Aquatic Allies: Locathah for 5th edition
Although humanoid in shape, locathah are piscinoids and share little in appearance with land-based humanoid races. Locathah vary greatly in their scale color, size, and temperament. Females and males look very much alike whatever area of the ocean they come from, although the former can be recognized by two ochre stripes marking their egg sacs.
Aside from the often aloof sea elves and deep-diving merfolk, the locathah are the friendliest of the aquatic races and the most likely to establish regular trade agreements with surface cultures. Unlike koalinth or sahuagin who are driven by an almost primal push toward war and slavery, locathah are as varied and unique as the human race, with the majority of their settlements being peaceful.
Locathah can be found in nomadic tribes, breeding and herding food animals, and traveling hundreds of miles a day, or settled in large cities as skilled aquaculturists, craftsmen (craftsfish?), and traders.
Despite their appearance being far more fish-like than races such as the koalinth, locathah can remain out of water indefinitely with little side effects. Their surface scales, while providing little protection against weapons, seal tightly when dry and prevent the severe dehydration effects kuo-toa, sahuagin, and koalinth experience. Locathah communities have even evolved into well-established districts in cities whose economies are built around oceanic trade. Depending on the disposition of the community toward the appearance and culture of these unique creatures, locathah may become respected sailors, craftsmen, fishermen, and even politicians among surface humanoids.
Locathah Traits
Ability Score Increase. Aside from merfolk, locathah are one of the most common and adaptable races below the waves. The locathah gain +2 to Wisdom and +1 to one other ability score of their choice.
Age. Locathah have similar age ranges as humans, reaching maturity around 16 years, with those who live peaceful, healthy lives reaching past 100.
Alignment. As with humans, locathah of all alignments exist, even within the same settlement. The most common alignment among them is neutral good.
Size. Locathah average 5′ in height and weigh 175 lbs. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your walking speed is 20 feet; you have a swim speed of 50 feet.
Amphibious. You can breath both air and water.
Adaptable. Along with being one of the fastest of the aquatic humanoids, locathah have adapted to a range of environments and living situations. You gain training in any one skill, tool kit, or language of your choice.
Weapon Training. You gain proficiency with tridents, nets, and heavy crossbows.
Languages. You speak, read and write Aquan as well as one other language (typically Common)
Classes and Backgrounds
The full range of classes and backgrounds are available to locathah player characters, though their quiet and contemplative nature often leads them to the divine classes and peaceful pre-adventuring pursuits. Of course, the aquatic cleric, paladin, sorcerer, fighter, druid, and ranger archetypes are ideal for many aquatic settings.
Playtesting
We’re always looking for playtesters for our races, classes, archetypes and other designs here at Tribality. Wizards had the benefit of 175,000 playtesters over 2 years to get their ideas to the table; clearly we don’t have that luxury. Each of our builds are as balanced as we can design with a small playtest group and over a century of gaming XP. We are always excited to hear when players get these ideas on the table and provide us with constructive ways to make them better.