[DF] Mermaid racial template?

[Gold & Appel Inc]

OCTOPUSITAURS [40]:

Choice Professions: Thief.

Marginal Professions: None.

Advantages: Acute Vision x2 [4]; Amphibious [10]; Chameleon x1 [5]; Doesn't Breathe (Gills -50%) [10]; Extra Arms x1 (Extra-Flexible +50%, Foot Manipulator -30%, Short -50%) [7]; Extra Legs (8 Total; Cannot Kick -50%) [8]; Nictitating Membrane x1 [1]; Pressure Support x1 [5];

Disadvantages: Dependency (Moisture, Daily) [-10];

Features: Night-Adapted Vision x9 [0];

Notes: All eight tentacles count as one extra arm if used collectively, but as eight legs for lumbering around on land. Can't share lower body armor with humanoids and most other body types. Takes full penalties for attempting to swim while wearing armor. Generous GMs may wish to allow individuals to purchase Arrowproof Nudity [1], or at least Enhanced Dodge (Can't Wear Armor -40%, In Water Only -20%) [6/Level]. Rumors persist of a very deep-dwelling "Devil Squid" tribe that can see in absolute blackness, but this may be the product of overactive imaginations, or an overactive lust demon with a taste for calimari if-you-know-what-I-mean. Not to be confused with the Octo*****taur of DF / Action! Disney+James Bond campaigns, which is related but incorporates the Face Man template.

[bert]

Nice - but I think the 'pus need the Invertebrate disadvantage!

[Gold & Appel Inc]

Originally Posted by bert

Nice - but I think the 'pus need the Invertebrate disadvantage!

I'm picturing something like Ursula the Sea Witch in the cartoon, who seems to have a spine, skull, etc.

[Varyon]

Originally Posted by bert

Nice - but I think the 'pus need the Invertebrate disadvantage!

I see no reason why the character's human-like arms should be restricted to 1/4 BL. Maybe the tentacles aren't good enough to support encumbrance, but I'd be inclined to simply give them the benefit of the doubt. The template already has enough problems outside of the deep ocean (1/5 Move on land, only sees properly on an overcast moonless light with no light source brighter than an LED indicator within 10 yards).

[bert]

Originally Posted by Gold & Appel Inc

I'm picturing something like Ursula the Sea Witch in the cartoon, who seems to have a spine, skull, etc.

Oh! Makes sense. I like the idea!

[bert]

Originally Posted by Varyon

I see no reason why the character's human-like arms should be restricted to 1/4 BL.

You are right - I missed the arms when I skimmed through the template, so I did not fully understand the purpose of it.

[Refplace]

Originally Posted by Varyon

*EDIT: Doesn't Breathe (Gills -50%; Affects Others (Kissing -50%) +25%) [15], instead of Doesn't Breathe (Gills -50%) [10]. Kissing is based on Blood Agent -40%, but Blood Agent allows a lot more types of contact (such as biting, or as GURPS Powers tactfully put it "more intimate contact"), so I felt a further -10% was warranted.

I like that!
Consider it taken.I think they can use most instruments underwater but would have familiarity penalties and they would sound a lot different.

[WingedKagouti]

Originally Posted by Refplace

I think they can use most instruments underwater but would have familiarity penalties and they would sound a lot different.

If you take a look at the discussion I linked earlier, you'll find that their general consensus is that most instruments used above water won't work at all in water.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by WingedKagouti

If you take a look at the discussion I linked earlier, you'll find that their general consensus is that most instruments used above water won't work at all in water.

Realistically that's certainly true, but this is DF.

[Refplace]

Originally Posted by WingedKagouti

If you take a look at the discussion I linked earlier, you'll find that their general consensus is that most instruments used above water won't work at all in water.

I disagree. They will sound different and many wont last as long. But if you can strike them or push air through them they will make sound. I think the skill should remain the same but they will sound quite different.