Pathfinder 1e Race humanoid (aquatic) Medium

Gillmen

Gillmen are the remnants of a race of surface-dwelling humanoids whose homeland was drowned in a great cataclysm at the hands of the aboleth.

Ability Modifiers: Cha +2 · Con +2 · Wis -2
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 ft.
Languages: Common, Aboleth, Aklo, Aquan, Draconic, Elven

Gillmen are the remnants of a race of surface-dwelling humanoids whose homeland was drowned in a great cataclysm at the hands of the aboleth. The aboleths rescued a few survivors, warping them into an amphibious race to serve as emissaries to the surface world. Modern gillmen remain reclusive and suspicious, scarred by both the loss of their ancient heritage and the sure knowledge that aboleths do nothing without expecting to profit from it. Physically gillmen have expressive brows, pale skin, dark hair, and bright purple eyes. Three slim gills mark each side of their necks, near the shoulder, but they are otherwise close enough in appearance to humans that they can pass as such (for a time) without fear of detection.

Gillmen are humanoids with the aquatic subtype.

Standard Racial Traits

Amphibious Other Racial Traits 2 RP

Prerequisite: Swim racial trait; Benefit: Members of this race are amphibious and can breathe both air and water.

Enchantment Resistance

Gillmen gain a +2 racial saving throw bonus against non-aboleth enchantment spells and effects, but take a –2 penalty on such saving throws against aboleth sources.

Water Dependent

A gillman's body requires constant submersion in fresh or salt water. Gillmen who spend more than 1 day without fully submerging themselves in water risk internal organ failure, painful cracking of the skin, and death within 4d6 hours.

Swim Speed (Gillman) Movement Racial Traits

As aquatic creatures, gillmen have a swim speed of 30 feet, can move in water without making Swim checks, and always treat Swim as a class skill.

Alternate Racial Traits

Riverfolk Replaces Water Dependent

Some gillmen groups live in colonies along vast riverways, and have adapted to living on land for much longer periods. Gillmen with this trait have a thin coating of natural oil that keeps their skin from cracking even without water. However, this natural oil also makes such gillmen particularly susceptible to flames, and they gain vulnerability to fire. This racial trait replaces water dependent.

Slimehunter Replaces Enchantment Resistance

Gillmen with this trait are from lineages that have fought against aboleths since the aberrations rescued their human ancestors. They receive a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against aboleth spells, spell-like abilities, and supernatural abilities. This racial trait replaces enchantment resistance.

Throwback Replaces Amphibious, Water Dependent, Swim Speed (Gillman)

Some gillmen are throwbacks to their land-dwelling human ancestors. Gillmen with this racial trait do not have the amphibious trait, have the human subtype instead of the aquatic subtype, have no swim speed or bonuses to the Swim skill, cannot breathe water, and do not have the water dependent racial trait.