Nereid

When I first saw them sitting on the shore of Vermillion Bay, I was struck dumb by their beauty. From the shades of green, red, and blue in their hair to the way their skin glimmers slightly like that of Mother of Pearl. While they have tails like that of a fish, the human top could only be described as the visage of perfection. I found myself entranced with even the Men of their species. If I had not already seen Angels before, I would have mistaken them for the divine beings.

— From the travel log of Evan Colt describing first contact with Nereids on the Louisiana coast.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Nereids are an aquatic sapient lifeform with the upper body that closely resembles that of a human and the tail of a fish.
Their skin exhibits a faint multicolored shine that is accurately described as Mother of Pearl. The is caused by very small, clear scales that grow from their skin. The only places that they are absent on their bodies are the palms on their hands and their scalp. Despite these scales, their skin still feels soft to the touch.
Nereids have hair that grows from the scalp and can be found in shades of blue, green, and red. Hair does not seem to grow anywhere else on their bodies.
Their facial features are considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing of all the Humanoid races.

Skeletal Structure

The bones in the upper body of a Nereid is nearly identical to that of a Human. The only difference is the additional spiny cartilage that acts as a support for collapsible dorsal-like fins on their spine and forearms. Their hips also contain extra bones and cartilage for their pelvic fins.
The bones of their tails end at the point in where the human knee would be located. From there, very flexible yet strong cartilage extends down to the tip of their tail. This same cartilage comprises the spines in the fins of their tail.

The spines of all their fins, excluding their pelvic fins, are not connected to other bone. They are connected only to muscle tissue. This seems to give them finer movement and lessens the chance of injury if pressed against hard surfaces.

Biological Traits

Nereids have multiple lungs that are segmented. These extra lungs help in filtering and storing oxygen from water. This also seems to help manage their buoyancy much like fish.

Genetics and Reproduction

Nereids reproduce sexually. Length of pregnancy last around 11 months and are live births.
Despite the glaring differences in genetics, Nereids and Humans can procreate and produce viable offspring. There are currently two known cases of Nereid/Human children. They are called Maneli.

Growth Rate & Stages

The life cycle of Nereids are similar to Human life cycles but with a avarage life expectancy of 110 years.

Ecology and Habitats

Nereids enjoy saltwater areas. They can breathe air but must keep their body thoroughly hydrated.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Nereids are almost completely vegetarian and eat mostly kelps and various sea plants. They can digest meat but it is undesirable to their palate.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

The average intelligence of a Nereid is comparable to that of a Human.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Nereids vocal cords cannot reproduce sounds that can be easily interpreted and understood by Humans and other sapient races. They, however, possess the ability to create temporary psychic bonds by ingesting blood from another sapient being. Once this bond is engaged, the bonded pair can speak to each other as if they know the other's language intimately.

Civilization and Culture

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Nereid / Human relations are currently favorable.
Nereid / Fallen Angel relations are currently neutral.
Nereid / Elf relations are currently favorable.

Also Known As
Mermaid(Female), Mermen(Male), Finfolk, Merrow

Scientific Name

Sirenium havmennesker

Origin/Ancestry

Lyonesse, The undersea continent located in the Gulf of Mexico.

Lifespan

110 Years

Conservation Status

Protected: Sapient

Average Height

5'9" - 6'2"

Average Weight

130 lbs