Merrow - Revision history

Twiggy at 10:19, 15 April 2026

2026-04-15T10:19:14Z

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	__TOC__		__TOC__
	</div>		</div>
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=MerrowShoulder.jpg\|~~title~~=Many merrow remain detached from their companions.\|width=400\|align=left}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=MerrowShoulder.jpg\|caption=Many merrow remain detached from their companions.\|width=400\|align=left}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The merrow are touched by the realm of [[Day]], a realm of reason and shining light where sky and ocean merge. They are rational, calm, curious people who are fascinated by the complexity of the cosmos.		The merrow are touched by the realm of [[Day]], a realm of reason and shining light where sky and ocean merge. They are rational, calm, curious people who are fascinated by the complexity of the cosmos.

Twiggy: /* Deep Silence */

2026-03-28T18:14:08Z

Deep Silence

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:14, 28 March 2026
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	==Deep Silence==		==Deep Silence==
	The merrow [[Lineage#~~Boons~~\|boon]] makes them feel at home in water. Coupled with their gills, this means they are able to exist underwater for much longer than those without their lineage. Because of this many merrow live their lives on or in the water. Given the nature of many of their physical trappings, merrow also tend to be excellent swimmers. They can engage in feats that most other humans would find amazing, surviving for long periods of time underwater when exploring ruins or diving for sunken treasure, and there are many stories of those with merrow blood being the sole survivors of shipwrecks or floods.		The merrow [[Lineage#Playing a lineaged character\|boon]] makes them feel at home in water. Coupled with their gills, this means they are able to exist underwater for much longer than those without their lineage. Because of this many merrow live their lives on or in the water. Given the nature of many of their physical trappings, merrow also tend to be excellent swimmers. They can engage in feats that most other humans would find amazing, surviving for long periods of time underwater when exploring ruins or diving for sunken treasure, and there are many stories of those with merrow blood being the sole survivors of shipwrecks or floods.

	Despite their advantages, merrow cannot live their lives underwater; there are no submerged towns populated entirely by merrow. Spending extended periods underwater is still reasonably hostile - vision is impaired, movement is difficult, it is hard to communicate, and very difficult to actually ''do'' anything. Likewise, even though they have gills they are still creatures of the surface world - even the highest lineage merrow must come up for air every few hours. Still, the fact that they find being submerged in water calming and restful means that many merrow like to make their homes near open water - or bring the water to them if they live in places where this is impossible. There are plenty of examples of [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] merrow creating artificial swimming pools in the arid grasslands of [[the Brass Coast]], of [[the League\|League]] citizens flooding basement rooms, or of groups of [[Highguard\|Highborn]] merrow who meet regularly at the public baths to relax and meditate.		Despite their advantages, merrow cannot live their lives underwater; there are no submerged towns populated entirely by merrow. Spending extended periods underwater is still reasonably hostile - vision is impaired, movement is difficult, it is hard to communicate, and very difficult to actually ''do'' anything. Likewise, even though they have gills they are still creatures of the surface world - even the highest lineage merrow must come up for air every few hours. Still, the fact that they find being submerged in water calming and restful means that many merrow like to make their homes near open water - or bring the water to them if they live in places where this is impossible. There are plenty of examples of [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] merrow creating artificial swimming pools in the arid grasslands of [[the Brass Coast]], of [[the League\|League]] citizens flooding basement rooms, or of groups of [[Highguard\|Highborn]] merrow who meet regularly at the public baths to relax and meditate.

Twiggy at 18:10, 28 March 2026

2026-03-28T18:10:12Z

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	==Iconic Trapping==		==Iconic Trapping==
	Each lineage has an iconic [[Lineage#Creating a Lineaged Character\|trapping]]; in the case of the merrow it is gills. This is the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you ''must'' have at least one of the [[#Other ~~trappings~~\|other physical trappings]] associated with the merrow lineage.		Each lineage has an iconic [[Lineage#Creating a Lineaged Character\|trapping]]; in the case of the merrow it is gills. This is the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you ''must'' have at least one of the [[#Other Trappings\|other physical trappings]] associated with the merrow lineage.
	===Gills===		===Gills===
	Gills are the definitive trapping of a merrow. These need to be represented by prosthetics, as make-up lines drawn onto the skin are not identifiable enough as gills. Gills should be in pairs on either side of the face or neck, or in some rare cases both.		Gills are the definitive trapping of a merrow. These need to be represented by prosthetics, as make-up lines drawn onto the skin are not identifiable enough as gills. Gills should be in pairs on either side of the face or neck, or in some rare cases both.

