Deep Ones

## Description:

The Deep Ones, also known as Scaled Ones, Those From Below, and Fish Folk, are a race of aquatic humanoids of unknown origins that dwell in the deeper sections of Earth's oceans; in their own language, they refer to themselves as [REDACTED]. Deep Ones are saltwater creatures, and are not found inland or in sources of freshwater, and are found throughout the world's oceans in settlements which reside on the ocean floor. They are generally smaller than an average human, standing at just above five (5) feet tall, weigh around one hundred and seventy (170) pounds, and are known for their hunched shoulders and waddling gait when moving on land.

Deep Ones have fish-like, glassy, bulging eyes which do not blink, and usually come in hues of brown, green, black, or blue. Their bodies are hairless and covered in grey-ish green, slippery, glossy skin with white stomachs; their joints and heads are covered in thin scales which offer limited protection from conventional weaponry. They have scaled backs with fins or ridges running their lengths, along with webbed hands and feet which end in sharp black claws. The Deep Ones have symmetrical pairs of gills along their necks, which shiver and undulate when out of water. Their heads are obviously aquatic in origin, their wide, thin-lipped mouths filled with needle-like rows of teeth. Due to their skeletal structure, Deep Ones generally do not walk upright, but instead hop like frogs or sprint on all fours. When injured, Deep Ones bleed a thin, watery, dark blue blood mixed with saltwater.

Deep Ones are considered inhuman monsters in the eyes of most other races, save for the likes of the Scothyr. The sight of a Deep One, especially to someone unaware of their existence, is so startling as to cause someone to feint. They are exceptionally ugly and obviously mutated or misshapen mockeries of humanity, and most are mutated beyond their normal features; many will have random growths of scales, discolored or translucent skin, skin rashes or irritation, etc. The authorities of most sentient races understand the danger posed by even a single Deep One, and many factions and nations around the K2 Universe know to kill the creatures on-sight. Deep Ones reciprocate this animosity, as the monsters are known to despise humans and consider them as ugly as humans see the Deep Ones.

Deep Ones are generally perceived as simple-minded and unintelligent, driven by instincts over reasoning or self-awareness. This is a misconception according to research and interviews with cultists of the Esoteric Order of Dagon; the Deep Ones are, at a baseline, as intelligent as human beings, and have personalities that vary as widely as those found in humans. However, Deep Ones are very uncommunicative with humans, including their human worshippers and allies, preferring to deal with others of their own kind instead. Furthermore, it has been observed that Deep Ones communicate primarily via the use of Psionics, although their spoken speech has been described as "hoarse barking and loose-syllabled croaking"; the minds of Deep Ones are entirely alien, to such a degree that the use of Psionics physically harms the user rather than the Deep One target (*Note: Psionics testing on Deep Ones has been suspended until further notice*). Additionally, Deep Ones and the priests of their human cult have been known to exhibit Psionic abilities themselves, a fact which lends further evidence to the necessary complexity of the Deep One mind. The intellect of Deep Ones will inevitably increase with time and age, as the creatures are biologically immortal. Deep Ones are also very wise thanks to their connection to their gods and long history.

The Deep Ones' technology is considered entirely alien to other sentient races; in a twisted facsimile of their basis as "children" of a fertility god, the Deep Ones rely on biological organisms to mimic more advanced forms of technology; for example, the Deep Ones are known to modify their bodies to improve combat abilities, genetically engineer and domesticate unnatural forms of aquatic life to use as weapons, and use Magic to enslave sea creatures and employ them as spies, mounts, and warriors. Their consistent production and distribution of mastercraft golden jewelry implies the presence of mines, forges, factories, and artisans within their society, although the mechanisms used in the crafting are unknown. The Deep Ones are known to inhabit city-sized settlements around the world, all of which would require considerable logistical facilities to maintain and operate, indicating a level of technology which at least rivals early humanity. In terms of weaponry, Deep Ones seem very limited; despite their physical advantages, humanity seems to be more than a match for the Deep Ones in a fair fight thanks to humanity' access to firearms and advanced vehicles. Deep Ones are known to play to their strengths, and have been observed wielding Magical weapons and mundane melee weapons, including swords, spears, harpoons, and nets; when on land, Deep Ones have exhibited an understanding of human weapons, and can make use of scavenged firearms and human-made vehicles if necessary. The Deep Ones have a deep understanding of Magic and Psionics, which enable them to stand up against humanity's superior firepower; the Deep Ones are known to specialize in Transmutation, Conjuration, and Evocation Magic relating to water, sea creatures, and weather. The priests of the Esoteric Order of Dagon, and therefore the Deep Ones, are also known to have access to powerful Ritual Magic and the ability to commune with and summon their gods. The Deep Ones are most known for their manipulation of the weather, and their use of Contracts with human communities to provide limitless fish in exchange for human sacrifices, human worshippers, and human mates for the Deep Ones.

