# Whalefolk <div class='descriptive'> ##### Pensive *Why am I here? What’s my purpose in life?* *What do I mean by who am I?* *Calm down, get a grip now … oh! this is an interesting sensation, what is it? It’s a sort of … yawning, tingling sensation in my … my … well I suppose I’d better start finding names for things if I want to make any headway in what for the sake of what I shall call an argument I shall call the world, so let’s call it my stomach.* **Dougla Ada, (One of the original Whalefolk Philosophers)** </div> ### Practice before Perfection ___ The God of the depths kept mostly to itself, occupied and delighted by the swirling murky ocean floor, and pretty plant-life it had made. For a time it believed itself to be alone, or at least, untroubled, by the other Gods, and especially their creations. But soon the depths of the rivers, and lakes, were being occupied by amphibious creatures, creatures that, while not ruining, at least disturbed the God of the depths. Realising the need for creation, the Gods began. Kraken, Octopus, Whale, Shark, and Dragon Turtles, were all brought into existence. However a creature capable of true sentience, capable of being an ambassador to the other Gods’ creations, was yet to be successful. Together they pleaded to the Creator to allow them a race of creatures. After time, and proof of their abilities, demonstrated in their creatures and maintaining the ocean, lakes, and sea depths, the Creator allowed them a race. The decision took further time, as each of the underwater pantheon began to argue as to which of their creatures should be given the honour. Amongst all the in fighting, it was apparent that none of the Gods knew exactly what they were supposed to be creating. They had only heard rumours of what it was to be humanoid. As a result, after finally settling on the Whalefolk, the 8ft hulking masses of blubber, and anthropomorphic whales, which were already a rarity amongst the known world, caused a large stir in the Verse. <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> ### Solitary ___ Whalefolk are normally loners. Not due to any societal restrictions or prejudice, but it is just how the majority of Whalefolk prefer to live. Scattered all over the globe, it is very rare to see more than one Whalefolk, together, unless it is nearing the time of the Whalesmeet. Few other societies can fathom the mass migration that occurs once ever ten years, as all Whalefolk, of all subspecies, are drawn to the meets chosen location, as decided the Whalesmeet previously. It is here that any Whalefolk looking for a mate can find one, a time of celebration and masterpieces, and of songs. Whalefolk can choose not to attend the Meet, and some reject the lack of society itself, choosing to integrate into other species’ society. Those that reject the Whalefolk lifestyle, split the opinion of Whalefolk. Some would see them erased from the records, and permanently outcast, while others see it as a necessity, hoping to improve personal relationships with the other species. ### Masters of a Craft ___ In preferring to live alone, most Whalefolk dedicate their time to becoming masters in a certain field. The variety of craft’s are displayed at the Whalesmeet, and if you are lucky enough to encounter these hermit folk, it is always a good idea to enquire as to their craft, for you shall not be disappointed. The only times that Whalefolk aren’t devoted to their craft, is during the time that they are raising young, or if they are called to be one of the five elders, (one from each subspecies), of Whalefolk, who maintain the relationships to the other species, and act as ambassadors for the Whalefolk. It is worth noting that ‘a craft’ need not be limited to the common sense of the word. Rather any life pursuit, Whalefolk would consider a craft. Therefore masters of poetry, history, music, law, politics, philosophy, are all considered ‘crafts’ to the Whalefolk. ### Whalefolk Names ___ - **Male Names:** Namus, Chaatl, Kung, Kassan, Lund, Klokon, Brem, Anyox, Neah, Ucluelet, Nahmint, Mooyah - **Female Names:** Shamu, Kwatna, Kemano, Kildala, Haida, Nisga’a, Yekooche, Tachie, Pinchi, Endako, Nulki, Nanaimo ### Whalefolk Traits ___ Your Whalefolk character has a number of traits in common with all other Whalefolk. - **Ability Score Increase.** Your Constitution score increases by 2. - **Age.** Whalefolk reach maturity around age 15 and can live up to 200 years - **Alignment.** Any - **Size.** Whalefolk are between 6 and 8 feet tall and weigh between 200 and 500 pounds. Your size is Medium. \pagebreakNum - **Speed.