Mermaids (UniSystem)

In the TV show to not be named, mermaids had a short time in which to find a man to fall in love with them or be banned to the sea forever. In legend and lore, they lead sailors astray, dashing their ships on the rocks atop which these beautiful creatures lounged and sang. Is it possible that they are possessed of Deceit (Angel RPG [ARPG], p.50) or worse (Cruelty?), given that they hold a wee bit of a grudge for their eternity spent in the drink?

Even those that do fall in love within the proscribed time bear a Secret - if not from their beloved (-2), then at least from everyone else (-1). After all, they weren't always mortal, and the sea still calls to them... like a Siren. Maybe its call becomes an Obsession, or leads to even worse? The life of a Mermaid is pretty complicated, especially if they are a PC!

As noted, Mermaids are Supernatural (Type) unless and until they fall in love, when they gain their Humanity. Those with The Sight (ARPG, p.58) may Notice something about the Mermaid, even in her pure Human form...

Mermaid (Charmed)
8 or 9-pt. Quality

0 Immortal
3 Sport (Swimming +2)*
3 Amphibious
2 Lang. Atlantean, NuSpeak
2 Emotional Influence (Seduction)*
1 Art (Performance, +2 Sing)*
0 Innate Magick (+3)
-1 Supernatural Form - Dual
-3 Vulnerability: Fall in Love or be a Mermaid permanently
-1 or -2 Dark Secret

BONUS: From Citybook V: Sideshow comes The Blue Maid (p.37-41), which is a fantastic way to introduce mermaid(s) into your campaign world. Of course, you'll have to do a bit of work if you're playing in contemporary (or later) times.

Mermen are also a thing and this template covers them, too. However, they may not suffer from the curse mermaids do and may have different rules by which they must abide. An underwater kingdom exists, whether or not the players discover it or adventure through it, and some thought should be given to it before introducing Merfolk to your campaign.

* Specializations cost +1 XP per Specialization (+2).

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Mermaids are not Sirens, but they are analagous and often mistaken for them. These stats work for Sirens, as well, but Sirens are traditionally Menaces. These mermaids were based around the TV show, Charmed, which played on WB at the same time as Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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