Morskan
5e Racial Features
Ability Score Increases
- Strength +2, Constitution +1. Morskan are naturally strong and resilient, suited for harsh environments and physical challenges.
- Morskan reach maturity by age 15 and live up to 90 years, though their physically demanding lifestyle often shortens this.
- Morskan value community and protection of their kin, leaning toward lawful alignments, though individual personalities vary.
- Morskan are Medium. They typically range between 6 and 7 feet tall and weigh 350–450 pounds.
- Your base walking speed is 30 feet. You also have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
- You have resistance to cold damage. Additionally, you can survive comfortably in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit without additional clothing.
- When in environments of extreme heat Morskan have disadvantage on Constitution saving throws to avoid exhaustion.
- You can make an unarmed strike with your tusks as a natural weapon. If you hit, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier. This counts as a melee weapon attack.
- You can hold your breath for up to (15 + your Constitution modifier) minutes at a time.
- You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on detecting vibrations in water or loose earth.
- You can use your tusks and strength to shatter obstacles. As an action, you can break through up to 1 foot of nonmagical ice, compacted snow, or similar material.
- You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
- You can speak, read, and write Common and Morskan, a language consisting of deep vocalizations and rumbling sounds, as well as physical gestures.
- Their vision is adapted for low-light conditions, granting them darkvision up to 60 feet.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Morskan are large, amphibious humanoids with features reminiscent of their walrus ancestors, adapted for both harsh arctic environments and coastal living. Morskan are muscular and robust, with a broad torso that provides strength and stability. They typically stand between 6 and 7 feet tall, with an average weight of 350 to 450 pounds, thanks to their dense musculature and insulating blubber. Their tough, leathery skin is adapted to frigid climates, coming in shades of gray, brown, or even pale ivory. Beneath the skin lies a thick layer of blubber, granting them resistance to cold temperatures and the ability to float easily in water. The Morskan's head is wide and rounded, with small, beady eyes adapted for low-light vision in icy waters. Their most prominent feature is their large, curved tusks, which grow from their upper jaws. These tusks serve various purposes, such as breaking ice, defending against predators, and demonstrating social rank. Their arms are long and powerful, ending in webbed hands with strong, blunt fingers. These are ideal for swimming and digging into ice or sand. Their legs are short but sturdy, with broad, webbed feet that provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces and a short, yet muscular tail aids in balancing in both land and water. Morskan have large lungs and a secondary respiratory cavity, allowing them to hold their breath for extended periods while diving. Their whisker-like vibrissae around their snout are highly sensitive, enabling them to detect vibrations and movements in water.
Genetics and Reproduction
Morskan form strong monogamous bonds, often mating for life. Courtship rituals include melodic vocalizations and elaborate water dances, both of which are seen as signs of compatibility and mutual respect. These rituals strengthen the bond between pairs. Morskan reproduce with live births being the standard. Females carry their offspring for a gestation period of approximately 12 months. During this time, the mother remains near the colder waters of Crosela, where food is abundant, ensuring she maintains the energy required for a successful pregnancy. Morskan calves are born in protected coves or huts. At birth, the calf weighs around 30-40 pounds and is already capable of swimming, though it remains close to the mother for warmth and nourishment. Mothers nurse their young with nutrient-rich milk for up to two years, providing essential fats and immunity to ensure survival in the harsh environment. The birth of a Morskan calf is a community event. Other members of the community often gather to offer protection and assistance. They place a cultural emphasis on shared responsibility and community. Morskan females typically give birth to one calf every 3-5 years, allowing ample time to nurture and teach their offspring the skills needed to thrive in their environment and uphold their duty as protectors of Icladreaf.
Growth Rate & Stages
Newborn Stage (0-2 Years)
- At birth, a Morskan calf is large for its species, weighing 30-40 pounds and already covered in a thick layer of blubber to protect against the cold. Their blubber insulation and swimming abilities are crucial survival traits even at birth. In the first two years, the calf is primarily dependent on its mother for nourishment and warmth. It nurses extensively to gain the necessary fats and nutrients. This stage is centered around bonding and the development of swimming and hunting skills under the guidance of the mother.
- The Morskan begins to grow in size and strength, with their tusks starting to show small nubs around the age of 4. By the age of 6, they are approaching full size, with well-developed tusks and increased muscle mass. During this stage, the young Morskan is trained in social behaviors, hunting, and communal protection duties. They begin to practice their vocalizations and adapt to the highly social nature of Morskan society. They also start to develop their ability to communicate with their community using complex vocal sounds and body language, learning the sacred traditions of protecting the World Tree.
- Full adult Morskan are formidable in size, with males reaching 6-7 feet in length and weighing up to 450 pounds, while females tend to be slightly smaller. Their tusks are fully grown, used in both social displays and combat.Morskan enter adulthood ready to take on roles within their community, including guarding the World Tree. Their responsibilities include patrolling the borders, helping to train younger generations, and engaging in various sacred rituals. By the age of 20, they are fully integrated into the societal structure.
- As Morskan age, their tusks and fur continue to grow, sometimes becoming signs of their wisdom and experience. They slow down physically, but their influence and leadership become more pronounced. In their elder years, Morskan are often revered as wise protectors of the World Tree and the surrounding lands. Their role shifts more toward counseling the younger generations and overseeing important rituals and ceremonies. Elders are the keepers of ancient knowledge, ensuring that the history and traditions of their people are preserved.
