Guide to the Merfolk Appearances
General Appearance
When Merfolk are in their natural aquatic form, their skin is usually very pale, ranging from opal white to light gray or pale green-blue. Some may have highlights of unnatural colors, but full blue or full unnatural tones of skin should be avoided for hunting purposes. Though rare, some may have pitch-black skin. Human-like skin tones are also common and normal.
Their eyes can be any color, often neon or crystalline, with red, pink, or purple being common. Human eye colors are rare and tend to come with slitted pupils, like a cat. The chances of having serpentine pupils increase with human eye colors, and heterochromia occurs in about 1 in 75.
Merfolk hair is often mistaken for dyed, but it’s entirely natural. Hair colors often match or contrast with their tail color. For example, a merfolk with a black tail might have white or black hair, sometimes with streaks. The texture is typically soft and fine.
Merfolk have scales around their waist, hands, wrists, and sometimes shoulders. Their hands are usually webbed in water. Tails can be bioluminescent and vary in style, inspired by fish, sharks, or dolphins. Females tend to have more fish-like or dolphin tails, while males often have shark-like or darker-colored tails.
Unique Features
Many merfolk have tribal tattoos, which they can never remove once chosen. These markings are common among both merfolk and their land-dwelling neighbors. Tails can feature any pattern, like stripes, swirls, or something unique to the character.
If your merfolk is bioluminescent, their tail and hair (only for unnatural colors) will glow. The glow can be partial, such as only the tail patterns or streaks in the hair glowing. Their eyes will always appear unnatural and glow, though it will be dimmer if they aren’t bioluminescent.
Merfolk often wear trinkets or jewelry made from pearls, coral, or other beautiful finds. Those who have spent time with humans might even possess items from their world, like a ring.
Merfolk from deeper parts of the ocean tend to resemble sea creatures from those depths, with unique tail types. They also often have deeper, more ominous voices, which may sound threatening even if they mean well.
Guide to the Merfolk Abilities
Abilities
Healing. Merfolk can heal wounds, but only if they’re fully submerged in water or mostly submerged. This healing ability works only for themselves or other merfolk and can’t fix life-threatening injuries. It’s more like a soothing, restorative power that helps with minor injuries like cuts or bruises, but it won’t save someone from serious harm. The water around them seems to speed up their body’s natural recovery, but it’s limited and can’t work miracles. It’s most effective when they’re submerged for longer periods, allowing the healing process to take place at its own pace.
Telepathy (W/ Merfolk Only). Merfolk can communicate telepathically, but only with other merfolk, regardless of their tribe or where they’re from. They can’t speak in groups, so the telepathy is limited to one-on-one communication. It’s not a constant connection either—it’s brief and only lasts for a short time. While it’s useful for passing quick messages or communicating silently in dangerous situations, it won’t let them stay in constant contact with anyone. It’s a skill that’s more about getting important thoughts across without being heard, but it’s not reliable for long-term or ongoing conversations.
Bioluminescence. Some merfolk have bioluminescent features, meaning their tail and hair can glow in various patterns or colors. This glow can be partial, like only the patterns on their tail lighting up or just streaks in their hair shining. Their eyes will always have an unnatural glow, even if they aren’t bioluminescent, but it will be much duller compared to their tail and hair. The bioluminescence is a natural feature, and it can be used for signaling or as a form of self-expression, but it also makes them stand out in the dark, which can be a risk in certain situations.
Hypnotic Gaze. Merfolk possess the ability to use their eyes to hypnotize humans, usually as a hunting technique. By locking eyes with their target, they can induce a trance-like state, making the human more susceptible to suggestions or easier to manipulate. This power is mostly used to lure prey or control humans for a short period. While it’s rare, if a merfolk is particularly powerful—or if they’re extremely lucky—they might be able to use this gaze on other merfolk, though it’s far harder to achieve. The effect is temporary, and it’s not always guaranteed to work, especially if the target is resisting or aware of the ability.
Siren Song. Merfolk can use their voices to sing a haunting melody that lures humans into a trance. The song is mesmerizing, often pulling humans closer, making them more susceptible to the merfolk’s influence. It’s a skill usually used to attract prey or lead humans into dangerous areas, and it only works on them—humans are the only ones affected by the song. The more merfolk who join in the song, the longer it can last and the stronger its effect becomes. It’s a dangerous power that, when used together, can manipulate or trap unsuspecting humans without them even realizing it until it’s too late.
Increased Senses/Adaption. Merfolk have heightened senses and physical abilities when they are in the water. Their agility, speed, and strength are far superior underwater, allowing them to move with ease and precision, far beyond what humans can do. Their senses are also far sharper in aquatic environments; they can detect vibrations, changes in water temperature, and even subtle shifts in currents. This heightened awareness allows them to sense danger and prey more easily. On land, however, these abilities are diminished, and while they remain stronger and more agile than humans, they are not nearly as formidable as they are in their natural habitat.
Weaknesses
Drying Out. Merfolk are highly susceptible to drying out if they aren’t regularly submerged in water. Their bodies depend on constant hydration, and if they’re out of the water for too long, their skin begins to crack, and they become weak. Dehydration can happen much faster for them than for humans. While drinking water or taking a quick bath can help them survive longer, it’s not a perfect solution. They still need to be mostly submerged to stay at their full strength, and prolonged periods of being dry can leave them extremely vulnerable. (They have about 12 hours before they need to do something.)
Polluted Water. Merfolk are highly attuned to the purity of the water around them. Polluted or contaminated water disrupts their health and abilities. Exposure to toxic substances or chemical waste in the water causes physical discomfort and can interfere with their natural regenerative abilities. While they can tolerate some mild pollution, heavy contamination can weaken them significantly, and prolonged exposure can lead to sickness, preventing them from fully recovering until they’re back in clean, fresh waters.
Salt. Salt, though a natural part of the ocean, is dangerous for merfolk when it comes in excess or contact with their skin for extended periods. Too much salt on their bodies can cause their skin to burn or crack, affecting their overall health and appearance. They tend to avoid overly salty waters, as it can quickly drain their energy, and they may feel sluggish or weakened in such environments. While saltwater is necessary for them to live, extreme concentrations or being exposed to salt directly—such as in salty air or salt-rich places—can have dangerous effects.
Sunlight, Fire and Heat. Merfolk are adapted to underwater environments, where heat is not a concern, but excessive exposure to heat, fire, or direct sunlight can be highly detrimental. Sunlight and high temperatures cause their bodies to dry out more quickly, making them feel weak, disoriented, and dehydrated. The sun’s rays can burn their sensitive skin, leading to discomfort and even injury. Similarly, heat from fires or other sources accelerates the drying out process, forcing merfolk to stay in shaded areas or take cover in water to avoid damaging their skin or losing too much moisture.
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