Homebrew Deap Sea Merfolk Species Details

Dual Nature

Merfolk embody the variety of both humans and aquatic life. In their natural form, they range in length from 5 feet to a little over 6 feet. They weigh between 120 and 220 pounds. 

The most striking feature of merfolk is their gorgeous tail, whose fins, scales and color vary wildly to the extent that no two of them are exactly identical, even within their own families. It's not uncommon for tails to feature goldfish-like patterns and transitions of colors. Variations also will differ wildly between the subraces of merfolk. Their skin color can range from the darkest of blacks to the palest of white depending on their subrace. Depending on their age and heritage, parts of their skin may be covered in a thin sheen of scales or feature fine, semi-translucent fins, most commonly on their backs, earlobes, forearms, and near the shoulders. These fins and scales match the coloration of their tails.

Merfolk tend to have round faces with gentle, smooth features. They often take pride in their flowing hair whose deep, vivid hues encompass the entire spectrum and stand out almost as much as their tails. Their eyes are typically darker and take on matching or complementary shades of their skin or hair color.

Merfolk have a similar lifespan to that of humans, but just a bit more extended. Most live generally 80-90 years but there are some who have been known to live as long as 120 years. 

Most merfolk wear little to no clothing while underwater, though some of them like to don garments woven from kelp and fish scales. Their warriors tend to use lightweight armor crafted from the exoskeletons of crustaceans and the bones of dead sea creatures. They are often fond of jewelry such as pearls and colorful corals and shells, which they usually craft themselves. Some also favor wreaths and shawls made from seaweed to accentuate their hair. Merfolk do not share most surface races' taboo attitudes towards nudity, which they find bizarre and amusing, but they do make sure to extend their courtesy when dealing with such people and put on their best clothes

Merfolk Names

A merperson's name is chosen by their parents at birth, although is free to change their name whenever they wish. Most merfolk keep their birth name out of respect for their family, but some choose a new one that better suits their personality when they grow up, or after a radical change in their lives — such as getting married or suffering a great loss. A merperson may also adopt a nickname given by their peers or allies. When changing one's name, a merperson may also choose to keep any previous ones they've held - meaning they would respond to more than one name. Merfolk normally have no surnames the way other races do; instead, they assume the name of their place of origin and/or ancestors, e.g. Ailyn of Tritelora, daughter of Merial and Zander. However, they may adopt a traditional surname if they are raised or permanently settle in a different culture. 

Feminine names: Ariel, Ava, Brizo, Coralia, Delphine, Ianthe, Jewel, Marina, Nerissa, Portia, Sirena, Waverly

Masculine names: Aalton, Aegaeus, Bo, Cain, Caspar, Gaspar, Jasper, Kai, Merrik, Rio, Ronin, Triton

Gender Neutral names: Amberly, Braedon, Kai, Merryn, Morgan, Tempest, Zephyr

Places of Origin: Aquanel, Lake Amphris, Navaris, Pearl Cove, Shimmerfalls, Storm River, The Black Swamp, Trilantis, Undyne Isles

Deap Sea Merfolk Traits

Merfolk Traits

Swimming Speed

Due to their aquatic nature, Merfolk typically have an increased swimming speed of 40 feet. Walking 30/10.

Amphibious

You can breathe in both air and water.

Aquatic Emissary

You have a natural connection with other aquatic creatures. You can understand their desires and needs and can even share your own at will. You may roll with advantage on animal handling when dealing with aquatic creatures. 

 

Merfolk Training

Merfolk work hard to train themselves as they tend to war with other tribes and kingdoms and thus are proficient with spears, tridents, and shortswords

Languages

As a creature of the water, you can read, speak, and write Aquan the universal language of aquatic races.  You can also know common

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and two other ability scores of your choice increase 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. 

 

Protective Blubber

You have formed a thick protective layer of tough skin granting you resistance against cold damage.

 

Bioluminescence

You know the light cantrip and can illuminate the area around you with brightly glowing scales, skin, and hair. In addition, you may cast Color Spray once per long rest. 

 

Summon the Depths

You are naturally accustomed to the deep dark depths and thus are most comfortable in the shadows. You have proficiency in Dexterity (Stealth) checks. In addition, you have the ability to cast Darkness once per long rest. 

 

Summon the Depths

You are naturally accustomed to the deep dark depths and thus are most comfortable in the shadows. You have proficiency in Dexterity (Stealth) checks. In addition, you have the ability to cast Darkness once per long rest.