Dula-dulas

Dula-dulas are unique among scalykind and sentient amphibians for their optional, delayed metamorphosis. They originate from non-sentient axolotl tadpoles in Bluestar Lake, some of which spontaneously develop sentience. These sentient younglings emerge from the water at night during a full moon. They are welcomed into dula-dula society, and raised communally in creches.

The most common form is their pale juvenile stage, with external gills and webbed feet. Juveniles emerge from the water around 2 to 3 feet tall and 25 pounds, but continue to grow slowly. Some remain in this form for decades, reaching over 7 feet tall and 300 pounds. If they choose not to transform, they can live indefinitely.

When a dula-dula decides to reproduce, it initiates a final metamorphosis into an adult form. Over a few weeks, their gills retract, they lose their webbed feet, and their skin turns dark black. They retain the size they had reached in their juvenile form, but can now reproduce. Adult dula-dulas live for only one more year.

A dula-dula axolotl-folk. by Chris L

Mated pairs enter the water to spawn, producing up to a thousand fertilized eggs. The hatchlings are non-sentient tadpoles, just another animal in the lake. The reproducing couple never returns. Some say they transform one last time, dissolving back into simple axolotl tadpoles, waiting for the cycle to begin anew.

Dula-dulas Culture

Most dula-dulas feel strongly connected to the waters of Bluestar Lake and prefer to stay near its waters. A few have the itch to wander, traveling far from its shores to see the world, or even the multiverse itself. But almost all of them return home, if they can.

Though the axolotls in the lake are just animals, they are considered sacred by the lake-dwelling peoples. Fishing for them is outlawed, and any caught in nets or during fishing are returned to the water unharmed. Over the years, it's been observed that not every lotl becomes a dula-dula. Some remain as simple creatures their entire lives. Others emerge after decades as salamanders. When asked why, older dula-dulas say, "They haven't finished swimming yet."

Their lifecycle makes "typical" family structures impossible. They don't know who their parents were, or how long they spent as tadpoles. Instead, they form their closest bonds with creche-mates, the group of dula-dulas they emerged and were raised alongside.

In their long adolescent form, dula-dulas lead full and meaningful lives. Many become artisans, fishers, or aquaculturists. A few become warriors who fight on land and sea for the Concordance. All dula-dulas spend their lives looking for a mate worth dying with.

I have many friends and associates among scalykind, but I find the dula-dulas especially delightful. Their joy is infectious, I've never met one who's lost their child-like wonder at the world. I especially admire their gift of metamorphosis, especially when it's done in the name of love.

— Islar, Heirophant of the Moon

Heirophant, Golden Metamorphosis by Chris L

Dula-dulas as Player Characters

5.5E Compatible Species Details

Dula-dulas who become adventurers are of the rare breed who leave Bluestar Lake behind looking for a life of adventure. They have decided that a quiet lake life is not for them. Some become enamored with Maharlitech and want to become artificers or wizards. Some hear tales of mighty warriors and want to become fighters, paladins, or the bards who sing about them.

Dula-dulas Traits

Creature Type: Humanoid

Size: Small (under 3-4 feet tall) or Medium (about 4-7 feet tall), chosen when you select this species. Can change from small to medium on a level up.

Speed: 30 feet, and you have a swimming speed equal to your walking speed.

As a Dula-dula, you have the following special traits.

Darkvision

You have darkvision with a range of 30 feet.

Amphibious

You can breath air and water. If you fail to immerse yourself in water for at least 1 hour during a day, you suffer one level of exhaustion at the end of that day. You can only recover through magic or by immersing yourself in water for at least 1 hour.

Healing Factor

You have a healing factor. At the start of your turn, you may use an action to spend a hit die to regain hit points equal to the roll plus your Constitution modifier. You can only do so a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus. This ability recharges on a long rest. You must be conscious to use this ability.