Mertral

## Introduction

An amphibious species that thrives in wet
areas of the continent, Mertral spend their lives half on water and half
on land. They are strongly tied to their places of origin and are usually found
in familial groupings. If they are far away from their home families, they will
try to adopt a new family.

Their natural physique and training underwater make them particularly agile and
strong warriors. Their strange looks compared to the other Citizen Species has caused them to be discriminated against for most of Belenus history.

### Physical Description:

Female Mertral are slightly bigger and rounder than
Male Mertral, but both average between 1.8m to 2.2 m tall and have a healthy body weight range of between 65kg to 150kg. They have large webbed
feet for propelling themselves through water and hands with strong claws for
hunting large sea creatures. A dorsal fin on the top of their heads and down
their neck is incredibly sensitive towards movement. They have an
underdeveloped sense of smell, but are able to grasp subtleties in taste much
better.

Their skin is an intricate weave of scales that begins peeling after long-term
exposure to dry climes. Skin colors range from blue to dark navy, with distinct
mottled markings.

### Age Range:

In times of plenty, Mertral easily enjoy lifespans of 120 years.

### Naming Traditions:

Mertral names for themselves rely on sonic vibrations in water, and therefore are mostly unpronounceable to non-Mertral. They tend to choose Common Language names based off of objects or animals. Famous Mertral names include Ali (short for Aligator), Hippo Boy, and Jug Lady.

### Relations with other Races:

For years thought of as violent sub-human animals, Mertral have probably suffered the most under Vei and Sunling rules. Many were captured to be eaten or to function as work animals. It wasn’t until late in the First Epoch that their intelligence was recognized. But some Sunling tribes, especially ones who have warredwith them over territory for thousands of years, still refuse to believe they are worthy of being citizens. Despite very few opportunities to meet, they seem to get along most naturally with Norfolk.

Standard Racial Traits:

* Ability Score: Strong and agile, Mertral get a +2 to strength and a +2 to dexterity.
* Size: Medium, no bonuses or penalties.
* Hunger:- 1 strength per day after 5 days, no food = no regen of health; must consume 2 rations
* Thirst: -1 constitution per day after 1 day, no

water = no regen of health

* Base Speed: 30 feet, 40 feet in water
* Languages: Common, Mertral.

Defense Racial Traits:

* Hardy: +2 to saving throws against poison, spells and spell-like abilities

Feat & Skill Racial Traits:

* Swim: Swim is always a class skill, and they can always move in water without a Swim check.
* Breath Underwater: Mertral can dive deep without ever coming up for air.
* Intimidation: +2 to Intimidation checks

Magical Racial Traits:

* Water Affinity: Any Maeysters with Water affinities add +1 spells per level and +1 to caster level

Offense Racial Traits:

* Mertral Ferocity: Once per day, if brought below 0 HP but not killed, Mertral can fight one more round as if disabled.

Senses Racial Traits:

* Darkvision: Mertral can see perfectly in the dark

* Keen Water Senses: Mertral in water have a +4 to Perception