Koalinth

Koalinth (the name is both singular and plural) are marine goblinoids closely related to surface-dwelling hobgoblins. They stand about 6-1/2 feet tall, with sleek, muscular bodies. Their fingers and toes are webbed, and they have gill slits in their necks. Their skin is light green and covered with patches of dark green, aqua, or blue hair. Male koalinth also share the aggressive behavior and loud bellow of elephant seals (although female koalinth are by no means passive). Koalinth, like surface-dwelling hobgoblins, live in a rigidly organized, militaristic society. Their tribes are fiercely territorial and war with each other and with other aquatic races when their territory is compromised. They make their homes in caverns in shallow waters, ranging from subarctic to tropical seas. Like surface hobgoblins, koalinth supplement their own numbers with trained mounts, beasts of burden and war-trained bestial allies such as orcas, whales, sharks, and giant turtles.

Even moreso than hobgoblins, koalinth have a strong mercenary streak. Sea Elves and Merfolk have both been known to hire koalinth mercenaries to help them fight against Sahuagin and other threats. Koalinth are not as hateful toward aquatic elves as hobgoblins are to surface elves; as far as the koalinth are concerned, the elves are just another race to fight for or against.

The discipline of military life is a part of koalinth upbringing and is integral to their identities. Even those who have renounced the evil of their culture still think of life in military terms: conversations are attacks and counter-attacks, journeys are hauls, and surprises are ambushes.

Koalinth Traits

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Age. Koalinth have the same lifespan as surface hobgoblins, reaching maturity at 16 and living nearly a century if not killed in combat.

Size. Koalinth range from 6’-7’ in height. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet; you have a swim speed of 40 feet.

Darkvision. You have darkvision to a range of 60 feet.

Military Advantage. Trained to work in units, koalinth learn to take advantage of distracted opponents. You may deal an additional 1d6 damage to any opponent that has one of your allies within 5 feet of as long as that ally isn’t incapacitated.

Koalinth Weaponry. You have proficiency with short swords, heavy crossbows, tridents and nets.

Limited Amphibiousness. You can breathe air and water, but you need to be submerged at least once every 4 hours to avoid suffocating.

Languages. You speak, read and write Goblinoid as well as one other language (typically Elvish or Aquan).