Fishman

Although mighty in size and stature, many Fishmen are often oppressed by other races and treated as outcasts, being the main trade of slaves and often coming from Fishman Island. Fishman is an overarching term, because there are three different types of fishman to choose from: Shark, Octopus, and Fish. Although they are each placed under the umbrella term of Fishman, there is a large distinction between them. Sharks are typically a pale blue or green color and inherit more of the animal’s characteristics. Octopi are typically a pale pink and have several tentacles to act as arms or legs. Finally, Fish inherit the most human looking traits, with only keeping fins or something of the sort depending on the type of fish.

Features

Average Height and Lifespan:              Between 6-12 feet tall (medium size) and living for a max of 140 years

Movement Speed:                                                  30 foot both running and swim speed

Stat Buffs:                                                                Shark gets a +2 to Str, Octopus gets a +2 to Dex, and Fish gets a +2 to Cha

Abilities

Since the Fishman race is so diverse, your initial ability at level 1 changes depending on the type of Fishman you chose. 

  • Shark. Instead of doing an unarmed strike, you can instead do a Bite attack that deals the same as your unarmed strike, but instead deals piercing damage.
  • Octopus. You can hold as many weapons as you have available tentacles and arms (usually 8), however the damage of your attacks becomes a cumulative of all the attacks for the same damage.
  • Fish. If there is a water source nearby, then a Fish can jet out water extending 5 more feet when using an unarmed strike.

At 5th level, you are able to convert your level HP into 1 AC as a free action. For example, if you were level 5, you could convert 15 HP into 3 AC. There is no limit to this feature.

At 7th level, you take full advantage of your aquatic nature. You gain double your normal movement speed while in water, as well as a +4 to Str, Dex, and Con while submerged. These effects linger for 2 turns when you get out of the water.

The type of Fishman you choose can change a lot about the character beyond just stats. For example, Shark Fishmen are typically more confrontational and physical than the more conversationalist and passive Fish counterparts. Due to fish-men and merfolk giving birth to children who get genetic traits from their distant ancestors, and thus usually not looking anything like their parents, they are not surprised by the appearances of others, no matter how bizarre. It also does not make sense to them when people discriminate against others just because of how they look.