** Your base walking speed of 30ft and you have a swimming speed of 30ft. - **Powerful Build.** You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift. - **Semi-conscious sleep.** During sleep, the Whalefolk shut down half of their brain, for four hours, the other half for the remaining four hours. They can make perception checks while in this state, though at disadvantage. - **Languages.** You can speak, read, and write Common and Whalish. - **Speak with Small Aquatic Animals.** Through sounds and gestures, you can communicate simple ideas with Small or smaller aquatic beasts. - **Subrace.** There exist 5 subraces of Whalefolk: Monowhale, Delphiwhale, Balawhale, Physewhale, Orcawhale. Choose one of them for your character. #### Monowhale (Narwhal) The pigmentation of narwhals is a mottled pattern, with blackish-brown markings over a white background. They are darkest when born and become whiter with age, old monowhales may be almost pure white. The most conspicuous characteristic of the monowhale is a single long tusk, which is in fact a canine tooth that projects from just above the forehead, much like a unicorn’s, and forms a left-handed helix spiral. The tusk grows throughout life, reaching a length of about 3-4ft on average, at maturity. Rumours suggest that the horn provides heighten senses compared to its counter-races. They do not have a dorsal fin. - **Ability Score Increase.** Your Wisdom score increases by 1. - **Narwfolk Horn.** Your horn is considered a natural weapon, which you can use to make one unarmed strike. If you hit with them, you deal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. #### Delphiwhale (Beluga) Belugas are also called white whales, similar to Monowhales in that respect, and their unusual colour makes them one of the most familiar and easily distinguishable of all the whales. Calves are born grey or even brown and only fade to white as they mature. They are the most social of the Whalefolk, and have a tendency to live in the colder climates, due to their natural resistance to the cold. They do not have a dorsal fin. - **Ability Score Increase.** Your Charisma score increases by 1. - **Damage resistance.** You have a natural resistance to cold damage <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> #### Balawhale (Blue) Balawhales have long, slender mottled greyish-blue bodies, although they appear blue underwater. The mottling pattern is highly variable and the unique pigmentation pattern along the back in the region of the dorsal fin can be used to identify known individuals. Additional distinguishing features of the Balawhale include a broad, flat head, which appears U-shaped from above. Balawhales are the largest of the Whalefolk, though only some of them use their natural size to their advantage. - **Ability Score Increase.** Your Strength score increases by 1. - **Powerful Build** You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift. #### Physewhale (Sperm) The Physewhale's unique body is unlikely to be confused with any other species. The Physewhale's distinctive shape comes from its very large, block-shaped head, which can be one-quarter to one-third of the Whalefolk's length. It has a series of ridges on the back's caudal third instead of a dorsal fin. In contrast to the smooth skin of most large whales, its back grey skin is usually wrinkly, often likened to a prune. They have the largest brain of the Whalefolk, and by extension, the other races. However, it doesn’t necessarily make them smarter than the others, just able to retain more information than most. - **Ability Score Increase.** Your Intelligence score increases by 1. - **Loudest wail** You can cause your voice to boom up to three times as loud as normal. #### Orcawhale (Killer) A typical Orcawhale distinctively bears a black back, white chest and sides, and a white patch above and behind the eye. Calves are born with a yellowish or orange tint, which fades to white. It has a heavy and robust body, with a large dorsal fin. Behind the fin, it has a dark grey "saddle patch" across the back. Over the years, the Orcawhale have built up a reputation of being apex hunters. Their natural muscular form, allows them to be quicker than most other Whalefolk, giving them a slight predisposition to positions of power, and feats of combat. - **Ability Score Increase.** Your Dexterity score increases by 1. - **Dominating Presence** You can use your Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution modifier instead of your Charisma modifier when making an intimidation check.