Triton
Deepwardens; Children of the Tides; Oceanborn
Tritons guard the ocean depths, building small settlements beside deep trenches, portals to the elemental planes, and other dangerous spots far from the eyes of land-bound folk. Long-established guardians of the deep ocean floor, the noble tritons have gradually become increasingly active in the world above.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Tritons are amphibious humanoids with a mix of aquatic and human traits. Their skin often has a faint iridescence, ranging from sea-blue to pale green. They have webbed fingers and toes, gill slits along their necks, and fin-like ridges on their forearms, calves, and sometimes along their spines. Their eyes are large, reflecting their deep-sea origins, often glowing faintly in dim light. Hair varies from sleek and black to coral-like hues of white, silver, or aquamarine.
Genetics and Reproduction
Tritons reproduce sexually, with a similar gestation period to humans (around nine months). They can only mate with other Tritons, though their ancestry ties them to elemental beings. Their offspring often inherit their vibrant coloring and natural affinity for aquatic magic.
Ecology and Habitats
Tritons thrive in deep oceans and coastal environments with rich marine biodiversity. They create settlements in trenches, reefs, and submerged ruins, adapting their homes to the contours of the ocean floor. Tritons maintain a symbiotic relationship with the seas, acting as guardians and caretakers of marine ecosystems.
Behaviour
Tritons are naturally disciplined and orderly, viewing themselves as protectors of balance within the oceans. They are proud but not arrogant, holding a sense of duty toward the natural world. While they can appear aloof to surface dwellers, their reserved nature stems from a cautious and calculated mindset.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Slightly above average, with a focus on environmental and magical knowledge. Tritons excel in problem-solving related to marine ecosystems and elemental forces.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Tritons have exceptional underwater vision, capable of navigating pitch-black depths with ease. Their sensitive gills and skin can detect subtle changes in water pressure and temperature, making them keenly aware of their surroundings. They also possess the ability to sense elemental magic in their environment, a trait tied to their planar heritage.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Triton names are melodic, often evoking the sounds of the sea. Examples include Coralys, Tidalon, Marisca, or Rifarn. Their surnames are tied to aquatic phenomena, like Wavecrest, Deepcurrent, or Stormshell.
Beauty Ideals
Tritons admire physical traits that reflect their bond with the ocean, such as vibrant skin tones, sleek hair, and symmetrical fins or ridges. Subtle luminescence is seen as a mark of health and magical prowess.
Gender Ideals
Tritons view gender through a practical lens, with roles determined by skill and merit rather than societal constructs. Leadership is often based on experience and wisdom rather than lineage or gender.
Courtship Ideals
Triton courtship involves shared underwater excursions and the exchange of crafted or found items from the sea, symbolizing trust and mutual appreciation. Singing or chanting in aquatic tones is a common romantic gesture.
Relationship Ideals
Tritons value loyalty, partnership, and shared responsibility in relationships. Family units are close-knit, with children raised communally to foster unity and cooperation.
Common Etiquette Rules
Politeness in Triton culture revolves around respecting personal space and acknowledging others’ roles within a group. They often greet one another with a hand over their heart or a subtle bow of the head.
Common Dress Code
Tritons favor lightweight, flowing garments made from kelp fibers and enchanted coral, often adorned with pearls, shells, or bioluminescent accents. Their attire is both practical and decorative, suited for life underwater.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Tritons cherish their origins in the Elemental Plane of Water and their role as guardians of the seas. Their traditions blend planar magic with the natural rhythms of Astrium’s oceans, creating a unique culture rooted in harmony and duty.
- Tidesong Festival: A celebration of the changing tides, featuring music, storytelling, and communal feasts.
- Reef Blessing: A ritual performed to honor and protect marine life, often involving offerings of crafted items or magical energy.
- Depth Trials: A rite of passage for young Tritons, where they must explore the ocean depths and return with a symbol of their journey.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Undertow's Bounty is a vibrant holiday celebrated by the Triton people of Portside, a quarter in Lustrum Metropolis. This day is a tribute to their journey from the Elemental Plane of Water to the seas of Astrium and a celebration of the treasures they have gathered from the depths over the years. It serves as a reminder of their resilience, adaptability, and the prosperity they have brought to their new home.
