Variabilli (5e Race)

Variabilli

“

Don't MAKE me use my fists!

”

Physical Description

By Hydraness

Variabilli (singular variabillus) are shrimp-like humanoids with colorful carapaces that can change color. Like shrimp, crabs and lobsters, they have a complex mouth below their eyestalks, complete with moving grinders and feelers. These eyes are trinocular, making their vision superior to the binocular vision of humans. Their entire body is covered in a thin, chitinous material that is often colored like oil, with many varieties and mélanges of color. Their feet at the end of their thin legs have three toes with bristles. They have two pairs of arms. The lower one, closer to the midsection is the one they usually use for interaction and mundane work. This is because their upper pair of arms are always coiled up and ready to bring the hurt. This particular pair can punch as fast as a bullet, but is not much use for anything else. There is a variation of variabilli who lack this punch, instead having a biological spear hidden in their arms which they can eject like a hook.

History

The variabilli are believed to have originated from the Elemental Plane of Water, like the triton. They also dwelt in undersea cities made of coral, aragonite, and conchiolin. Supposedly, they were considered part of the upper-lower class in the castes of the sea. Some were servants of the marids in the Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls. Their first venture into the Material Realm was similar to that of the tritons, though they did not do so in pursuit of enemies. They entered upon the seas via vortices which allowed similar creatures like sahuagin and kraken to get through. In the Material Realm, they built new lives for themselves along the coasts and eventually made headway onto land. Their appearance has freaked out more people than not, though they are arguably more personable once you get to know them compared to the arrogant tritons.

Society

The communities of variabilli rarely stray far from the shores where they came from. Their homes commonly repurpose old rock structures and coral reefs that are submerged. They use their powerful punches to blast away rock and carve out their homes, which are usually simple dwellings enclosed from predators. In these communities, they grow and cultivate farms of barnacles, kelp, corals, and other forms of sea-life to suit their needs. Some of these are used for trade with the ones of land. Variabilli shells are also extracted from the dead to make jewelry.

In other societies, the variabilli are viewed as oddities and aliens. Their appearance is only humanoid in shape. Their lurid colors and arthropod-like limbs and face can seem a little unsettling. Many make their living as merchants or artisans with the crafts and materials they bring from the sea. Others find work as laborers and use their powerful punches for things like mining and excavation. In general, they try to be useful and productive, trying to figure out new ways to apply themselves.

Variabilli Names

Variabillian names are very simple and usually have to do with aquatic life and the ocean. Some names have to do also with the color they have on their shell. Like humans, they are usually named by their parents, though they can change their names when they grow up and mature.

Male Names: Cyanei, Okeanos, Crusty, Krebs

Female Names: Depen, Kelpi, Coral, Bubbles

Variabilli Traits

Shrimpy beings from the oceans
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 2.
Age. They can grow pretty much for as long as they live, even after maturity, just slowing down a little. They mature at around 15 and live until 80 on average.
Alignment. While they usually are meek and soft-spoken, variabilli are cautious and aloof. They tend to be neutral and act with explosiveness when forced into action.
Size. Being lanky and having thin chitin, they are quite light. Their heights can reach over 6 feet since they are constantly growing. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and water.
Natural Armor. While thin, the shell that encases a variabillus is still very flexible and sturdy. While unarmored, your Armor Class is equal to 11 + your Dexterity modifier.
Opsis Eyes. Variabilli can see a wider range of color as well as more images than a person, and their eyes are able to swivel to fit into narrow spaces. You are proficient in the Perception and Investigation skills.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Aquan.
Subrace. Choose either the punch or spear variabilli.

Spear

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Hidden Spike. You can essentially harpoon enemies with a powerful stab of your hidden weapon in your claws. As a bonus action, you can make a special attack with your unarmed strike. This attack has a reach of 10 feet. If the attack hits, it deals 2d6 piercing damage and you pull the target into a free space adjacent to you. You can't use this trait again until you finish a short or long rest.

Punch

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 1.
Bullet Punch. The punching claw of a variabillus can reach speeds up to 50mph. It just needs some time to recoil. As a bonus action, you can make a special attack with your unarmed strike. If the attack hits, it deals 2d6 bludgeoning damage and knocks the target 5 feet away from you. You can't use this trait again until you finish a short or long rest.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
5′ 0''	+2d8	110 lb.	× (1d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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