Merfolk & the Atalos Domain

Merfolk - also known as mermaids, merpeople, or the Mer - are mythical humanoid beings with aquatic body parts. Sightings of these beautiful, otherworldly creatures with long-flowing hair and mesmerizing, pitch-black eyes date back to the early days of the written language. Many stories, poems, and songs were created involving the image of an oceanic beauty - both male and female - saving sailors that suffered a shipwreck. To this day, there are some who claim they were rescued by a mermaid and deposited on the nearest shore, though whether this is true or a sign of air-starved delusion is impossible to say. The Mer are believed to have great magical powers and a nearly-endless amount of knowledge. They are also believed to hold the secrets to immortality and can heal any illness.
Myths about the Mer are intrinsically linked to myths about their underwater civilization, the Atalos Domain. Myths of the Atalos Domain have existed since the dawn of mankind. It was allegedly established following Towerfall, during which rifts between the material plane and other planes of existence were widest. Historians argue whether the Mer came from the Elemental Plane of Water or formed from humanoids from the Material Plane that were exposed to extraplanar influence. Some pose that the Mer were never truly a race at all, but rather that was the name used by those water elementals that stayed on the material plane for a time. Regardless of origin, the Mer established a grand nation deep underneath the waves. Judging from the remnants of cities that have been excavated, they were greatly advanced in the magical arts and had a unique architecture based on living infrastructure - their homes appear to have been grown from coral reefs and other natural formations. It is difficult to say what happened to the Mer or why they abandoned their homes, though the few ruins that have been studied show that they have been absent for at least several thousand years. No bodies or bones, nor remains of belongings were found in any of the sites.
Very little is known about the Mer aside from their short-lived existence. This has led to some believing that they were elementals that were removed from this plane through divine influence. Current-day sightings of the Mer are attributed to air-starved delusion or the intervention of Triton and Sea Elves, which are known to live in the deep waters. The general consensus of the researchers is that, if mermaids ever did exist, they had either perished or left the material plane long ago. Despite this, many brave souls inspired by the legends of the all-knowledgeable Mer try their luck in the deepest parts of the oceans, hoping to find some trace or remnant of the old Atalos Domain. Few return from such expeditions alive or in sound mind.

Spread

Stories about mermaids are often told to children at bedtime. They vary widely depending on the location. Parents living along the shorelines often paint mermaids as seductive, dangerous beings to prevent their children from running off into the ocean, especially at night. Further inland, however, mermaids are described as mythical, almost fairy-like creatures of great beauty. This has led to the publication of many children's books depicting knights falling in love with beautiful mermaids.

Variations & Mutation

Elves believe the Mer to be chosen of the great ocean spirit Cerulea. They believe that the Mer were once elves that through their devotion were granted the gifts of underwater breathing, great magical power, and immortality. When Cerulea retreated underwater to slumber, she took her devout followers with her. Now they stand vigil over her form somewhere in the depths, waiting for the day their deity awakens and commands them once again.

In Literature

Many stories, poems, and songs were written depicting the image of a beautiful man or woman with fish-like appendages from the waist-down. More recently, however, it has become popular to write children's books on the subject, typically depicting knights rescuing mermaids and falling in love with them, or damsels being rescued from drowning by a strapping, shirtless young man with a fish tail instead of legs.