Syrien

Born of Salt and Foam

History

Syrien are a race of mer, found in large bodies of water (fresh, brackish, or salt), and are miraculously able to switch between the three, as well as move on land. Syrien are considered beings of legend by most other races, as their numbers are incredibly small and they are rare to turn up on surface. The current form of the Syrien are born after generations of copulation with humans in times of old, before they had been able to no longer produce full Syrien and rather humans with blessings of the waves. This ancient race of water-dwellers are rumored to be cannibals and sinkers of men. The original populace dwindled because of this, forcing them to reproduce with humans so that they would be more accepted into society. This birthed the modern day Syrien, who are able to roam between both earth and water.

Physical Description

Syrien have two forms, typically being called 'legged' or 'oceanic'. These forms have a varying set of abilities, yet still hold some similar appearance aspects. Syrien overall in both forms maintain an upper torso that appears mostly human. The only physical differences found between the races would be that Syrien may commonly have three different types of ears amongst the species, these being: webbed ears, rounded ears, and pointed ears. These ear shapes are often a trait which is carried down from the parentage to child, being a genetic trait. Syrien may commonly be seen with random patches of scales along their body, which they may learn, in time, to hide with their form changes. Another indicative trait of Syrien is that of their gills, which lay prominently along the sides of their neck in slits at all times. Air is only drawn in through the gills in times of being in their oceanic form, breathing similar to a human when they are legged.

Syrien are able to switch from both their 'legged' and 'oceanic' form at will. Younger or untrained Syrien will take longer in this process than more experienced Syrien. A legged form Syrien may convert to their oceanic from once entering water, and an oceanic form Syrien may do it once leaving. This change is entirely controllable, and cannot be forced upon the Syrien in any way, however, upon long exposure to either air or water, Syrien will feel the urge to switch to the forms which fit them best. The origins of this ability are unknown, however, all Syrien may learn this, and most are born knowing it. This transition may be as easy as learning how to walk for some. The transition does take time, and is by no means instantaneous, however this time can be reduced for those with great skill, often only taking a few minutes for an experienced Syrien.

• Common Height:
• Legged: 4'6" - 5'7"
• Tailed: 6'2" - 8'3"
• Common Build: Ectomorph, Mesomorph
• Common Eyes: Green, Blue, Brown, Black, Violet, Red, Yellow
• Common Hair: Black, Blonde, Brown, Red, White
• Common Skin Tone: Pale, Tanned

Culture

Syrien society is based around a central hub, often called a 'kingdom' led by a matriarch. The queen is the figurehead of these Syrien societies., and is vaulted into the position by birth right. Unlike other races, Syrien position themselves in the seat of vacant power through manipulation, rather than brute strength. While many queens are good will, they must rule their kingdoms with an iron fist to maintain their sanctity. This often results in problematic Syrien into being banished from these locations. These rogue Syrien are often considered the lessers of society, and are ousted for exposing their homelands to other races, or perhaps endangering the people in other ways. These Syrien are proverbially spit upon, and are left to fend for themselves alone out in the ocean.

The language of the Syrien is known as aquatic. This very exotic tongue would be extremely difficult for non-Syrien to learn or master. As Syrien mostly keep to themselves, it would be most difficult for one to acquire a teacher of any sort. However, the written form of aquatic is very similar to that of Elven, often being found etched in stones, rather than written in ink. It is impossible for someone to speak the language who lacks the gills of a Syrien, which help form the sounds using their air passages. It is also a very difficult language to understand verbally. It would take one years of listening to fully matter the tongue, which can only be spoken underwater.

Upon the birth of a Syrien, it is quite often that the entire cove and perhaps even nearby coves will attend the birth. A large feast and exchange of goods happens directly afterwards, the larger of which are often said to mark the luckier the child will be. This is due to the Syrien's low fertility rate. It would not be uncommon, however, that a few years later the child will be left behind by its parents to grow up and learn to fend for itself. These outcasted children will often work their way into their parent's coves, or perhaps drift off to find a place to stake as their own.

The greatest celebration a Syrien will ever witness within their lives. These ceremonies will beckon all the coves beneath the Kingdom to the queen's crowning. These beautifully crafted crowns are often made of the finest materials found underwater. New queens are only crowned upon the death of the previous queen, or at the unannounced absence of one for an exceedingly long duration. During this ceremony, the queen is required to go on a hunt, and share their catch with those present. No matter how small the portions are, this is entirely symbolic of the queen giving to their kingdoms as a benevolent leader.

The Syrien's diet would consist almost entirely of raw fish. Their hunter-like prowess allows them to catch the aquatic beings and consume them much easier than other sea predators. For Syrien whom are accustomed to going on land, it may be commonplace for them to eat a variety of foods. Whilst Syrien's stomachs are able to handle any food a human can, they are able to eat raw meats without the potential of gaining a foodborne pathogen, this trait having been developed over hundreds of years of survival and adaptation.

Syrien often settle in areas which they call 'coves'. These establishments are often shelters from both the tumultuous waves and turbulent waters, as well as prying eyes for those who seek to hunt the Syrien. These coves are near always led by a Queen, who rules with absolute authority. The Syrien prefer to live in underwater cave systems, where they may establish a safe home to reside in away from the surface dwellers.

The main faith of the Syrien would be that of the goddess of water, Bahari. Seeing her as a protective mother figure, the Syrien praise her to destroy those whom use their oceans to do ill against the Syrien. Other religions would likely remain unheard of, except for perhaps Oklamat, whom is see as the one who brings good currents, and allows the Syrien to travel efficiently.

Mechanics

• Lifespan: 450 years old on average.
• Syrien may switch between their 'legged' and 'oceanic' forms once every [30 OOC minutes].
• Syrien have adapted to have better hearing overall, having notably good hearing on land
• Squid ink is poisonous to Syrien, being their natural anathema, this will often cause them to go into anaphylactic shock upon enough exposure to the Syrien
• Syrien are prone to eating raw meats, and have a better digestive system which prevents food-borne pathogens from making them ill

The World of Aethius • The Multiverse of Aethier