	==Other ~~trappings~~==		==Other Trappings==
	In addition to [[#Gills\|gills]] there are a number of physical trappings that mark someone as being of the merrow lineage. If you want to phys-rep one of the trappings with a slightly different technique or style to the ideas suggested here then that is absolutely fine. If you want to use different trappings to the ones listed then you should [mailto:matt@profounddecisions.co.uk email us].		In addition to [[#Gills\|gills]] there are a number of physical trappings that mark someone as being of the merrow lineage. If you want to phys-rep one of the trappings with a slightly different technique or style to the ideas suggested here then that is absolutely fine. If you want to use different trappings to the ones listed then you should [mailto:matt@profounddecisions.co.uk email us].
	===Barbels===		===Barbels===

Twiggy: /* Iconic trapping */

2026-03-28T18:06:24Z

Iconic trapping

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:06, 28 March 2026
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	* '''Fish people'''. Merrow may have gills, finned ears, barbells, and other piscine features but these these features are designed to give them an otherworldly look, and enhance their calm and cerebral demeanour. Merrow are not fish, nor are they related to other creatures that live in the sea like crabs, jellyfish, squid, or similar.		* '''Fish people'''. Merrow may have gills, finned ears, barbells, and other piscine features but these these features are designed to give them an otherworldly look, and enhance their calm and cerebral demeanour. Merrow are not fish, nor are they related to other creatures that live in the sea like crabs, jellyfish, squid, or similar.

	==Iconic ~~trapping~~==		==Iconic Trapping==
	Each lineage has an iconic [[Lineage#~~Trappings~~\|trapping]]; in the case of the merrow it is gills. This is the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you ''must'' have at least one of the [[#Other ~~physical~~ trappings\|other physical trappings]] associated with the merrow lineage.		Each lineage has an iconic [[Lineage#Creating a Lineaged Character\|trapping]]; in the case of the merrow it is gills. This is the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you ''must'' have at least one of the [[#Other trappings\|other physical trappings]] associated with the merrow lineage.
	===Gills===		===Gills===
	Gills are the definitive trapping of a merrow. These need to be represented by prosthetics, as make-up lines drawn onto the skin are not identifiable enough as gills. Gills should be in pairs on either side of the face or neck, or in some rare cases both.		Gills are the definitive trapping of a merrow. These need to be represented by prosthetics, as make-up lines drawn onto the skin are not identifiable enough as gills. Gills should be in pairs on either side of the face or neck, or in some rare cases both.

Hailmur: /* Sobriquets */

2025-03-25T19:11:56Z

Sobriquets

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:11, 25 March 2025
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	The merrow lineage is intended to appeal to not only players who want to create scholastic, intellectual or magician character concepts, but also to anyone who enjoys gathering information. Spies, scouts and loremasters of all types all make good merrow characters.		The merrow lineage is intended to appeal to not only players who want to create scholastic, intellectual or magician character concepts, but also to anyone who enjoys gathering information. Spies, scouts and loremasters of all types all make good merrow characters.
	===Sobriquets===		===Sobriquets===
	Other terms for merrow, both within the Empire and in other parts of the world, include: Tritons, Merfolk, Fendwellers~~, Vodyanoi~~		Other terms for merrow, both within the Empire and in other parts of the world, include: Tritons, Merfolk, Fendwellers

	==What they are not==		==What they are not==

Dre at 10:13, 20 October 2024

2024-10-20T10:13:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:13, 20 October 2024
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	==Deep Silence==		==Deep Silence==
	The merrow [[Lineage#Boons\|boon]] makes them feel at home in water. Coupled with their gills, this means they are able to exist underwater for much longer than an their ~~unlineaged equivalent~~. Because of this many merrow live their lives on or in the water. Given the nature of many of their physical trappings, merrow also tend to be excellent swimmers. They can engage in feats that most other humans would find amazing, surviving for long periods of time underwater when exploring ruins or diving for sunken treasure, and there are many stories of those with merrow blood being the sole survivors of shipwrecks or floods.		The merrow [[Lineage#Boons\|boon]] makes them feel at home in water. Coupled with their gills, this means they are able to exist underwater for much longer than those without their lineage. Because of this many merrow live their lives on or in the water. Given the nature of many of their physical trappings, merrow also tend to be excellent swimmers. They can engage in feats that most other humans would find amazing, surviving for long periods of time underwater when exploring ruins or diving for sunken treasure, and there are many stories of those with merrow blood being the sole survivors of shipwrecks or floods.

