Aquatic Mutations vary wildly in form, their appearances reflecting the sea creatures from which they descended. Some have the sleek, poisonous beauty of lionfish, with vibrant fins and venomous spines that ripple with bioluminescent light. Others are massive, hulking forms resembling octopi, adorned with tentacles that writhe independently and can crush enemies with ease. The most extreme mutations bear traits of mythical sea creatures, such as the elongated, scaled bodies and fiery eyes of sea dragons. 

Aquatic Mutations are scattered across the seas, with their settlements located in some of the most inhospitable underwater environments. These include hydrothermal vents, toxic kelp forests, and deep trenches laced with bioluminescent coral. Their communities thrive where others cannot, a testament to their resilience and adaptability.  These environments serve as both home and defensive barrier, deterring invaders while nurturing the mutated populace. 

Aquatic Mutations have lifespans as unpredictable as their forms, ranging from 100 to 500 years depending on the strength of their mutation. The more monstrous their features, the longer they tend to live, as their bodies are better suited to endure the pressures and dangers of the ocean. However, the more powerful their mutation, the more they risk succumbing to madness or losing their sentience, becoming feral beasts. 

Aquatic Mutations see themselves as Dagon’s chosen, creatures shaped by his chaotic will to embody the extremes of the ocean. They believe their mutations are marks of favor, evidence that Dagon has chosen them to reshape the seas in his image. Unlike the structured faith of Tritons or the enchanting devotion of Sirens, their worship is deeply personal and primal.

They perform Ceremonies of Becoming, where new mutations are celebrated and their abilities tested. These ceremonies often involve trials, such as combat or survival in hazardous conditions, to prove their worthiness to the community and to Dagon. Failure is seen as a rejection by Dagon, often resulting in exile or death.

Aquatic Mutations believe in the Tide of Chaos, a prophesied age when Dagon will flood the world with his power, turning all creatures into mutated beings that reflect his divine image. Until then, they act as his agents of transformation, spreading his influence through conquest and terror.

Their society is fractured and hierarchical, with the strongest or most monstrous mutations taking positions of leadership. These leaders, known as Tideborn, are seen as direct extensions of Dagon’s will and are obeyed without question. Beneath them, individuals form loose alliances based on shared ancestry or mutual benefit.

Despite their chaotic nature, they are not without order. Each member has a role, whether as a warrior, hunter, or scavenger, ensuring the survival of the group. Outsiders, even other aquatic races, are viewed with suspicion or outright hostility unless they can prove their strength or utility.

Their settlements are as chaotic as their society, sprawling constructions of coral, bone, and scavenged shipwrecks. Structures twist and coil, mirroring the unpredictable forms of their inhabitants. Defensive by nature, these cities are labyrinthine, with narrow passages and hidden traps designed to confuse and eliminate intruders.

At the heart of every settlement lies the Spire of Becoming, a towering structure that serves as a communal center for rituals, trials, and sacrifices. This spire is often adorned with glowing crystals and carvings of mutated forms, a testament to their chaotic devotion to Dagon.

Aquatic Mutations have little interest in traditional trade but are avid scavengers, collecting rare and powerful artifacts from the ocean floor. These items are used to enhance their abilities or as offerings to Dagon. When they do trade, it is usually for tools or slaves, though such interactions are rare and fraught with tension. 

Aquatic Mutations practice slavery as a natural extension of their belief in dominance. Captured creatures—both sentient and non-sentient—are forced into servitude, often as laborers in their toxic environments or as sacrifices during religious rituals. Mutations view slavery as a test; if a slave can survive their harsh conditions and earn their captors’ respect, they may be offered a chance to join the community as lesser members. However, most perish long before such an opportunity arises.