Abyssal Merfolk
Abyssal Merfolk are an aquatic race that dwell in the dark depths of the oceans.
Physical Description: Abyssal Merfolk have the upper bodies of humans and lower bodies of cephalapods, especialy octopi. Most Abyssal Merfolk have no hair, but a few have crests or glowing lures on their heads. Merfolk have specially adapted gills instead of lungs that can breathe both water and air. Their tentacles and water jet allows powerful swimming, but are equally capable of supporting the rest of the body upright on land as they crawl along. (maybe they shouldnt be able to walk on land, not having bones and all?)
Society: Abyssal Mer live in a state of unbending theocratic tyranny. Almost all Abyssal mer are drafted into the military and the center of each mans life is his unit. His unit has replaced his family, his officers have replaced his parents. Most menial work is performed by battalions of slaves who were either captured in war, or demoted from the army as punishment.
Alignment and Religion: A large number of Abyssal Merfolk have a lawful evil alignment, ad this is perfectly matched to their militaristic and pitiless society. Dagobus is the demigod patron of the abyssal merfolk.
Relations: The long history of war and slavery with other races and created a negative reputation with other civilized races.
Adventurers: Abyssal Mer usually become adventurers as part of a religious directive or atonement for some crime. More unusually, military deserters escape from their regimented military life. With no way to return to their former lives, and no
Racial Attributes
Pathfinder
ability score: +2str +2dex -2cha
Medium: Merfolk are medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
Slow Speed: Merfolk have a base speed of 20 feet, but are never encumbered by heavy load or armor.
Aquatic: Merfolk gain a swim speed of 30 feet, a +8 racial bonus to swim checks, and can breathe both water and air.
Light Blindness: Abrupt exposure to bright light blinds members of this race for 1 round; on subsequent rounds, they are dazzled as long as they remain in the affected area.
Grasping tentacles: Abyssal Merfolk receive the improved grapple feat.
Deepsight: Abyssal Mer are specially adapted to the lightless depths of the oceans, but not to air-filled environments. They can see in the dark up to 120 feet while underwater, but do not gain this benefit out of water.
Chameleon Skin: Abyssal Merfolk gain a +4 racial bonus on stealth checks
D&D 5E
Related Links
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