Vode are, in most cases, humanoid, with their height ranging slightly beyond human height ranges on both ends. All Vode have prominent tails, which enhances their swimming abilities, supports them when they stand, and can be used as a natural weapon. Their skin is mostly scaled and varies in color, the most common Vode falling somewhere between blue and green.

Vode need to spend most of their time in the water, with the Deep Sea Vode incapable of spending much time at all above water without a wide array of specialized equipment or spells. River Vode from shallower waters can spend much more time above water, but need to return to the water frequently, while Merfolk lack legs and thus are typically incapable of walking on the land. Given the difficulties and expense surrounding a life outside of the water, the Vode are never seen beyond port towns, if they are to be seen on land at all.

The Vode that live in more shallow waters are fewer in number, but live in tight-knit communities completely unlike those of the Deep Sea Empire, and are more comparable to most landwelling societies. These 'River' Vode are the ones most likely to be met by other species and often work with surface-dwelling species to trade and protect their waters and environments. River Vode typically live in large lakes, seas or coastal areas in small homes they build in underwater caves and use rope to segment off most areas and store belongings. Vode settlements in shallow waters are often fairly small, tight-knit groups organized in small towns.When River Vode do live in larger groups it is usually due to a large lake being available in the area to live in.

Vode who live in close proximity with other surface species will typically establish relationships and agreements with the local communities. More isolated Vode can have difficulty communicating with surface creatures and vice versa due to the vast differences in their lived experiences and culture with both groups viewing the other as strange, awkward or naive. However, most societies within close proximity to River Vode settlements learn to greatly appreciate their neighbors, as the River Vode's sense of collectivism can grow to encompass the wellbeing and prosperity of their neighbors.

River Vode get along with surface-dwellers better, but tensions can often be high due to competition for fish and a tendency for cities to pollute their homes. As such, River Vode tend to get along with those who live simpler lives and are likely to better treat those who respect the environment. River Vode due to their limited amphibiousness are more likely to be seen wandering the surface. Often working to improve conditions for their rivers and streams. It is common for a River Vode adventurer’s journey to begin with a quest to find the source of a dam or other harm to their community.

Vode ideology and culture vary incredibly based on what waters they live in. Vode of the Deep Sea Empire represent the largest demographic of the Vode, as the ocean floor is where their species originated. Nearly encompassing the entire ocean floor, the Deep Sea Empire is an oppressive regime enforcing strict rules and hierarchy. Culturally, great value is placed on cooperation and teamwork as well as military service. The empire is often under attack from a variety of deep sea dangers and creatures that slip through from the_realm_beyond_stars or the elemental_plane_of_water. The Deep Sea Vode vary greatly in appearance and some show psionic capability. The harsh conditions of the ocean floor and exposure to powerful aberrations are said to accelerate their evolution.

Deep Sea Vode are particularly distrustful of outsiders as any non-sea creature that manages to make it to their homes in the bottom of the oceans, they must be quite powerful. Even on the rare occasions one sees one outside of the ocean, communication is difficult as their isolation makes both sides very unfamiliar with each other. There are some Deep Sea Vode seen in the_underdark, which is the most likely place for non-Vode to meet them. These Vode often work with the Deep Dwarves trading in rare materials.

If a Deep Sea Vode is seen outside of the ocean depths, it is almost a guarantee that they are involved in a research mission for one of the many secret projects the Deep Sea Academies are constantly working on, typically around psionics. Due to the difficulty of moving about on the surface comfortably, Deep Sea Vode adventurers are rare and are unlikely to be adventuring for adventuring’s sake.

Much like the Vode’s language, Vode names are unpronouncable in common and cannot be understood on the surface. Also since the Vode language has no easily written language, with the Vode using Common for the little writing they need or can do, it is impossible to express their true names to outsiders.

Vode who are on the surface are named through common Handtalk, often going by their job or accomplishments.

Names: He Who Chases Fish, Slayer of Enemies, Sharp Claw, Home Builder, Fish Breeder, Surface Dealer