Many realms share stories of a utopia beyond the shore, where magic is real and there is no war. Long ago, a group of inter-dimensional beings remembered only as the Ancients found a pure and clean world composed almost entirely of water. Enchanted by this paradise, they raised islands for their progeny to live on, and in their image they created the Locri. This new species named the islands Ivory Haven because of the chalk cliffs and silver sand beaches that they found there.
But this world was not uninhabited when the ancients arrived. The creation of Ivory Haven created catastrophic tidal waves that traveled for hundreds of miles across endless ocean. The indigenous Leviathan, who lived on floating cities built of drift-coral, were nearly wiped out by the waves. If it were not for their underwater neighbors, the Mersapiens, they would have quickly become extinct. The mersapiens were talented magicians who knew how to manipulate a source of magic called the Eternal Current and with it, they summoned a great beast from the deep to rescue the leviathans.
The two species blamed the Locri for the folly of their creators. Begging forgiveness, the Locria knew they had to punish their creators or else face war. Together, the three species fought against the Ancients and ultimately imprisoned them at the bottom of the deepest ocean for all of time. Years turned into decades and history became myth until one day, the ocean stirred and darkness crept back into the world. Now, an alliance of pirates and pillagers called the Maelstrom Fleet crosses the endless ocean leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.
Mersapien
Widespread legends of underwater cities are not just random coincidence. The oldest mersapiens could create portals using the Eternal Current to travel between worlds. However, doing so might cost the caster the use of their tail if the ritual was performed incorrectly. One such group became stranded in another world altogether until they devolved into rapid fish-monsters called sirens. Although portal magic is now lost to the mersapiens, their fondness for exploration and curious nature remains. They can be naturally guileful or knavish and are commonly referred to as tricksters. Most mersapiens do not mean to cause harm with their jokes although accidental drownings have been known to happen.
Mersapiens treat water with reverence and some of their religious practices might appear as gullibility at first. They are not accustomed to rain and therefore fearful of it. To them it appears that the ocean is falling from the sky and that the end is upon them. They may also refer to actions like crying as being "leaky" or consider it to be wasteful. Mersapiens can also be very kind. They customarily grant gifts to anyone that catches their eyes, but their mood can quickly sour if the gift is not immediately appreciated. Most mersapiens live in the underwater cities of Paphassus and Thebea. Although these cities have bubble chambers filled with air, very few outsiders have ever visited them. The prospect of being underwater in a city of tricksters isn't very highly regarded by surface dwellers.
Costume and Roleplay
- Mersapien skin can be a variety of pastel colors including light blue, lavender, yellow, or light orange. You must cover all exposed skin in makeup.
- They have gills. You can wear prosthetics or draw them on. They can be on your neck or face.
- Mersapiens wear functional clothing similar to ancient Greece, Rome, and Persia. They usually incorporate shells, netting, and other nautical objects into their outfits.
- Mersapiens refer to land dwellers as "walkers."
- When mersapiens dream, they imagine themselves with legs. No one is sure why this happens, but some will panic when they first enter the dream because of it.
- Mersapiens are afraid of the rain.
- (Optional) Webbed fingers and/or aquatic webbed ears.
- (Optional) You believe in the Eternal Current and treat magic like divine miracles.
Some mersapien bloodlines will produce tentacles instead of tails. This mutation has been known to skip several generations and can be considered ominous.
- When octopods dream, small tentacles appear from their head or shoulders. They are inert and grant no additional benefits.
- Mersapien octopods have colorful spots or stripes on their exposed skin. Skin may be pale or grey instead of pastel colored.
- Octopods have darkened eye sockets and pointed teeth.
- (optional) Prosthetic suckers on arms, face, or other exposed skin.
Leviathan
A great flotilla of drift-coral ships crosses the ocean as their reptilian masters chase the stars from port to port. Leviathans live in a feudal society where martial and maritime traditions are passed down through the generations. Leviathans dedicate themselves to whatever course their life takes and approach all tasks with passion. They are adaptable, fluid, and follow the "Do'aga" or Way of the Chameleon. All leviathans are born in the hatcheries of Rustic Harbor, a massive port city built on a floating island of red sand and yellowed earth. The island is located on the back of a giant beast called Gorgine the Crag, a sea monster that was tamed by mersapien magicians a lifetime ago.
A proud race, Leviathans display vibrant pigmentation as their social status increases. Even the lowest standing leviathan carries the ego of a champion without bearing the colorful markings. Leviathans are very blunt and to the point, but they are not rude. They will give firm but fair warnings if you cross the line, and will defend their honor and values by any means necessary. Leviathans are divided into three castes distinguishable by their trade and talents. The Acrodo are mindful and make up the thinkers, scholars, and leadership of leviathan society. The Ophidia are merchants and entertainers who begin learning how to sing and dance as soon as they are hatched. The Gekkota are trained to be brave warriors and gifted sailors.
Costume and Roleplay
- Leviathans are covered in scales and have komodo dragon-like features.
- Leviathans are colorful and able to chameleon themselves. You may change the color of your appearance as often as you like as long as you retain your scales. You must wear colorful makeup on all exposed skin.
- Leviathans dress to accommodate themselves for travel by ship. Island dwellers prefer clothing similar to our own ancient Greece, Rome, and Persia.
- Leviathans always keep their word and will not break promises.
- (Optional) Nose prosthetic to give you reptile-like features.
- (Optional) Some leviathans grow horns or tusks that accent their appearance. These do not change color.
- (Optional) Warriors will wear light armor made from leather, bone, and carapace shell.
Locri (Human)
Although the Ancients trapped on the ocean floor had to be punished for their misdeeds, they were not the only ones of their kind. The modern Locri looks to the night sky and worships the Ancients above. It is their belief that the gods intended them to be one with the world around them. To that end, they implant jewelry and adorn themselves with symbols or objects of power. With the use of inks, scars, and other body modification, Locria gain peace and become more complete. Locria still live in Ivory Haven and the capitol of the island chain is Pylos. Others choose to live in towns that float on rafts or that are built in areas of shallow water.
Locria are industrious and resourceful. With limited materials on the islands, they have learned to barter and have become experts at trading with their underwater allies for food and building materials. Locri are creative and use the chalk found along the cliffs of Ivory Haven to decorate their dwellings and public places. Others practice stone carving and a few express themselves using music. Locria are not naturally good at magic, but those who choose to study it and practice can become capable stormcallers who can pull down lightning or hail on their enemies.
Costume and Roleplay
- Locria wear clothing similar to ancient Greece, Rome, and Persia. Fisherman and sailors favor clothing that is made from leather or other materials found at sea.
- Locria must have at least 1 tattoo, scar, or implant on each part of their body that is exposed. This includes each arm, each leg, the torso, and their face.
- Popular objects for implanting include: pearls, sea shells, crystals, gems and stone such as quartz, opals, emeralds, amethyst and rhodochrosite.