Kushtaka

Abilities

• Deep Diver - In otter form, kushtaka can hold their breath for 10 minutes.

• Dense Coat - Thanks to their thick fur, in otter form, kushtaka have resistance to cold climates and weather.

• Merfolk Blood - Merfolk are more inclined to trust and interact with kushtaka.

• Natural Swimmer - In otter form, rather than making an athletics (might) check, kushtaka can choose to do an acrobatics (dexterity) check. Additionally, water is not considered a rough terrain to kushtaka.

• Shapeshifter - Kushtaka have the ability to switch from otter form to human form at will.

Ability Modifiers

• +1 to Dexterity.

Permanence

12 (Natural)

Attacks

• Bite - In otter form, the kushtaka bites their enemy, dealing 1d6 piercing damage.

• Claw - In otter form, the kushtaka claws their enemy, dealing 1d4 slashing damage.

Resistances

• Cold.

Condition Immunities

• None.

Weaknesses

• None.

DREAM Score

• D - 15 (+2)

• R - 12 (+1)

• E - 10 (+0)

• A - 11 (+0)

• M - 8 (-1)

Exp

200

Hit Points

2d8 +Resistance Modifier.

Languages

• Common.

• Riverspeak or Oceanspeak.

Proficiency

• Perception.

• Survival.

Size

• Medium in human form.

• Small in otter form.

Speed

• Average.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Limbs: In otter form, kushtaka are quadrupeds, with two legs, and two arms. They possess short but flexible limbs. Their arms end in prehensile (grasping), clawed, webbed, five-digited hands. The feet of kushtaka are also webbed. Both the hands and feet have protective paw-pads.

Tail: In otter form, kushtaka rely on their long, thick tails to keep balance and swim.

Fur: In otter form, kushtaka posses thick, insulated underfur, which is then overlapped by a layer of long, brown, water-proofed guard hairs. This helps to trap air pockets, which keep them warm, dry, and somewhat buoyant.

Genetics and Reproduction

Reproduction: Kushtaka reproduce sexually, and typically only have one to three children at a time.

Gestation Period: The gestation period of kushtaka typically range from sixty-four to ninety days.

Ecology and Habitats

Temperature: Thanks to their thick fur, kushtaka can comfortably stay in temperatures of 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, though in human form they prefer warmer climates.

Habitat: Kushtaka do well in areas near or around bodies of water, preferring freshwater, though also doing well in saltwater.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Diet: Kushtaka are omnivorous, though most of their diet is comprised of fish and other water-based organisms. Crustaceans and shellfish seem to be a favorite.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Sight: Kushtaka can see in the dark and in low light conditions.

Civilization and Culture

Common Myths and Legends

Legends: In some legends, kushtaka are said to imitate the cries of a baby to lure other species to rivers, where they kill and then eat their unfortunate pray. It is said that they prey on children specifically. However, this seems to be a scapegoat, intended to keep the children of other species from playing in rivers, as kushtaka may be friendly, but don't tend to seek out conversation with outsiders.

Lifespan

43 years.

Average Weight

27 lbs in otter form.

Average Length

3'3" to 3'7" ft in otter form.