Trickstyr's Mer Verse

Background Information

Quick Guide

What are Mers
Merfolk are an aquatic, humanoid-esque species that have a long tail instead of legs, allowing them to swim and live comfortably in the oceans. Their similarities to humans is the result of a common ancestor that diverged millions of years ago and further adapted to their environments. To put this into perspective, look at the evolutionary path of whales, which evolved from a land species returning to the oceans and thus losing their limbs and gained a tail instead. Merfolk, despite their appearances, are Mammals and fit in the Mammalia class just as humans do and posses similar biological traits.

Common Misconceptions
Below is a short list of misconceptions related to this world's version of Merfolk. This list is intended to remove confusion and help further explain a few issues that have popped up in the past about how these Mers work and are designed.

  • The Mers in this world are not stereotypical Mers where the top half is human with human skin color and the bottom half is just fish. These Mers are solid colors over their entire body and there is no clear difference between their top and bottom half. The species is not half human, half fish.
  • These Mers are 100% mammals and have no biological relation to fish, sharks or any other sea creature that they may resemble. Cetaceans are the closest biological relative but it's extremely distant. as such, even if a Mer resembles a known animal in appearance, they have no biological connection and simply look similar. They will not match the size, life expectancy, diet, or anything else about the animal they resemble. Even if they resemble a minnow, the Mer will not be tiny.
  • All Mers are larger than humans for the most part. When full grown, they are usually anywhere between 6ft(1.8m) to 15ft(4.5m) from head to tail tip. Males are usually larger than females regardless of species or appearance with few exceptions.
  • Mers give live birth and usually will only give birth to one, rarely two pups, at a time. Pups are vulnerable, just like a human infant and will not be able to swim on their own until about six to twelve months old. One is considered a child until 14 years old when they enter the adolescent phase. A Mer is full grown at 21 years old. The maximum life span is about 160-180 years, but there have been exceptions that lived above 200.

Biology

Regardless of Species, Mers have many similarities among each other, to the point that in some cases, they could be mistaken for each other. In regards to anatomy, it's generally the same for each species: a humanoid-esque upper half that allows for free use of their limbs, granting easy manipulation of objects and social interaction. Their lower half turns into a tail that allows for efficient swimming in their environments. The basic structural make-up of a Mer does not change too much between the species, generally only changing based on biological needs, such as a Kau'masu having fins made of a rigid cartilage to help with smooth, silent swimming that aids in hunting, while the Damakan'ia tend to not have much structure in their fins other than flexible spines, that, while they may not be as streamlined, they are much more flexible than that of a Kau'masu.

Breathing
Mers have gills on the sides of their chest, as well as a set of pseudo-lungs. Gills are their main source of receiving oxygen, absorbing it through the water flowing through the gills after every intake of water. Gills are useless on land, as they require water to hold their structure and function, meaning if a Mer was to accidentally beach themselves, they would suffocate fairly quickly. However, Mers have evolved a set of Pseudo-lungs that, while are not as strong as true lungs, grant a Mer extra time if beached on land. A Mer can survive on land up to about an hour with their pseudo-lungs, however they do not absorb as much oxygen as true lungs. After that hour time period, a Mer may be too exhausted to last any longer than that and would suffocate.

Growth and Aging
Mers grow at a similar rate as humans, if not ever so slightly slower. For example, a Human is considered a full grown adult around 18-19, while a Mer is considered a full grown adult around 21-22. The difference is only slow by about a year and is not very noticeable. The most notable difference would be sexual maturity, which is talked about in detail further down the page. As an infant, Mers are helpless, unable to move much or have a sense a balance strong enough to allow swimming until they are about 6-12 months of age, and even then it is quite sloppy. It is usually around 3 to 4 years old when parents start to allow their child to venture outside the home and interact with other children, under the supervision of an adult or teacher to allow them to learn how to socialize and form bonds. It's during childhood that a lot of crucial points in development are reached that can shape the future for the child and greatly effect how they are as an adult.

Adolescence is generally regarded as a difficult time in a Mer's life as not only are tribal responsibilities being given to them, their body is undergoing changes that can effect their emotional and mental health. Like humans, Mers go through puberty and can have moody and rebellious phases during this time as their body is preparing itself for adulthood. Even once they are considered adults, this phase may still be finishing up and emotions can still remain wonky for some time.

