This blog post is brimming with resources for Dungeon Masters looking to weave the enchanting and perilous allure of mermaids and sirens into their adventures.
From unique magic items and compelling story hooks to magical siren songs and mermaid lagoon lair actions, you’ll find everything you need to bring these mythical sea creatures into your game and captivate your players.
This post was inspired by our Mermaid Lagoon candle that transports you to a mystical sanctuary, where the air is filled with enchanting melodies and the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters.
We hope that this fragrance, along with the resources we have included below, will enhance your mermaid-themed D&D adventures and quests!
Here is what you will find in this post:
Strategies and resources for boosting immersion and stimulating all five senses in a seafaring-themed adventure, including:
And a ton of additional outside D&D resources for your adventure.
Let's dive into the lagoon!
Story Hooks & Encounters for D&D Mermaid Themed Adventure
Here is a collection of mermaid-inspired story hooks, designed to ignite your imagination and set the stage for an unforgettable adventure:
1. The Enchanted Song: In a coastal village, tales circulate of a captivating mermaid whose enchanting song can mesmerize all who hear it. Legend says this melody can bewitch anyone who sings it. Will the players be able to seek out the elusive mermaid and convince her to each them this mystical tune?
2. Mermaid’s Lament: The players are drawn in by a haunting melody that guides them to a serene lagoon, where sorrowful mermaids lament the puzzling vanishing of their queen. To unravel the mystery, they must confront a potential conspiracy orchestrated by the queen's spurned sister - a sinister sea witch.
3. The Mermaid’s Blessing: A picturesque coastal village is in need of the players' assistance to secure the mermaids' blessing for a prosperous fishing season. The mermaids have requested a unique offering of rare purple pearls to bestow their blessing, which are exclusively located within the lair of a formidable sea monster.
4. A Bargain with the Sea Witch: A sea witch offers the players help in exchange for retrieving a cherished item from the underwater merfolk city nearby. The stolen item is a magical conch shell that the sea witch needs to amplify her powers and control the creatures of the sea.
5: The Herbs in the Grotto: Rumors of a hidden grotto filled with rare herbs and magical ingredients entice the players to explore the lagoon. The grotto is said to hold the key to brewing a potion that can grant temporary underwater breathing abilities, but it is guarded by mystical creatures that test the bravery of those who seek its secrets.
Mermaid-Themed Skill Challenge
Here is a fun mermaid-themed skill challenge for your D&D game!
If you have experience running this mechanic in game and determining difficulty levels, click here to be taken straight to our skill challenges
If you are new to running skill challenges or want a brief refresher on how they work, keep reading, ee believe this video by the Dungeon Coach is the most clear and concise resource for beginners, sharing how to run skill challenges and offering excellent examples of how they could play out in-game.
Setting DCs and Number of Successes Needed: We recommend utilizing these charts in the GMs binder to determine the DC required for earning a success, as well as the number of successes needed to succeed on the skill challenge.
Singing Contest
Skill Challenge
The players learn that the mermaids songs have enchanting powers. The mermaids are willing to teach the players some of their melodies if they can prove themselves worthy performers. How will your party go about writing, singing and performing songs worthy of a mermaids tutelage?
Skill Check Ideas: If your players are stumped and need some ideas to get the ball rolling, here are some skill checks you could reccommend.
Performance check to compose or perform the music.
Acrobatics check to infuse some dance and style into your act.
Insight check to understand the mermaids musical preferences.
History check to recall traditional mermaid melodies.
Arcana check to incorporate magical elements into the performance.
Persuasion check to convince the mermaids of your musical prowess.
On a Success: The players have the opportunity to learn one of these eight magical melodies. They must succeed on either a Performance or Arcana (DC 10) skill check to add this song to their known abilities.
Results Based on # of Failures
1 Failures: The players only have six song options to choose from.
2 Failures: The players only have four songs to choose from.
3 Failures: The mermaids are unimpressed and do not find the PCs worthy of learning any of their melodies.
Magical Mermaid Melodies
We've crafted some magical melodies sung by mermaids. You can incorporate these into your game in a variety of ways, but here are some ideas for how to use them:
PCs have the opportunity to learn these melodies from a mermaid.
These mesmerizing songs are wielded by mermaids in combat.
These songs can serve as hazards requiring saving throws when navigating perilous Siren-infested waters.
