Fantastic Nautical Creatures
(Extension of Secrets of the Darkened Seas)
Written By: Newt Scamander, Remus Lupin
A/N:(asunshinepuff and @ladynightmare913): The included lore for this tale will be taken from the book “The Secret World of Mermaids” by Francine Rose. In addition to still having our own twists.
Read the story here!
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Entry 2: Shipsaver Merfolk
Ever since humans left the shelter of land, sailors have risked their lives in the vast oceans of the world. They have faced winds that shriek through the rigging like banshees, whirlpools that swallow whole ships, and solid walls of water that crush boats like paper cups.
When all hope of survival is lost, it is the secret prayer of all mariners that something, somehow, will appear out of nowhere and deliver them from certain peril. The mers called “Shipsavers” have answered many a sailor’s prayers.
Physical Description:
Shipsavers are muscular mers with long torsos and powerful, wide flukes. Their hands are strong and their backs are broad.
Habitat:
Shipsavers can be found in all of the oceans of the world, even the frigid arctic. Some shipsavers live in colonies and inhabit palatial estates within mazes of coral reefs.
Shipsaver colonies often have sentries posted to watch and listen for signals of distress.
Life Cycle:
From birth, shipsavers are vigorous and capable. Perhaps because they frequent open ocean and deep water, they need to be alert and athletic (or, barring that, have some means of camouflaging themselves).
It is only during a short period in a shipsavers life - the first month or so after birth - that they are vulnerable to the ocean’s predators.
Relationships with Humans:
Throughout history, shipsavers have been some of the most frequently spotted mers. Thus their numbers have dwindled over the centuries due to the greed of men.
Merchants, explorers, and soldiers plying the waters of the world have been aided by them more often than they know.
In general, shipsavers respect humans and feel duty-bound to help them when they can. Some species of shipsavers rely on other sea life (especially dolphins and whales) for news of ships in trouble.
Magic:
Shipsavers have no outwardly magic to affect the seas, however, they have been able to commune with animals and speak a variety of tongues.
Disposition:
While there is a great variety among ship saver merfolk, all are of a kind and caring nature.
Symbols:
Sails, rippling flags, bells.
Philosophy:
"To be there in time of need."
Animal Companions:
Dolphins, whales, gulls, sea lions.
Signs of their presence:
Disturbances in otherwise calm waters, single oars or other evidence of maritime mishaps, groups of dolphins or whales far away from feeding areas or migration routes, and gulls flying far away from land.
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Here are some links if you want to catch up or check out some of the mood boards tied to this story!
Links:
Previous Chapter: Stop Trying to Rescue Me!
Previous Entry: The Branches of Studied Merfolk
Masterlist: Secrets of the Darkened Seas
Moodboards: SOTDS, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Quinn Sandoval, Opal Teresi
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