Homebrew Otterfolk Species Details

Animal Orgins

The animal heritage of the Otterfolk can best be seen in their appearances, still holding on to characteristics similar to common otters. Otterfolk tend to be between 3 to 4 feet tall, weighing around 40 to 80 pounds. All Otterfolk have a set of whiskers surrounding their nose and mouth. They usually have varying colored fursm ranging from mostly Dark Brown fur to mostly White fur. Most Otterfolk have large black irises and pupils, but rare cases tend to have lightly colored irises for unknown reasons. Otterfolk tend to wear practical clothes, preferably material that is water repellent or water proof as to make it easier to swim and travel . However, they will often accessorize themselves with sea shells, shiny trinkets, or any other items they might have found or traded.

Kindly Creatures

Most Otterfolk have one concern that drives them to be part of their tribe and family. While they might play tricks and pranks on each other, Otterfolk deeply love and care for the one's they call family and will help them in their goals and in their times of need. Despite not wanting to be part of society and focus more on a nomadic lifestyle, Otterfolk do care about other's who are in need. However, if they are injured by a nearby human settlement, injured in an avalanche, or an Elven ship sinking and in need of rescue, these small creatures will more than often help them.

Voyaging in Their Blood

Many tribes tend to stick to their nomadic and voyager traditions, only a few tribes having permanent settlements, and even fewer living among the same settlements with other races. Most tribes travel through the winding rivers of the land or the vast oceans in search of new land to set temporary camps to care for the needy and raise their young. Once in a few generations, a group of young Otterfolk will say their farewells to their home tribe and set off on their own, charting their own paths and creating new tribes in order to keep their traditions and sense of family alive. In rare cases that Otterfolk assimilate into a settlement, they will often be the premier cartographers or traders, due to their excellent sense of direction and ability to travel long distance.

For Family, Others, and the Sense of Adventure

Often times when an Otterfolk sets out for the adventurer's path, it's to help their tribe or any other creature in their time of need. However, there are cases of natural curiosity and a call to adventure that stirs an Otterfolks desire to voyage.

Otterfolk Names

Otterfolk names originate from their native tribes or names that have been passed down from many generations. On some occasions, names come from other Aquatic Races. 

Male Names: Hanaho, Ekon, Kono, Pipo, Hahan, Moa, Epon, Ohe, Iho, Seto

Female Names: Pipa, Hana, Seta, Mea, Eka, Mela, Epah, Kanda, Oha, Ina

Tribe Names: Pata, Awa, Haka, Ashita, Merina, Ehta, Baero, Aval, Ooat

Otterfolk Traits

You and many other Otterfolk have similar racial traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity and Charisma increases by 1

Darkvision

You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Creature of the Water

While Otterfolk don't breathe underwater, you are well equipped to survive in watery terrains. You can hold your breath for up to an hour at a time. You also have a swimming speed of 30 feet and can see up to 60 feet in murky water as if it were clear.

Claws

Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your strength modifier, instead of bludgeoning damage for an unarmed strike.

Innate Voyager

You gain proficiency in the Survival skill.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write in Common and Otteren, a version of Aquan evolved from the series of squeaks, squeals, clicks, and other noises ancestral Otterfolk would make.