Mermaid

Mermaids are the only truly aquatic sentient species in Naiko. Their only true foes are the Kraken, who they only rarely have conflict with. Mermaids are strong allies with the other Good species, and the ruling force are good friends with the queens of The Three Kingdoms.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Mermaids are nearly identical to humans from the waist up. However, from the waist down, mermaids have fish-like scale-covered tails ending in fins, slightly longer than human legs would be, that allow them to swim with ease.
Mermaids' skin can be anywhere in the range of colors of human skin. Their hair, eyes, and tails can be any in a wider range of colors of the rainbow, though their hair tends to stay within the human spectrum of hair colors. Most mermaids have a scale-like pattern matching their scales on their torso just above their tail and on their hands and wrists.
Mermaids have a set of thin gills on either side of their neck that allow them to breathe in water as well as air.

Genetics and Reproduction

Mermaids can only reproduce with other mermaids. The coloring of the child, mainly their tail, is typically either one of the two parent's tail colors or a color between the two.

Growth Rate & Stages

Mermaids mature slightly faster than humans during childhood and slower once they reach adulthood. The age of adulthood among mermaids is generally 16 years. Mermaids can live well over 100 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Mermaids are aquatic creatures and live in the oceans of Naiko. Though they can survive out of water, as they can breathe, it is damaging to their health to be fully out of the water for too long.
Mermaids are highly respectful of other species living in proximity to them, often even going as far as making their structures with other species in mind, e.g., making sure other animals can fit through doorways, etc.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Mermaids are omnivorous by nature; however, there is a good percentage of mermaids that are vegetarian by choice as they don't believe they should eat animals or eggs of species they can communicate with. Instead, they rely on aquatic plants.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Though mermaids have a ruling structure, aside from that, they have very little social structure. Though they live in large groups they are often independent and often spend time alone outside of the group's area.
Mermaids are not necessarily monogamous. Mermaids will often help care for others' children, often forming extended "family" groups where multiple mothers and partners all take responsibility of all of the children.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Mermaids live in seas around the world; however, the largest distribution is in the oceans off the western coast of The Three Kingdoms.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Mermaids have strong vision that allows them to see clearly underwater. They also have the ability to communicate with any aquatic animal.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Mermaids, similar to Elves and Sprites, are given names made of natural items and elements. There is typically no distinction between male and female names.

Average Technological Level

Mermaids use significantly less technology than Fairies and Pixies, relying mainly on simple tools.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Common, Oceanic

Common Dress Code

Mermaids wear very little on a regular basis, typically only a minimal chest covering. However, they heavily decorate their hair with handmade (or sometimes imported) jewelry. For special occasions and events they will often wear more.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Mermaids are allied with the Good forces ( Fairies , Pixies, Sprites, and Elves), although they did not actively participate in the The Great War.

A mermaid.

(By Author Purple)

Lifespan

100 years

Average Weight

150lbs

Average Length

6ft

Geographic Distribution

• The Great Ocean

Related Organizations

• The Mermaid Kingdom