Merfolk

Summary

Merfolk are aquatic beings with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a fish. They live in the seas of Eonil and are most commonly encountered searching for treasure beneath the waves. Drawn to anything that glitters or holds magical power, they have an uncanny sense for lost artefacts that have sunk to the ocean floor. Legends say that anyone who manages to capture a mermaid or merman can compel them to lead the way to any known lost magical artefact in the sea. 

Merfolk are counted among the creatures originally created by Eonil and speak the Mystic language, sometimes called the language of Eonil or the language of Nature. 

Origins & Mythology

Merfolk belong to the category of creatures of Eonil — beings shaped directly by Eonil’s will rather than by Quintra or Denday. Like centaurs, satyrs, fauns, nymphs, and other such beings, they are tied closely to nature and to the ancient magic that flows through the world.

Their affinity for magical objects is legendary. Stories claim that when enchanted items, relics, or other artefacts fall into the sea, merfolk are among the first to sense and seek them out. This has given rise to countless tales of divers, pirates, and treasure hunters attempting to lure or capture merfolk using powerful or glittering magical bait. 

In darker myths, Sirens are said to be corrupted versions of merfolk — sea dwellers twisted by Ghor’s influence who now serve as guardians of the Ghor-claimed seas.

Physical Characteristics

• Form: Upper body of a human; from the waist down, the body of a fish.  
• Tail: Powerful, scaled tail used for swift underwater movement.
• Environment: Adapted entirely to life in the sea; commonly sighted near wrecks, reefs, and places where treasure or magical artefacts lie.  

(Any more specific details can easily be added later if you decide on regional variations or visual standards for artwork.)

Culture & Society

• Treasure Seekers: Merfolk are “most commonly seen searching for treasure,” especially things that shimmer and shine. They have a notable love for shimmery objects and often collect them in hidden grottos or underwater hoards.  
• Sense for Magic: Beyond mundane valuables, merfolk possess a natural sensitivity to items of magical origin that fall into the sea. This talent is strong enough that magical items have historically been used as bait by those attempting to capture one of them.
• Language: Merfolk speak the Mystic language, the tongue of Eonil’s original creatures (Ee’dornil, centaurs, minotaur, satyrs, fauns, birdmen, fairies, pixies, nymphs, and merfolk). The language is rarely written, and when it is, it is usually carved into stone or wood rather than set on parchment.  

How merfolk organize themselves socially (kingdoms, pods, clans, etc.) is not yet defined in canon — so this section stays intentionally light, ready for you to flesh out later.

Notable Facts

• Treasure Sense: Merfolk are renowned for their ability to locate lost magical artefacts in the sea. Legends state that a captured merfolk “has to lead you to any known lost magical artefact in the sea.”  
• Magical Lure: Because of this, magical items are often used as bait by those desperate (or foolish) enough to try trapping one.
• Corrupted Counterpart: Sirens are explicitly described in your lore as corrupted merfolk, serving Ghor and acting as dominant, highly intelligent sea predators and guardians of the Ghor-ruled waters.