Merfolk
The existance of merfolk - often called mermaids or mermen - is thanks to all nine archangels. Once they were able to create new life, they all began creating new species, including the merfolk. Transforming into various whale, dolphin, and shark species, the archangels mated with females of these species over a period of fifty years. Angels were tasked with raising the new angelicly-blooded hybrids, putting themselves in the same form, and ensuring they established communities among themselves. It is thought that the partial human appearance is somehow due to the frequent interactions archangels typically had with humans.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Merfolk appear to be human from the waist up, while from the waist down they have the body of a small whale, dolphin, or shark. They have both lungs and gills, making it possible to breathe both in and out of the water. Though they lack body hair, merfolk do often have long hair on their heads and those who were once human may retain the beards they had prior to the transformation. Though they wear no clothing and few to no accessories, they often use scarification to adorn their bodies.
Genetics and Reproduction
Merfolk reproductive organs are located approximately where they would be on a human - just below where the human torso and mertail blend together. Male organs are retracted within the body unless aroused, when a slit allows the organ to extend. Female organs are closed off unless she chooses to allow mating, at which time the muscles around her slit relax.
Though merfolk do not have menstrual cycles, they, like humans, remain pregnant for nine months before giving birth to a single offspring. Twins and triplets happen on occasion, but often do not live as long as single offspring.
In addition to sexual reproduction, merfolk also grow their communities by rescuing drowning seafarers. By finding them before they have died, merfolk can transform a human into one of the merfolk by holding them and capturing their last breath. This does not happen as often now as it once did, as most merfolk avoid the modern engines on ships and despise the oil that inevitably leaks from these machines during shipwrecks.
Growth Rate & Stages
Though their development closely mirrors that of humans, merfolk offspring can swim within moments of birth and can choose when they need to nurse. Sexual maturity is reached in the teenage years. Elderly merfolk are cared for by the community until they pass away.
Ecology and Habitats
Merfolk communities exist wherever moderately warm seas exist, provided the water is deep enough to decrease the chances of being discovered by humans. Areas of high traffic, such as shipping lanes and areas of frequent diving, are avoided as often as possible. However, due to the increasing desire for humans to control the seas, merfolk often relocate frequently. This is helpful for mingling the different communities for genetic diversity.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Merfolk consume freshly-caught fish and crustations. Usually, these are small animals, but some communities have hunting groups that will hunt larger animals, such as whales and sharkes, to feed everyone.
Behaviour
Merfolk are a very social species and live and move together as groups known as pods. They generally do no harm and will flee rather than fight, unless hunting.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Merfolk pay close attention to the marine life around them in order to keep their communities safe from threats. They can sense the vibrations from boat and sub motors within a one-mile radius.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Names commonly used by merfolk are often influenced by those who were once humans and have become merfolk when they otherwise would have drowned. Sometimes names are passed down the generations, but slightly altered each time.
Beauty Ideals
Merfolk use scarification to give themselves unique physical features. This is done using shells or rocks with sharp edges, and the scars may cover all areas of the body, from face to tail tip. It is preferable to do this outside of the water so the blood does not attract sharks or other predators, but some communities have secure, safe places specificlly for scarification processes.
Gender Ideals
There are very few gender-specific ideals or roles within merfolk pods. Anyone who wishes to hunt may do so, so long as they are able to use the hunting spears used by the merfolk. Only those who are heavily pregnant are not permitted to hunt, in the event something causes labor to begin away from the community center. Those with young offspring usually do not hunt, and often help to look after those who are weaned but still too young to hunt when their mothers leave with hunting parties.
Courtship Ideals
When looking to mate, one individual will offer their own share of a meal to the one they are interested in. This is typically done by a male interested in a female, but it isn't always. Sometimes the female expresses interest first, or the individuals are of the same gender. If the one being gifted the meal consumes it, the courtship is considered to be accepted. The pair then remain together, mating frequently until pregnancy becomes apparent.
Relationship Ideals
Merfolk rarely remain with the same mate for life, and non-monogamy is the norm. Relationships within the community are considered more important than romantic relationships, and those in close romanticly-bonded relationships are encouraged to mate with others as well. Typically, males father offspring with multiple females, though they may have multiple offspring with the same female. It is also common for females to have offspring with many different males. This is especially true whenever two pods come together, as there is ever a need to improve genetic diversity. Some relationships may be more long-lasting than others, sometimes spanning years or a lifetime. However, the pair still often mingles with others at times, or a closed polyamorous arrangement of a handful of individuals may form. Even those in close relationships with someone of the same gender is expected to have other mates, even if only short-term.
Average Technological Level
Merfolk have been known to farm kelp and also to raise lobsters, crabs, and some types of fish. Some have even been known to tame dolphins or whales.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Most merfolk know some human languages because of the seafarers who become merfolk, but all speak a dialect of mervish, which incorporates aspects of whalesong and dolphin vocalizations.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
70-80 years
Conservation Status
At risk due to human activity and climate change
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