Mermon
Deep Rooted Suspicion
Mermon are intensely suspicious of outsiders to their groups, sometimes boarding on the edge of paranoia. This has caused them to keep their society closed off from other people. Even other Mermon from other regions. It is extremely difficult to gain their trust, and even then it is less about trust and more about them believing you are currently not a threat. If that tenuous trust is broken, however, it is almost a certainty that it will never be regained.Warriors of the Waters
Combat is a central pillar of Mermon society, where your prowess with a weapon is as important for your social standing as it is your survival. Mermon settlements are found near thermal vents and underwater ravines with active lava flows to benefit from the warmth. However, heat is only one of the few things that come from these open channels deeper down. Monsters and abominations regularly come up from the deep and Mermon settlements are usually the first ones they meet. Because of the necessity of fighting, Mermon tradition, celebrations, and leadership all revolve around combat. Fighting has been bred into them over ages.Biological Traits
Coming in a variety of vibrant colors, Mermon have numerous retractable fins that line their arms and legs. They have partially webbed hands and fully webbed feet that also help them with swimming. Their eyes usually match the color of the skin or at least the skin of one of the parents, and ears have no holes but are just short webbed flaps that protrude from their heads like a traditional mammalian ear. While they look like they have normal long hair to other people, what they have are long fine nerve fibers that allow them to sense ripples in the water. They are visually identical to hair strands, but their texture is a bit rougher like twine. They reproduce normally for mammals and the mother remains pregnant for 6 months. They can swim from birth but they are unable to breathe air until they reach the age of 10. They reach maturity and their peak of physical development at age 18. From then on their bodies slowly begin to degrade and break down from age. Most of these effects can be staved off with consistent exercise, but most Mermon succumb to the effects of aging regardless of fitness around age 70. Mermon are most comfortable in open circulating bodies of water where it doesn't stagnate. Though they can live just fine in isolated lakes and artificial pools if they need to. Though they are aquatic they are warm-blooded creatures and can live in the coldest of waters. It is more comfortable for them in warmer environments though.Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
First of Second of Third of Fourth: (Kaholo of Lani of Laban of Hanakahi)
First: A Hawaiian themed name.
Second: A Hawaiian themed name of their parent.
Third: A Hawaiian themed name of their grandparent.
Fourth: A Hawaiian themed name of their great grandparent.
First Names are given by the parents of the child and are kept throughout their lives. They are used in common conversations by those familiar with the person.
Second Names are taken from the child's father or surviving parent if the father has died before birth. This name is used in conjunction with the First Name when speaking to the person in a formal or professional setting. (Like Mr or Mrs)
Third Names are taken from either of the child's surviving grandparents. However, if both are dead before the child's birth then the grandfather's name is used over the grandmother's. This name is used in conjunction with the first two during ceremonies, special celebrations, and honors. It is only included when the news is positive.
Fourth Names are taken from either the child's great grandparents or whichever one may be alive. However, as this is usually not the case it is tradition to take the name of whichever had the greatest feat attached to their name. This name is used in conjunction with all the others when being given bad news, being implicated in a crime, or challenged to personal combat. It is never used in a positive nature and is seen as disrespectful to the long dead if used in any other way.
Example Names (First of Second of Third of Fourth)
Female Names- Kamole of Kai of Kalanianioli of Hone
- Kahakuhale of Iokina of Kinimaka of Kaohi
- Moananani of Hina'ea of Kai of Makela
- Kekaula of Haiku of Kalea of Kahelmeakua
- Lala of Kaipo of Hulama of Kanale
- Elika of Makaha of Naihe of Kapiolani
- Kahoku of Olina of Manunui of Mapuana
- Honi of Napua of Kale of Kalama
- Hilo of Ke'ale of Iolani of Onaona
- Nawai of Ka'ahanui of Ala of Hoaka
Gender Ideals
Men are viewed as the natural leaders and the strongest of all Mermon. They are the ones who are supposed to be on the front lines defending the community, building their homes, and providing for their families. A lot of physical responsibilities lay on the shoulders of the men, which puts strength valued above all else.
The women are meant to be hunting and gathering food, making sure the home is safe and protected and to manage the spiritual side of their lives. The arcane arts are almost exclusively thought of as a women's responsibility and thus enchanting, healing, and divine prayer fall to them as well. It is expected that women pick up any slack the men leave, so depending on the community, the women can be the most or least hardworking of people in Mermon society.
Ability Score Increases: You gain 2 to your Wisdom score.
Size: Medium
Speed: Your base walking speed is 30ft and swim speed 60ft
Amphibious: You can breathe air and water.
Suspicious Mind: You have Advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks against people unknown to you.
Shifter Sight: You have the ability to spot shape changers when they are transformed. Picking out small odd details most others wouldn't see. Odd hair placement, slight ripple of the skin, or even an off breathe pattern. You GM will decide a DC from instance to instance.
Ripplesense: Using your hair nerves and while in water or rain you can "see" up to 120ft away.
Default Language
Wutu
Wutu
Origin/Ancestry
Silent Ocean
Lifespan
18 - 80 years
Average Height
4' 10" - 6' 8"
Average Weight
80 lbs - 220 lbs
