Deep Scion
When the sea calls, some answer—not with awe or reverence, but with desperation. Deep scions are mortals who struck a bargain beneath the waves, surrendering their souls to unfathomable powers like krakens or ancient leviathans in exchange for survival. The ritual that followed twisted their bodies and minds, birthing a shape changing servant with a singular purpose: to infiltrate, to deceive, and to kill on command.
Born of Flesh and Fin
Deep scions possess two forms: the unassuming humanoid guise of their past life, and the horrific, fishlike hybrid form gifted to them by their master. In their hybrid state, their skin becomes scaly and slick, their mouths stretch into lamprey-like maws lined with rows of fangs, and their hands sprout hooked claws ideal for rending flesh. Their limbs elongate with the rhythm of tides, and gills pulse along their necks, allowing them to breathe both air and water.
The transformation is swift and seamless, enabling them to pass as mortal one moment and erupt into aquatic horror the next. In death, the spell is broken—the body reverts to its original form, a final deceit undone by the grave.
Hearts Hollowed by the Sea
Though they may walk among the living, deep scions are no longer truly people. The ritual that reshaped them also stripped them of empathy, severing their bonds to former friends and families. Any affection they show is mimicry—perfect, chilling mimicry. Their memories remain intact, allowing them to play the role of "sibling," "lover," or "friend" with eerie precision. But beneath the mask lies only duty.
They are often embedded in coastal communities or merchant vessels, acting as spies or assassins for their masters. Some live for years in secrecy, until a command—delivered via dreams, tides, or a dying scream—summons them to act.
No Crown but the Current
Deep scions do not form societies of their own. Their loyalty lies solely with the oceanic entity that transformed them, and their “government” is obedience. Commands are often relayed telepathically, via magic, or through specialized messengers that lurk in deep trenches and ruined temples beneath the sea.
Among other mortals, they blend in. Some serve as advisers to coastal rulers, others as simple dockworkers or sailors. Their placement is strategic, their presence intentional. They never rise to true power in mortal society—for power is not the goal. Access is. When the time comes, a deep scion will betray kingdoms, families, and friends alike, without hesitation.
When the sea calls, some answer—not with awe or reverence, but with desperation. Deep scions are mortals who struck a bargain beneath the waves, surrendering their souls to unfathomable powers like krakens or ancient leviathans in exchange for survival. The ritual that followed twisted their bodies and minds, birthing a shape changing servant with a singular purpose: to infiltrate, to deceive, and to kill on command.
Born of Flesh and Fin
Deep scions possess two forms: the unassuming humanoid guise of their past life, and the horrific, fishlike hybrid form gifted to them by their master. In their hybrid state, their skin becomes scaly and slick, their mouths stretch into lamprey-like maws lined with rows of fangs, and their hands sprout hooked claws ideal for rending flesh. Their limbs elongate with the rhythm of tides, and gills pulse along their necks, allowing them to breathe both air and water.
The transformation is swift and seamless, enabling them to pass as mortal one moment and erupt into aquatic horror the next. In death, the spell is broken—the body reverts to its original form, a final deceit undone by the grave.
Hearts Hollowed by the Sea
Though they may walk among the living, deep scions are no longer truly people. The ritual that reshaped them also stripped them of empathy, severing their bonds to former friends and families. Any affection they show is mimicry—perfect, chilling mimicry. Their memories remain intact, allowing them to play the role of "sibling," "lover," or "friend" with eerie precision. But beneath the mask lies only duty.
They are often embedded in coastal communities or merchant vessels, acting as spies or assassins for their masters. Some live for years in secrecy, until a command—delivered via dreams, tides, or a dying scream—summons them to act.
No Crown but the Current
Deep scions do not form societies of their own. Their loyalty lies solely with the oceanic entity that transformed them, and their “government” is obedience. Commands are often relayed telepathically, via magic, or through specialized messengers that lurk in deep trenches and ruined temples beneath the sea.
Among other mortals, they blend in. Some serve as advisers to coastal rulers, others as simple dockworkers or sailors. Their placement is strategic, their presence intentional. They never rise to true power in mortal society—for power is not the goal. Access is. When the time comes, a deep scion will betray kingdoms, families, and friends alike, without hesitation.
Traits
Shapechanger
You can use your action to polymorph into your Piscine Form or back into your humanoid form. You can remain in either form indefinitely.
Piscine Form
In Piscine form you have the following features: You are amphibious and can breathe air and water. You can use your attack action to make a bite attack dealing 1D6 Piercing damage. You can use your attack action to make a claw attack dealing 1D6 Slashing damage.
Psychic Screech (Piscine Form)
Once per long rest you can use a Psychic Screech causing creatures within 30 ft to make a WIS saving throw 8 + your CON modifier (Minimum 1) + your Proficiency Bonus or be Stunned until the creature’s next turn. On a success the creature is Immune for 24 hours.
Thief Training
You were trained by talented thieves that may or may not have known about your monstrous nature. You are proficient with Thieves’ Tools and either Stealth or Sleight of Hand.
Language
Aquan, Thief’s Cant