Aquatic subtype abilities

[RogueJK]

I just noticed that the triton entry doesn't actually say that tritons can breathe in water (or air, for that matter).

You're right... it doesn't. But the fact that they live in great undersea castles is probably a good indication that they can breathe underwater.

Plus, in the Manual of the Planes, it states:
"Many water-breathing outsiders also make the Elemental Plane of Water their home. These include ... groups such as tritons."

So Tritons are water-breathing outsiders.

 

[hong]

It probably wouldn't be too far wrong to say that anything with a swim speed, unless stated otherwise, can breathe underwater. The exception would be creatures like whales, where there's real-life evidence to the contrary.

 

[kreynolds]

You're right... it doesn't. But the fact that they live in great undersea castles is probably a good indication that they can breathe underwater.

Not necessarily. Tritons just might have the lifespan of a moth.

"Oh! It's a boy!"
"Whaa! Whaa! Wha...glub...glub."

 

[brightgoat]

But, what about creatures that are in a grey area?

What about a Dragon turtle for example. Or a Merrow?

The MM states that Merrows live in lakes and rivers. But are they like Hippos. who live most of the time in water, but not necessarily underwater? Or are they like big ogre-fish?

And, the MM states that Merfolk like to sun themselves on rocks, but they aren't stated as being amphibious, as many other monsters are (such as Aquatic elves).

I can't believe that it took me more than a year to notice this strange lack of consistency.

 

[hong]

But, what about creatures that are in a grey area?

What about a Dragon turtle for example. Or a Merrow?

What about them?

The MM states that Merrows live in lakes and rivers. But are they like Hippos. who live most of the time in water, but not necessarily underwater? Or are they like big ogre-fish?

They're whichever works best for your campaign.

 

[Voadam]

undefined subtypes

Aquatic is undefined as are the subtypes air, earth and electricity (check out the elementals and the stone and storm giants) Presumably these have no direct game effect (unlike fire and cold subtypes) unless there is a special power affecting only that type such as the elemental domain rebuking and turning powers.