Tangaroa

Description

The tangaroa are a race of humanoids that resemble qualities of manta rays and orcas. They are slightly taller than humans, averaging 5.5-6.5 feet in height, but their posture is slightly slumped which makes them look shorter. They have manta fins that connect to their shoulder area and arms which allow them to glide in the air over limited distances. This wing-like fin narrows as it extends downwards and ends in a fleshy tail with a single hooked claw that they can use to stabilize themselves while climbing. They have relatively long and powerful arms for their size which make them good climbers, similar to monkeys. Their hands and feet are clawed which give them additional grip while climbing too. Their heads on the other hand resemble that of an orca, with a distinct rostrum, rows of sharp teeth and deep white eyes with several rings that circle their pupils. Their entire skin also has a similar black-and-white pattern as orcas.
Contrary to their mildly intimidating appearance, tangaroa are a cheerful and curious people. They are easy-going and unquenchable optimists with a streak of dark humor that get along with most other races. Although they are sometimes considered a little creepy as they have never been seen to leave a sinking ship. Speaking of which, it is well-known that tangaroa feel a natural pull to the ocean. They are even hypothesized by some to be descendants of creatures from the Elemental Plane of Water. Other myths say they were created from Elemental Water much like the Elves, which would explain the mutual fascination the two species hold for each other, despite there being no discernible reason for it. Whatever the case, it is a fact that nearly all tangaroa live along the coast, in port towns or on ships. They have forgotten their homeland and frankly do not care where it may have been. As far as any of them can remember, they have always traveled among other races, working aboard their beloved ships and seeing what the horizon holds.

Culture

Tangaroa are usually raised communally in port towns, and parents think nothing of leaving their young with shipmates of their own kind even if they have only known them for weeks. They congregate into large living quarters in port towns that are maintained by every individual who shares it chipping in. They are very communally minded when it comes to these dwellings, and always help out to ensure their survival so that others of their kind can easily find a place to settle in most port towns. They all have fond memories of the dwellings of their childhood where they entertained other tangaroa who were passing through and heard their stories. If they do not find a dwelling in a port town they tend to dejectedly stay aboard the ship instead.
Due to their biology and attitudes, they make for excellent sailors and easily find work aboard different ships. They are cheerful, hard workers and decent fighters to boot considering their nimbleness and strength. They dislike those who, for whatever reason, seem incapable of putting in an honest day’s work on deck. They are also known to be very intense and exuberant conversation partners who express themselves through loud roars, snarls and chuckle-like clicks.
Tangaroa take pride in the ships that they serve on, and they will often incorporate a part of that ship's name into their own. These shipnames bind tangaroa together similar to how clan or family names do for other people. As an example, the deckhand Darn has served for a long time on a ship called The Swift Lady. Thus he names himself Darn Swiftson.

Statistics

Tangaroa Traits.

Ability Score Increase.
Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Age.
Tangaroa mature slightly faster than humans, but reach similar lifespans.
Size.
Tangaroa stand at about 5.5 to 6.5 feet tall, though they always seem slightly shorter due to their natural stooped posture. They tend to weigh between 250 and 300 pounds. Their manta fin and relatively dense muscular bulk make them slightly heavier for their size. Your size is Medium.
Speed.
Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
Manta Glide.
You have fins similar to that of a manta ray that you can use as wings to slow your fall or allow you to glide. When you fall and aren't incapacitated, you can subtract up to 100 feet from the fall when calculating falling damage, and you can move up to 2 feet horizontally for every 1 foot you descend.
Strong Yet Nimble.
You have a climbing speed of 30 feet, and you can climb unimpeded while holding something in one hand.
Hold Breath.
You can hold your breath for up to 30 minutes at a time.
Powerful Build.
You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Sea Legs.
You have advantage on Strength and Dexterity checks and saving throws made to avoid being knocked prone.
Languages.
You speak Common and Aquan. Your particular dialect of Aquan consists of snarls and rhythmic clicking that is difficult to decipher for the uninitiated.

In a single voyage we have struck a new trade deal, nearly been knocked over by a dragon turtle, and we've escaped pirates no less than five times! And it isn't even over yet, what fun!

— Tangaroa sailor, moments before being attacked by pirates for the sixth time.

Lifespan

Similar to a human.

Average Height

1.7-2.0 meters.

Average Weight

110-135 kg.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

A smooth black skin with white undersides and occasional spots of white as well.