Otter folk

"If you ever have an otterfolk compare you to a swamp, you've done them a great insult!" - Mayor Nezu   Waterway warriors   River and Coastal Dwellers: Otterfolk are well-adapted to life in and around bodies of water, particularly rivers, lakes, and coastal regions. They construct their settlements along riverbanks, coastlines, and islands, crafting sturdy dwellings from driftwood, reeds, and other materials found in their aquatic environment.   Expert Swimmers and Divers: Otterfolk are renowned for their swimming and diving abilities, able to navigate the water with speed and grace. They have streamlined bodies, webbed hands and feet, and thick fur coats that provide insulation and buoyancy in the water. Otterfolk excel at fishing, diving for shellfish, and traversing underwater tunnels and caves.   Community-Oriented: Otterfolk are social creatures who place a strong emphasis on community and cooperation. They live in tight-knit family groups or clans, working together to build and maintain their settlements, gather food, and defend against predators and other threats.   Otterfolk communities are governed by elders or chieftains who make decisions for the benefit of the group as a whole. The strongest warriors may be bestowed with the title of 'Taggerung' but only with the approval of the elders and seers of the tribe.   Skilled Craftsmanship: Otterfolk are skilled artisans and craftsmen, adept at working with wood, bone, and other materials found in their aquatic environment. They fashion tools, weapons, and equipment using traditional methods passed down through generations, creating finely crafted items that reflect their connection to the water and the natural world.   Guardians and seers of the Waterways: Otterfolk have a deep reverence for the rivers, lakes, and oceans that sustain their way of life, viewing themselves as guardians and stewards of the waterways. They take great care to preserve and protect their aquatic habitats, maintaining a delicate balance between human activity and the needs of the ecosystem. Their seers use sources of water to divine the tribes future.   Diplomatic Traders: Otterfolk are skilled negotiators and traders, establishing trade routes and alliances with neighboring settlements and factions. They barter fish, pearls, and other aquatic resources in exchange for goods and services from land-dwelling communities, fostering peaceful relations and mutual cooperation in the post-apocalyptic world.   Lore and Tradition: Otterfolk have a rich oral tradition and cultural heritage, passed down through songs, stories, and folklore. They celebrate the changing seasons with festivals and rituals, honoring the spirits of the water and paying homage to their ancestors who came before them. Otterfolk storytellers are highly esteemed members of their communities, preserving the history and wisdom of their people for future generations.   Adaptive Survivors: Despite the challenges of their environment, otterfolk are resilient and adaptable survivors. They possess a deep connection to the water and the land, using their ingenuity and resourcefulness to overcome obstacles and build a prosperous future for themselves and their descendants.