Homebrew Erodian Seafolk Species Details

Erodian mermaids are aquatic creatures that have dedicated themselves to worshiping underwater deities and, as such, have become more aquatic. They are amphibians and can live above or below water, transforming to suit their environment; in the water they have mermaid tails and, above the surface, they walk on humanoid legs. Erodians rarely visit the surface. They mostly live in storm-prone water areas that are hung from cliffs or rocks to create shade. Although they are seen as legendary creatures, they are very real and have earned their reputation through rumors, as anyone who sees an undisguised Erodian will almost certainly make the parish. Erodians are fed a killing instinct that they can either feed or ignore. If left unsatisfied for too long, however, a weak-minded Erodian will go mad. Most Erodians guiltlessly feed their bloodlust, and some believe their singing is a worthy spectacle before the end of a creature's life. Erodians who manage to escape their instincts often need to focus their energy elsewhere, such as an artistic pursuit or through devotion to a god. Non-hunting Erodians are sometimes rejected in their communities and are rarely seen above the surface unless they are disguised or exiled.

Erodian Bloodline

Erodians are always beautiful and can only be feminine, the older and wiser women becoming the most powerful within their societies. In water, Erodian mermaids have large fish tails that some might mistake for larger fish, but they lack scales and have a texture more like an eel or shark. Tails can have almost limitless patterns and vary widely, but tend not to be colored. They have long hair that goes at least to their shoulders. In human form, its legs tend to resemble tails. Her skin is lighter than a mermaid's and sometimes turns to shades of blue and purple. In addition to these features, they look more like elves or humans, but they also have webbed hands and aquatic-like faces.

Vain and Angry

Erodians are fascinated by art. They often sing to each other in the depths, showing off their voices to each other. The deep parts of their aquatic habitats are riddled with complex architecture of coral or seaweed and shimmering treasures. If one lived long enough to catch a glimpse of the interior of the saltwater erodian's house, one would see walls of irridescent pearls covered in skillful carving along with furniture made of seaweed and jewel-toned corals. Erodians pride themselves on all kinds of beauty, which makes them vain.

Although Erodians can transform to live on land, they tend to avoid it as they are used to living in restricted underwater communities. However, they are fascinated with the land and many dream of conquering it for themselves so that their communities can live above the surface without hiding from the problems. Erodians are vain and tend to regard their "legend" status as a symbol of pride and therefore remain out of sight. Many Erodians choose to stay off the land because bloodlust would be too tempting for them, so they stay in the water. Others just don't care about the other races that live on earth and refuse to set foot there until their race reigns over the others. There are several other reasons for sirens to stay underwater.

Community under the Sea

Erodians are similar in temperament and values, but play very different roles in a community. The noblest tend to be the hunters, satisfying their bloodlust regularly and bringing food for everyone. The most common ones lie below the surface more often, only hunting when absolutely necessary. The Wise Men make up the majority of the government, and when they need daughters, they use their seduction and illusion to delight the eyes of men on the surface. The truth is that men are not born in an Erodian society, and after some time on the surface, the mermaids return with their daughters to perform for royalty.

All Erodians follow a single powerful matriarch who leads them across the seas of Osdea. No person on the surface has even seen what the matriarch is like, but they know that her power spans generations and across the greatest oceans. Everything the Erodians built for empire is under water and nothing is left out when it comes to the power of the Matriarch.

Erodian Seafolk Traits

Erodian traits are difficult to identify by the mixture of blood, but they were all born by the sea and will die to defend it.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 1, and your Charisma score increases by 2.

Age

An Erodian can live longer than most races. From its mixed blood, it can reach up to 800 years.

Alignment

Erodians might not have an innate tendency toward good, but many of them end up there. Good or not, an independent nature inclines many tieflings toward a chaotic alignment.

Size

Erodians are about the same size and build as humans. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your basic walking speed is 30 feet. His swimming speed is much higher, reaching 40 feet.

Darkvision

Thanks to your infernal heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. 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.

Deep Sea Endurance

Erodians have a natural resistance against Cold and Lightning damage.

Erodian Legacy

You know the shape water cantrip. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Aquan.