Lullaby of the Tides
A soothing melody that captures the serene magic of the sea. When performed, this song envelops all who hear it within 30ft in a calming aura. The performer can use this song to invoke the effects of the Calm Emotions spell, although it is treated as a unique ability rather than a spell. This ability can be used once per long rest.
Healing Waters Hymn
A revitalizing hymn that channels the restorative power of the ocean. When sung, it allows the performer to heal a creature within 30 feet for 2d8 + the performer’s Charisma modifier. This ability can be used once per long rest.
The Torrential Tune
A powerful melody that calls forth the fury of a rainstorm. When performed, it allows the singer to summon a rainstorm that lasts for one hour, drenching the area in heavy rainfall. The rainstorm blankets the area within a one-mile radius, centered on the performer. This ability can be used once per long rest.
Melody of the Merfolk's Might
A fierce melody that captures the essence of the Merfolks powerful connection with the sea. When performed as an action, it allows the performer to create difficult terrain in a 30-foot radius centered on a point they can see within 60 feet, as coral and seaweed rise from the ground to hinder movement. This ability lasts for 10 minutes and can be used once per long rest.
The Sea Queen's Melody
A regal song that honors the majesty of the sea queen. When performed as an action, it allows the singer to command the loyalty of water creatures with a CR 2 or less within a 60-foot radius. Affected creatures must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 hour. Additionally, they will perform simple tasks requested by the performer. This ability can be used once per long rest.
Abyssal Aria
A deep, resonant song that connects with the darkest parts of the ocean. When performed using an action, it grants the performer the ability to see in magical darkness and grants darkvision up to 60 feet for the next hour. This ability can be used once per long rest.
The Luring Lament
Luring Lament is a haunting tune that attracts creatures to the singer. As an action, when performed, it causes all creatures within 30 feet to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or spend their turn using all their movement to get as close as they can to the singer. They cannot attack or cast spells that target the performer. They can repeat the saving throw at the start of every turn, spending their turn moving closer every round until they succeed. This ability can be used once per long rest.
Song of Coral's Embrace
A nurturing tune that offers protection. As an action, when sung, coral and barnacles grows from the singer's skin and armor, providing a sturdy shield. This grants the singer temporary hit points equal to 10 + their level. This ability can be used once per short rest.
Unique Mermaid-Themed D&D Magic Items
We've created a few mermaid-themed magic items for your players to discover on their travels!
The Sea Queen's Coral Crown
Wondrous item, rare, requires attunement
A crown made of delicate coral, crafted for the queen of the Merfolk. This crown gives the wearer dominion over sea creatures. While wearing the crown, you can cast Speak with Animals at will, but it only allows communication with aquatic creatures.
The Siren's Lyre
Wondrous Item, (requires attunement by a bard or a character proficient with the lyre), very rare
This exquisite lyre is crafted from driftwood and adorned with mermaid scales, pearls, shells, and jewels, enchanting all who hear its melodies. Once per long rest, you can use an action to play the lyre and cast the Mass Suggestion spell (Spell Save DC 10 + Charisma modifier).
Additionally, you may spend an action to play this lyre and cast Sleep as a 5th-level spell (Spell Save DC 10+ Charisma modifier). This ability can be done once per long rest.
Seafoam Cloak
Wondrous item, uncommon
This cloak shimmers with the colors of the sea and allows the wearer to blend into the water. You gain advantage on all stealth checks made while underwater. The cloak does not restrict your movement in any way while wearing it underwater.
Luminous Pearl
Wondrous item, common
A glowing pearl that illuminates the darkest depths. While under water, this pearl sheds bright light in a 20 foot radius and dim light an additional 20 feet.
Mermaid's Tear
Wonderous item, uncommon, single use
A rare potion said to be the tear of a mermaid, with potent healing properties. Drinking the tear allows the drinker to gain the benefits of a Greater Restoration spell. Alternatively, applying the tear topically allows the user to recover 3d8 + 4 hit points.
Barnacle Shield
Shield, rare
This shield, once wielded by the protectors of the deep, is encrusted with barnacles and coral, giving it a rugged yet majestic appearance. It grants a +2 bonus to AC. Additionally, as an action, the wielder can plant the shield into the ground or any surface, creating an immovable anchor point. While anchored, the wielder cannot be moved against their will unless forcibly separated from the shield by a failed opposed Athletics check. This effect lasts for up to 1 minute or until the wielder removes the shield.
Wand of the Sea Witch
Wondrous Item (requires attunement by a spellcaster), very rare
This slender, twisted wand is made from petrified seawood entwined with green seaweed. The wand can be used to cast the following:
Water Control: The wand allows the user to cast Control Water once per day without expending a spell slot.
