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Merfolks

The Oceanic Kingdoms

1. Core Values​

The Merfolk, often called Islanders, are a diverse group of aquatic species spread across the vast oceans, archipelagos, and deep-sea cities. Their society is shaped by the tides, trade, and the ever-present tension between land and sea.

2. Government & Leadership​

A Confederation of Oceanic States​

Rather than a single empire, Merfolk are organized into multiple independent city-states, each controlling a portion of the ocean. Some are deep-sea settlements, while others are coastal territories that interact frequently with land-dwellers.

Their kingdoms are loosely bound together in a confederation, meeting periodically in a grand assembly known as the Gathering of Tides, where disputes are resolved, alliances forged, and trade agreements settled. However, conflicts between different city-states are not uncommon.

  • Deep-Sea Merfolk (Abyssals): Mysterious, secretive, and rarely interact with land-dwellers. Some see them as legends or monsters.
  • Reef Merfolk (Coral Lords): Live in shallower waters near coastlines; the most likely to trade with land kingdoms.
  • Nomadic Merfolk (Drifters): Wandering clans who follow ocean currents, moving from one underwater city to another.

Each city-state is governed differently depending on its environment and cultural traditions. Some are ruled by councils of elders, others by matriarchal or patriarchal monarchs, and a few even operate as merchant republics where wealth dictates power.

Roles​

Each of the roles in government

Process​

How a new leader is selected

3. Social Hierarchy​

Hierarchy in Merfolk society is based on skill, influence, and lineage—though the ocean’s ever-changing nature ensures mobility between classes is possible.

  1. The High Tides (Royalty & Aristocrats) – Rulers of major city-states, commanding fleets and governing trade routes.
  2. The Deep Lords (Warriors & Defenders) – Guardians of the oceans, often leading naval raids, underwater fortresses, and stormcaller legions.
  3. The Coral Scribes (Scholars & Artificers) – Masters of oceanic magic, record-keepers, and crafters of enchanted coral technology.
  4. The Silverfin Merchants (Traders & Navigators) – Powerful merchant families who control underwater trade routes and own fleets.
  5. The Driftborn (Commoners & Nomads) – Fisherfolk, pearl-divers, and explorers, living in smaller communities or traveling in nomadic pods.
  6. The Drowned (Outcasts & Exiles) – Criminals, rebels, and the unwanted, either cast out or living in the ruins of lost civilizations.

Due to the fluid nature of Merfolk society, those with talent, cunning, or ambition can rise to prominence. However, being born into the High Tides offers a significant advantage.

4. Family & Gender Roles​

Inter human relationship

5. Religion & Spiritual Beliefs​

Merfolk are deeply spiritual, believing that the ocean itself is alive and sacred. Their faith is centered around tides, the moon, and great leviathans that they believe are gods.

Key Beliefs:​

  • The Eternal Tide – Life moves in cycles, like the tides, and all things must return to the sea.
  • The Moon’s Blessing – The moon is sacred, controlling the tides and guiding lost souls home.
  • The Deep Gods – Enormous ancient sea creatures are seen as divine entities. Some are benevolent, others monstrous.
  • The Curse of the Drowned – Those who betray the sea are cursed to wander the depths as twisted wraiths.

Magic:​

  • Tidecalling – Manipulating water and ocean currents.
  • Stormcalling – Controlling lightning and weather patterns.
  • Bioluminescent Magic – Using glowing corals to create illusions and communication signals.
  • Whale-Song Enchantments – Singing ancient songs to calm beasts or charm sailors.

6. Economy & Trade​

The ocean is a vast and rich resource, and Merfolk thrive on trade—both with one another and with land-dwellers.

Primary Exports:​

  • Rare Pearls & Gems – Used in magical enchantments.
  • Exotic Seafood & Alchemical Ingredients – Deep-sea creatures with magical properties.
  • Coral-Infused Artifacts – Bioluminescent weapons, armor, and jewelry.
  • Stormcaller Magic – Certain Merfolk can summon storms, offering their services for warfare or protection.
  • Shipbuilding & Navigation – Some Merfolk collaborate with land-dwellers to craft faster, stronger ships.

Major Trade Hubs:​

  • The Leviathan Markets – A floating bazaar where land and sea merchants trade goods.
  • The Sunken Vaults – A secretive deep-sea bank where treasures are stored.
  • The Moonlit Currents – A black-market network of smugglers, pirates, and rogue Merfolk traders.
  • Harbours

7. Military & Warfare​

Merfolk may appear graceful and elegant, but they are fierce warriors, particularly when protecting their waters. On land, they are quite weak, lacking grace and could dry out but in waters, they absolutely dominate.

  • Living Ships: Some Merfolk grow their ships using enchanted coral, allowing them to heal and regenerate.
  • Stormcallers: Merfolk control storms and tides, giving them a powerful advantage in naval battles.
  • Tidal Spearmen & Riders: Some warriors ride massive sea creatures into battle, using harpoons and enchanted weapons.
  • Underwater Fortresses: Deep-sea strongholds are protected by magical wards and terrifying sea beasts.

Their greatest enemies are pirates, land empires encroaching on their territory, and ancient sea monsters that threaten civilization.

8. Views on Other Societies​

  • Humans: Most frequent trading partners. Some Merfolk admire human ingenuity, while others resent land-dwellers for polluting the seas.
  • Vampires: Mistrusted, as many legends tell of vampires hunting Merfolk for their lifeblood.
  • Werewolves: Respectful allies, as some coastal werewolves share their connection to nature.
  • Druids: Often friendly relations, as both groups believe in protecting the natural world.
  • Changelings: Viewed as mysterious tricksters, with some admiration for their adaptability.
  • Dalk (Dark Elves): Trade relations exist, but cultural clashes make them wary of each other.
  • Lighte: Merfolk respect their artifact-making skills, but find them too detached from nature.

9. Justice & Punishment​

How is law and order preserved in that society

10. Conflicts​

Internal​

Despite their shared heritage, Merfolk societies face deep internal divisions and struggles:

  1. Isolationism vs. Expansion – Should they embrace trade or withdraw from land-dwellers? Some argue for cooperation, while others see land civilizations as a threat to their way of life.
  2. Noble Clashes – The great houses of different underwater cities frequently compete for power, sometimes leading to political assassinations or sabotage.
  3. Surface vs. Deep-Sea Conflict – The deep-sea Merfolk view their shallow-water cousins as weaker, while the latter see Abyssals as too extreme in their secrecy.
  4. Religious Schisms – Some sects believe in peaceful worship of the sea, while others demand sacrifices to appease the Deep Gods.
  5. Piracy & Rogue Fleets – Some Merfolk turn to piracy, raiding ships and disrupting trade routes, leading to conflicts with both land and sea nations.

11. Final thoughts​

Merfolk society is fluid, adaptable, and deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the ocean. Their trade dominance, magic, and naval strength make them a force to be reckoned with, yet their internal divisions and growing tensions with land-dwellers could spark greater conflicts in the future. 🌊

12. Notes​

Me writing down some musings or ideas