Homebrew Axolien Species Details
Within the cavernous depths of the Underdark, therein lies an amphibious race that makes the dim tunnels and rocky passageways their own. An Axolien's small size grants them the ability to hide in narrow crevices from far larger predators and they have developed psychic abilities to better survive the darkness and its threats. They are traditional folk, and deal little with technology beyond the bare basics. In addition, they rarely mingle with others outside of their kind. However, with each passing generation, more are becoming open to the idea of exploring the surface-- given they can make the journey in the first place. Axoliens can only breed within their own populations, with the exception of similar-looking races such as Dragonborn or lizardfolk. Other races find their almost cartoonish proportions off-putting and flashy colors bizarre, but those who befriend the odd Axolien will find a perceptive and cunning companion.
Visually Vibrant
Axoliens are bipedal creatures resembling a stylized caricature of an axolotl. They stand 3 feet tall at minimum, and 4 feet tall at maximum. Their skin is slick to the touch, much like a frog's. They are predominately pastel in color, specifically pink, robin's egg blue, and lilac. Color in between these values are also possible. Other variations exist, such as white, charcoal gray, and beige cream, but they are far more uncommon. These rather unusual palettes serve as camouflage amidst the strange plant life found in their Underdark territories. They have a flattened, ovoid-shaped head, two circular brow bumps, two large, almond-shaped eyes that are perpetually shut, two nostril slits, and six-- three on each side-- enlarged external gills flaring out near the back of their head, starting from the top and traveling towards the bottom. These gills are usually a darker version of their primary skin tone or of an analogous (neighboring) color. Their cheeks, always a separate color from their skin tone (i.e. yellow with pink), puff out and function as pouches for extra food storage. Axoliens stand on digitigrade legs which end in wide, rounded, and clawed feet akin to a stegosaurus'. Their bodies are pear-shaped, starting rounded around the waist and tapering as the torso merges into the neck. They have arms that follow the same pear-like shape, starting round and large at their four-clawed hands and tapering once again as they approach their small, balled shoulders. Axoliens also sport long, thick, lizard tails that are mottled with circular patterns, much like the rest of their body. Sometimes these tails will be covered with a vertical membrane that starts from the tail's midpoint and travels until the tip, vaguely calling to mind a fish tail, but sometimes not. There is no real functional difference between the two varieties.
Nomadic Observers
Axoliens within their native home of the Underdark live in clans of about 15 to 20. An Axolien learns how to safely traverse the tunnels shortly after hatching, given every clan's tenancies to never remain in one place for more than a month. To them, family is everything, and they will be fiercely loyal towards anyone who earns their trust. Those who break it may never fully earn it back, depending on situation. They are taught to treat others with the utmost respect, in order to receive it themselves. Learning through listening is another keystone of clan life. This also happens to make them inherently quiet, rarely taking charge of a conversation unless they know the topic well or it is very clearly an open discussion. It is very difficult for an Axolien to be rude due to their upbringing, but while explicit insults are frowned upon, backhanded compliments are still fair game.
Outside of the context of clans, Axoliens are naturally "cautiously curious", always needing to learn more about the world around them, but doing so in a manner that minimizes risk. While this may make them slower to learn things, this extra care makes them more likely to complete tasks they understand with less accidents. The wealth of information they gather is an asset they actively consult, making them good creative thinkers. Their need for knowledge cultivates these nomadic behaviors, and explains why an Axolien far from home still feels discontent at the idea of settling down for too long. Their lives may not be in danger, but their hunger for new experiences will most certainly start to act up.
Culture of Ambiguity
Axoliens naturally lack sexual dimorphism of any kind, primarily due to being a rare example of a race with a singular sexual presentation. Gender identity is also a concept thrown to the wind, as many Axoliens just view themselves as simply being. Even so, they tend to actively discard the idea of total uniformity, and instead pursue the idea of diversity between individuals as something to celebrate and cherish. This sort of mentality dictates their lack of total willingness to blend into a society. They will respect the rules if they sit right with their morals and views, of course, but they will not attempt to hide any sort of their heritage. They are a rare sight on the surface and proud of it.
Axolien Names
Axoliens follow a soft-sounding, rhythmic, and vowel-emphasizing naming scheme. One born outside of a clan, taken in by non-Axolien parents or a non-Axolien community, will adopt whatever is most prominent. Later in life, they may choose to adopt an Axolien name to better reflect their origins.
Axolien Names: Ahone, Ai'la, Eilsey, Icaree, Inkuu, Juelli, Mareeli, Miroo, Nemani, Ty'pua, Sadune, Ziveraa.
Axolien Traits
Axoliens universally possess certain racial traits to best tackle their brutal Underdark environments.Ability Score Increase
Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age
Axoliens reach maturity young at 10 years, primarily to counter the lower rate of survival in the Underdark. An Axolien's full lifespan averages about 130 years.
Alignment
Axoliens are taught to value themselves and others, and as such, naturally sway towards a good alignment. As life outside a clan can be very different and often confusing, they feel no real compulsion to choice between being lawful or being chaotic. They seek whatever choice will best honor their friends, family, and the general good.
Speed
Your base walking speed is 25. Your base swimming speed is 30.
Languages
You can read, write, and speak Common and Undercommon.
Psysight
Due to your heightened sixth sense, you can perceive your surroundings as if you had normal sight. With psysight, you are immune to the effects of normal and magical Darkness, but you cannot perceive your environment visually (similar to echolocation). You cannot detect invisible objects or creatures, nor can you see through visual illusions, as their magic distorts your "sight".
Darkvision
You can see up to 30 feet in normal darkness without harm. You cannot discern color, only varying shades of gray.
Psychic Resistance
You have resistance to psychic damage.
Sensitive Eyes
Due to how your biology works, opening your eyes in an area that would not evoke Darkvision damages you for 1d10 psychic damage per turn, starting as soon as you open them. This damage ignores your natural resistance.
Psionic Prowess
Your innate psychic abilities allow you to know the message cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the detect thoughts spell once using this trait and will regain this ability after you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can choose between the hypnotic pattern spell or the sending spell. Regardless of your choice, you can use the selected spell once using this trait and will regain this ability after you finish a long rest. When you reach 7th level, you receive the spell you did not choose, under the same casting conditions. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for these spells and none of the spells require components.
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