Merfolk

Merfolk are an aquatic race native to the plane of Balendri.

Physiology
Merfolk resemble humans with pointed ears from the waist up, but below that, they have fish tails. They sometimes have fins on the opposite sides of their waists. The tails of the men are covered with scales, but the females have a smooth, Kolindar-like skin instead. Merfolk ears possess a membrane that they use to seal their ears against water.

The tails of most merfolk are extremely muscular, and they can swim extremely fast. Mature merfolk are completely immune to "the bends".

Culture
Merfolk have a rich culture. Merfolk towns usually have at least one spellcaster to teach the "merlings", as they are often called, the art of spellcasting. Merfolk women often decorate their hair and bodies with pearls and seashells, and mermen often carry daggers or harpoons. Merfolk communities are very tightly-knit and organized.

Combat Style
Merfolk commonly fight with daggers and harpoons, as mentioned above, but it isn't out of the ordinary to see one wielding a trident or net, either.

Diet
Merfolk live on a diet of fish and shellfish, supplemented with several varieties of highly nutritious seaweed.