Mer Folk
The Hunters sped through the water on their Shark mounts, scaled legs holding tight against the creatures sides and upper bodies bent forward over the maw.
swimming behind them came the half fish soldiers, tails where legs should be.
All were armed with spears that had multiple spikes sticking forward, the fish tailed swimmers also carried nets. The riders pointed the swimmers to go right as they swerved left, pushing the shoal towards the swimmers, suddenly the real prey appeared, a giant octopus confused by the fish swarming around it.
It attacked a swimmer who was out of place, ripping him with its' hooked suckers, then the Riders attacked, launching their hunting spears into the majestic beast.
Blood and ink entered the water even as the hunters drew their second weapons, short stabbing spears.
Basic Information
Anatomy
there are two types of Merfolk.
First are the common type, who have biological adaptions for life under water.
Biological Traits
those with tales use the Half orc height and weight charts, those with legs use human.
Genetics and Reproduction
male mates with female, egg is fertilized, after a month the egg is lain in a safe place, or kept near one of the parents, after a further eight months the baby hatches from the egg, like a human child, able to breath, swimming is known from birth, but the developing child has to gain strength and knowledge to be good at it.
Growth Rate & Stages
exactly as a human.
Ecology and Habitats
under the sea, up to 1 mile down, is their optimum habitat and where they tend to live in towns and villages.
Dietary Needs and Habits
omniverous
Biological Cycle
egg, infant, pre-pubescent, pubescence, adult hood
Additional Information
Social Structure
The legged type form an elite, and as legged ness is inherited they are the noble sections of society, being Fighters, Wizards, Priests and merchants.
The Tailed ones are warriors and laborers.
Domestication
They hunt and herd fish and aquatic mammals. they farm sea weeds.
Facial characteristics
both have fish like fins on ears and as a ridge from base of neck, over the skull and to the center of the forehead.
Tailed ones have a very fish like face, legged ones could pass for human.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
coastal waters out to one mile depth
Average Intelligence
t=8
l=10
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Their vision works in the ultra violet, like a lot of fish, and so they often can see things that humans can't. their vision and hearing work underwater as well as a human on land.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
usual types of sea tick etc.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Athenian style names.
Major Organizations
Each Aquatic city is ruled by a family of Legged individuals, with one being the Primary ruler. This primary ruler is called Prince/Princess and the others form a force of Knights under their direction.
Beauty Ideals
symmetry of body and face, and pattern
Gender Ideals
Males are fierce and foolhardy, Females are contemplative and devious.
Courtship Ideals
Arranged marriages are usual, though it is possible for love to dictate the courtship.
Relationship Ideals
co-operation, or obedience of one to the other.
Average Technological Level
medieval
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Piscean is the common written and spoken language of the merfolk.
Common Etiquette Rules
locking gaze with a mer is a challenge to fight.
Common Dress Code
belts and sashes with breastplates for tailed. Scale mail armor and pants/tunics for legged.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
the educators are the philosophers, or those who want to do it. Those with money get an education. Males and Females are treated equally, however, an unmarried female cannot own land or slaves. A female is considered married even if the husband dies or leaves them.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
All land dwellers are inferior to Sea Dwellers. Tailed ones are dumber than legged ones, though they can be fierce.
Common Taboos
mixing of types in marriage, or friendship.
History
They ignored the land dwellers, and the land dwellers ignored them, then when the land dwellers disappeared they hardly noticed, having to deal with the Magic storm in their own way. They retreated to the deeps, down to two miles and more beneath the surface.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Homo Aquaeus
Origin/Ancestry
The Sea
Lifespan
80
Conservation Status
Good
Average Height
tailed 5'8
legged 5'6
Average Weight
t=210
l=150
Average Length
see height
Average Physique
t=12
l=10
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
covered in scales, even the face. coloring tends from yellow to grass green.
Tailed ones will have streaks of red, black or brown on their tails and torso. Their scales are larger and provide more protection.
Legged ones have lighter colored scales on abdomen, neck, and face. Their scales are fine, almost invisible on their paler side.
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