Post by Not A Wizard on Jul 20, 2015 0:20:31 GMT
SEAFOLK INTRODUCTION
The elusive Seafolk are a race that usually choose not to socialize with other races, although some daring few choose to venture forth to the surface and meet other races. However, the tendency of some tribes to eat people on their few ventures to the surface has caused a fair amount of apprehension towards them, for usually good reason. Most Seafolk however keep to themselves in their underwater cities and tribes, making it extremely difficult to gain a good grasp on concrete details of their life style. They are usually very attached to whatever city or tribe they belong too, and most whom end up travelling the surface are those whom have been banished or exiled from their tribes, and have little choice in the matter. Those that willingly go to the surface are very rarely allowed to return to their underwater homes, as the surface is viewed as both a dangerous and uncivilized area.
There are many different types of Seafolk. The most commonly known of is Merfolk, or Mermaids as they are more commonly known. Mermaid societies usually live near the surface and have the most contact with surface races, and so are usually the most commonly found Seafolk. Other examples however include the Kappa of Japanese folklore, the Sirens of Greece, or the Finfolk of Orkney folklore. While most associate Seafolk with appearing as human from the waist up and fish from the waist down, this trait is only necessarily true in the case of Mermaids, as Seafolk come in all shapes and sizes across the globe, varying intensely from one tribe to the next.
There are many undiscovered forms of Seafolk, as the only ones that truly ever have the chance to interact with mankind are coastal Seafolk whom usually have their homes located within several dozen miles of a shore or coast, and tend to live in mostly shallow water. There are unconfirmed reports and speculation concerning Seafolk whom live deep within the dark crevices far below the oceans, away from the prying eyes of humans and other seafolk, but while evidence points toward their existence, they remain shrouded in mystery. Even the mystical pathways of the Fae Courts find themselves unable to venture into these depths, as they are protected by ancient and powerful magic.
While those whom prey upon mankind exist, such as Sirens and Kappa, most Merfolk are generally fairly neutral towards humanity itself. While they hold a certain disdain for the surface, some have become more amicable to the possibility of trade and communication between themselves and surface dwellers, and have established relations with communities on the surface. However, it is very rare for a merfolk to actually decide to live on the surface as opposed to within a sea or ocean, as this is not only incredibly uncomfortable for them but often times causes them to eventually fall ill and perish.
There are many different types of Seafolk. The most commonly known of is Merfolk, or Mermaids as they are more commonly known. Mermaid societies usually live near the surface and have the most contact with surface races, and so are usually the most commonly found Seafolk. Other examples however include the Kappa of Japanese folklore, the Sirens of Greece, or the Finfolk of Orkney folklore. While most associate Seafolk with appearing as human from the waist up and fish from the waist down, this trait is only necessarily true in the case of Mermaids, as Seafolk come in all shapes and sizes across the globe, varying intensely from one tribe to the next.
There are many undiscovered forms of Seafolk, as the only ones that truly ever have the chance to interact with mankind are coastal Seafolk whom usually have their homes located within several dozen miles of a shore or coast, and tend to live in mostly shallow water. There are unconfirmed reports and speculation concerning Seafolk whom live deep within the dark crevices far below the oceans, away from the prying eyes of humans and other seafolk, but while evidence points toward their existence, they remain shrouded in mystery. Even the mystical pathways of the Fae Courts find themselves unable to venture into these depths, as they are protected by ancient and powerful magic.
While those whom prey upon mankind exist, such as Sirens and Kappa, most Merfolk are generally fairly neutral towards humanity itself. While they hold a certain disdain for the surface, some have become more amicable to the possibility of trade and communication between themselves and surface dwellers, and have established relations with communities on the surface. However, it is very rare for a merfolk to actually decide to live on the surface as opposed to within a sea or ocean, as this is not only incredibly uncomfortable for them but often times causes them to eventually fall ill and perish.
SEAFOLK LIMITATIONS
- Cannot be turned into any other supernatural kind.
- Can learn and use Ki.
- Can learn magic, although physical magecraft must relate to water.
- Must immerse themselves in water every day or they grow ill.
- Their diet usually consists of Fish and People, so usually not the friendliest with other species.
GENERAL SEAFOLK SKILLS/ABILITIES LIST
Please do note you can make your own Skills and Abilities. These are just suggestions.
Skills: You may take up Skills from the Human list from here.
Abilities:
Name: Dwellers of the Depths
Description: Seafolk's natural habitat is underwater. They are capable of breathing underwater and moving about when submerged with ease. They gain a boost to their physical stats while underwater [One for each rank. So 1 at E, 2 at D, etc.] that can be distributed however the user sees fit. However, while on the surface they suffer a - to all physical stats. If it is raining or they otherwise find a way to immerse themselves in water continuously, they no longer suffer this penalty, but will not gain their bonus stats unless submerged. Additionally, their Od rate is doubled while under water.
Rank: S~E
Name: Pressure Resistance
Description: Seafolk have an inborn resistance to the pressure that comes with living below the sea, with some capable of diving even to the darkest depths of the ocean. As such they have a great physical resistance to forms of pressure and blunt kinetic energy, causing them to be fairly resistant to attempts to crush them or wound them with a blunt strike or physical object. Offers no resistance against slicing, cutting or piercing.
Rank: C~E
Name: Surface Walking
Description: If a Seafolk's anatomy does not lend itself to walking above the surface, such as in the case of mermaids, they possess the ability to shape shift to a limited degree to rectify this. This cannot be done terribly often, but can allow them to gain human legs or some such for a time to better traverse the surface. This ability only applies for those whose anatomy usually would not let them walk on land.
Rank: E
Name: Song of the Sea
Description: Often sometimes called the Siren's Song, this ability gives all Seafolk a natural ability to use sonic-based abilities, usually stemming from their voice. While often these are in the form of illusions or mental magecraft to entrap others, it can also be used to destructive effect by others, capable of effecting the physical world purely with the vibrations of the noise alone at higher ranks. Differs slightly in it's use between Seafolk, as different races use this for different means.
Rank: S~E