Tritons are a race of aquatic humanoids found in various temperate seas and oceans. In appearance, Tritons are extremely manlike, though their skin is a pale greenish in color, and their hair a blue-green hue. Tritons also have webbed feet and hands, enabling them to move swiftly in the water. The race breathes using gills, but also has poorly developed lungs, which permit them to function on the surface of the water. Tritons can even come ashore for short periods of time, but like most marine creatures they require moisture on their skins to keep from quickly dehydrating and dying. An hour out of the water is generally enough to kill a Triton.
Both male and female Tritons are quite attractive to humans, and it is believed that the two species are capable of interbreeding. However, the race of Tritons is shy and reclusive, and few men have ever had a chance to observe them for any length of time. What little is known of these beings is based on tales told by stranded Tritons, rescued and cared for by humans before being returned to the sea. As such, it is possible that the stories which are told contain much that is exaggerated or distorted for one reason or another. For obvious reasons, humans have rarely been in a position to visit the domains of the Tritons.
It is said that the Tritons build great undersea cities, often using living coral shaped into various structures. They are farmers and herdsmen, and have domesticated a number of marine creatures, including various types of fish, dolphins, and, most importantly, the hippocampus. Their people farm seaweed and other aquatic plants, and use undersea volcanos to forge metals into weapons and tools.
The Tritons are said to be at war with an evil undersea race, known as the Makara. The two races are bitter enemies, and it is largely due to this enmity that the Tritons have become skilled in the arts of war. Without such motivation, the Tritons would undoubtedly be a gentle and peaceful folk, but long conflicts with these bitter foes have made them fierce fighters.
Tritons employ a variety of weapons, including tridents and spears, short swords, and powerful crossbows which can throw a bolt over long distances, even underwater. Their culture is apparently one of numerous independent city-states, ruled by a king or queen. Trade among these cities is common, and cooperation, particularly against the Makara, readily offered. Certain Triton clans are known to trade with men, though they are few in number.
All Tritons are capable of communicating telepathically, both in their own language and in the languages of man. They are able to read the thoughts of non-telepaths at ranges of up to one hundred feet, making communication between Tritons and humans a relatively simple matter.
Height/Length: 5 1/2–6 1/2 ft.
Weight: 120-180 lbs.
Attributes: STR: 8-18 SPD: 13-19 DEX: 10-18 CON: 8-16
INT: 10-18 WILL: 10-18 CHA: 8-18 PER: 13-19
Level: 1-8 (see Comments)
Alignment: Neutral
Damage: As per weapon employed
Special Attributes:
Water breathing
Telepathy (range: 100 ft.)
Armor: Unarmored
Hit Points: 10-40 +
Comments:
Though the normal range of ability for Tritons is 1-8, certain individuals occasionally rise beyond this plateau. Tritons can survive out of water for approximately one hour. Professions open to Tritons include Warrior, Priest, Rogue, Witch, Scholar, Spy, and Paladin.