Drowning Curse: As a bonus action, the wielder can curse a target within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or their throat fills with a blackened water, suffering 2d8 necrotic damage at the start of each of its turns for 1 minute. Additionally, the target cannot speak or cast spells for the duration. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. This ability can be used a number of times equal to their Wisdom modifer per long rest.
Spell of Erosion: The wand can cause metal objects to rust and corrode. As an action, the wielder can target a metal object within 30 feet. The wielder must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw to avoid the spell or take 4d8 acid damage as the item begins to erode. Additionally, on a failed save, the caster may roll a d20. On a 19 or 20, if the targeted item is not magical, it rusts over, rendering it useless.
We hope you love these magic items inspired by the legendary women of the sea!
Mermaid Lagoon Lair Actions
Enhance your players' experience with these captivating lair actions designed for a thrilling mermaid encounter set in a picturesque lagoon. These versatile actions can be seamlessly integrated into various water-themed settings to add depth and excitement to your game.
How to use: We recommend incorporating these lair actions at initiative count 20 or the top of each round. These actions sometimes require a saving throw or ability check from the players, usually ending in an adverse effect for the PCs on a failed save.
You can choose to use a new lair action each round or maintain the same action for multiple or all rounds, as desired. You could also roll a d8 on the table below to determine which effect occurs for the lair action.
Oh, and by the way, here is a great mermaid stat block for combat!
1. Elemental Summoning: As a lair action, the mermaid can summon a water elemental at a point within 60 feet of her. The water elemental remains for 1 minute or until it is defeated, whichever comes first.
2. Misty Veil: A dense mist covers the lagoon, reducing visibility to 10 feet. At the start of each turn, creatures must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check to see through the mist or suffer from the blinded condition.
3. Hypnotic Song: At the start of each turn, players must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by the enchanting mermaid song for 1 minute. Charmed creatures can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of their turns.
4. Whirlpool: A whirlpool forms at a point you can see within 60 feet. Creatures within 20 feet of the whirlpool must make a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be pulled 10 feet toward it and take 2d6 bludgeoning damage.
5. Coral Growth: A 20-foot radius of coral rapidly grows from a point which you can see. The area affected must be in water or within 15 feet of a body of water. This area becomes difficult terrain. Creatures within the affected area must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or take 1d6 piercing damage as the sharp coral bursts forth.
6. Seaweed Grasp: Seaweed rapidly grows in a 20-foot radius from a point you can see within 60 feet, reaching out to entangle the players. Creatures within the 20-foot radius must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the end of their next turn.
7. Echoing Cries: As the mermaids sing a haunting tune, disturbing cries echo in the ears of those who hear the tune. Creatures within 30 feet must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. Frightened creatures can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of their turns.
8. Magical Reflection: The water reflects spells back at the caster. Spells targeting a creature within the lagoon have a 25% chance of being reflected back to the caster. When casting a spell, either the player or DM rolls a d4. If a 1 is rolled, the spell is instead reflected back at the caster.
MERMAID LAGOON LAIR ACTION ROLL TABLE
ROLL | EFFECT |
1 | Elemental Summoning: As a lair action, the mermaid can summon a water elemental at a point within 60 feet of her. The water elemental remains for 1 minute or until it is defeated, whichever comes first. |
2 | Misty Veil: A dense mist covers the lagoon, reducing visibility to 10 feet. At the start of each turn, creatures must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check to see through the mist or suffer from the blinded condition. |
3 | Hypnotic Song: At the start of each turn, players must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by the enchanting mermaid song for 1 minute. Charmed creatures can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of their turns. |
4 | Whirlpool: A whirlpool forms at a point you can see within 60 feet. Creatures within 20 feet of the whirlpool must make a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be pulled 10 feet toward it and take 2d6 bludgeoning damage. |
5 | Coral Growth: A 20-foot radius of coral rapidly grows from a point which you can see. The area affected must be in water or within 15 feet of a body of water. This area becomes difficult terrain. Creatures within the affected area must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or take 1d6 piercing damage as the sharp coral bursts forth. |
6 | Seaweed Grasp: Seaweed rapidly grows in a 20-foot radius from a point you can see within 60 feet, reaching out to entangle the players. Creatures within the 20-foot radius must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the end of their next turn. |
7 | Echoing Cries: As the mermaids sing a haunting tune, disturbing cries echo in the ears of those who hear the tune. Creatures within 30 feet must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. Frightened creatures can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of their turns. |
8 | Magical Reflection: The water reflects spells back at the caster. Spells targeting a creature within the lagoon have a 25% chance of being reflected back to the caster. When casting a spell, either the player or DM rolls a d4. If a 1 is rolled, the spell is instead reflected back at the caster. |
Dungeons & Dragons Mermaid Modules & Additional Resources
Below are some pre-written campaigns and adventure modules that pair well with our Mermaid Lagoon scent. They are ideal for immersive mermaid D&D adventures.
