Tali

A race of amphibious beings that exist in their majority in the landmass known as Chroma.

"... This author has personally never laid eyes on the supposed original form of the Tali - or at least, not knowingly. Although the Tali that wander the mainland continent as a whole don't act aggressively towards any foreign entities, rumours tell that their hulking bodies hide a smaller form which seems to be true shape of their race. The reasons why this might be can only be speculated: are they afraid of what we might do if we find out? Or do they believe we haven't earned the right to truly know them? ..."

A small excerpt from the book 'Intelligent Life in Gaia', by Hum'ro Skadi, as published in 2335 AFL.

The Tali is a long-lived species of tiny amphibian humanoids that established themselves in and around the Boundless Lake, creating the magnificent nation of Chroma. Their true forms are obscured by the (usually) large symbiotes that accompany them since birth, entities known as Khet. The symbiotes can change their shape and size at will to conform to the needs of the Tali, but also have a strong protective instinct towards their host.
Legends tell that the first Tali evolved from fish-like beings that resided in the depths of the lake, and while some decided to take to land - their descendants becoming the sub-race known as the Landfarers- some decided to spend most of their lives in water, being known henceforth as Sea-dwellers. While this division incurred a great many conflicts in the early ages of their history, the Tali eventually came together and overcame prejudice, using their innate gifts to give birth to a utopic nation that stands above all others in terms of technology, culture and art.
While Tali have great, inventive, wise spirits, they are seldom seen outside of Chroma. Those who leave their nation are sworn to secrecy about their nation and its ways, and in most cases are people who seek to bring aid and comfort to the other races of the world - all without interfering with their growth. The act of interference in another nation's affairs is considered a violation of rights by the Tali people as a whole, most members believing that each race and nation has the right to find its own way to greatness.
Biologically, Tali are relatively diverse in appearance and bodily functions. While all Tali share an innate ability to breathe underwater, the placement of their gills and the shapes of their heads are as varied as the plethora of beasts present in the Boundless Lake, serving just as many purposes.

Playable race

Inherent traits:

Ancient Symbiosis

Racial - Tali (Both Sea-dweller and Landfarer)


All Tali are born with an attached symbiotic being, known as Khet, which protects them from harm and acts as an extension of their bodies. The symbiote can change its shape at will. Its size can be changed to small, medium or large over the course of one minute. The extremes of this spectrum grant bonuses and penalties to the Tali.

While small, the Tali gains advantage on Dexterity-based saving throws and ability checks and disadvantage in Strength-based saving throws and ability checks, as well as disadvantage in Charisma-based ability checks when used against non-Tali.

While large, the Tali gains advantage on Strength-based saving throws and ability checks and an additional 1d4 damage dealt with melee and ranged weapon attacks or unarmed strikes. The damage number from this bonus increases to 1d6 at 7th level, 1d8 at 11th level and 1d10 at 15th level. Additionally, you have disadvantage on Charisma-based ability checks and advantage in Intimidation when used against non-Tali while in large form.

There are no bonuses or penalties associated with remaining in medium size.

If you are not obscured by your Khet, you gain advantage on Charisma-based ability checks.

The Tali can only shift shapes once per long rest. The number of times per day they can shapeshift increases to twice at 7th level and thrice at 13th level.






More information can be acquired on the individual statblock. (Read below)

Appearance:

(Symbiote)

(True form)

Takoika Tellaro by Danusa Cardoso (aka twofy)

Tali

Ability Score Increase +1 Wisdom or +1 Intelligence (based on sub-race), +2 Constitution

Size Small

Speed 25ft while in true form, 30ft while in Khet form

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Age

Tali have lifespans that range from 300 to 400 years.

Alignment

Tali have a tendency towards Good alignments. Their goals usually involve the betterment of themselves or society, but seldom at the cost of others.

Preternatural Existence

You have proficiency in the Arcana and Nature skills.

Ancient Symbiosis

Racial - Tali (Both Sea-dweller and Landwalker)

All Tali are born with an attached symbiotic being, known as Khet, which protects them from harm and acts as an extension of their bodies.
The symbiote can change its shape at will. Its size can be changed to small, medium or large over the course of one minute. The extremes of this spectrum grant bonuses and penalties to the Tali.

While small, the Tali gains advantage on Dexterity-based saving throws and ability checks and disadvantage in Strength-based saving throws and ability checks, as well as disadvantage in Charisma-based ability checks when used against non-Tali.

While large, the Tali gains advantage on Strength-based saving throws and ability checks and an additional 1d4 damage dealt with melee and ranged weapon attacks or unarmed strikes. The damage number from this bonus increases to 1d6 at 7th level, 1d8 at 11th level and 1d10 at 15th level. Additionally, you have disadvantage on Charisma-based ability checks and advantage in Intimidation when used against non-Tali while in large form.

There are no bonuses or penalties associated with remaining in medium size.

If you are not obscured by your Khet, you gain advantage on Charisma-based ability checks.

The Tali can only shift shapes once per long rest. The number of times per day they can shapeshift increases to twice at 7th level and thrice at 13th level.

Sub-race exclusive:

Natural Swimmer

Racial - Tali (Sea-Dweller)
As a Sea-Dweller Tali, you have a natural affinity when it comes to existing underwater.
You have swimming speed equal to twice your walking speed and can breathe underwater indefinitely.

Water Shaper

Racial - Tali (Sea-Dweller)
As a Sea-Dweller Tali, you can bend water to your will.
You can cast the Shape Water cantrip at will. This cantrip does not count against your list of known cantrips.

Maritime Heritage

Racial - Tali (Landfarer)
As a Landfarer Tali, you have an ancestral affinity towards being in the water.
You can breathe underwater indefinitely.

Land-farer

Racial - Tali (Landfarer)
As a Landfarer Tali, your Khet has adjusted to life on dry land and allows you to perform further feats of athleticism.
While you are in your Large or Medium forms, you can expend all your actions on a given turn to run at four times your normal walking speed.
Small objects in your way can be knocked out of your way without incurring a penalty to movement, but you must otherwise run in a straight line to your objective.

Languages. Common, Lochian