Swarmling

Description

Swarmlings, with their innate sociability, form tight-knit communities that thrive on cooperation and mutual support. In their underwater habitats or on land, Swarmlings are never far from one another, finding solace and strength in the company of their kin. Their bonds run deep, forged through generations of shared experiences and a profound understanding of each other's needs.
Within Swarmling society, collaboration is not just a preference but a way of life. From the construction of elaborate underwater villages to the cultivation of vast underwater gardens, every task is tackled collectively. When challenges arise, Swarmlings come together seamlessly, pooling their diverse skills and resources to overcome obstacles that would daunt others.
Their affinity for water is not just a matter of habitat; it's deeply ingrained in their culture and identity. Water serves as both a source of sustenance and a means of connection, as Swarmlings communicate through intricate patterns of movement and vibration. In their underwater realms, these communication dances are a language unto themselves, conveying emotions, intentions, and even complex ideas with astonishing clarity. Swarmlings are a euryhaline species, meaning they have adapted to both fresh and salt water, though most Swarmlings have a strong preference for one. As a result, they reside near coasts within shallow waters and within ponds, rivers, and lakes.
Despite their communal nature, Swarmlings also value individuality within the collective. Each member brings something unique to the group, whether it's a talent for crafting intricate coral sculptures or a knack for navigating treacherous currents. This diversity enriches their society, fostering innovation and resilience in the face of adversity.
At the heart of Swarmling culture lies a deep reverence for tradition and ancestry. Elders are esteemed for their wisdom and experience, their counsel sought in matters both mundane and momentous. Rituals and ceremonies punctuate the Swarmling calendar, celebrating milestones in the lives of individuals and the community as a whole.

Appearance

Swarmlings are bipedal squat amphibians with tiny scales that make up their skin. Their facial features are often more humanoid than fishlike, with fins atop their skull but hair beginning towards the back. Depending on the subspecies, a Swarmling may also have a tail.

Traders of the Deep

Swarmlings' interactions with land-dwelling people are characterized by a spirit of openness and cooperation. With their adaptability and affable nature, Swarmlings foster amicable relationships with most neighboring communities, bridging the divide between land and sea. Through trade and mutual exchange, they offer prized sea resources such as exotic corals, rare pearls, and bountiful seafood, enriching the lives of their terrestrial counterparts while also benefiting from the offerings of the land. These transactions serve not only to satisfy material needs but also to strengthen bonds of friendship and understanding, fostering a sense of unity that transcends the boundaries between worlds. Many coastal cities have nearby Swarmling dwellings and Swarmlings are a common sight walking their streets. Occasionally, tensions do rise when cities expand their naval operations in a Swarmling area but typically the Swarmling community will simply relocate rather than risk a confrontation.

Swarmling Traits

Swarmlings have webbed hands and feet, small fins on their calves, and a scaled body like a fish often with hues of blue and gray.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma Score increases by 1.
Quintessence. Your base Quintessence score is 9.
Age. On average, Swarmlings tend to live for about 70 to 90 years, although some individuals may surpass this range with proper care and favorable circumstances.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet. Your swimming speed depends on your subrace.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and fresh water.
Slippery Secretions. You are able to secrete a slippery fluid from your body. Once per long rest, as a a reaction, you may secrete this fluid to gain advantage on any rolls to escape the grappled or restrained condition (no action required). Once secreted, the fluid on your skin and its effects remain for an hour.
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.
Emissary of the Aquatic. You know the Elementalism cantrip. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast Beast Sense with it provided you target an aquatic beast, and starting at 5th level, you can also cast Wall of Water with it. Once you cast a leveled spell with this trait, you can’t cast that spell with it again until you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Aquatic Physiology. You gain resistance to acid damage.

Riverweaver

Riverweaver is the name given by non-Swarmlings to Swarmlings who inhabit places near fresh water lakes, ponds and rivers. These Swarmlings tend to dwell on land in addition to water and tend to be more nomadic than their salt-water cousins.
Size. Most Riverweaver Swarmlings are between 3 and 4 feet tall and average about 80 pounds. Your size is Small.
Mental Submersion. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put you to sleep.
Weaver's Way. You may cast the Water Walk spell without expending a spell slot. Once you do so, you must complete a long rest before doing so again.
Speed. Your swimming speed is 30ft.

Tidewalker

Tidewalkers make up the majority of Swarmlings. They inhabit the underwater of coasts all across Halor.
Saltwater Heritage. You can additionally breathe salt water as if it were air.
Guardians of the Depths.Adapted to even the most extreme ocean depths, you have resistance to cold damage.
Size. Most Tidewalker Swarmlings are between 4 and 5 feet tall and average about 120 pounds. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your swimming speed is 40ft.