Urth Merfolk

Most abundant of the piscines, merfolk vary greatly in size, from as small as several inches to surpassing 30 feet. Descended from aquatic mammals, their streamlined bodies let them maneuver the waters with unrivaled swiftness, and it is said their speed almost rivals that of the land-dwelling tengu. They are capable of holding their breath for exceedingly long periods of time, and withstand the intense pressures of the ocean depths, but as air-breathing creatures, they prefer sticking close to the surface.

Found in practically all the oceans in U’rth (as well as a few river systems), merfolk are incredibly social and gather in pods of thousands of individuals, but rarely if ever settle down as they must follow the schools of fish they feed upon. Young adults of both genders may eventually break away amidst groups of friends or blood relatives, only to eventually rejoin their pod or form their own. A mer-person deprived of companionship quickly grows insecure and depressed, and loneliness or exile is seen by the majority as even worse fates than death.

Merfolk are unsurprisingly skilled in fishing as well as jewelry, and frequently make trades with coastal settlements. Though they make adventurous, playful sorts, their idea of playing is more often than not reckless and very violent: just as often they fail to realize most races don’t share this view, nor are sturdy enough to bear it.  

Offspring between merfolk and nymphs are noted for their melodious, enchanting singing voices.