The Merfolk

D&D 5E

STANDARD RACIAL TRAITS

• Ability Score Modifiers: +1 Constitution, +2 Charisma. OR choose one of (a) Any +2, any other +1 or (b) Any +1, any other +1, any other +1.
• Size: Medium.
• Speed: 10 Feet, 30 Swim

• 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.

• Brine In Your Blood: You have resistance to acid damage.

• Siren's Call: You have proficiency in the Performance skill.

• Seasinger: You know the Shape Water cantrip.
Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the Sleep spell with this trait. Starting at 5th level you can cast the Calm Emotions spell with this trait. Once you cast Sleep or Calm Emotions with this trait, you can't cast that spell with it again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast either of those spells with spell slots you have of an appropriate level.
Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells, which you choose when you select this race.

• Languages: You begin play speaking, reading, and writing Common and one language in which you were raised, which for the Merfolk is typically Mer. You may, if desired, choose one bonus language that you and your DM agree is appropriate.

PATHFINDER 1E

STANDARD RACIAL TRAITS

• Ability Score Modifiers: Merfolk are graceful, hale, and beautiful. They gain +2 Dexterity, +2 Constitution, and +2 Charisma.

• Size: The Merfolk are Medium sized creatures.

• Type: The Merfolk are Humanoids with the Aquatic subtype.

• Base Speed: 5 Feet, 50 Swim

• Languages: The Merfolk begin play speaking Mer. Merfolk with high intelligence may choose additional languages from: Ahuran, Common, Kush, and Vulcanic.

• Low Light Vision: The Merfolk see perfectly twice as far as humans in low light conditions.

• Amphibious: Merfolk are at home in the water, and though they can they prefer not to spend long out of the sea.

• Seasinger: The beautiful voices of the Merfolk are legendary. A seasinger gains a +2 racial bonus on Perform (sing) checks and a +1 racial bonus to the save DC of language-dependent spells.

Scientific Name

Homo Sirenia Vulgaris

Lifespan

Less than 300 Years

Average Length

8' to 10'