The Deep Ones reproduce sexually in one (1) of two (2) ways: interbreeding between Deep Ones, and the creation of Hybrids via a Deep One's mating with a human. Conventional breeding between Deep Ones is exceptionally rare and considered taboo, as the Deep Ones prefer to mate with humanity in order to infiltrate land-dwelling societies; this process is carried out by consenting humans who worship with the Esoteric Order of Dagon, or, more commonly, by kidnapped humans in Deep One "breeding camps," which are constructed on islands around the world and hidden from prying eyes. Deep One mating rituals and "breeding camps" are incredibly complex and detailed elsewhere. Deep Ones reproduce at a rate slightly lower than humans, and can mate any number of times across their infinite lifespans. Deep One Hybrids appear totally human as children, until they reach middle age (30's) and begin to mutate, exhibiting the so-called "Innsmouth Look"; the mutating adults them separate themselves from human society as their metamorphosis advances, eventually compelling them to seek out their ancestral homes or, if such locations are unavailable, the nearest coastal settlement. Once along the coast, the Hybrid completes their metamorphosis, sheds their humanity, and walks into the ocean to join their brethren in the nearest Deep One settlement. One (1) in ten (10) children do not undergo their metamorphosis, and instead have the mutations skip a generation, while another one (1) in ten (10) refuse the Call to return to the water and reject their lineage, remaining as half-human-half-Deep One until the end of their unnaturally long (but not infinite) life; this incomplete metamorphosis is believed to be the result of unclean genetics, improper heritage, or a potent willpower on the part of the rejecting individual. Children and family are very important to the Deep Ones, as is familial ancestry and the maintenance of bloodlines; Hybrid children are treated as human until their mutations begin to develop, and many Hybrid children grow up without a parent, or without any parents at all, as their family members walk into the ocean and complete their metamorphosis. Deep Ones harbor love and compassion for their unmutated offspring, and will return to the surface every few years to check up on and observe their children as they grow and develop, waiting for the time when their kids will make the transition and come to live under the surface with them forever. Normal Deep Ones are produced when a human male mates with a Deep One female; human females that mate with Deep One males produce a much larger subrace known as [REDACTED].

Deep Ones are biologically immortal after the completion of their transformation and abandonment of their humanity. The Deep Ones do not have a natural maximum lifespan, and only die as the result of accidents or violence.

### Personality:

As stated previously, Deep Ones have varied personalities like humans do; however, all Deep Ones share the same attitudes towards humans and other sentient races. The Deep Ones seek to destroy humanity and claim Earth for themselves, either by weaponizing their gods or Magic powers, or, more likely, by infiltrating and replacing mankind via their reproductive rites. The Deep Ones seek out and make Contracts with failing coastal humanoid communities, demanding sacrifices, religious adherence, obedience, and mates in exchange for gold, artifacts, Psionics, Magic knowledge, and limitless fish; these communities inevitably fall under the sway of the Esoteric Order of Dagon and, therefore, the Deep Ones, who will eliminate any resistance via intimidation, bullying, persuasion, or violent force. These conquered communities then become breeding grounds for the Deep Ones and powerful sources of influence for the Deep One race, often resting nearby an established Deep One settlement.

The Deep Ones are considered arrogant by other sentient races. According to testimony and translated records, the Deep Ones are confident that they could eradicate humanity at any time if they wished to do so; these claims come from the Seventeenth (17th) Century, however, and are likely no longer applicable to the modern world of firearms and submarines. The outdated nature of those beliefs do not deter the Deep Ones from maintaining them, however, as the Deep Ones remain steadfast in their superiority over mankind and the inevitable fate which awaits anyone that stands against them. The Deep Ones' arrogance has gotten them in trouble on multiple occasions, and is more than likely a consequence of their own insecurity, technological stagnation, and inability to adapt to a technologically superior foe.

