Merfolk

Born from the sea, merfolk are the only aquatic humanoids native to this land. Though wary of outsiders visiting their undersea cities, merfolk are well known for their expert craftsmanship. They have nimble hands and a keen eye for beauty, causing their art to be both popular and valuable among the terrestrial populations.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Merfolk are slightly smaller than humans on average, but follow the same basic body plan: two arms, two legs, etc. They have wide hands and feet with webbed toes to enhance their swimming capabilities, as well as fin-like structures on their forearms and lower legs which serve the same purpose. Gills are present on the sides of the neck which, in combination with the lungs, allow merfolk to breathe both on land and underwater.

Ecology and Habitats

As long as they remain properly hydrated, merfolk can live almost anywhere they wish, though most prefer the coastal regions of the ocean as these areas provide plenty of food and materials as well as easy access to trade on the land. Some, however, have evolved to live in the murky swamps of the Dark Forest and prefer to live in tribes hidden under the muck.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Fish make up the bulk of a merperson's diet. In the civilized coastal regions, the strong will regularly venture into the open seas to hunt using weapons such as tridents, never killing more than is necessary out of respect for the sea. Merfolk who live in the swamps of the Dark Forest are less civilized in their hunting technique and will eat any meat they can kill with their hands.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Merfolk have wider faces with large (but not bulging) eyes. They have almost flat noses with slit nostrils. Their lips tend to be thinner than humans', but this is not a universal trait. Commonly, they will have fin-like ridges on their cheekbones and/or web-like ears. Despite whether or not they have webbed ears, a merperson's ears' base shape is always pointed, similar to an elf's.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Merfolk can be found in any civilized area, though most live in or near the coast.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Merfolk experience all five of the basic senses, as well as have minor inherent magical capabilities such as the ability to create minor illusions, mostly used to aid in hunting by distracting prey.

Lifespan

120 years

Average Height

4'6"-5'6"

Average Weight

90-140 lbs

Average Physique

Most merfolk are small and lithe when compared to humans. They tend to be subtly muscular, though it is not unusual for elderly merfolk to appear almost skeletal.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Merfolks' skin typically is colored a pale cool color such as blue or purple, but they can be found in any color, similar to the variety in the fish who share their reef homes. They also have myriad skin markings such as stripes, swirls, or spots which are a darker tint of their base skin color.