Merfolk

Deep beneath the waves of the sea live the Merfolk. Skittish folk who don't often involve themselves in the matters of those who dwell on land. Merfolk mostly live under the Adveni Sea or a few live in port towns along the coast. Merfolk can speak two languages depending on their environment. Above water Mer speak rough common and fluent sign language. Their own language can only be spoken below water and sounds much like the calls of whales and dolphins.

Merfolk are similar in nature to Orcas and other dolphins. They are curious social creatures who enjoy fun and entertainment. When provoked however they become more dangerous than frenzied sharks. These humanoids come in a bright variety of colors much like tropical fish.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Merfolk are humanoid with gills made for breathing above water and below it. Instead of hair Merfolk ether have colorful crests made of fin like structures that almost resemble leaves or flower petals. Or they have hair made of tendrils like those found on jellyfish.

Genetics and Reproduction

Merfolk lay gel eggs as a way to reproduce. A Mer female can lay 1 clutch each year and lay a maximum of 10 eggs. Most Mer lay between 4-6 eggs each clutch. Because the eggs do not have a hard shell they must be laid underwater and are kept in a city vault that is very closely guarded as Mer eggs are often sought after by predatory animals.

Growth Rate & Stages

infant: 0-2 years

Child: 3-10 years

Adolescent: 11-16 years

Nomadic: 17-29

Adult: 30-240 years

Elderly: 241-350 years

Ecology and Habitats

Mer prefer living under water. Those who adventure to land try and stay as close to the shore as possible or where there is lots of humidity. They try and avoid deserts as they dehydrate much more easily than other humanoids. Merfolk live in coral cities sculpted from the ship wrecks or ancient city ruins. While most rooms are submerged many rooms are not. Rooms built to be free of water are used to give space for visiting humanoids and to practice breathing air without water.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Mer are carnivores who prefer fish and crustaceans. They eat at times some vegetables and grains in dishes like sushi however they do stay away from fruit finding them too surgery and sweet.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Mer society is a village of individuals.This extends even into their language as they do not have words for family or family members. There is even a time in a Mer's life where they become nomadic and travel as far as they can. During this time they will work odd jobs and even study for a semester or two at university. Once this period of life is over they are expected to settle down and help build whatever community they live in.
Mer cities are broken up into districts called pods. Each pod is built around a purpose. Some might be homes built around a central garden. Or it could be warehouses built around a market place. Most Mer live in small apartments alone or in communal apartments with private rooms with children living in school and being visited by parents occasionally.
Mer live to pursue individual goals and grow the community as a whole. Each Mer takes pride in their city as well as in their own reputation.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Mer who have head crests seem to have better hearing or some form of sonar. While it's range is limited to roughly 100ft it has helped save many Mer from being ambushed by sharks and other predators.

Mer who have tendril hair are able to sense changes in tides much more easily. Their tendrils also give off a slight electrical charge. Not enough to do damage but just enough to give a slight tingle. While this doesn't effect humanoid species it can be devastating to sharks who use electrical currents to find prey.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Mer have a close relationship with dolphins, Orcas and Whales. Dolphins are kept in similar manner to how humans keep dogs while Orcas are seen as hunting partners. Whales are held as sacred animals and protected by Mer from whalers. When a whale dies of natural causes Mer will help beach the animal or draw it to the surface for whalers to catch. In exchange no whalers are allowed to hunt live whales. When whalers are done extracting the needed meat and blubber the bones are given to Mer to make tools or scrimshaw with.

Civilization and Culture

Courtship Ideals

Because Mer don't live as families they also do not have courtship rituals. Instead during the month of Scroll all Mer enter a 'Mating Season'. During this time Mer hormones drive them to mate with as many members of the opposite sex as possible. Usually the giving of shells or scrimshaw will accompany such a encounter though it is not necessary.

Relationship Ideals

While Mer are not interested in romantic relationships, they are very interested in friendships. Mer enjoy friends who are fun to be around, respect one's privacy, and those who can teach them new skills or concepts.

Common Taboos

Selling other Mer into slavery or eating another Mer is considered the greatest betrayal. Mer who do so are often fed to sharks.  Helping pirates to hunt whales, sharks, or dolphins is considered a betrayal and can result in banishment or imprisonment.  Only having one mating partner is seen as a sign of weakness or social ineptitude unless circumstances only allow for one. Murdering Mer is considered a sign of becoming feral. Those who commit murder are banished into shark infested waters.

Scientific Name

Merfolk

Origin/Ancestry

Aryan experimentation

Lifespan

350 years

Average Height

Male: 4' 8"- 5' Female: 5'2"- 5" 6"

Average Weight

120- 130lbs.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Very colorful with blues, greens, yellows most prominent. Think tropical fish.