Crusbach

A stout aquatic race that lives in Solthris's oceans and deep caverns, counted among the merfolk. Their bodies are covered in a chitinous carapace.

Appearance and Physiology
Most Crusbach stand roughly between 4-5ft tall.

Crusbach carapaces vary regionally, some have natural spikes, while others have smooth carapaces, and there is great variety in their coloration, ranging from dull browns, greens, and reds in to bright blues and purples or exotic mottled designs.

Despite many living close to water, most Crusbach are poor swimmers and prefer to walk along the seafloor, either gripping the ground with their feet or weighing themselves down as they travel.

Although they can breathe both air and water, Crusbach need to drink more water than most purely terrestrial species to stay hydrated.

Like animal-crustaceans, Crusbach molt periodically throughout their lives, with molting taking place four to five times a year as children, three as adolescents and once a year after they become adults. Most crusbach reach adulthood at 16-17 years of age.

At times, a Crusbach will be born with one arm markedly larger and stronger than the other, this is seen as a good omen.

Crusbach will regrow lost limbs when they molt, though the regrown limb may take months or years to return to full strength this is often supplemented with a mix of magic and alchemy to hasten the process.

Culture
Although there are regional differences, most Crusbach share a number of cultural traits, valuing martial prowess and self sufficiency.