Mervein

True to the raucous shanty of many a sailor, the amphibious humanoids known as the Mervein are inexorably linked to water. Much like the noble Undine, the Mervein are spirits of water and they represent the life which populates it.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Often tall and lithe, they are hydro-dynamically built and often share characteristics with some kind of water-dwelling life. Unlike the @Faunus, who are simply crude humanoid representations of animals, the Mervein are predominantly humanoid in form, with their features betraying their connection to marine life. For example, a Mervein may have shining silver scales instead of skin, or swirling seaweed instead of hair and they almost always have webbed hands and feet. Those who share characteristics with certain creatures often share a part of their morphology more deeply, such as a frogs legs or the tail of a dolphin.

Genetics and Reproduction

Mervein are capable of reproducing with one another sexually as their reproductive organs are similar to those of humans. However, all Mervein are biologically equipped to become either sex and are born hermaphroditic. While most identify more strongly with one sex over another, there are some that remain hermaphroditic throughout their lives.
The Mervein's classification as Naiadi was observed initially through their capability to reproduce with Undine. Although Undine will often choose to copulate with any other race which takes their fancy, they are only capable of impregnating Naiadi, which includes the Mervein. The offspring of a Mervein and an Undine will exclusively be Mervein, though their appearance may be influenced by the will of their Undine parent, causing them to resemble a different form of Marine life to their Mervein parent.

Growth Rate & Stages

As with all amphibians, Mervein are birthed in egg form into water and must remain in water throughout early infancy. They are not able to fully subsist on air until the age of 5, though they are able to make forays of increasing lengths onto dry land.

Ecology and Habitats

The Mervain are fully amphibious, and so can be found in any district of Faed. Often those that decide to spawn in the more built up area of the city (few have the choice), often live in houses with sub-canal cellars (or just in the cellars themselves) and manually flood them in order to provide a safe habitat for their spawn.
The few who can afford to live outside the city reside in the Lakeside residences of Epwater Lagoon, alongside the aristocracy.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Mervein have normal sensory abilities, unless they share characteristics with a creature that has enhanced senses. For example, they may have the eyes of a deep sea fish, allowing them to see in the dark but be sensitive to light.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

First names: https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_de_pr%C3%A9noms_bretons Last names: Dela/Du + French word related to body of water e.g. DuLac, DuMarais, DuFlot, DeLaMarre, DuFleuve, DeLaCôte.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Naiadi