Mysterious and graceful, Merfolk dwell in the depths of oceans, lakes, and rivers, often acting as both protectors and enigmatic watchers of the waters they call home.
Physical Characteristics
Merfolk typically have the upper bodies of humanoids and lower bodies that resemble the sleek tails of aquatic creatures, such as fish or dolphins. Their scales shimmer in a variety of colors, from deep blues and greens to vibrant golds or silvers. Their hair tends to flow in aquatic hues, often streaked with bioluminescent strands. Merfolk usually stand 5 to 6 feet tall when upright and weigh between 100 and 150 pounds.
Most Merfolk possess webbed fingers and gills, allowing them to breathe underwater, but many can also breathe air for extended periods. Merfolk reach maturity at around 20 years old and live to be approximately 150 years old.
Homelands
Merfolk settlements are hidden beneath the waves, ranging from coral-covered villages to vast underwater cities carved into submerged cliffs. These settlements often lie near rich underwater resources or sites of great natural beauty. Merfolk are inherently tied to their aquatic environments, often serving as stewards of their waters, maintaining balance among its creatures and protecting it from outside threats.
While Merfolk are most comfortable underwater, some have ventured onto land, either out of curiosity or necessity. These Merfolk may live along coastal communities or in riverside villages, adapting to life among land-dwellers while retaining a deep connection to the water.
Names
Merfolk names often carry a lyrical quality, reminiscent of flowing water or the sound of waves. Personal names often incorporate soft consonants and fluid vowels, such as "Lirae," "Selin," or "Orris."
Family names, on the other hand, often translate to descriptive phrases in their native tongue, such as "Keeper of the Shoals," "Song of the Abyss," or "Watcher Beneath the Waves." Among non-Merfolk, Merfolk will often introduce themselves by their personal name alone, simplifying interactions with land-dwelling species.
Playing a Merfolk
As a merfolk character, you have the following traits:
Size. Your size is Medium.
Speed. You have a base walking speed of 30 feet.
Swim Speed. You have a swimming speed of 50 feet.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and water.
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.
Emissary of the Sea. Aquatic beasts have an extraordinary affinity with your people. You can communicate simple ideas with beasts that can breathe water. They can understand the meaning of your words, though you have no special ability to understand them in return.
Submerged Might. You gain a +5 to Strength and Dexterity checks as long as you're submerged in enough water to move around (a 10 ft. by 10 ft. square or larger).
Slippery. You have advantage on Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks against being grappled and saving throws to avoid being restrained.
Guardians of the Depths. Adapted to even the most extreme ocean depths, you have resistance to cold damage.
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