Merfolk

Merfolk are an aquatic race, primarily living in the oceans of the spheres. As traditional forging is near impossible underwater, merfolk use magic and organically grown components in order to create their tools and armaments. With these they carve out great cities of stone and shell, tending massive kelp farms and hunting schools of fish. They all have an innate connection to the ocean and merfolk culture thus values taking care of their home, being careful not to overhunt one species or pollute the water. In return, they are gifted with powerful magic and the ability to call upon the waves for aid.
Life underwater, however, also teems with great dangers and safely walling off one's home is harder in the depths. As such, merfolk in battle favor teamwork and coordination, leveraging their greater numbers to turn the tide. They flank from multiple angles and attack as one, using their powers to safeguard themselves and their allies against any counterattack.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Merfolk have a piscine bipedal body, with two arms, two legs and a finned tail. Their bodies are covered in scales of various colors. Webbing grows between fingers and toes and they are skilled swimmers. Adapted to a life in water, merfolk are well insulated from the substance. Their blood also contains anti-bodies to purify it against pollutants, granting them a measure of protection against poison. Merfolk need to stay hydrated to live. While they can walk on land, they are vulnerable to the debilitating effects of warm weather. Merfolk therefore prefer to stay near sources of water if they have to surface for some reason. Merfolk have an innate connection to the powers of the ocean. They can communicate with sea-dwelling creatures and call upon the waters to protect themselves and their allies.

Genetics and Reproduction

Merfolk reproduce through sexual intercourse. The female merfolk will produce three to four fertilized eggs, which she will lay. These eggs will develop for abouttwo seasons before hatching.

Growth Rate & Stages

Baby merfolk can swim from birth, but are otherwise pretty defenseless. They will grow into adulthood over the next fourteen to sixteen years.

Ecology and Habitats

Merfolk live in the ocean. They hunt a variety of food and farm kelp and other underwater plants.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivores. Merfolk hunt and farm a variety of underwater foods to sustain themselves.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Merfolk are very communal and live together in large groups. Their society is hierarchal, with different rungs of their society having different responsibilities and social powers.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Merfolk are a common speciesand found on many spheres

Average Intelligence

Merfolk are sapient. The many dangers they share territories with pressure merfolk to be observant and quick-qitted. They are on average a tad bit quicker on the uptake than your average human.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Merfolk have eyes, ears and noses, all adapted to function perfectly fine underwater.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Merfolk names vary a lot depending on culture, but references to water are a common theme.

Scientific Name

Sapiens Piscis

Lifespan

80-90 years

Average Height

1.4-1.8 meters

Average Weight

50-75 kilo