Coral Merfolk

Of all the races of merfolk, the coral race has the most interaction with surface humanoids. Their charismatic nature, otherworldly features, and stunning coloration fascinate most surface dwellers. Many tribes trade regularly with coastal villages, islanders, and fisherman, and some have created permanent diplomatic outposts near major shipping lanes. Coral merfolk are the least nomadic of the various tribes, shaping permanent cities from coral reefs, forging alliances with intelligent sea creatures like dolphins, whales, and cephalopods, and perfecting advanced aquaculture techniques. Coral Merfolk are similar to their Kelp ancestors, but have fish-like scales covering their entire body, and they appear in much more vibrant colors. Additionally, they lack hair anywhere on their bodies, and instead have elaborate plumes of fins on their heads and arms. These merfolk are able to swap between their finned tail and elfin legs much more easily than their brethren, and actually tend to prefer spending much of their time out of the water. Their scale tone can range from deep blues to vibrant pinks, oranges, or purples.

Coral Merfolk Traits

Ability Score Increase: Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Shorewalker: You have an innate ability to shapechange into a bipedal form. Your Shapechanging ability can be done at will, and does not require a ritual or an essence trinket.
Cultural Adaptability: You know the Friends cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Comprehend Languages spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Tongues spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Casting these spells with this trait doesn’t require material components. Charisma is your spell­casting ability for these spells.

Encompassed species

• Merfolk

Related Locations

• Sunlit Seas
• Vandrian Archipelago