Merfolk (Race)

## Merfolk, people of the blue

-This paper is written by South Science corp. And verified by the Winter Council for authentic and accurate.

### **Overview**

Merfolk are an ancient aquatic species that pre-date the drowned, and arguably are the predecessor of which. They typically live in the seas, rivers and lakes though some aren't quite as traditional. To this date there are 4 known variants of merfolk; Glacial Merfolk of the colder regions, Thermal Merfolk of the warmer regions Shellfolk of the lakes, rivers and bonds; and the more traditional Deep Merfolk of the ocean and sea regions.

### **Physiology**

Blue, put simply is the most defining feature of a merfolk to outsiders, but in reality it's not that simple. Though Deep Merfolk are a standard blue green and rather fish related, other varients, well, vary. Glaciel variants are a light blue with accents of white and gold, while Thermal variants are said to be more redish, though no Thermal Merfolk has been seen in a long while to confirm. Shellfolk are a more vibrant green with the defining namesake of their sub-varient being the shells on their backs.

#### **Reproduction and youth**

As a cold blooded species they naturally lay eggs in what they call "nests", though the word nest can be used both for where the eggs specifically are and the general area of the nest. How Merfolk reproduce is a guarded secret though we do know they inherent the genetic traites after mating, contrary to how normal species work. It is theorized that Merfolk imbue their own genetic traits into the eggs during their incubation period at certain intervals as to create a true duel varient of both talents. Often times making all together new variants.

The youth of a merfolk is something of a confusion as no child merfolk has ever been seen, in fact the offspring have been seen fully grown, as if born that way. To add to the surprise of meeting a newborn adult, they seem to have all the basic functions down as well, walking, talking even swimming, a truely amazing child! It is believed that while the parents imbue their own traits into the young, the essentials to life just kind of come with it. Because of this a "child" Merfolk is more of a social term than a tangible one.

### **Society and Culture**

Being an ancient race, much of their societies are left to historians and archaeologists. Though the common habitats of Merfolk make it difficult to find anything significant without great effort. We know they commonly had underwater towns and the 1 remaining dwelling being **Nautilore** and its resident **Aesi** is as such and so it is generally accepted that they are an underwater people, though the Merfolk topic has been buzzing of late with tales of another sighted Merfolk, a female Glacial variant living in the south-west, though these reports aren't confirmed to date. Though there is clear record in history of Glacial and Thermal variants, no city or ruins have been found or at least confirmed as merfolk settlements.

As for Merfolk culture, they seem to vary by variant with many generalized rules being thrown to the wind. It's known Deep Merfolk use spears, presumably for hunting as well as warfare, but Glacial merfolk are depicted using small daggers and being more agile in combat than their Deep or Thermal cousins. Only 2 depictions of Thermal Merfolk were ever found, 1 of a beachside Merfolk in more colourful garb greeting a Deep Merfolk atop a jungle tree. The other presumed to be a Thermal merfolk carved in a dwarven stone painting as an enemy prowling the dwarven caverns. It is then believed that Thermal Merfolk are a jungle people that lived both underwater and underground and that they were hostile to the ancient dwarves.

The Shellfolk also had depictions in ancient times as stalwart warriors that were native to regions north of Tecalgia, before being forced outwards from a warring nation by the name of Albia. Now these Shellfolk are few and far between, scattered and lost, they are isolated and leaderless. That said one Shellfolk that migrated south has taken refuge in Monolyth, eventually replacing the late Seven as Mayor of Monolyth. Because of this development research teams have been trying to learn more of Shellfolk society, though the topic is a touchy one and information is gained in brief periods.

#### **Emergence of reborn Merfolk Society**

though much of Merfolk society is left to researchers, archiologists and paleontologists, a recent development has led to first hand reports and direct findings with the most prominent two Merfolk in current society. Glaciella and Aesi Deepfrost. being king and princess (or maybe Queen, the details are lost in translation) of their respective sub-variant coming out of hiding to live once again amongst the citizens of Pagonia, centralizing in the eastward district of TwinLakes. These two Merfolk are working with the Winter council in joint operations to plan and construct a new settlement for the Glacialfolk west of Monolyth so that all 3 prominent variants (Thermalfolk excluded) can live in close proximity. Details of this new project are confidential and neither the Deepfrost family nor Winter council will publically release details at this time.

these developments are great news for the scientific teams and my colleagues are on the edge of their seats over new information being released and expanding. Exciting times indeed.