Siren

Additional Information

Social Structure

Traditionally living in large settlements along cliffs, though forced to live solitary lives.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Heightened eyesight and the ability to control other creatures by speaking and singing.

Civilization and Culture

Gender Ideals

Most sirens appear androgynous, though many pick one of the recognised genders humans use to present as. Many change that presentation over their lives.

History

Relatively unknown and increasingly rare, barely anything outside of the general 'often short, vaguely birdlike, entrancing voices' is known about sirens. However, what sirens share is a long, often tragic history.

The consensus is that Qhil created most of the creatures of the ocean. But sirens straddle a line between the ocean and the land that they can't reconcile, even when they are sure she made them as well. The themes of isolation and alienation carry along every action and interaction sirens have over the centuries.

When humans first realized these semi-avian people lived on the rocks and the coasts where they could bridge the gap between their two worlds, they were exploited. Children were kidnapped to be trained by greedy individuals wanting easy ways to influence and extort others. However, when they realized sirens couldn't use those talents without their parents having taught them, raids on their nesting grounds and villages grew. Ultimately the population of sirens dropped and the survivors fled to the farthest reaches of the world to hide.

Their culture changed after that. The large colonies and villages built along cliffs and sea-facing caves were switched for isolation, family groups hiding along the rocks and beaches, only to send their children out after they reached adulthood to find their own homes.

Their culture and very makeup requires companionship, and they were forced to abandon that. Because complete isolation kills sirens quickly, they began using their nearly-human appearance to hide among the very humans who tried to use them for profit. They became sailors, merchants, crafters, using their skills in handiwork and natural charisma to get what they needed.

After centuries of this, many humans forgot the silver tongued people existed, assuming they died out-- even while the very people they presume dead work alongside them.

Some attempts to reclaim their heritage and tradition have been made, with groups moving back together far south where tall cliffs give way to unexplored desert.

Average Height

4 - 5 ft

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The same range of skin tones humans posses, with hair often appearing fluffier and more featherlike than humans'.