Blade Maidens: Dead in the Water – 18

“Roderick,

I’ve attempted to make some headway on the study, but information is…difficult to source.

The locals are less than forthcoming and actual specimens of merfolk are proving few and far between. Those that do come to the shoreline for trade seem hesitant to speak to any surface dwellers who they do not have an established relationship with. And furthermore, some do not speak any dialect that could be formed with our tongues. A sort of trade sign language has been developed to serve as an intermediary, albeit a simple-seeming one.

The closest to tangible information I have comes from the lighthouse keeper–an elderly orc woman–over a few glasses of wine. While these are far from official or scientific terms for some of the different varieties of merfolk.

Deep Dwellers – Those who never come to the surface. The only reason we know of them is through other merfolk.

Tidestriders – Merfolk who can survive, for greater than the handful of minutes all can, on the surface as well as the waves. Typically sporting more humanoid features, for reasons unknown. (Possible hybridization?)

Guardians – The more war-inclined of their kind. Often sporting more bestial features to aid in combat, as metallic weapons and armor are ill-suited for the environs.

I’m sure there are countless more but the conversation quickly shifted to other pressing matters and my inquiries were quickly forgotten.

I hope this less than ideal update does not harm my grant’s renewal, Roderick. It may take time but understanding those who dwell beneath the waves is as vital as any other concern being funded by the Academy. You know it as well as I.

– Antony.”

– A letter sent to Professor Roderick Holl of Freehold, undated.