Adulthood in Mers lasts the majority of one's life, starting around 21 years of age and going on well into the 80s and 100s, which they are then considered elderly. A Mer's lifespan can reach up into the 130s sometimes 150-160s, which Mers are generally frail and do not have the energy to live independently. Elderly Mers are often at risk for illness and disease due to a compromised immune system.

Sexual Dimorphism
The term Sexual Dimorphism relates to the fact that there are visual differences between a Male and Female in a species. This can be in their size, coloration, or other attributes. For a common example, Male Lions have a thick mane, while Lionesses have no mane at all. In regards to Mers, there is quite a bit of Sexual Dimorphism that visually separates a Male and Female. For starters, Males tend to be larger than Females in both height and body mass, males naturally having more muscle mass. Female Mers also develop protruding breasts as they reach sexual maturity, similar to that of human females as they both serve the same purpose in caring for young and attracting a mate. Sexual Dimorphism is generally the easiest way to differentiate the two sexes, though there are situations where the sex is not immediately obvious. This of course does not account for gender expression which can vary wildly among individuals.

Sexual Reproduction
Mers sexually reproduce in the same way as most mammals do, requiring a male and female partner to produce offspring. Mers give birth to live young and generally only give birth to one infant, on very rare occasion, twins. Mers do not reach sexual maturity until around 16+ years of age and are usually incapable of giving birth before this time, though socially it is viewed as unacceptable for Mers to become parents until at least 24 years old. Giving birth to one child gives the parents plenty of time to focus on raising a single infant and rarely do couples have children multiple times unless desired. For most tribes it is socially acceptable to only have at most 2 children, generally born a couple years apart to give parents time to raise one child through the important first couple years before adding another to the mix.


Species

True Mers

Kau'masu

The Kau'masu resemble Sharks despite having no biological relation to them. These Mers are the second most common species and are the fastest of all species, capable of out-swimming most predators and prey. Kau'masu have fins made of cartilage which are rigid and allow for streamlined swimming. Their skin is covered in microscopic scales that give their body a sandpaper like texture, however their underbellies are soft, though vulnerable. This species is usually carnivorous however can live a semi-omnivorous diet as long as proper vitamins and minerals are still received in their food.

A Kau'masu can be recognized by their chipped ears and general shark-like appearance.

Length 9 feet (2.7 M) - 15 feet (4.5 M)
Weight 350 lbs (158 Kg) - 1,200 lbs (544 Kg)
Average 11 feet (3.3 M) | 750 (340 Kg)

Dama'kania

The Damakan'ia resemble Fish despite having no biological relation to them. These mers are the most common species and can be found in most tribes. Their fins are thin and fragile, occasionally having sharp spines embedded to be used for defense. Their skin is covered in thick scales that protect them from some damage, however their scales are only somewhat tougher than skin and can be permanently damaged if left to heal naturally. Damakan'ia are omnivorous, capable of eating many foods and have a large variety in their diet compared to other species.

A Damakan'ia can be recognized by their butterfly shaped ears and generally colorful appearance. They have the most variety in their designs with near limitless coloration and shapes.

Length 6 feet (1.8 M) - 12 feet (3.6 M)
Weight 250 lbs (113 Kg) - 900 lbs (408 Kg)
Average 9 feet (2.7 M) | 500 lbs (226 Kg)

Ka'maina

The Ka'maina resemble Cetacea and have a very distant biological relation to them. Lacking scales, these mers have thick skin with a very thin layer of blubber underneath, allowing them to live in colder waters. Unlike other mers, their fins are structured with bone instead of cartilage or spines and tend to be much more resistant to damage. They are the least common species of Mer but are known for their resilience to damage and naturally quick healing. Ka'maina however are not very social and do not often interact with other species, instead remaining up north and isolated. This species is strictly carnivorous, unable to survive on a plant-based diet.

A Ka'maina can be recognized by their pointed ears and generally dark colors. This species is rarely colorful and tend to be very dark and neutral in their color patterns.

