Complete Guide To Playing Tritons In D&D

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 of Dungeons & 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.

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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

Native to the Elemental Plane of Water, a vast, endless ocean, tritons quickly moved into the oceans of other planes, spurred by their cultural ideals to oppose the evil elementals springing up around the Material Plane. Stylized as stewards of the sea and protectors of the surface-dwelling folk from the evils that lurk the deep, Tritons are often stereotyped as an upstanding and righteous species, 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.

Their cultural history of fighting sea-dwelling creatures may 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.

Features

Because of their habitation throughout the oceans of the multiverse, Guardian of the Depths allows Tritons to take less damage on attacks made using the damage type Cold, which can be helpful against monsters and spellcasters alike, as many early-level spells use the Cold element.

This trait is especially useful in modules like Rime of the Frostmaiden, where it makes up many of the enemy’s damage outputs.

Cold damage is frequently used by creatures like White Dragons and Ice Devils and found in spells like Cone of Cold and Chromatic Orb.

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.

Due to their elemental nature, Tritons have the trait Amphibious, which allows them to breathe air and water, making them optimal choices for aquatic campaigns. This comes with a swim speed of 30 feet, making them especially effective at underwater combat or dungeon delving.

This trait is useful for a character who may be geared towards scouting or exploration.

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 called Control Air and Water, which lets them become particularly good at crowd control and is useful whether your Triton is a martial fighter or spellcaster.

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 Walk can also be effective for party exploration or making difficult terrain traversable, especially in combat.

Fog Cloud creates a 20-foot radius of fog around a point you choose within range. The area will become heavily obscured, so make sure that you’re aware of your party’s position before casting.

Your ability to commune with any Beast, 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 to communication with Leviathans and Krakens, as well as small fish or crabs.

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 your Dungeon Master about any Persuasion or Intimidation rolls 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

While no species should ever be forced into any particular class, especially with the custom lineage rules introduced in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, certain classes make for interesting and potentially powerful builds when combined with the Triton species.

Best Feats For A Triton

Feats help assist your character by adding onto abilities you already possess, either through utility or combat. Furthermore, they add a good deal of nuance to a character, provoking thoughtful roleplay and flavor.

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