Myren

Overview:

The Myren are an ancient and enigmatic race of amphibious humanoids who dwell both in the depths of Nathakra’s oceans and along its coastal regions. Known for their adaptability to both land and water, the Myren are a proud and resourceful people with a rich cultural heritage rooted in the mysteries of the sea.

Alignment: Neutral Good

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Origins of the Myren

The Myren, an enigmatic race of aquatic beings, have origins steeped in the mysteries of Nathakra’s ancient past, their creation tied to the elemental forces of water and the influence of powerful deities.

Creation by the Elemental Spirits

In the distant past, during the Age of Primordial Times, when the world of Nathakra was still in its formative stages, the elemental spirits of water, sought to create a race that embodied the fluidity, adaptability, and power of their element. These spirits, who dwelled in the vast oceans, rivers, and lakes of Nathakra, harnessed the raw elemental energy of water to shape the Myren, infusing them with the essence of the sea.

The Myren were born from the depths of the ocean, emerging as guardians of the aquatic realms. Their bodies were designed to thrive in water, with scales that shimmered like the surface of a calm sea and the ability to breathe both air and water. The Naiads gifted the Myren with a deep connection to the currents and tides, allowing them to communicate with aquatic creatures and sense changes in the water’s flow.

Blessing of Lunara, the Moon Goddess

As the Myren began to populate the oceans of Nathakra, Lunara, the Moon Goddess and guardian of the tides, took notice of their unique connection to the natural world. Lunara, who governs the ebb and flow of the tides, saw in the Myren a race that could further her influence over the waters and the mysteries hidden within them. She bestowed upon them the ability to navigate by the tides and granted them wisdom connected to the ocean’s depths.

This blessing made the Myren not only guardians of the seas but also scholars and explorers, forever attuned to the rhythms of the ocean. They became the keepers of ancient secrets, storing knowledge in vast underwater libraries carved from coral and stone, preserving the wisdom of ages past. The Myren, under Lunara’s guidance, became a race deeply intertwined with the cycles of the moon and the sea, holding an important role in the balance of Nathakra’s natural world.

The Great Timequake’s Impact

The Myren, like many other races in Nathakra, were not immune to the effects of the Great Timequake. This cataclysmic event, which fractured the temporal fabric of the world, caused great upheaval in the oceans. The Myren’s connection to the plane of water was weakened, and their control over the waters diminished. However, the knowledge and wisdom granted by Lunara allowed them to adapt to these changes, and they survived the Timequake, albeit altered.

Some Myren communities were driven deeper into the ocean, where they encountered strange and otherworldly entities. These encounters led to the development of new powers and abilities, as the Myren adapted to their new, more challenging environments. Over time, these deeper-dwelling Myren evolved distinct cultural and physical traits, becoming a subrace known as the Abyssal Myren.

Role in the Present Day

In the current Age of Radiance, the Myren are a diverse and ancient race, with their origins deeply tied to the elemental forces and the cosmic mysteries of Nathakra. They continue to serve as guardians of the oceans, protectors of ancient knowledge, and explorers of the unknown. The Abyssal Myren, with their unique abilities, are often seen as the mysterious and sometimes feared cousins of the surface-dwelling Myren, venturing to the surface only in times of great need or when summoned by the tides of fate.

The Myren continue to thrive, though they remain ever vigilant against threats from both land and sea. They have taken a more active role in the world, forging alliances with other races and working to ensure that Nathakra’s oceans are protected from exploitation and corruption. The Myren are also at the forefront of exploring and preserving ancient knowledge, particularly the secrets of the deep.

Physical Characteristics:

• Appearance: The Myren possess sleek, streamlined bodies covered in smooth, scale-like skin that shimmers in various shades of blue, green, and silver. Their large, expressive eyes are adapted for both underwater vision and low-light conditions. Myren have webbed hands and feet, and their gills, located along the sides of their necks, allow them to breathe underwater.
• Height: The Myren typically stand between 5 to 6 feet tall.
• Lifespan: Myren have a natural lifespan of approximately 120 years, though some elders have been known to live much longer due to their connection with the ocean’s energies.

Abilities and Traits:

• Amphibious: Myren can breathe both air and water, making them highly versatile in their ability to traverse different environments.
• Aquatic Adaptation: Myren are exceptionally strong swimmers and can move through water with incredible speed and grace. They can also withstand deep-sea pressures and see clearly in the dark depths of the ocean.
• Resonance with the Ocean: Myren have a natural affinity for water magic and are often skilled in manipulating currents, summoning aquatic creatures, and calling forth rainstorms. They are also capable of communicating with marine life.

Society and Culture:

• Underwater Cities: The Myren live in sprawling underwater cities built from coral, stone, and other ocean materials. These cities are marvels of natural engineering, with structures that blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Some Myren also reside in coastal settlements where land meets sea, acting as intermediaries between the ocean and the surface world.
• Craftsmanship: The Myren are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, particularly in creating intricate jewelry, weapons, and artifacts from pearls, coral, and other sea materials. Their art often depicts oceanic themes and the beauty of the underwater world.
• Spiritual Beliefs: The Myren revere a pantheon of sea gods and goddesses, believing that the ocean is a living entity that must be respected and protected. They hold sacred rituals to honor the tides, the moon, and the creatures of the sea. The Myren also believe in the existence of ancient sea spirits, which they seek to appease through offerings and ceremonies.
• Hierarchy: Myren society is led by a council of elders, known as the Tidekeepers, who are chosen for their wisdom and mastery of water magic. Beneath the Tidekeepers are various clans and families, each with its own traditions and specialties. Leadership is earned through deeds and contributions to the community rather than birthright.

Relations with Other Races:

• The Sylvari and Khazrim: The Myren share a historical kinship with the Sylvari and Khazrim, particularly during the early shaping of Nathakra. Though these races have diminished over time, the Myren continue to honor their ancient alliances and maintain cultural exchanges with the elves and dwarves, who are seen as the descendants of their old friends.
• Humans: The Myren often interact with coastal human settlements, engaging in trade and diplomacy. While the Myren respect human ingenuity, they remain cautious, knowing that human ambition can sometimes lead to environmental harm.
• The Vaaku: The Myren hold a deep-seated animosity towards the Vaaku, viewing them as abominations that threaten the natural order of Nathakra. The Myren have long guarded their underwater realms against Vaaku incursions and have developed specialized tactics to combat their malevolent foes.

Notable Historical Events:

• The Sinking of Iskala: A Myren legend speaks of the once-great city of Iskala, which was lost to the depths during the Great Timequake. The Myren believe that the city still exists, hidden beneath the waves, protected by powerful oceanic magic. Many Myren adventurers have sought Iskala, hoping to uncover its secrets and reclaim its lost treasures.
• The War of the Tides: During the Age of Despair, the Myren played a crucial role in defending Nathakra’s coastlines from the forces of Malachi. The War of the Tides was a brutal conflict fought in the depths of the ocean, where the Myren battled hordes of undead and sea monsters summoned by the dark god.