Length 8 feet (2.4 M ) - 14 feet (4.2 M)
Weight 300 lbs (136 Kg) - 1,100 lbs (498 Kg)
Average 10 feet (3.0 M) | 600 lbs (272 Kg)

Cousin Species

Siren

Siren are a cousin species to Mers known for their entrancing, magical voices. Often carrying a negative stereotype for being predatory and coercive due to the nature of their magic. Visually, Sirens are easily mistaken for Mers, but are typically smaller in size.
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Selkie

Selkies are mythological creatures that can shapeshift between seal and human forms by removing or putting on their seal skin. They are known for being exceptionally beautiful or handsome. Because Selkies resemble seals, they are easily distinguishable from Mers and Sirens. They may sometimes be mistaken for actual seals. Selkies lack gills, requiring air to breathe. They can hold their breath underwater for up to an hour.
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Kyuraz'um

The Kyuraz'um, also known as Vampire Mers, are not actual Mers, but are a cousin species that diverged from the parent species, the Archean. They are the first to split off and become infused with Psionic energy that altered their appearance and very biology.
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Torgo

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Common Ancestor

Archean

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Magic

Healing

This class of magic is very common among Mers in general, allowing them to heal wounds. Depending on how skilled a Mer is, this magic can be relatively weak, acting as only a preventative to infection, or as strong as sealing up fatal wounds. This magic cannot reconnect severed limbs, no matter how skilled the user is, nor can it bring someone back from the dead.
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Shadow

This class of magic is heavily frowned upon by most tribes due to it's corruptible nature and deadly side effects. Shadow magic can serve multiple functions from absorbing the life force from creatures to extend your own, conjure objects or limbs made of shadow, control the minds of another being, or even bring a creature back from the dead. Although some of these abilities can be potentially useful, using Shadow Magic will physically and mentally corrupt the user, resulting in insanity and eventual death.

Appearances
Typically appears as blacker than black fire, as if devoid of any light at all. Colors associated with shadow magic are red, purple, green and white, though purple is the most common.

Uses

  • Shadow Fire: A black fire that burns even under water. The burning from his fire lasts hours to days after initial infliction and leaves a black scar on the victim. Healing magic cannot heal these wounds.
  • Conjure Object/Limb: Create a temporary item or limb out of shadow. This object or limb can physically interact with the world, it is typically cold to the touch and as a limb, will have full sensation. The only sensation it cannot feel is pain.
  • Life Steal: Absorb the life force from another living being into your own body. Even if not used to the point of killing the victim, the victim will be left weakened, often unable to move for hours and with an increased risk of illness for weeks or months afterwards.
  • Empowerment: Often used in conjunction with Life Steal to make this ability stronger, this empowers the user, increasing their strength, speed and reaction time. This temporary effect lasts only for about 5 minutes, afterwards may leave the user exhausted depending on their skill level.
  • Mind Influence: Control the mind of another living being. This is the most difficult skill that can be learned with shadow magic and is the most mentally taxing for the user. One must remained focused to influence the mind of the victim and any distraction can break that control. The user cannot fully control the actions of a victim, hence why it is called influence. Instead, they infect the victim’s thoughts and emotions with their own, urging them to do the user’s bidding. This is difficult to fight against, but possible.

Effects on the user
Changes to the body, including blackened or discolored limbs, spike growths, discolored eyes with a black sclera. May cause a withered and gaunt appearance if used beyond the bodies’ capability.

Changes to the mind, including exaggerated aggression, emotional instability, hallucinations, delusions and irrational behavior.

Elemental

This class of magic includes any magic relating to having control of a natural element. Normally this is only water, including ice and steam, but can include other elements like air and earth and very rarely, fire. Mers generally are not naturally attuned to Elemental magic and must learn it.
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Psionic

This class of magic is used exclusively by the Kyuraz'um, and is questionably not even magic to begin with. Using Psionics is akin to psychic abilities, which allows the users to control objects and beings through thought alone and not requiring physical touch. Psionic magic can do many things that Shadow magic can do, including mind control, without the risk of corruption.
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Edit

Pub: 02 Nov 2025 18:02 UTC

Edit: 02 Nov 2025 18:04 UTC

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