MERFOLK
With forms and colors as varied as the vast and forbidding waters they call home, Merfolk find common ground in protecting their oceans and the life that thrives within. The most populous type of Merfolk are what the landwalkers call Mermaids and Mermen. Tritons and Sirens are similar in appearance to Mermaids and Mermen, but have differing communities and cultures than their more organized cousins. There are still other types of Merfolk, but they are more rare and sometimes the product of magical origins or interesting mating pairs. These include Water Naga, Anguillian, Cecaelia, Orcarans, Hippocampus, and Merrows, to name a few. While not technically Merfolk, there are other seafaring races that are a part of Merfolk society, either as members, or antagonists. These include aquatic dragons, sea serpents and water elementals.

Merfolk cannot survive outside of the water for too long. Various circumstances may force a Merfolk to assume their natural form (this can vary from being out of water too long to contact with water). Strongest in the water, most learn combat styles most suited for the depths though some have learned to wield 'lander' weapons as well. Some Merfolk with darker tendencies are said to lure sailors and other ocean travelers to their deaths, either for fun or as food. Mer abilities and characteristics often vary depending on the location and depth of their origins within the oceans.

CREATION STORY
As the sea was filled with life, so too was it filled with dark depths, too deep for Sun to penetrate. Knowing Rebirth’s power, Sun felt a need to have his reach dive deep into the ocean as well. The Sun put drops of light into pearls which were scattered into the ocean. Within Rebirth's powerful tears, these pearls formed into mermaids, tritons, sirens, and other sentient life. As such, the waters of the depths were filled with life, light, and color. These merfolk cultivated and cared for the waters and the creatures they shared their new home with.

PLACE IN THE WORLD
The ocean around the islands of Novus is called Lumira. The Merfolk have long protected the shores and harbors of Novus from external threats in exchange for diplomatic relations and peace with the surface kingdoms. They often feel a responsibility to help with any dangerous beasts that climb from the sea, and have been known to clear the harbor of man-eating sharks for the safety of sailors and swimmers. Some Merfolk have a long-standing grudge against pirate ships and the pirates who sail them. The Mer consider them interlopers in their ocean, harass the ships of their allies. causing danger on the surface to those they allow safe passage.

The grotto near the harbor is the center of Lumirian Merfolk civilization. The Lumira Grotto was once a secret smuggler's den that the Mer took by sinking one of the most dreaded pirate's ships in the sea, the Viper's Kiss. It has remained in Merfolk hands ever since, and the wreck of the Viper's Kiss is left as a reminder for residents and visitors alike.