, Abilst, Secla, Calluna, Suede, Berry, Emerald

Brachyura Traits

Your brachyura character has the following traits:

Breath of the Sea

Brachyura are born in the water, emerging in early adolescence but never losing their ability to breathe underwater. 

Natural Armor

While you wear no armor, your AC is equal to 12 + your Constitution modifier. You may wield a shield and still gain this benefit.

Rending Claws

Your unarmed strikes inflict slashing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Aquan, as well as communicate with other Brachyura through Crab Sign Language (CSL.)

Ability Score Increase

Brachyura are very hearty due to their rough living and their natural armor. Your Constitution score increases by 2, and your Strength score increases by 1.