Merperson

Basic Information

Anatomy

From torso up, they resemble humans, but below the navel when underwater or mostly submerged, they have a large and long fish-like tail with colored scales. Sometimes, the scales will extend up the chest.

Biological Traits

Most can live for hundreds of years if careful. Most merpeople don't vary too much in age expectancies unless killed. However, there is a large variance in height and weight.

Growth Rate & Stages

Growth rate is similar to humans, but tapers off around sixty, as merpeople have an extended lifespan.

Ecology and Habitats

Merpeople live mostly in underwater caverns, though on the nearby islands have settled several towns and villages.

Biological Cycle

Most merpeople either stay on land or underwater during the winters, as the transition is tough in the cold weather.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Hierarchical

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Some men from the Lost Kingdom of Karolignus have captured and tortured merpeople, to make products from their scales, and exploit them.

Facial characteristics

Same as human, though can develop gills underwater on the neck

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Most merpeople live in the waters near the Northern Archipelago, specifically in the Islands of Rhiara.

Average Intelligence

IQ 100-134

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Merpeople see incredibly well in the dark and can breathe underwater.

Civilization and Culture

Common Dress Code

When in open waters, swimming, merpeople aren't known for wearing...much at all. When in air-locked spaces or on land, they will often dress anywhere from casual to formal, but not stay in the nude.

Common Taboos

It is taboo to show off powers as a merperson to an unsuspecting human if they do not know you are one.

Common Myths and Legends

It is said that a great enchantress razed the first castle to the ground at the behest of the men of the Archipelago.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Homo sapiens sapiens- tolerated
Homo sapiens magus- allied
Homo sapiens procantore- disliked
Homo sapiens venifica- hated
Homo sapiens stryga- allied

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Human

Scientific Name

Homo nereides syreni

Origin/Ancestry

Human, enchanted with fish-like characteristics

Lifespan

450 years

Conservation Status

Merpeople are often attacked by outlying nations including the Lost Men. Thus, they hold several secret strongholds for retreat in time of emergency.

Average Height

5'0" / 152 cm to 7'0" / 213 cm

Average Weight

100 lbs / 45.4 kg to 200 lbs / 90.7 kg

Average Length

with tail: 6'0" / 183 cm to 8'0" / 284 cm

Average Physique

Can very, some are very fit while others make zero effort to maintain a toned physique.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Each merperson's tail is tinted, and often this tint on the scales will spread to parts of the upper body.