Triton

Hailing from the underwater nation of Reef (“Rojurus” in their tongue) off the eastern coast of Arcenveld, Tritons are a rare sight on the land, though they often frequent ports and operate as valuable guides for trade ships as they cross The Merchant Sea. Few are ever seen more than ten miles from their ancestral homeland.
Tritons originally came from the Elemental Plane of Water, entering through one of the many rifts into Aorna on the ocean floor. The date of this migration is lost to time, but for thousands of years, they have spread throughout the oceans and seas of the world, watching over these rifts to protect their new home from the dangers of the whirling chaos beyond. It is speculated that the original Triton enclaves were actually outposts and colonies created by a great Triton empire in the Plane of Water, but any contact with that empire ended with history. 
Triton society is rigid and militaristic, arranged into four distinct, equally revered branches whose members often float between over the course of their lives.

*   *   *

The Guardians
Guardians are the traditional soldiers of Triton society, trained in martial skills and used on the frontlines in battles against the Sahuagin, rift incursions and other sea-bound threats. They are stationed in barracks throughout Triton enclaves, but spend most of their time scouting in open water. 
The Harvesters
Responsible for gathering and farming food for the enclave, the Harvesters farm kelp on the sea floor and create huge vertical wire structures on which to grow seaweed. They also swim into open water to catch fish, crabs, and other meats for their brethren to consume. 
The Teachers
The most respected branch of Triton society, the Teachers are the keepers of Triton history, as well as the trainers who keep the other branches populated with efficient, productive and knowledgeable members. They also double as diplomats in the rare circumstances that the Tritons need to negotiate with the surface, as it is their role to remain up to date with recent events and cultural shifts. 
The Priests
Tritons do not worship a specific god, as they were sprung from chaos and have no direct ancestor. However, they have a deep respect for creation itself (and for Ausalai) and believe that all life is to be respected. Priests can be Coralspeakers - using their symbiotic connection with coral to create elaborate structures and building, as well as craftsmen, blacksmiths and even artists. Priests are often the only members of Triton society who participate in any form of engagement with the Wellspring or other magical forces. 

*   *   *

It is considered optimal to be a master of at least two of these branches and those in leadership typically focus on mastering them all. The ranking system and hierarchy are the same in each branch, so an apprentice Guardian would show deference to a Harvester General and vice versa. In the rare circumstances that two Triton enclaves would meet (as they range for thousands of miles), ranks would be respected on both sides. 
Triton culture is focused mostly on their mission and they don't have much time for art and expression. Things like music are completely alien to them. However, Triton craftsmanship is known the world over for its elaborate and beautiful fusion of metallic and natural elements - and they often implement colorful patterns into their architecture and design that is breathtaking to behold.  

Basic Information

Anatomy

Tritons are humanoid in shape, with smooth, scale-like skin that often forms into fins on the back of their ankles, their forearms, their backs and sometimes their necks. Their feet and hands are occasionally webbed, though that is an increasingly rare trait. 
Triton scales are typically blue or light green, though they are known to take on the appearance of the local fauna. Tritons with zebrafish or clownfish skin patterns are fairly common in Reef. One out of a thousand Tritons can camouflage their skin to match their surrounding environment, taking on the color and texture of an object they touch.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Male: Kiddisi, Huldus, Dhiris, Jharaz, Dhalnas, Johlos, Muhrusi, Roddos, Zerthes, Vonnos, Dharvas, Kadas, Behnos, Vogolos, Daslasi
Female:  Utharyn, Oshyn, Iryna, Atranyu, Alemu, Soltanen, Asalyn, Orlana, Orthada, Whaden, Ultenu, Saryn, Elynu, Surilyn, Halamyn
Family Names: Elagath, Golarath, Aduzath, Salutath, Avasath, Eradath, Zaradath, Maledath, Luvolath, Alorath

Lifespan

200 years

Geographic Distribution

• Reef