The Deep Ones are known to kidnap humans from all around the world en masse. These kidnapped individuals are taken as sacrifices to the Deep Ones' gods, or as slaves in the "rape camps," who will be used to breed more Deep Ones. These slaves are not expected to live for very long; the men are used as breeding stock and then allowed to die, while the women are saved and kept alive via macabre biotechnological contraptions to ensure their survival until they give birth. Human women do not survive the birthing process, and must be replaced frequently. The Deep Ones do not care about their slaves in any way, and consider them to be livestock; Deep Ones will not hesitate to torture, maim, abuse, and kill any slave that gets out of hand, attempts to escape, or disobeys their masters. Additionally, Deep Ones are also known to Psychically control particularly valuable or troublesome slaves in order to prevent harm or escape attempts, a tactic also utilized as a means of defense against attackers and would-be rescue parties. The Deep Ones take only human slaves, and kill members of all other races they encounter on-sight. Deep Ones treat each other as family, and are fiercely loyal to their own kind and to their gods.

The Deep Ones' hedonistic tendencies are largely unknown. Their skill in metalworking and seeming abundance of gold and jewels implies that they hold value in such trinkets and understand their usefulness in trade with humans, but few Deep Ones have been observed as actually wearing any such items. The Deep One priests of Dagon and their other gods are known to wear such fine accessories alongside their robes and staffs, but this practice is believed to be a status symbol rather than expression of wealth. Deep Ones do, however, place a heavy emphasis on the importance of art within their society. Examinations of discovered pieces of Deep One architecture and art indicate a very complex writing system which relies on the use of thousands of hieroglyphs, mosaics, images, and runes organized in a left-to-right manner seen in many human languages. Murals, large carvings, paintings, sculptures, and jewelry are all also extremely common mediums of Deep One art; this artwork is used primarily for religious purposes, but is also created to memorialize important events or recognize important figures. Deep Ones do not create music, although chanting is a key part of their Ritual Magic, and Deep Ones are known to conduct incredibly complex and time-consuming displays of synchronized swimming, believed to be courting rituals, expressions of celebration, rituals for their Magic, and/or manifestations of the members' innate Psychic connection with one another.

Deep Ones have a very potent bond with one another, driven by their innate comradery and the Psychic connection shared between them all; Deep Ones communicate via Psionics, which means their unspoken language is perfect difficult to manipulate or misconstrue. Deep Ones are fiercely loyal to one another, and trust each other with their lives. It is not known exactly why this is, although many JPCU researchers believe that this stems from a combination of their Psychic link and animalistic instincts.

### Abilities:

Deep Ones are naturally stronger than normal human beings, although they are considerably slower and less capable while on land; when underwater, Deep Ones are exceptionally fast, strong, and aware, but are sluggish when out of the water. Deep Ones possess excellent night vision and eyes which have no need to blink, although they are short-sighted when above water; their senses of smell are also heightened beyond human limits, a feature which is only exaggerated further when submerged in water. Deep Ones are more than capable of killing a grown human male with their bare hands in a single swipe or single gouging bite even when on land, but are devastatingly effective when in the water; Deep Ones are unhindered by water, allowing them to move unusually fast and without hindrance to their considerable strength. They are resistant to the cold, have natural armor in the form of their scales, and are unaffected by changes in pressure that occur when moving between depths. Despite being aquatic beings, Deep Ones can still somewhat breathe oxygen as a human does, and can survive on land for several hours at a time without risk of suffocation or dehydration; Deep Ones must remain close to the water in order to prevent such accidents, however, and are known to be Psychically drawn to the ocean if separated.

Deep Ones possess no innate resistances to or affinities for the use of Magic. However, Deep Ones are naturally gifted in Psionics, although only priests and important individuals are capable of weaponizing their abilities. Normal Deep Ones cannot use Psionics except for communication purposes, and no Deep One will willingly communicate with a human via Psionics.

### Culture:

The Deep One culture is centered around the infiltration and elimination of mankind and the veneration of their gods; religion is intrinsically connected to Deep One society. The structure and hierarchy of Deep One culture is entirely unknown, save for the race's veneration of their older members (e.g. Dagon, Mother Hydra, Silent Ones) and the respect shown towards priests; the Deep One religion is highly structured, although the details of which are mostly unknown. Deep One culture and beliefs are only seen in glimpses via examination of the Esoteric Order of Dagon, which provides little information.

