Abyssian
Back in the early years of Endorrain, abyssians - aka “devourers” - were creatures of nightmare and terror. Monstrous, gigantic beings that lurked within the depths of the ocean - rising to destroy ships and to fight against their dragon cousins. However, the abyssians faded not long before the dragons disappeared off the face of Endorrain. It’s unknown if the reasoning was because their relation was in tandem with dragons or if it was due to some other mysterious circumstance.
The Goddess of the Depths - the one who had watched over the leviathans - grew bitter at the loss of those she had grown to care for. They had spread fear and respect to those living on the lands and without them, Umberlee worried man would lose respect for the depths of the sea. Using her great and terrifying power, Umberlee recreated abyssians but even with powers such as her own, she was unable to create them in their true likeness. Instead, she gave the shadows of the abyss life with only one goal in mind: adapt & consume.
The "new" abyssians behave similarly to their original, ancient versions but on a smaller scale. Abyssians tend to be territorial loners. They fight for hunting ground as it is important for an abyssian to have a constant supply of food due to their insatiable hunger. Most of them lurk in the deepest parts of the ocean - going farther than even merfolk dare - consuming the other creatures of the depths.
While some continue to lurk in the deep - staying far away from others - others have taken it upon themselves to traverse to the mainland. They mask their appearance, allowing their curiosity and hunger to lead them through new territory. They seek to bring the surface of the world into the ocean. Into their territory, where they might be able to finally put an end to their lingering hunger.
Made in Shadow
Abyssians have since lost their monstrous true forms during their recreation. While they have an appearance similar to merfolk, their fish-like forms are more monstrous and built for the darkest depths of the Atimiota Sea.
They appear like half humanoid and half sea monster. Typically their bottom half appears like that of sea serpents, giant squids, lanternfish, and other monstrosities that live down in the darkness. Their upper-half - though humanoid like a merfolk - tend to be more monstrous. They might be covered in dark scales, have luminescent features meant to attract prey, and unusual horns or fins. They have a massive jaw which they can unhinge to consume prey, as their mouth and throat is lined with razor sharp teeth.
Unlike merfolk, Abyssians can hide their forms much better thanks to Umberlee giving them a safety net of sorts, knowing their hunger would drive them to the surface. They have a "shell" they can wear: reminiscent of how Umberlee created them. These shells tend to look relatively human or more merfolk-y, though may have unusual features such as glowing eyes or unusual hair colors. It takes a bit of concentration for an abyssian to keep their form.
Should they lose control of themselves, more of their terrifying energy starts to “leak” out of the body, as it might take on a more uncomfortable appearance. Morphed limbs, abnormally long legs, and so forth.
Abyssians have a natural aura about them that makes others around them feel as though they are being put under the weight of the ocean: a crushing pressure that can induce fear and anxiety. Part of this is because the human container they forge themselves is not strong enough to contain the beast within.
Abyssian Names
Names are often foreign to abyssians until they find their way to the home of the merfolk or to the mainland. As they start to learn of the customs of those who live amongst each other, typically abyssians will pick a name for themselves.
Names for abyssians can vary wildly. Sometimes they pick a name of some of the first things they hear and understand on the land, not understanding it isn't a "typical" name. Other times they may mash names together - regular or objects - to create something a bit more unique and almost alien to most others.
Object Names: Apple, Boat, City, Fork, Flower, Ladle, Port, Roast, Silver, Snow, Water
Abyssian Traits
Ability Score Increase. Choose any +2; choose any other +1
Age. Abyssians do not appear to age: but they do... very, very slowly. This gives them the illusion of immortality. Most abyssians are currently well older than five-hundred years old, but act as teenagers amidst this new world due to the fact they were in hibernation for so long. You can be no older than 1,000 years old.
Size. In their deep sea form, they can reach lengths of 8 feet long. While in their humanoi forms, they have average human sizes. Your size is medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet, you have a swim speed equal to your walking speed.
Blindsight. You can perceive your surroundings without relying on sight within a specific radius. You have a blindsight range of 15 feet.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and water.
Of the Depths. Adapted to even the most extreme ocean depths, you have resistance to cold damage.
From the Abyss. You have an affinity for attracting prey and living in darkness. You know the Dancing Lights cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Cause Fear spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.
Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells when you cast them with this trait (choose when you select this race).
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Deep Speech, and one standard language of choice.