	Despite their advantages, merrow cannot live their lives underwater; there are no submerged towns populated entirely by merrow. Spending extended periods underwater is still reasonably hostile - vision is impaired, movement is difficult, it is hard to communicate, and very difficult to actually ''do'' anything. Likewise, even though they have gills they are still creatures of the surface world - even the highest lineage merrow must come up for air every few hours. Still, the fact that they find being submerged in water calming and restful means that many merrow like to make their homes near open water - or bring the water to them if they live in places where this is impossible. There are plenty of examples of [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] merrow creating artificial swimming pools in the arid grasslands of [[the Brass Coast]], of [[the League\|League]] citizens flooding basement rooms, or of groups of [[Highguard\|Highborn]] merrow who meet regularly at the public baths to relax and meditate.		Despite their advantages, merrow cannot live their lives underwater; there are no submerged towns populated entirely by merrow. Spending extended periods underwater is still reasonably hostile - vision is impaired, movement is difficult, it is hard to communicate, and very difficult to actually ''do'' anything. Likewise, even though they have gills they are still creatures of the surface world - even the highest lineage merrow must come up for air every few hours. Still, the fact that they find being submerged in water calming and restful means that many merrow like to make their homes near open water - or bring the water to them if they live in places where this is impossible. There are plenty of examples of [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] merrow creating artificial swimming pools in the arid grasslands of [[the Brass Coast]], of [[the League\|League]] citizens flooding basement rooms, or of groups of [[Highguard\|Highborn]] merrow who meet regularly at the public baths to relax and meditate.

Rosemary: /* Deep Silence */

2024-10-15T14:01:09Z

Deep Silence

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:01, 15 October 2024
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	==Deep Silence==		==Deep Silence==
	The merrow [[Lineage#Boons\|boon]] makes them feel at home in water. Coupled with their gills, this means they are able to exist underwater for much longer than an equivalent ~~human~~. Because of this many merrow live their lives on or in the water. Given the nature of many of their physical trappings, merrow also tend to be excellent swimmers. They can engage in feats that most other humans would find amazing, surviving for long periods of time underwater when exploring ruins or diving for sunken treasure, and there are many stories of those with merrow blood being the sole survivors of shipwrecks or floods.		The merrow [[Lineage#Boons\|boon]] makes them feel at home in water. Coupled with their gills, this means they are able to exist underwater for much longer than an their unlineaged equivalent. Because of this many merrow live their lives on or in the water. Given the nature of many of their physical trappings, merrow also tend to be excellent swimmers. They can engage in feats that most other humans would find amazing, surviving for long periods of time underwater when exploring ruins or diving for sunken treasure, and there are many stories of those with merrow blood being the sole survivors of shipwrecks or floods.

	Despite their advantages, merrow cannot live their lives underwater; there are no submerged towns populated entirely by merrow. Spending extended periods underwater is still reasonably hostile - vision is impaired, movement is difficult, it is hard to communicate, and very difficult to actually ''do'' anything. Likewise, even though they have gills they are still creatures of the surface world - even the highest lineage merrow must come up for air every few hours. Still, the fact that they find being submerged in water calming and restful means that many merrow like to make their homes near open water - or bring the water to them if they live in places where this is impossible. There are plenty of examples of [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] merrow creating artificial swimming pools in the arid grasslands of [[the Brass Coast]], of [[the League\|League]] citizens flooding basement rooms, or of groups of [[Highguard\|Highborn]] merrow who meet regularly at the public baths to relax and meditate.		Despite their advantages, merrow cannot live their lives underwater; there are no submerged towns populated entirely by merrow. Spending extended periods underwater is still reasonably hostile - vision is impaired, movement is difficult, it is hard to communicate, and very difficult to actually ''do'' anything. Likewise, even though they have gills they are still creatures of the surface world - even the highest lineage merrow must come up for air every few hours. Still, the fact that they find being submerged in water calming and restful means that many merrow like to make their homes near open water - or bring the water to them if they live in places where this is impossible. There are plenty of examples of [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] merrow creating artificial swimming pools in the arid grasslands of [[the Brass Coast]], of [[the League\|League]] citizens flooding basement rooms, or of groups of [[Highguard\|Highborn]] merrow who meet regularly at the public baths to relax and meditate.

	This trait has few practical applications during the game, but may help shape your character or your background. In very rare circumstances a quest or encounter may be easier for a merrow, or might rely on the ability to travel underwater for a long distance as part of the narrative.		This trait has few practical applications during the game, but may help shape your character or your background. In very rare circumstances a quest or encounter may be easier for a merrow, or might rely on the ability to travel underwater for a long distance as part of the narrative.

