Merfolk
Merfolk are an aquatic species resembling human-fish hybrids. They live mostly in the northern and eastern seas. Their bodies are able to survive the extreme pressure of the deepest part of a sea.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Merfolk are part human and part fish. From the waist up they have a human-like torso, hands and head while from the waist down they have a fish tail. They also have fins on the outer sides of the hands and on the head near the ears.
On the neck Merfolk have a pair of gills used for breathing underwater. Additionally, they have a human respiratory system which they use when swiminning to the surface. Under water the human respiratory system is closed.
Genetics and Reproduction
Merfolk hatch from eggs. The female lays down eggs and then the male releases his seed to fertilize the eggs. Usually, there are about 4-5 eggs at one time. Because of that most Merfolk reproduce just one time in their whole life. In Merfolk cultures sensual pleasures of a couple are unrelated to reproduction.
Ecology and Habitats
Merfolk can survive out of the water, but because of their anatomy they live in the seas. Most of them live in the cities in the deep oceans. On the higher depths they have floating villages and military outposts. The former are bases for providing food for the cities, while the latter protect the cities from hostiles. Each Merfolk city has a surface station which is partially under the water and partially above the water. These stations are used in contacts between Merfolk and Drywalkers.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Merfolk are omnivores. They eat fish, seafood and plants. The most common plants eaten by them are algae.
Cuisines vary between city-states and between eastern and northern seas. However, there are some common elements in most of the city-states. One of these things is what is common food and what is more exclusive and luxourious. In most cases seafood, like shrimps or mussels, and algae are common foods eaten on daily basis. It is easy to collect them in large quantities which make them cheap. The situation with fish is much more complex as it depends on the species. Smaller fish may fall into the same category as seafood and algae, but larger fish are expensive and most Merfolk can afford them only sporadically.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
Merfolk live in city-states, which are mostly ruled by kings and queens.
Major City-states of the Eastern Sea
- Tethys
- Nephtys
- Aega
- Ocead
Major City-states of the Northern Sea
- Gothsea
- Njordid
- Lir
- Ahtid
Gender Ideals
As Merfolk are born from eggs there is no additional burden on the females to go through pregnancy. As the result there was no need of creating social divisions between male and female roles.
Relationship Ideals
Merfolk couples are partnerships. Neither man nor woman is dominating the relationship. In most families both the man and the woman is providing for the family. Usually, after children are born the mother stays at home only for a few days, as after 4-5 days children can eat normal food and don't to be breat-feeded. After those few days the parents usually alternate in taking care of the children.
Common Dress Code
Merfolk put clothes only on the human part of their body. The tail is left naked to not impact their ability to swim.
Common Taboos
Collecting and using corals for any purpose is strictly prohibited in all merfolk cultures. Corals are sacred because it is believed that they are remains of the Sea Lord's blood that didn't change into water.
Common Myths and Legends
The most important mythical and religious figure of Merfolk is the Sea Lord, a god from whose blood all seas in the world were made. Merfolk worship him as a way to thank him for the sacrfice he made to create their home. Some Merfolk believe that the Sea Lord didn't die, but went to a transendental plane of existence.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Interactions with the inhabitants of the land, known to Merfolk as Drywalkers, are limited to trading through the surface stations located above the Merfolk cities.
I love the idea of the settlements that are half above water and half below so that they can have contact with drywalkers. That's such a cool concept! I love that they lay eggs too! :)