Library / Character Origins

Merfolk

Merfolk have the upper torsos of well-built and attractive humans and lower halves consisting of the tail and fins of a great fish.

Back to Races

Description

Merfolk have the upper torsos of well-built and attractive humans and lower halves consisting of the tail and fins of a great fish. Their hair and scales span a wide range of hues, with merfolk in a given region closely resembling each other. Merfolk can breathe air freely but move on dry land only with difficulty, and rarely spend long periods out of water. As a race, merfolk are insular and distrustful of strangers, but individuals, especially adventuring merfolk, break the mold and can be quite garrulous. Merfolk concern themselves more with nature and the arts than with morality and ethical debates, and have a strong inclination toward neutral alignments.

Standard Racial Traits

Aquatic

Merfolk are humanoids with the aquatic subtype.

Amphibious

Merfolk are amphibious, but prefer not to spend long periods out of the water.

Low-Light Vision

Merfolk have low-light vision.

Armor

Merfolk have a +2 natural armor bonus.

Legless

Merfolk have no legs, and cannot be tripped.

Alternate Racial Traits

Darkvision

Some merfolk favor the lightless depths over shallower waters. Merfolk with this racial trait gain darkvision with a range of 60 feet and light sensitivity. This racial trait replaces low-light vision.

Seasinger

The beautiful voices of the merfolk are legendary. A seasinger gains a +2 racial bonus on Perform (sing) checks and a +1 racial bonus to the save DC of language-dependent spells. This racial trait replaces low-light vision.

Strongtail

A few merfolk have broad, strong tails that are more suited for land travel than the typical merfolk tail. Merfolk with this racial trait have a land speed of 15 feet and a swim speed of 30 feet.

Ability Modifiers

CHA +2 CON +2 DEX +2

Details

Size: Medium
Speed: 5 ft.
Languages: Common, Aquan, Aboleth, Aklo, Draconic, Elven, Sylvan
Universe: core
Source: Advanced Race Guide