	==Merrow Life==		==Merrow Life==
	{{anchor\|The Blood}}		{{anchor\|The Blood}}

Dre at 19:32, 23 September 2024

2024-09-23T19:32:17Z

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	<br><br>		<br><br>
	<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Downtime</span><br>		<span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Downtime</span><br>
	The Glimmerwater [[steading]] in [[Therunin#Eastring\|Eastring]], [[Therunin]] rests in the centre of one of the region's many bayous. One of the long dead [[vate\|vates]] of the steading received a boon from an [[eternal\|eternals]] of the Day realm in the form of a marvellous living wooden lantern. The lamp allows an unlineaged adult who studies and meditates by ~~it's~~ steady golden light for several days may begin to manifest merrow lineage, assuming they are able to cultivate a certain degree of calm focus. Once the lineage begins to manifest, one must remain in the light until it has finished doing so - a process that takes at least a week. Recently recovered from a waterlogged ruin, the merrow of Glimmerwater steading have installed it in a partially flooded Day [[regio]], and offer advice and support to those who seek ought the profound transformation it offers.		The Glimmerwater [[steading]] in [[Therunin#Eastring\|Eastring]], [[Therunin]] rests in the centre of one of the region's many bayous. One of the long dead [[vate\|vates]] of the steading received a boon from an [[eternal\|eternals]] of the Day realm in the form of a marvellous living wooden lantern. The lamp allows an unlineaged adult who studies and meditates by its steady golden light for several days may begin to manifest merrow lineage, assuming they are able to cultivate a certain degree of calm focus. Once the lineage begins to manifest, one must remain in the light until it has finished doing so - a process that takes at least a week. Recently recovered from a waterlogged ruin, the merrow of Glimmerwater steading have installed it in a partially flooded Day [[regio]], and offer advice and support to those who seek ought the profound transformation it offers.

	==Inspirations==		==Inspirations==

Hailmur: /* Imperial Merrow */

2024-08-26T22:08:42Z

Imperial Merrow

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:08, 26 August 2024
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	===Imperial Merrow===		===Imperial Merrow===
	Merrow find a special place in a few nations of the Empire.		Merrow find a special place in a few nations of the Empire.
	* [[The Marches\|Marchers]] tend to treat merrow with suspicion, finding them cold and too clever by half. As a result most merrow born in the Marches gravitate to the fens of [[Bregasland]] where they can find acceptance as part of the community of ~~[[The Marches lineage and species attitudes\|Fendwellers]]~~.		* [[The Marches\|Marchers]] tend to treat merrow with suspicion, finding them cold and too clever by half. As a result, most merrow born in the Marches gravitate to the fens of [[Bregasland]] where they can find acceptance as part of the community of fendwellers.
	* The ~~[[The League lineage and species attitudes\|~~Reckoner guilds]] of the [[The League\|League]] are dominated by those of merrow and [[naga]] blood.		* The Reckoner guilds of the [[The League\|League]] are dominated by those of merrow and [[naga]] blood.
	* Merrow children from [[~~The Brass Coast lineage and species attitudes\|~~the Brass Coast]] are often sent to be raised in [[Urizen]], in the belief they will have a happier life.		* Merrow children from [[the Brass Coast]] are often sent to be raised in [[Urizen]], in the belief they will have a happier life.

	===Becoming a merrow===		===Becoming a merrow===
	*'''The eternals Kimus and Sinokenon can both offer boons to allow a character to gain the merrow lineage'''		*'''The eternals Kimus and Sinokenon can both offer boons to allow a character to gain the merrow lineage'''

Rafferty: /* Other trappings */

2023-05-29T13:11:53Z

Other trappings

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:11, 29 May 2023
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	===Luminous Patches===		===Luminous Patches===
	A small number of merrow have a few spots or lines of [[#mottled skin\|mottled skin]] that emit dim light. Only mottled skin is affected in this way, and it is only small, thin glowing marks on the skin that are affected - never the whole area. The effect should be discreet and can be achieved with dots or brush-strokes of luminous or light-capturing paint.		A small number of merrow have a few spots or lines of [[#mottled skin\|mottled skin]] that emit dim light. Only mottled skin is affected in this way, and it is only small, thin glowing marks on the skin that are affected - never the whole area. The effect should be discreet and can be achieved with dots or brush-strokes of luminous or light-capturing paint.
			===Not Trappings===
			====Angler-fish Lures====
			Merrow are not fish people; they cannot have angler-fish lures.

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==