Merfolk

Merfolk is an umbrella term used for the various kingdoms of magic-wielding, water-dwelling creatures who speak the common tongue. Most merfolk can be described as having the upper body of a humanoid and a long fish-like tail. Merfolk have very powerful magic inherent from birth. The average merfolk are able to perform transformation magic at will, though some can perform more advanced magic as well. This has lead their society to be very vain and image-focused. They are a proud people who worship the moon as it controls the tides they reside within.

Most of the societies keep to themselves, however some have gone onto land to treat with nearby cultures and assure peace and mutual prosperity. The main society is the kingdom of Uannes, a rich and thriving group of cities without names. The ruler of Uannes is a diplomat who often travels throughout the land world to assure the good name of merfolk everywhere.

On the contrary, the greatest rival to Uannes is Marid, a kingdom of deep dwelling merfolk who shun and despise the land world. They are ruled by a council who work to ensure the safety of every member of Marid. Where Uannes is filled with towers and crowded cities, Marid is more sprawling, covering the seafloor with dwellings. They are more militant than most mermaids and their ideal appearance is very different. They value their ability to strike fear in the hearts of land folk, and therefore often present themselves with dark colors and more grim attire.

Usually, merfolk choose to go on land as diplomats or passive observers, generally peaceful and staying out of conflict. There are also those who go on land simply to cause strife and trouble, though never directly implicating the rest of merfolk or their governments. Those who do so, need to stay very hydrated. While their transformation magic makes it capable to have legs and lungs, merfolk feel uncomfortable being dry and will often stay close to water, or, for the very rich, have someone follow them with bowls of water for them to dip their hands in to relax. All merfolk see themselves as better than any other race, especially any race that live on land. Some are kind, or put aside their pride to work together with them, but all are looking down their nose at everyone else. All of the monsters races earn their disdain, such savagery is unbecoming and will not be tolerated.

Merfolk should not be confused with Deep Ones who are a monstrous race of savage water dwellers. They are entirely different races, though merfolk tend to pretend deep ones simply do not exist, as they do not help merfolk maintain their image. Failing this, encroaching deep ones who find themselves too close to merfolk cities will soon find themselves on the dangerous end of Maridian weapons.