Baketako (5e Race)
Baketako
| “ | Musashi would often speak of the four armed demon that defeated him that day on the beach. He would often recall the flashing of the steel and the ferocity of the warrior's attacks. However, there was one secret he never said; a secret Musashi carried to his very grave. That the warrior that bested him was an eight-legged mollusc. | ” |
Physical Description
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Baketako's appearance is similar to that of their less sentient brothers, looking like large octopuses about 10-11 feet in diameter and covered in tough but slimy skin. They have four long and powerful tentacles that they can use as legs to walk upright in a human-like manner when on land and with the right amount of covering and posture they can pass themselves as a tightly covered human quite easily in most towns. In their upright position, they may use their remaining four tentacles, which are shorter but more flexible than their longer tentacles, as a human would use hands.
They can change their coloration freely but usually maintain a dull green or light orange coloration, only entering bright coloration when they feel threatened or experience strong emotions.
They have two small eyes that are usually glassy and pale and have a sharp jaw, similar to that of a parrot under their tentacles.
History
While early records are unclear, the Baketako believe their origins lie with the Goddess of Sea and Storms, Arakushi. They believe that it was Arakushi that first uplifted them into a state of sentience from their primitive mollusc roots to combat those who would wish to enslave the creatures of the sea. As such the Baketako believe it their duty to protect the sea from evil and corruption, and fight wars with local tribes of Sahuagin and Merrows.
Other historians argue that Baketako were created when the Spirit World brushed against the Material Plane many years ago beneath the waves, causing sentience in a population of octopuses, however, neither theory has been proved.
Society
Baketako live in a feudal society in castles under the sea. They have a rigid hierarchy where the Daimyo (leader) is the highest followed by the Bushi (warriors), hunters, artisans, and finally merchants. At times of great conflict they sometimes elevate a Daimyo to the rank of Shogun, or high leader, to organize offensives, however, this is only a temporary rank.
Baketako are very talented artisans as they can use their four "arms" precisely and efficiently when crafting, and often trade their goods with friendly sea races such as Merfolk and Aquatic Elves. This has fostered an economy greatly focused on trade, and while merchants are the lowest class in the feudal hierarchy, this has caused them to become the most wealthy.
Baketako value loyalty above all else and Baketako who do not adhere to a strict moral code are often exiled from the castle. These exiles are rarely ever allowed to return and most send their squinted eyes up at the surface world.
Baketako Names
The true names of Baketako are in their native language which is based on complex coloration changes and tentacle gestures. However, when interacting with other races, Baketako tend to pick a name for themselves arbitrarily from the first race they encounter.
Baketako Traits
A race of intelligent bipedal molluscs that value honor over even life. (In simpler terms, octopus samurai)
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age. Baketako have relatively short life spans of about 50-80 years. They reach maturity quickly at the age of about 5.
Alignment. Baketako believe in rigid loyalties and strict moral conduct. Many are lawful good or lawful neutral. However, Baketako exiles are less predictable and can even become chaotic evil if they reach that depravity.
Size. Spread out a Baketako has the diameter of about 10-11 feet. However, standing on their "legs" they can be 5-6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet and you have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
Multiple Limbs. You have 4 limbs that you can use to wield and use 2 additional items. This does not allow you to make additional attacks or actions on your turn.
Suction Grip. You have advantage when initiating a grapple against a target and subsequently keeping them in a grapple.
Sunlight Sensitivity. You have disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when you, the target of your attack, or whatever you are trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.
Superior Darkvision. You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 120 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Water Dependancy. If you do not immerse yourself in water for at least 1 hour per day, you suffer one level of exhaustion at the end of that day. You can recover from this exhaustion only through magic or by immersing yourself in water for at least 1 hour.
Squishy. You are an invertebrate. On your turn, if you are not carrying anything, nor wearing clothing or armor, you can move through any space that is at least 3 inches in diameter and do so without squeezing. When you stop moving, the regular squeezing rules apply if you’re in a space one size smaller than you. You can’t willingly stop in a space smaller than that, and if you’re forced to do so, you immediately flow to the nearest space that can fit you, back along the path of your movement.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and water.
Ink Shot. If you are underwater, you can use your action to release a 10- foot-radius cloud of ink extends all around you. The area is heavily obscured for 1 minute, although a significant current can disperse the ink. After releasing the ink, you can use the Dash action as a bonus action. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Languages. You can speak, read and write Common and Primordial(Aquan).
Random Height and Weight
| Base Height | Height Modifier | Base Weight | Weight Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′ | +2d6 | 130 lb. | × (2d6) lb. |
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