Half-Naiad
This is a Playtest Version. [2024.08.02]
The Dungeon Master reserves the right to make any alterations to this in order to keep the game balanced and fun for everyone.

Description
Half-Naiads are a unique and rare race, the offspring of water Naiads and other humanoid beings. They embody the grace and mystery of their aquatic lineage while also adapting to life on land. These beings possess small, elegant horns that protrude from their foreheads, a symbol of their mystical heritage. Gills along their necks allow them to breathe underwater as easily as on land, making them versatile in various environments.
Half-Naiads have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other races. They typically have smooth, slightly shimmering skin that ranges in color from deep ocean blue to seafoam green. Their eyes are often a vivid shade of blue or green, with an otherworldly luminescence. The small horns on their foreheads are delicate and curve gracefully, often adorned with natural decorations like shells or pearls. Their hair is usually long and flows like water, in colors ranging from silver and blue to deep black.
Half-Naiads often possess a calm and serene demeanor, reflecting the tranquil waters of their Naiad parentage. They are curious and have a natural affinity for water and nature, often feeling a deep connection to lakes, rivers, and seas. However, they also inherit the adaptability of their land-dwelling parentage, making them open to exploring new environments and cultures.
Traits
- Ability Score Increase: Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
- Age: Half-Naiads mature at a similar rate to humans but often live slightly longer, typically around 100 to 120 years.
- Alignment: Half-Naiads tend toward neutral alignments, favoring balance and harmony with nature. However, they can be found across the alignment spectrum, depending on their upbringing and personal experiences.
- Size: Half-Naiads are similar in size to humans, standing between 5 and 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
- Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet. You also have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
- Amphibious: You can breathe both air and water.
- Water Affinity: You have proficiency in the Perception skill. Additionally, you can cast the Shape Water cantrip.
- Gift of Song: Half-Naiads are often alluring to air breathing humaniods and are naturally talented singers. You have proficiency in Performance checks when you are singing.
- Naiad's Grace: You can move across difficult terrain made of ice or water without expending extra movement. Additionally, you have advantage on saving throws against being paralyzed or restrained.
- Language: You can speak, read, and write Common and Aquan.
- Racial Features and Abilities:
- Waterborne Adaptation: Due to their Naiad heritage, Half-Naiads can naturally adapt to aquatic environments. They can hold their breath for up to an hour if they choose not to use their gills, allowing them to interact in environments with both air-breathing and water-breathing creatures seamlessly.
- Spellcasting Ability: Charisma is your spellcasting ability for any spells granted by this race. You use your Charisma whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting ability.
- Innate Magic: You can cast the Charm Person spell once per day, using this trait. Starting at 3rd level, you can also cast the Misty Step spell once per day.
Cultural Background
Half-Naiads often come from regions near large bodies of water, such as coastal towns, riverside villages, or island communities. They are typically seen as mysterious and enchanting by other races, and they often serve as mediators between aquatic creatures and land dwellers. Due to their dual nature, they can sometimes struggle with feeling fully accepted in either realm but often find solace in exploring the wonders of the natural world.