Merfolk

Basic Information

Anatomy

Merfolk have the upper body of a humanoid, such as a Human or Elf, and the lower body of various types of fish species.

Biological Traits

Male Merfolk are generally larger than females and are able to grow facial hair. Female Merfolk are able to produce milk from their breasts and are the ones that give birth. Merfolk also have fin like ears along with webbed hands.

Genetics and Reproduction

Merfolk reproduce sexually and are viviparous, they typically have a gestation period of 9 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Merfolk from infancy take 4 years to reach childhood and from there it takes 14 years to reach adulthood, at the age of 18 a Merfolk is considered a young adult. A Merfolk who reaches the age of 30 is considered an adult.

Ecology and Habitats

Merfolk live in the oceans of Mythus and are rarely found in fresh water sources preferring salt water.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Merfolk are omnivores they procure their food by domesticating aquatic animals and farming aquatic crops, they also on occasion hunt and forage for food.

Biological Cycle

As time progresses Merfolk age, eventually their bodies will reach a point where they can no longer sustain themselves and will eventually die.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Merfolk social structure is based on a caste system where they have a ruling caste, such as a king or queen, a noble caste, made up of the wealthy people, a working caste, this is the largest caste and is made up of the average citizens, A poor caste, made up of beggars, the homeless, thieves, prostitutes and those who struggle to make a living.

Facial characteristics

Merfolk have a pair of eyes, that come in various bright colours such as blue, green, yellow, pink, purple, orange and red, and ears, that are fin like, with one nose and mouth, male Merfolk are able to grow facial hair.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Merfolk live in the oceans of Mythus, some live close to the coasts while others live deep within the oceans.

Average Intelligence

Merfolk are highly intelligent as they are able to create complex technology and magic spells.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Merfolk use mainly sight and hearing as the primary way to perceive the world, though Merfolk also have magical abilities and can use magic as a sixth sense.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Merfolk names relate to water, oceans and aquatic creatures and/or are similar to Human names, they have a first name and a last/family name some examples include Clyde Marlow or Riva Dorea.

Major Organizations

Merfolk have one major organisation that they all share, with other races, called The Global Council made up of the leaders and ambassadors of various nations, kingdoms and tribes of various races. Other Merfolk organisations include The Silver Tide made up of Merfolk knights and magic users.

Beauty Ideals

Merfolk beauty ideals are based on the physical appearance of an individual and personality.

Gender Ideals

Merfolk treat both sexes equally and have the same rights.

Courtship Ideals

Both sexes of Merfolk will try to court those they are attracted to by offering gifts or showing off their wealth or skills.

Relationship Ideals

Merfolk are monogamous and will have only one partner, both partners can work and both are expected to help raise and educate children.

Average Technological Level

Merfolk in general have an advanced level of technology and magic having invented airlock systems to allow people from other races to visit and live in their underwater settlements, bubble conches, a magical conch that when blown will produce a strong bubble that can capture targets, walkers, four mechanical legs that attach to the Merfolk's waist allowing it to move on land, and many others. Merfolk are also able to create advanced magical weapons and armour, these include spears, tridents, swords, nets and daggers.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Merfolk speak their language called Alguri, though depending where they live some Merfolk have their own dialect.

Common Etiquette Rules

Merfolk treat those of a higher standing with respect and politeness, Merfolk of the same class treat each other equally and those of a lower standing are poorly treated.

Common Dress Code

Merfolk wear brightly coloured clothes made of water resistant fabric and sea shells, their clothing is very revealing.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Merfolk culture is centred around water and the sea, Merfolk are very protective of the oceans and resources found in the oceans so much so they are known to keep an eye on fishing boats and trading vessels. Merfolk also are known to prevent other races from going to certain areas in the oceans due to either what resources are there or religious/cultural reasons.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

A common custom in Merfolk culture is to hold underwater chariot races, many Merfolk come to watch these events and because of this many stalls are set up around these races selling food and souvenirs. There are various chariot racing teams that have been made due to the popularity of these races.

Common Taboos

It is forbidden in Merfolk culture to murder, steal, assault, sexually assault and cannibalise others.

History

A group of Merfolk, like other races, came to the world of Mythus through an event called the flash where the world suddenly came to existence filled with various races and creatures. Merfolk spread across the oceans of Mythus finding areas to settle, due to living in the oceans Merfolk did not have contact with the other races that inhabit the world for a long time developing their own cultures, magic and technologies in isolation. Eventually they made contact with the other races via boat trade routes and fishing vessels and by costal settlements. Subspecies of Merfolk were born due to them living in different environments, the new subspecies born were Cecaelia, Merrows, Sirens, Selkies and Freshwater Merfolk.

Common Myths and Legends

There are various Merfolk myths and legends, however, one myth that all Merfolk, and other races, share is The Flash.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Merfolk are generally on friendly terms with the other races, however, they are still cautious of them due to Merfolk not having contact with the other races for a long period of time.

Genetic Descendants

Scientific Name

Homo aquaus

Lifespan

100 years

Average Height

163 cm for females 176.5 cm for males

Average Weight

49 to 59.9 kg for females 65.3 to 79.8 kg for males

Average Physique

The average Merfolk physique is lean and slightly muscular, however, their physique can vary from being fatter, thinner and/or muscular.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Merfolk skin tone varies depending where that Merfolk came from, their skin tone range from dark to light. Merfolk fin and tail colour comes in various bright shades of yellow, blue, pink, red, purple, orange and green. Merfolk hair colour comes in various bright shades of yellow, red, blue, orange, green, pink and purple.