#Verse:FFXIV

[tropicxlmxchief]

Verse: FFXIV (Lore)

The tale of Etheirys's mermaids is sad indeed. Originating from the Tenth Shard, these creatures resulted from a crazed cult's attempt to survive the 6th Umbral Calamity. What resulted were strange, almost Au-Ra-like individuals with the ability to breathe underwater. No longer mortal, and without memory or leadership, they absconded into the depths, where culture was founded on the cycles of migration. Sometime later, one of them was discovered by a crew of pirates from Limsa Lominsa. Enchanted by her beauty, they brought her to the city, only narrowly escaping when they left her tank unattended. More were hunted by scholars and pirates alike, and eventually, their numbers dwindled. What was once a thriving civilization now contained only a hundred individuals, many of whom are now scattered across the various seas. Referred to as waterkin, mermaids are capable of primarily water-based magic, though many can also bless or curse ships and individuals. Possessed of unnatural beauty, and with hypnotic voices, stories of these creatures luring unwary sailors to their deaths are not unheard of. Many still seek them out, as the greatest boon a mermaid can give is the ability to breathe underwater through a kiss. The race are also, strangely, all female. A trait that has led to their moniker.

Overly cautious of the world above the sea, many mermaids spend their time secluded and far away from those mortals that harmed them all those years ago. Yet the youngest generation, those who have but recently become full adults, have slowly started to resurface once again, heedless of the possible dangers they now face.