Kua-Toa

The Kua-Toa also known as fishfolk (a derogatory nickname from the Kua-Toa perspective) are an aquatic race of semi humanoids.

## Description

Kuo-Toa were normally 1.5 meter (5 feet) tall and weighed approximately 70 kilograms (160 pounds), Contrasting with their paunchy shape were their arms and legs, slender and lithe despite their relative shortness. At the end of each limb were broad, distended and partially webbed hands and feet. Each extremity had three main digits and one opposing digit at its end. Topping their bodies were bullet-shaped, piscine heads hosting a mouthful of sharp teeth and a pair of bulging silver-black eyes capable of independently swiveling to observe a situation.

Their bodies were covered in gray scales with yellowish undertones in males, which could vary in pigmentation based on their emotional state, such as a dark red when angered and a ghostly white when terrified. Coating their rubbery skin and piscine scales was a layer of slippery slime that gave their bodies a glimmering sheen. Normally the only clothing that they wore were leather straps to hold their gear since their slime made conventional armor and leather highly uncomfortable although some donned armor made of seashells. They did have a fondness for accessories of bone, shell, and gems. A light stench of rotten fish was constantly exuded by their bodies.

## Personality

Kua-Toa are a shy, curious and skittish race that tends to avoid conflict. They were mostly peaceful by nature and preferred to avoid conflict whenever possible. Thus they usually thrived in peaceful areas where they had no natural predators or danger. The Kua-Toa found the surface races fascinating and often follow them, shadowing them and learning about them from a distance.

## Abilities

Kuo-toa were an amphibious race, capable of operating with equal or greater mobility underwater as they could on land. The slime produced by their skin was also fairly useful, partially protecting them from poisons and allowing them to wriggle free of most attempts to restrain them. The kuo-toa possessed incredible monocular vision capable of perceiving invisible or even ethereal creatures when they moved.

The Kua-Toa prefer the water but could survive on the surface for short periods of time. Their slimy protection on their skin eventually dries in the open air and even faster in the hot sun, thus they usually venture out of the waters during the night, if ever.

The Kua-Toa were renowned for their exceptional resourcefulness, showcasing their expertise in the art of hunting. Unlike relying on stealth or sheer ferocity, their prowess lay in their ingenuity with traps and intricate contraptions. Within Kua-Toa societies, one would often encounter an array of peculiar traps, ranging in size and complexity. Despite their limited resources, these traps were cunningly crafted, serving as a testament to their cleverness. With such remarkable contrivances, the tribe demonstrated their ability to capture creatures as immense as whales, securing a bountiful harvest from the depths of the sea.

## Society

The Kua-Toa society consists mostly of hunters and gatherers. Usually they lived in a tribal structure under a chief. The Kua-Toa society encouraged team work, problem solving and creativity. It is not rare to see Kua-Toa dabble in alchemy, engineering and construction of odd tools to help them either defend themselves or face the day to day challenges.

An accomplished Kua-Toa could have many mates, a feat which gives an individual much respect in their culture.

The chieftain, usually but not always a strong male, are usually shamans or strong warrior. Usually, the chieftain would choose to elevate one of their mate to be their second in command. If the chieftain is a Warrior they would choose a Shaman, and if they are a Shaman they would choose a worthy bodyguard to be their protector.

## Underwater Society

Kua-Toa are are outside their own tribes, which are usually located in shallower waters.

When acting in the underwater society, they usually take the roles of shrewd merchants, engineers, alchemists, or architects.

Kua-Toa may be looked down upon since they seem humble, simple and strange, but those who deal with them learned to respect them much.