We've also included some additional resources that we think will create an even more exdciting mermaid quest in your Dungeons and Dragons game.
Recommended Adventures & Modules for Mermaid-Themed Adventures
One-Shot Wonders - The Sunken Crown: In "The Sunken Crown" one shot adventure from the One Shot Wonders, the party must retrieve a long lost artifact in the posession of a Merfolk gang. Traverse coral fields and underwater shipwrecks using this adventure!
The Mermaid's Cove Dungeon Crawl: A one-shot dungeon crawl by Dragonshorn Studios. Discover the Mermaid’s Cove, where the pirates made the grave mistake of angering the cruel goddess of the Sea… and find out who stands behind their sudden disappearance!
Mermaid's Breath - A One Shot Dungeon: A Mermaid has washed ashore at the player's local village, and she is not well. She is seemingly wounded by an unknown attacker, the players must embark on a journey underwater to a sunken galleon in order to stop a curse that is plaguing a captain trapped within. Players that are levels 1-2 (Maybe even 3) are perfect for this one shot.
Here's some additional resources you might find fun and helpful in crafting a mermaid D&D adventure:
Playable Races
Making Your Mermaid Adventures More Immersive
Bring your tabletop adventures to life by immersing all five senses! Here are some ways how.
Touch
It's fun to add tactile props to your games! Here's some fun ideas for mermaid themed props to enhance your D&D adventures.
Potion Bottles: If you missed it, we shared a Mermaid Tear magic item we created earlier in the post. You can use this video tutorial to craft an actual potion of mermaid tears to give to your players!
Seahorse Aquarium Necklace: This is a neat craft where you can create a Seahorse Aquarium necklace. This could be a fun gift from a mermaid to the players, and you could give them the actual necklace to keep! As long as they have it with them in session, they could gain an additional benefit from it.
Terrain Crafting: If you love terrain crafting and lke having minis and maps for your players to physically interact with, here are some great underwater terrain crafts to add to your collection for your mermaid-themed D&D adventures.
Sound
Adding music or sounds is a great way to set the vibe you are going for. Here's some ways to do that for a D&D mermaid themed adventure!
Soundscapes: Add underwater or lagoon themed soundscapes in the background for an extra layer of immersion!
Smell
Add Fragrance! Use our non-toxic Mermaid Lagoon scent to fill your gaming space with the magical scent of water lily, mint, starfruit and lime, reminiscent of a sirens tranquil respite.
We utilize gluten- and soy-free wax, along with phthalate- and paraben-free fragrances, to ensure you can feel confident when burning your favorite scents in a jar.
We also have flame free alternatives, like wax melts and room sprays!
Sight
Battle Maps: Want to add a little sway and movement to those background battle maps? Here are some links to beutiful mermaid-themed or underwater battle maps.
Mermaid Lagoon Pinterest Board: Check out our pinterest board with tons of artwork to use in your campaigns! Additionally, you can find a variety of magic items, maps and other fun visuals here as well.
Mermaid Ambiance Videos: Play enchanting underwater videos featuring mermaids in the background to transport yourself to a magical underwater world. We've included some links to mesmerizing mermaid scenery videos, as well as our favorite video below!
Taste
Mermaid Drinks: Get a taste of the sea with them mermaid themed cocktail for your D&D game night!
If you are looking for a non-alcoholic drink, you can make this mermaid party punch with three simple ingredients.
Themed Snacks Ideas: Players always want to snack during sessions, so here is some fun mermaid bark to make for your crew!
And for a variety of other great mermaid-insired snack and drink ideas, you can check out this post with colorful recipes!
With Firelight Fables' Mermaid Lagoon scent and these immersive tips, your mermaid inspired adventure will come to life!
From swimming with sirens to exploring magical lagoons, the mysteries of the ocean are waiting to be discovered.
Light up a Mermaid Lagoon candle and let the magic of the high seas unfold!
Comments