Nephropod
Appearance
Nephropods can be simply described as similar to centaurs in their build, yet with lobster-like build rather than an equine build. Nephropods have the body of a lobster, except for the head, from which the torso, head, and arms of a human sprout. The human half typically has skin hues from green to blue, and some Nephropod's human halfs may have more crustacean-like elements than others.Biology
Nephropods live long lives, and are theoretically immortal. Nephropods grow by molting, and will continue to molt and grow until they die by some means within the world. Nephropods will tend to die between the ages of 300-400, eventually having some illness, misfortuen, or condition that brings about their death. Some Nephropods alive have lived thousands of years. Nephropods are generally solitary, with mothers carrying eggs, which are fertilized by a male partner, and released to survive on their own.History
Due to their solitary nature, Nephoropod history has mostly been lost to time, and most records of Nephropod history are viewed through the lense of Naiathel record keeping. The Nephropods had a civilization roughly 3,500 years ago, which was battled and conquered by the Naiathel. After being conquered, Nephropods were used as slaves by the Naiathel for their size and strength to perform laboreous tasks. Their role as slaves within Naiathel society lasted for millenia, until the Miracle. After the Miracle, Naiathel society experienced much turmoil, with many Nephropod slaves being released. Most of these slaves left to live solitary lives in corners of the ocean. Some stayed in Naiathel society as free members, whilst fewer still banded together to form small societies separate from the Naiathel. Nephropods powerful builds have long been a curse for themselves, yet now they are a boone. Nephropods that find their way to the overworld often take up mercenary, bodyguard, or adventuring work, being able to withstand dangerous tasks, especially concerning the sea.Character Creation
Ability Scores. Choose one of: (a) Choose any +2; choose any other +1 (b) Choose three different +1Creature Type. Humanoid
Speed. 30 ft., Swim 40 ft.
Age. Nephropods typically live 300-400 years, reaching maturaty by age 40
Alignment. Nephropods tend to be neutral. They are solitary and often selfishly motivated. They tend to value freedom and control over their fate above all.
Size. Your size is large.
Crustacean Build. Your skin takes the form of a thick shell. At 5th level, you gain a +1 bonus to AC when you're not wearing heavy armor. Any climb that requires hands and feet is especially difficult for you because of your build. When you make such a climb, each foot of movement costs you 4 extra feet, instead of the normal 1 extra foot.
Grappling Claws. You have two large claws, which are natural weapons that you can use to make an unarmed strike. If you hit with it, the target takes bludgeoning damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength modifier. Immediately after hitting, you can try to grapple the target as a bonus action. These appendages can't precisely manipulate anything and can't wield weapons, magic items, or other specialized equipment.
Underwater Creature. You can breathe air and water, and you have a swimming speed equal to your walking speed +10 ft.
Emissary of the Sea. You can communicate simple ideas to any Beast, Elemental, or Monstrosity that has a swimming speed. It can understand your words, though you have no special ability to understand it in return.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, and Aquan.