🌊 What Is A Mer? 🌊

The definition of what a Mer is can be complicated. Our current definition is as follows, based off what we know:

A Mer:
- Is sapient and cognitive, analogous to (or greater than) a human. This includes advanced problem-solving skills, the ability to reason and judgement, emotional capacity, etc etc.
- The ability to communicate with other Merfolk and Humans, either verbally, written, or with gestures and movements.
- Some form of grasping appendage to manipulate tools and the environment. These may be hands, but we have also seen pinsers and tentacles.
- Must be at least semi-aquatic in nature, or heavily reliant on a large body of water for survival/way of life.

You may think the previous descriptions were vague. That is because Merfolk can look almost like anything! They can resemble the classic "woman on top, fish on bottom", or they can resemble a sea monster, or anything in between. Note: Sea Monsters are another thing entirely. They lack the intelligence Mers have.

This page will only briefly delve into certain topics regarding Merfolk. More information can be found in the more detailed pages.

Merfolk Biology Basics

Merfolk can be generously sorted into four categories depending on appearance/behavior and biology.

Coldblooded Merfolk are Mers that struggle with theromoregulation, lay eggs, and can breathe water. Warmblooded Merfolk are Mers that have the ability to completely thermoregulate their body temperature, they will give birth to live young and produce milk, and they need to surface for oxygen. As far as we know, Coldblooded and Warmblooded Merfolk cannot interbreed.
Coldwater Merfolk are Mers that live in colder waters, and Warmwater Merfolk are Mers that live in warmer waters.

Mers are facultative carnivores. The vast majority if their diet comes from meat, but they can eat plant matter (especially common in cooking as 'filler' for dishes). Diets may or may not line up with the animal they resemble; example: An otter Mer may prefer shellfish and urchins, just like an otter, but they also may not.

Mers, Hunting, and the Environment

Merfolk play multiple key roles within their underwater world. Despite appearances and abilities, Merfolk are rarely the apex predator of the region.