Triton 5e

Tritons, the formidable foes of Sahuagins and Krakens and guardians of the seas and oceans, make for an exhilarating choice of character in D&D 5e.

Typically dwelling in the ocean’s deepest depths, sea caves, and safeguarding portals to the Plane of Water, Tritons are mysterious aquatic creatures many land dwellers know only through old though myths and folktales. However, they can also walk on land and may ally themselves with others if the situation warrants it, despite their lack of concern for matters outside the sea. And so, under certain conditions, they may be found in the company of more terrestrial folk.

Tritons are renowned for their pride and arrogance, yet they possess a benevolent and curious nature, making them a unique addition to any D&D party. Their skills are often specific to certain situations, so they may not be as suitable to play in settings a long way from the sea. Nevertheless, Tritons remain an eccentric and fascinating race to embody.

Triton 5e Lore and Life

It is the Elemental Plane of Water, an infinite ocean that houses various aquatic creatures of both benevolent and malevolent nature, that Tritons used to call home. The realm was home to many hostile creatures, and the Tritons constantly battled sea monsters like Krakens and Sahuagins. Defeated, their adversaries fled to the Material Plane, compelling the Tritons to abandon their home plane to continue the fight to safeguard the waters of the Material Plane against their ancient foes.

Tritons inhabit various aquatic environments, including oceans, deep-sea trenches, and sea caves, where they act as guardians. They interact minimally with the world beyond the sea, although they engage in some trading activities with surface dwellers. Nevertheless, Tritons are a solitary race; few can claim to have seen them.

It is rare to find them adventuring in the company of other races, but if the quest at hand is in or near the sea or helps bring aid or resources to their eternal fight, such a situation might arise.

Triton 5e Racial Traits & Appearance

Tritons typically stand 5ft tall and possess pointed ears similar to those of elves. They also have webbed hands and feet and a dorsal fin on each calf.

Traditionally, Tritons exhibit dark blue skin, but their skin can also manifest in pearly white, sea green, or coral pink hues. They typically sport blue or green hair that flows down to their shoulders or even longer. It’s not uncommon for Tritons to adorn their hair with coral or shells.

Tritons receive a +1 boost to their Strength, Constitution, and Charisma attributes. They possess a walking speed of 30ft and a swimming speed of 30ft.

They have a lifespan of up to 200 years and are medium-sized creatures. As amphibious beings, Tritons can breathe both on land and underwater.

Regarding spellcasting, Tritons rely on their Charisma as a spell modifier and can wield elemental magic relating to Air and Water. They can cast Fog at 1st level, Gust of Wind at 3rd level, and Wall of Water at 5th level.

Tritons also possess the Emissary of the Sea trait, allowing them basic communication with underwater-breathing beasts. However, they cannot comprehend responses from such creatures; communication only works in one direction.

Furthermore, the Guardians of the Depths trait means that Tritons exhibit resistance to cold damage and are unaffected by any adverse effects of underwater environments.

Roleplaying Triton 5e

Tritons are known for their lofty and demanding nature and their expectations of respect and admiration wherever they journey. Their limited exposure to surface life results in detachment from customary practices of the lands beyond their watery home. Tritons are uninterested in the wars, politics, or usual norms of the world above and will only be interested in any such events if they affect their race or waters.

To roleplay this personality trait, Volo’s Guide to Monsters offers a table of quirks. You can roll a d6 or select one or more quirks from the following:

1. You phrase all requests as orders that demand obedience.
2. You continually boast about the greatness of your civilization.
3. You speak in a very old-fashioned version of Common Tongue and insert “thee” and “thou” into the language.
4. You presume that others are telling the truth about local customs and expectations.
5. You are compiling an extensive journal documenting the wonders of the surface world.
6. You erroneously assume that surface dwellers are familiar with and impressed by their people’s history.

Tritons’ haughty character and isolation from the rest of society contribute to their compelling roleplaying potential. When playing a Triton in D&D 5e, embrace their peculiarities fully. That, after all, is the whole point of roleplaying, is it not?

Despite their apparent self-importance, Tritons make for trustworthy and honorable allies. They typically uphold a Lawful Good alignment and will do everything they can to safeguard their companions and the oceans they inhabit.

Their sense of pride, bordering on arrogance, also means that they are willing to sacrifice themselves for the causes they believe in. While Tritons may initially clash with new party members, they are among the best races to have alongside you in a fight.

Triton Religions

Tritons commonly venerate Persana, the Triton creator-god who is largely unknown to other creatures. Persana is typically portrayed as a massive Triton holding a sizeable shell or a silver trident. When Tritons dwelled in the Plane of Water, they were a theocratic society governed by the priests and priestesses of Persana.

Even after departing the Plane of Water, most Tritons maintain their devotion to Persana. As Sahuagins are the traditional enemies of Tritons, they consider Sekolah, the Sahuagin shark god, as their arch-enemy.

Creating a Triton Character

When playing a Triton, it is essential to consider the reason for their appearance on the surface. Has your Triton received a divine message from Persana instructing them to explore the land? Or is your Triton a Bard fascinated by the world beyond the depths of the sea and eager to learn more?

The Player’s Handbook provides several excellent background options for Tritons, including:

Acolyte – You are a devoted worshipper of Persana, having spent your life as an intermediary between your god and other Tritons. Perhaps even aiming to convert the denizens of coastal villages to her faith.

Hermit – You have lived a reclusive life in a deep-sea trench, dedicating yourself to caring for the sea’s creatures and having limited knowledge of the outside world. 

Noble – As an influential member of your Triton clan, you are accustomed to exerting authority over others. And perhaps you are on land because of a diplomatic mission.

Sailor – Having left your underwater home years ago, you have become a sailor, preferring the company of land-dwellers over your fellow Tritons.

Triton 5e Classes

Tritons in D&D 5e have a +1 bonus to their Strength, Constitution, and Charisma scores, a swimming speed of 30 feet, and the amphibious trait. With these traits in mind, here are some classes that would be particularly suited for Triton characters:

Barbarian – Tritons’ Strength bonus makes them an excellent fit for the Barbarian class. Their swimming speed also allows them to excel in aquatic combat scenarios.

Paladin – Tritons’ Charisma bonus and devotion to their god Persana make them a natural fit for the Paladin class. Triton Paladins could be sworn to protect the oceans and their inhabitants.

Sorcerer – Tritons’ affinity with the elements of Air and Water makes them a good choice for the Sorcerer class, which draws its power from innate magical abilities.

Warlock – Similar to the Sorcerer, Tritons’ Charisma bonus makes them a natural fit for the Warlock class. They could make a pact with a sea creature or elemental entity to gain their powers.

Druid – Tritons’ connection to the sea and its creatures makes them a good fit for the Druid class, focusing on nature and animal magic. The Hermit background could lend itself well to a Druidic Triton character.

Of course, these are just suggestions, and a Triton character could excel in any class depending on the player’s preferences and playstyle.

Triton 5e FAQs

Final Thoughts on Triton 5e

Finding where a Triton character fits into a campaign might take a bit of thought and juggling. However, doing so will not only add an attractive new option for your players, and it will open up all manner of exciting backstories and plotlines for adventures and ongoing story arcs.