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Fae-folk

The Mages of the Sea. Merfolk are humanoid marine creatures and masters of channelling the ocean’s mysterious power, that build grand and secluded kingdoms underwater.

Instinct Category: Mortal/Beast
Average lifespan - varies; usually over 1000 yrs
Alignment: Neutral
Gender - 33% non-binary | 33% male | 33% female

Signature ability:
Merenna - a peculiar aquatic magic;
Can control and manipulate water, marine flora and fauna;
Can communicate with marine life

Behaviour and Interactions:
Merfolk normally reside in large kingdoms underwater, consisting of multiple sub-species and other marine creatures. However, some form smaller societies. While most live in oceans and along coastlines, a few subspecies can be found in fresh-water lakes and underwater caves.
They are the ocean’s equivalent to Anchens - though stronger in their magical abilities and less commonly seen. They tend to keep their distance from surface-dwelling creatures, so interactions with them can vary. It is often considered an omen if a merfolk willingly approaches you.

Subspecies

Fish Form
The most-common form of merfolk. Their colours and fin-shapes mimic other fish from within their territories.

Shark and Porpoise Forms
SThe only forms to have both a tail and legs, these amphibious merfolk appear similar to sharks, dolphins, orcas or whales. While not the most abundant in numbers, their ability to breathe on-land for much longer than the other forms makes sightings of them more common. As such, they can be surprisingly friendly.

Reef Form
Corals and sea-grasses form the aquatic halves of these merfolk’s bodies, living symbiotically with their host. They are frequently surrounded by other fish, which protect them and even live amongst the miniature reefs on their tails. While most are thought to be born naturally, if a land-dweller dabbles in Merenna, it will often turn them into a reef merfolk.

Kelpie Form
Aquatic centaurs that specialise in Merennan weaponry and jewellery. Their ranks are elite and secretive.

Colony Form
These merfolk are a hivemind of other organisms that can separate at will to form other shapes. They reside alone in the deep trenches, defending their territory and scavenging sunken ships.

Gallery

A young Orca Merman with his human boyfriend from
Altair's Journeys vol. 1

'a Fish Merman in,
Altair's Journeys vol. 1

Tropical Merfolk drawings,
Compliation 1

An older collection of merfolks drawings
made for Mermay 2019

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