The governmental system of the Deep Ones is unknown, but speculated to exist primarily as either a theocracy, monarchy, or strange tribal rule-of-the-elders. Deep Ones are speculated to operate according to a strict caste system, structured according to one's lineage and bloodline, although the details of this are unknown as of the time of writing.

The Deep Ones communicate via an unspoken mental language projected using short-range, weak Psionics; these abilities will strengthen with age and training, although some Deep Ones are known to be particularly blessed. As a result of their nonverbal language, Deep Ones rarely speak aloud and rarely communicate to any non-Deep Ones, even their own human cultist allies; Deep Ones communicate with their human allies via a garbled, mutated dialect of native languages and code-talk, broken up by croaking, gargling, and barking sounds which cannot easily be replicated by a normal human being. When speaking with humans that are not Hybrids, Deep Ones rely on gestures and written words to communicate, as they will refuse to Psychically communicate with any human being.

#### Cuisine:

The Deep One cuisine is entirely unknown. It is believed that they eat fish and other sea life, are physically capable of eating such creatures raw without issue, and are known to devour humans as part of special rituals; their consumption of human flesh is theorized to be purely ceremonial, as Deep One physiology is likely too similar to human physiology to allow for long-term consumption.

##### List of Settlements:

1. Y'ha-Nthlei (near Innsmouth)
2. Y'lu-Y'loa (near Cornwall)
3. K'toch (near Norway)
4. Y'ha-gom-loa (near Antarctica)

#### Military:

While incapable of besting a well-organized and properly equipped human military or militia, Deep Ones are still capable fighters with enough intelligence to focus on leveraging their advantages. Every Deep Ones' innate survival instincts provide them with powerful physical prowess; despite foregoing melee weapons in most circumstances, Deep Ones are more than capable of dispatching an armed human being in melee combat. It is believed that all Deep Ones are considered combatants within their society, and all members are expected to participate in their race's grand plot to overthrow mankind and defend their brethren in the case of an attack. Most Deep One strategies, however, rely on misdirection, subterfuge, and trickery rather than brute force.

Deep Ones rely on infiltration and subversion tactics to enact their schemes, placing cultists and allies in coastal communities, making contact with struggling coastal settlements and offering them wealth, fish, and eternal life in exchange for servitude, etc. The Deep Ones rely on the Esoteric Order of Dagon to conduct most of these operations. The Deep Ones purposely forego advanced technology, hide their cities, and keep their own allies at arms' length because they want to maintain the illusion that their race is simple-minded, tribal, unemotional and weak; in reality, the Deep Ones use this reputation to encourage an underestimation of their abilities, which allows the Deep Ones to conduct their business in relative peace and with few disturbances. Few people are aware that the Esoteric Order of Dagon is a truly international organization with its hands in all kinds of criminal and eldritch enterprises, or that the Deep Ones outnumber humanity in raw population; few understand the size and danger posed by the ancient Deep Ones like Dagon or the Silent Ones, and fewer still comprehend the threat posed by an organized mass of the monsters.

The Deep Ones understand their weakness in the face of superior human technology, and so prefer to avoid direct conflict or fair fights whenever possible; instead, they rely on hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and raids to deal damage to mankind. Their reliance on the ocean prevents Deep Ones from venturing inland, but they are more than capable of attacking any coastal settlement in the world at a moment's notice. Deep Ones usually attack at night, when their eyesight best serves them and when the darkness most impedes their enemies; similarly, Deep Ones are quiet for their size, and will sneakily eliminate stragglers or sentries before conducting their main assault. Deep Ones are infamous for ambushing ships out on the open ocean, killing or kidnapping the crew, and leaving the ship to float adrift; Deep Ones are also blamed for unusual or suspicious shipwrecks.

Deep Ones are also known to employ sea creatures, using Magic to see through their senses or weaponize dolphins, sharks, and squids. Deep Ones are also masters of mutation and bioengineering, evidenced by their creation and use of domesticated Megalodon sharks and their rare use of domesticated Shoggoths. Deep One "technology" exists in the form of specifically engineered creatures, parasites or symbiotes who serve a single purpose for the Deep Ones and nothing else. These creatures are used as tools by the Deep Ones, who hold no particular love for the other creatures that share their habitat.

## Religion:

The Deep One religion is heavily inwards-focused and malicious towards outsiders; like the Deep Ones themselves, their religion is parasitic, invasive, and subtle.