Urodelian (5e Race)

Urodelian

“

There is a tale from the wild river rapids of slimy people originating from the east. They're very annoying but we musn't bother them or they might carry off our women...

”

Physical Description

by Darenrin

Urodelians are lithe, taciturn, amphibious beings. They have a humanoid shape, with back-bent legs and a long tail. Their skin is hairless and covered in microscales that give them a smooth touch when dry. But when wet, they produce mucus. A lot of floppy frills sprout around their head, back, and tail. From their head, the frill spines are softer and droop down like locks, which urodelians will often decorate with beads in lieu of hair. While most of their skin has a dark color, usually to blend with the murky riverbeds, they also sport unique bands of bioluminescence, which they use to identify one another nonverbally. Urodelians also have sharp teeth and claws, and their digits are webbed. The mucus on their hands and feet can be particularly sticky, allowing them to adhere to some surfaces.

History

It is believed that urodelians came about from a group of amphibious beings who originated from the eastern side of the continent. Their ancestors are unknown but the popular theory is that they descended from the oriental kappa. They display similar features as well as trickster temperaments and violence when annoyed. Their physical appearance mirrors local salamander and newt fauna in the steamy jungles of the south, where frequent rains gouged out large tracts of land for rivers. Urodelians were thought to originally be river spirits due to how reclusive they were.

Society

Most urodelians live in riverside villages. These villages are usually located in two locations: either in the trees or in muddy caves protected by water. These villages are usually led by a respected elder known as a Newt Lord. Urodelians who live in these villages must provide for it either with food or craftsmanship. All urodelians assist in public defense. It is common practice for urodelians to wear the skeletons of their ancestors as armor or jewelry so even the dead can continue servicing the tribe.

Every year, they gather at their secret spawning pools to mate. Each spawning pool is monitored yearlong by dedicated spawn guards. The guards are one of the most respected positions in their society. These guards have a natural affinity to nature and protect the eggs and tadpoles that are produced during spawning season. They are also responsible for passing on oral history when they train the next generation of guards.

There is an Urodelian language system that is a series of croaks and is largely based on the chemical pheromones they produce from their skin. Urodelians have a strong hatred for other jungle dwellers that prey upon them such as lizardfolk and yuan-ti. While urodelians have had limited interaction with common races such as humans and elves, there are a few urodelian communities in close proximity to human cities. These communities were formed when human explorers carried away urodelians to sell as exotic pets.

Urodelian Names

Urodelian names tend to describe their physical aspects of themselves. Generally, the name gives a physical aspect followed by a description of that aspect. These are considered singular word names to them. Males will describe fringe or smaller physical traits that are more specific or localized on the body, while females have more general names.

Male: Specks-of-Orange, Eyes-of-Hope, Tongue-of-Length

Female: Skin-of-rock, Chest-of-Blue, Tail-of-Waves

Urodelian Traits

Water dwelling tricksters
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age. After reaching maturity at 5, urodelians live to be about 60 usually.
Alignment. While they are lawfully loyal to their tribes, urodelians are well known for being chaotic to outsiders.
Size. Urodelians are tall and thin on average. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
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.
Forest Riverman. You have a swimming speed equal to your base walking speed.
Amphibious. You can breathe both air and water.
Sticky Hands. The secretion glands on your hands aid you in maneuvering greatly around vertical surfaces. You have a climbing speed of 20 feet.
Mucus Slick. Your water-based mucus makes you extra slippery in water. While you are in water or submerged, any checks to grapple you roll with disadvantage.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Urodelian.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
6′ 0''	+1d12	140 lb.	× (1d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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