Notes for later projects.
Appearance[]
"Traditional" Mermaids[]
A species of mermaids that closely resemble media's interpretation of them. However, a few do not resemble the traditional cod-like tails, and instead have features similar to sea mammals (ex: whales, dolphins, etc) and other species of fish (ex: lionfish, seahorses, etc).
Yawkyawk[]
Look exactly like traditional mermaids outside the fact they have light green lips and seaweed-like hair.
The Aycayia[]
A species of mermaids described as the incarnation of beauty and sin. They're normally described as having dark colored scales, as well as having scaled patterns on their skin.
The Iara (River)[]
A species of mermaid that resembles the Greek Echidna and the Indian Naga. As implied, their tails are long and snake-like, normally having fins on the sides of their tail rather than at the tip. Their scales are normally dark blues and grays.
The Iara (Archers)[]
A species of mermaid that are noted for being archers. They bear similar appearance to the traditional mermaids in media, however, a band of skin around their eyes is red. For some, their skin is simply tinted, for others, their are red scales coating this area.
Mami Wata[]
A darker skinned species of mermaid with an affinity for snakes. Her scales were gold, copper, or other warm hues, and she was known for adorning herself with pearls.
Jengu[]
A type of mermaid that descended from Mami Wata. It is unknown how. They bear traits similar to her wear jewelry according to gender and status.
Merrows[]
Females resemble traditional mermaids while the males are described as sea monsters. They both have green or blue tinted skin and scales, along with fins that run along their spines. The males facial traits resemble frog or angler fish.
The males also have scaled, clawed hands similar to the Jiāorén.
Jiāorén[]
A species of mermaids related to Chinese dragons. While some are completely dragonic in nature, most closely resemble the traditional mermaid (with variations). Most have scaled, clawed hands, and these scales normally extend to their mid arm. Females are noted for having scales that cover their chest.
It's possible for them to have one or more of the following traits: reptile-like eyes, fin-like ears, dragonic hind legs (along with their tail), horns, and/or longer tails that closely resemble a Chinese dragon.
Nixies (Females)/Nokken (Male)[]
A species of shapeshifting mermaids. They can turn their tails into legs, which are scaled and normally have fins running along their claves. They have fins that run along their spine and the sides of their arms, and have clawed hands similar to the Jiāorén.
They normally have green or gray skin and scales.
Sirens[]
Although most resemble the traditional mermaid, some resemble bird-like creatures, while others resemble sea monsters that guise their appearance. (There appearance is mostly up to the story teller's interpretation.)
Mesulines[]
A species of mermaid that shares ancestry with the Faen. They're an all female species, whose tails can be either serpent-like or fish-like. Those with serpent-like tails are more violent and predatory, while the ones with fish-like tails are more docile. It's possible for a mesuline to have one or two tails, and it's also possible for them to have wings. Those with wings bear resemblance to dragonborn, as their wings are scaled like dragons.
Cecaelia[]
Cecaelia - also known as Octoids - are mermaids with the bottom of a squid or octopus. The have little to no notable traits outside of this, albeit they're noted for partaking in witchcraft and having nasty temperments.
The Adaro[]
A type of merfolk with shark-like tails. They have gills on their sides and serrated teeth, along with pitch black eyes. They have blubber instead of skin, being colored similar to sharks, and are normally bald. The species is majorly male or androgenous.
Finfolk[]
Mermaids that could transform into fish, humans, or an in-between state. Their tail scales do not end at their waist and extend up until just below their shoulders.
The Ipupiara[]
Are technically not mermaids but wizards with sirenomelia. As according to the traditions of the time, children with intense deformities that could inevitably lead to their death were normally drowned or put down through other methods. The Ipupiara were young wizards with sirenomelia that water nymphs took pity on, allowing them to live in the sea.
Abilities & Magic[]
Abilities[]
Siren's Voice[]
The Aycayia and Sirens all have voices that are described to lure sailors. However, the Aycayia use their voice to seduce sailors while the Sirens intend on killing them.
Nixies/Nokken can replicate a similar effect by playing instruments, normally the violin.
Pearl Tears[]
Some Jiāorén are said to be able to turn their tears into pearls.
Magic[]
Shadow Magic[]
The Aycayia and River Iara have an affinity for Shadow Magic, managing basic manipulation of the element. Some Sirens can use Shadow Magic to cast illusions, normally used to bewitch sailors.
Water Magic[]
Most mer species can manipulate water.
Non-elemental Magic[]
Some mermaids can use abilities that are not tied to a specific element. Some of this abilities consist of but not limited to: Healing, animal whispering, persuasion abilities, hypnotization, future sight, and so forth.
Trivia[]
- The Nereids (species of Water Nymphs) are also sometimes addressed as mermaids due to their ability to use water to shape their body. Some are mentioned to use this ability to shape their legs into a fish tail, allowing them to swim more easily.
- Some adaptations of Mesulines, specifically for children, bear close resemblance to Merlings. It's possible that the latter were based off them.