Merelli

The Merelli, also known as the Merfolk, are a semi-aquatic humanoid species that can be found along Galbar's coasts. They were created by Cadien and Neiya.
== History ==
=== Creation ===
When Cadien and Neiya met for a second time, Neiya expressed an insecurity about her ability to create. Cadien decided to help her out by offering to make something with her. She agreed, and they created the Merelli.
== Biology ==
The Merelli closely resemble humans, with a few key differences. Firstly, they all small grey horns on their head, usually on the forehead, but some have more unique placements. Secondly, when in water, they have the ability to shapeshift their legs into a scaley tail, allowing for easier swimming. The fastest Merelli can outswim sharks.
Thirdly, they all possess a supernatural charisma and beauty; mortals feel naturally drawn toward them, and find their suggestions far more appealing. Even if a mortal does not find them sexually attractive, their words will still somehow seem more compelling. This hold they have over other species is not absolute; it can be resisted, depending on the beauty of the Merelli or the willpower of the mortal.
Compared to humans, the Merfolk tend to possess greater upper body strength, as a result of spending so much time swimming, but they tend to be less balanced when walking on land as a result. Thus, their legs are often shaky; their footing unsure. Most struggle to run great distances - not for lack of stamina, but simply due to the risk of tripping.
Despite spending most of their time in the water, the Merelli do not possess gills, and thus they usually make their homes on islands, beaches, and rocky outcrops. They also have a greater need for hydration than humans, needing to drink twice as much water to survive.
Lastly, it should also be noted Merelli possess the same lifespan as humans, though unlike humans they show no exterior signs of aging after they reach the age of twenty. As a result, a mother can be indistinguishable from her daughter. A Merelli who dies from old age will simply suffer organ and bone failure, without any aesthetic signs that something is amiss.
== Psychology ==
A Merelli's mood tends to vary depending on the temperature of the water they find themselves in. Merelli who dwell in colder waters tend to be pragmatic, proud, and standoffish. Merelli who dwell in warmer waters can be relaxed, playful, and mischevious.
They enjoy playing pranks on those who intrude upon the ocean. Some of these pranks are harmless, such as lightly rocking a raft when it's not expected, but some Merelli are actively malicious, and act with the intent to kill. Exceptionally cruel and wicked merfolk will climb onto jagged rocks, transform into a human, and pretend to be in distress - luring well-meaning sailors to their doom. Others will flirtatiously invite humans for a swim, only to drown them once they reach deeper waters.
These sadistic merfolk are few and far between, but their actions might tarnish the image of the species as a whole. They are generally reluctant to war amongst themselves, as blood in the water will attract sharks.
Category:Species
Category:Mortals