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The cold, dark depths looming beneath webbed feet, a warm breeze coasting above the wake of a wave, and the sound of water dripping from armor as you step from the ocean onto the rocks— this is the lot of the Triton in the many worlds ofDungeons & Dragons. Born with the capability to breathe within the water and on land, the amphibious Tritons stride the line between belonging to the surface and the sea, and sport fins, webbed hands, and skin tones of blue or green.
RELATED:Dungeons & Dragons: Tips For Playing As A Triton
Between their innate marine-based magic and the ability to communicate with creatures of the deep, the Triton species makes for an intriguing alternative to the Sea Elf and delivers a new and interesting avenue to explore an aquatic species.
The History Of Tritons
Triton Shorestalker by Svetlin Velinov
Native to theElemental Plane of Water, a vast, endless ocean, tritons quickly moved into theoceans of other planes, spurred by their cultural ideals tooppose the evil elementalsspringing up around the Material Plane.Stylized as stewards of the sea and protectors of the surface-dwelling folkfrom the evils that lurk the deep, Tritons are often stereotyped as anupstanding and righteousspecies, regardless of whether that’s the case.
While some believe Tritons to be selfless heroes, they have also gained a reputation for arrogance and lofty behavior. However, this need not always be the reality, as Tritons, like any other species, are subject to the ideals of the world around them and can be played in any way you like.
Theircultural history of fighting sea-dwelling creaturesmay often lead them to adventure, making them an excellent choice for your potential character, or they may come from a peaceful family of seafarers, forced into a life of danger out of necessity.
Guardian of the Depths
Because of their habitation throughout the oceans of the multiverse,Guardian of the Depthsallows Tritons to take less damage on attacks made using the damage typeCold, which can be helpful againstmonstersandspellcastersalike, as many early-level spells use theColdelement.
This trait is especially useful in modules likeRime of the Frostmaiden, where it makes upmany of the enemy’s damage outputs.
Colddamage is frequently used bycreatureslikeWhite DragonsandIce Devilsand found inspellslikeCone of ColdandChromatic Orb.
Darkvision
In earlier editions, Tritons used to be one of the few unfortunate species that didn’t have darkvision. No longer! As suits their underwater needs,Tritons have access to 60 feet of darkvision.
Amphibious
Due to their elemental nature, Tritons have the traitAmphibious, which allows them tobreathe air and water, making themoptimal choices for aquatic campaigns. This comes with aswim speed of 30 feet, making them especially effective atunderwater combatordungeon delving.
This trait is useful for a character who may be geared towardsscoutingorexploration.
Control Air and Water
With their ability to call on elemental magic, Tritons are one of the many magical species that start the game with spells. This feature is calledControl Air and Water,which lets them become particularly good atcrowd controland is useful whether your Triton is amartial fighterorspellcaster.
This not only pads the spell list you have access to but also makes way for some interesting maneuvers in a more martial party or provides quick escapes.Water Walkcan also be effective for party exploration or making difficult terrain traversable, especially in combat.
Fog Cloudcreates a 20-foot radius of fog around a point you choose within range. The area will become heavily obscured, so ensure thatyou’re aware of your party’s positionbefore casting.
Your ability to commune with anyBeast, Elemental, or Monstrosity(provided they swim) is an interesting one, though heavily dependent on the campaign you’re playing. With this unique feature, Tritons have access tocommunicationwithLeviathansandKrakens, as well assmall fishorcrabs.
Whether it’s begging for your lives or trying to convince a pod of dolphins to help ferry your less aquatic friends across the sea, this feature works best with creativity.
Due to the interpretative nature of this trait, make sure to ask yourDungeon Masterabout anyPersuasionorIntimidationrolls you may have to make while talking to the creature. They may rule that communication does not guarantee the creature will do what you like!
Best Triton Class Options
Whileno species should ever be forced into any particular class, especially with the custom lineage rules introduced inTasha’s Cauldron of Everything, certain classes make for interesting and potentially powerful builds when combined with the Triton species.
Best Feats For A Triton
Featshelp assist your character byadding onto abilities you already possess, either throughutilityorcombat. Furthermore, they add a good deal ofnuanceto a character,provoking thoughtful roleplay and flavor.