- One of the most visible changes in a Morskan’s development is the growth of tusks. They begin small, but by the age of 10, they are fully developed, often becoming symbols of status within Morskan society.
Ecology and Habitats
The Morskan thrive in frigid environments such as the icy tundras and glacial coastlines of Crosela. These regions, often deemed inhospitable by other species, provide the perfect setting for the Morskan due to their thick blubber and dense fur, which insulate them against extreme cold. Their physiology also allows them to spend extended periods in freezing waters, where they hunt and gather resources. Morskan share their habitats with various arctic wildlife, such as fish and seals, which form a significant part of their diet. They are adept at ice fishing and employ tools and strategies passed down through generations. They are cautious not to overhunt or disrupt delicate ecosystems, reflecting their cultural values of balance and respect for nature.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Morskan have highly sensitive hearing, optimized for detecting sounds over long distances in the vast tundra and under icy waters. Their large, mobile ears can swivel to locate sources of sound with pinpoint accuracy, even in harsh blizzard conditions. Their vision is adapted for low-light conditions, granting them darkvision up to 60 feet. Morskan can discern shapes and movement in dim environments, crucial for navigating long polar nights and underwater caves.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Female names frequently evoke beauty and grace but still reflect the fortitude of the Morskan. They might mean "glacial bloom," "star-touched," or "guardian wave." Examples of these are Velsa, Anjori, Mirka, Kalrith, Yovalla, and Zivra.
Male names often emphasize strength and resilience, with meanings such as "ice-breaker," "storm-bringer," or "tusked protector." Examples of these are Torkil, Marvok, Kaelrin, Vulrath, Oktran, and Bralgar.
Morskan surnames often reference clans, physical traits, or natural features such as Frosttusk, Icewake, Deepcurrent, Whitefang, Glimmerhorn, and Tundrastone.
In addition to formal names, Morskan earn epithets during their lives that highlight deeds, such as "Shield of the Tree" or "Wavecleaver." These epithets are used in ceremonial contexts or to honor the individual's contributions. Names might also reflect the season of birth or significant natural events, such as "Aurorin" for a child born during the auroras or "Thawrin" for one born during a sudden melt.
Common Etiquette Rules
The Morskan culture emphasizes respect for their environment, the community, and their sacred connection to Icladreaf. Their etiquette reflects their values of cooperation, gratitude, and reverence for their shared heritage. Morskan greetings involve a nod accompanied by a gesture of an open hand, symbolizing trust and peace. A closed fist might be seen as a sign of hostility unless it is part of a sparring context. Among elders, a gentle touch of the forehead to the tusk is a sign of deep respect.
Elders are deeply revered in Morskan society, as they are considered living connections to their ancestors. Interrupting an elder or showing impatience in their presence is seen as a severe breach of etiquette.
Meals are typically communal, and it is customary to share food with those who have less, especially during harsh winters. Refusing an offer of food without explanation can be interpreted as an insult. Visitors to a Morskan settlement are offered water and food as a standard courtesy. Turning down such offerings without good reason can be interpreted as a slight against the host. Guests are expected to contribute a small token or story in exchange for their hospitality, signifying mutual respect.
Tusk-touching is reserved for intimate bonds or deep trust, such as family members or lifelong allies. Touching another’s tusks without permission is taboo and could provoke anger.
Arguments are typically resolved through moderated debates or physical trials, depending on the severity of the disagreement. Open fighting without mediation is considered dishonorable.
Actions that harm the land, water, or other elements of the environment without necessity are frowned upon. Morskan treat their icy tundra home as an extension of their community and believe it must be nurtured and respected.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Morskan undergo significant rites of passage at various ages, with their most notable coming at the age of 15, when they are considered full members of the protectors of the World Tree. This includes the Rite of the First Hunt and the Rite of the Guardian, where they are officially entrusted with their role in guarding the sacred land and must guard the tree for a full year.
Common Myths and Legends
The most widely accepted Morskan creation myth tells that whatever divine spark birthed the world tree so did the Morskan. This spark not only created the tree but infused the cold, barren tundra of Crosela with life, shaping the first Morskan from the icy waters and permafrost. Their blubber and fur are seen as gifts from the divine, intended to shield them from the cold and allow them to thrive in this sacred, frigid land.
Another legend claims that the Morskan were not merely created by divine intervention but were given a specific purpose: to be the eternal stewards of the world tree. It is said that their ability to withstand the cold, their natural strength, and their deep sense of community were all carefully designed traits meant to ensure the protection of Icladreaf from harm.
A lesser-known myth states that the Morskan do not merely live and die but are part of an eternal cycle tied to Icladreaf. Upon death, their spirits are believed to return to the roots of the tree, nourishing it and becoming one with its life force. This belief underscores their sacred duty and explains the reverence for burial rites near the tree.
"We are the tusks that break the frozen tide, the wall against winter's fury, and the guardians of life’s root. Icladreaf’s shadow is our haven, and its light is our oath."
Lifespan
90 Years
Average Height
6 to 7 feet
Average Weight
350 - 450 pounds
Geographic Distribution
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