New Squidlin

Im not too surprised someone else had this similar idea. But instead of your normal villagers they’re more squid like. Think about it, what does guardians protect under water temples from. I doubt the drowned even has knowledge to build structures under water. So im guessing and proposing it’s some sort of ancient squid beings. Plus squids has proven to evolve in the deep depths of waters with a glowing appearance making the need of sunlight less necessary. Maybe they choose to take a deep dive, leaving remnants of structures they used to inhabit closer to the surface mostly abandoned and in ruins. Maybe they found an ancient secret that forced them into the abyss. Players can trade with them, some trades from them might require emerald but mostly prismarine crystals and shards. They don’t attack first but waits til being attacked to strike. Or provoke it by hitting a mob in the squid family (nautilus included). Avoids close combat with guardian. Can be equipped with spears armor and tridents. Doesn’t burn in sunlight. But trys to pathfind its way towards water before suffocating.