Buy me a coffeeMermaid, Merfolk
“Dive into the Depths with Alluring Mermaids and Mysterious Merfolk – Legends Come to Life!”
Appearance: Mermaids and merfolk are legendary creatures with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a fish. Their appearance varies widely depending on cultural depictions, but they are often described as possessing long, flowing hair, captivating eyes, and graceful features. Their fish tails can resemble those of various species, ranging from sleek and streamlined to elaborate and ornate.
Behavior: Mermaids and merfolk are often depicted as curious and playful beings, known for their enchanting voices and affinity for music and song. They are said to inhabit the depths of the ocean, where they live in harmony with other sea creatures. While they are generally benevolent, mermaids and merfolk can also exhibit mischievous or seductive behavior, luring sailors to their doom with their mesmerizing beauty.
Habitat: Mermaids and merfolk are said to reside in underwater kingdoms, hidden away from mortal eyes in the depths of the ocean. Their homes are often depicted as magnificent palaces or coral reefs adorned with treasures salvaged from shipwrecks. They are intimately connected to the sea and its creatures, possessing the ability to communicate with marine life and navigate the ocean depths with ease.
Modus Operandi: Mermaids and merfolk are known for their elusive nature, often appearing briefly to sailors before disappearing beneath the waves. They are said to possess magical abilities, including the power to control the tides, summon storms, and enchant those who hear their songs. While some mermaids and merfolk are depicted as benevolent beings who aid sailors in times of need, others are more sinister, using their allure to lead unsuspecting victims to their demise.
Motivation: The motivations of mermaids and merfolk vary depending on cultural beliefs and legends. In some stories, they are portrayed as guardians of the ocean, protecting its secrets and inhabitants from harm. Others depict them as beings motivated by desire, seeking companionship with mortals or longing to escape their underwater realm. Ultimately, mermaids and merfolk are creatures of mystery and myth, their true motivations hidden beneath the waves.
Mermaid, Merfolk 5e
Mermaid, Merfolk 3.5
Mermaids and Merfolk
Medium humanoid (merfolk), neutral
Armor Class 12 (natural armor) Hit Points 45 (6d8 + 18) Speed 30 ft., swim 40 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 18 (+4) |
Skills Perception +4, Performance +6 Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14 Languages Aquan, Common Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Amphibious. The mermaid can breathe air and water.
Siren’s Song. The mermaid sings a captivating melody. Each creature of the mermaid’s choice that is within 60 feet of the mermaid and can hear her song must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the end of the mermaid’s next turn. A creature charmed in this way is incapacitated and has a swimming speed of 0.
Multiattack. The mermaid makes two attacks: one with her spear and one with her tail slap.
Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage.
Tail Slap. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) bludgeoning damage.
Enthralling Presence. The mermaid has advantage on Charisma (Performance) checks made to sing or use her siren’s song ability.
Actions
Constricting Embrace (Recharge 5-6). The mermaid targets one creature she is grappling. The creature must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If the creature fails the saving throw by 5 or more, it is also restrained until the grapple ends.
Reactions
Aquatic Dodge. When a ranged weapon attack hits the mermaid while she is underwater, she can use her reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll.
Description:
Mermaids and merfolk are enchanting creatures that dwell in the depths of the ocean. With their mesmerizing songs and graceful movements, they lure sailors to their watery domain. Though often depicted as beautiful and alluring, mermaids possess a darker side, capable of ensnaring unsuspecting victims with their siren’s song and constricting embrace. Adventurers beware, for the waters may hold more than just treasure and adventure—they may hold the danger of encountering a mermaid’s deadly allure.
A mermaid has eyes of a fine light blue; its nose small and handsome; its mouth small ,lips thin and its teeth small, regular, and white.Its chin well shaped, its neck full, its ears like those of the eel, but placed like those of the human species; and behind them are the gills for respiration, which appear like curls.
Merfolk are about 8 feet long from the top of the head to the end of the tail, and weigh about 400 pounds.
Most merfolk encountered outside their home are warriors; the information in the statistics block is for one of 1st level.
Merfolk favor heavy crossbows of shell and coral that fire bolts fashioned from blowfish spines, with an underwater range increment of 30 feet. Merfolk often barrage their enemies before closing, when they resort to tridents.
| Merfolk, 1st-Level Warrior | |
|---|---|
| Medium Humanoid (Aquatic) | |
| Hit Dice | 1d8+2 (6 hp) |
| Initiative | +1 |
| Speed | 5 ft. (1 square), Swim 50 ft. |
| Armor Class | 13 (+1 Dexterity, +2 leather), touch 11, flat-footed 12 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +1/+2 |
| Attack | trident +2 melee (1d8+1) or heavy crossbow +2 ranged (1d10/19-20) |
| Full Attack | trident +2 melee (1d8+1) or heavy crossbow +2 ranged (1d10/19-20) |
| Space/Reach | 5 ft./5ft. |
| Special Attacks | – |
| Special Qualities | Amphibious, Low-Light Vision |
| Saves | Fort +4, Ref +1, Will -1 |
| Abilities | Strength 13, Dexterity 13, Constitution 14, Intelligence 10, Wisdom 9, Charisma 10 |
| Skills | Listen +3, Spot +3, Swim +9 |
| Feats | Alertness |
| Environment | Temperate aquatic |
| Organization | Company (2-4), patrol (11-20 plus 2 3rd-level lieutenants and 1 leader of 3rd-6th level), or band (30-60 plus 1 3rd-level sergeant per 20 adults, 5 5th-level lieutenants, 3 7th-level captains, and 10 porpoises) |
| Challenge Rating | 1/2 |
| Treasure | Standard |
| Alignment | Usually neutral |
| Advancement | By character class |
| Level Adjustment | +1 |
Amphibious (Ex) Merfolk can breathe both air and water, although they rarely travel more than a few feet from the water’s edge.
Skills A merfolk has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.
The merfolk warrior presented here had the following ability scores before racial adjustments: Strength 13, Dexterity 11, Constitution 12, Intelligence 10, Wisdom 9, Charisma 8.
A merfolk’s favored class is bard.
Currently in the World
Physical Description: Mermaids and merfolk possess the upper body of a human and the lower body of a fish. Their appearance is characterized by long, flowing hair that matches the color of their scales, which range from shimmering blues and greens to iridescent purples and pinks. Their eyes are often large and luminous, reflecting the depths of the ocean, while their mouths bear enchanting smiles. The scales covering their lower bodies vary in size and shape, resembling those of fish species found in their habitat. Their finned tails allow them to move gracefully through the water, propelling them with ease and agility.
General Description: Mermaids and merfolk are beings that inhabit the depths of the ocean. They are known for their beauty, grace, and captivating voices, which are said to rival the most melodious of sirens. While they are often depicted as benevolent creatures who aid sailors and protect the sea, they can also possess a darker side, luring unsuspecting victims to their watery demise with their enchanting allure.
Mermaids and merfolk are deeply connected to the ocean and its inhabitants, possessing an innate understanding of its mysteries and secrets. They are elusive beings, appearing only briefly to those who catch glimpses of them before disappearing beneath the waves once more. Despite their elusive nature, mermaids and merfolk continue to fascinate and inspire stories of wonder and enchantment across cultures and throughout history.