Medusoids
Medusoids are a silent and mysterious race, often believed by sailors to be the ghosts of maidens drowned at sea. Whilst their billowing forms do resemble gowns and veils, the notion that these people are undead is far from the truth. In reality, the medusoids are long lived beings, the sole witnesses of many of the great time-spanning changes within the world's oceans.
When a medusoid reaches the end of its life, it does not die. Instead, it reverts into a stationary 'infant' stage, and is considered to be both the same individual it once was and a new individual entirely. Through this way, the medusoids carry many of their past lives' memories and traditions with them, whilst also adopting new outlooks on life, quirks, and other personality traits.
In communities where names have become adopted, medusoids have integrated the surface-world tradition of surnames in order to convey this information to outsiders. A medusoid refers to themselves as "X, Aspect of Y", with X being their current chosen name and Y being the name of their first aspect.
Initial idea by Ludume. Created by Nerdhogg. Cycle of Immortality and Regeneration by Eiti3. Art by Caitlin Soliman.
Medusoid Traits
Your medusoid character has the following racial traits: Abiility Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 2.
Age. Medusoids can live up to 60 years per aspect.
Alignment. Medusoids tend towards neutral alignments, trying to avoid taking strong stances on matters of the world. Those that do become active participants in the world tend to do so under a Lawful or Good alignment, seeking to change the seas for the better or to maintain balance within them.
Size. Medusiouds are on average longer than humanoids, with a main body length being about human height, but with tendrils that can extend far beyond this. They are significantly lighter than humans in weight. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base swimming speed is 25 feet.
Aquatic. You can only breathe underwater.
Cycle of Immortality. Once you reach old age, you fold back in on yourself and become a young adult again. This process takes a number of long rests equal to your level.
Translucent Form. Your body is translucent and jelly-like. You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in open water, but have disadvantage on checks and saving throws to avoid being physically moved against your own will.
Regeneration. You regain an additional hit die when completing a long rest.
Tendrils. You have tendrils that reach out from your body a number of feet equal to 5 times your Constitution modifier. These tendrils cannot be used to interact with objects, but can be used for their sense of touch and for determining the reach of shocking grasp, which you innately have access to. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability score for it.
Subrace. You choose one of two subraces: moonlight or twilight.
Moonlight Medusoid
Moonlight medusoids live in water where visible light still shines through from the surface. Here they are able to display vivid colouration.
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases by 1.
Vivid Display. You have proficiency in the Charisma (Performance) skill, and can innately cast friends at will. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability score for it.
Twilight Medusioud
Twilight medusoids dwell in the depths of the ocean, where light no longer pierces through the seas and marine snow drifts down, carrying fragments of shipwrecks and decomposing leviathans.
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Bioluminescent. You know the light cantrip, which is cast directly on yourself. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for it.
Depth Delver. You have resistance to cold damage, and you ignore any of the drawbacks caused by a deep, underwater environment.