The Call of the Deep
At sunrise, the Tritons gather along the coast for the Call of the Deep ceremony. Led by their elders, they sing ancient songs in the Aquan language, invoking the blessings of the sea and paying homage to the Elemental Plane of Water. These songs are believed to connect them with their ancestral home, reinforcing their bond with the ocean. As the songs fill the air, the Tritons release offerings into the sea—tokens of their gratitude and respect for the waters that have sheltered them.
The Tidal Feast
The midday celebration centers around the Tidal Feast, a grand banquet featuring an abundance of seafood and ocean-inspired dishes. The Tritons, known for their skill in both fishing and underwater foraging, prepare a variety of delicacies such as steamed shellfish, seaweed salads, and fish stews. The feast is held on the shores, with tables set up near the water’s edge, allowing the Tritons to dine with the sea at their feet. The Tidal Feast is open to all, fostering a sense of community and inviting people from Lustrum Metropolis to join in the celebration.
The Dive of Fortunes
One of the most anticipated events of Tide's Bounty is the Dive of Fortunes. The Tritons showcase their exceptional swimming and diving abilities by participating in an underwater treasure hunt. Specially marked coins and trinkets are hidden in the shallows, and participants dive in to retrieve as many as they can. These tokens can be exchanged for prizes at the Portside Casino, from small trinkets to more extravagant rewards. The event is a playful nod to the Tritons' history of gathering treasures from the sea floor and their role in funding Astrium's finest coastal casino.
The Coral Parade
As evening falls, the Tritons adorn themselves in costumes inspired by the vibrant colors of the coral reefs. They take part in the Coral Parade, a procession that winds through the streets of Portside. With bodies painted in shimmering blues and greens and wearing headdresses made of shells and coral, they celebrate their heritage and the beauty of the ocean. The parade moves to the rhythm of drums and conch shell horns, creating a lively and mesmerizing spectacle.
The Deep Dive Gala
The festivities culminate in the Deep Dive Gala, a grand event held at the Portside Casino. Here, the Tritons and guests gather for a night of games, music, and dancing. The casino is decorated to resemble the ocean's depths, with shimmering lights and water-themed decor. The Tritons host various games of chance, with proceeds often going towards charitable causes within the Lustrum Metropolis, reflecting their generosity and connection to the community. The gala is a time for revelry, forging bonds, and celebrating the prosperity they've brought to Astrium.
Tide's Bounty is more than just a celebration of wealth and fortune; it is a day of honoring the sea, the Tritons' journey, and their place within the diverse fabric of Astrium. It reflects their gratitude for the life they have made on the Material Plane and their continued contributions to the coastal culture of Lustrum Metropolis.
Common Taboos
- Polluting or desecrating the ocean.
- Using magic recklessly, especially near marine ecosystems.
History
The Tritons had come through to Astrium when the explosion of elemental energy had torn holes in the planes between realms. While originally from the elemental plane of water, they have found comfort within the waves. Like other humanoids that had arrived in Astrium through planar travel they have been untrusted due to the extraplanar threats that appeared throughout the lands history. The Triton has settled in the coastlines acorss the ages, finding work here and there among the seas.
They found few places to settle; within the depths of Lucent Trench; the edges of sunlight near marblehaven ruins as well as working with the "stray races" on establishing a home for all - Lustrum Township and eventually Lustrum Metropolis. The Triton lived near a deep part of the waters just on the coast of Lustrum; creating the settlement portside. With all the treasure found on the sea floor they are able to fund Astriums finest coast side casino.
Today they are apart of Lustrum's council a subsidiary to the Astrium council.
Common Myths and Legends
- The First Tidecaller: A legendary Triton who tamed the chaotic seas of Astrium after their arrival, bringing peace to the waters.
- The Coral Sentinel: A mythical guardian said to protect the Lucent Trench, appearing only in times of great need.
- The Abyssal Hymn: A haunting song believed to lure Tritons back to the Plane of Water during moments of deep emotional turmoil, though few have returned after hearing it.
Scientific Name
Homo Aquaticus Elementalis
Lifespan
150-200 years
Average Height
4'8" to 5'4"
Average Weight
100 -140 pounds
Average Physique
Lean and wiry, built for agility and endurance in aquatic environments. Their musculature is defined, though not overly bulky.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Skin tones include shades of blue, green, and teal, often accented by luminescent markings resembling waves, scales, or coral patterns. Their hair complements their aquatic hues, and their eyes often shine with faint bioluminescence.
Geographic Distribution
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