Aquatic Miniatures

Mythology & Gaming with Aquatic Miniatures

Mermaid Defending the Sea — Mermaid battling a monster

Add a bit of extra spice with Aquatic Miniatures, adding a new level to your underwater gameplay.

Within the vast and immersive worlds of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), mythical creatures hold a special place, captivating players with their unique characteristics and rich lore. Among these fantastical beings, merfolk and sahuagin stand out as iconic denizens of the deep. In this article, we will explore the history of these creatures in RPG settings, particularly in the renowned Forgotten Realms.

Aquatic Races in Mythology

The concept of mermaids and aquatic races appears in various mythologies around the world. These beings are often depicted as having human and fish-like features, inhabiting the depths of the oceans, seas, and other bodies of water. Here are a few examples from different mythological traditions:

Greek Mythology – Tritons and Nereids:
- In Greek mythology, Triton is a merman and the son of the sea god Poseidon. He is often depicted as having the upper body of a human and the lower body of a fish. Nereids, on the other hand, are sea nymphs who accompany Poseidon and are associated with the Mediterranean Sea. While they are not mermen per se, they share a connection with the sea and are considered aquatic beings.
Norse Mythology – Nix and Neck:
- Norse mythology includes beings like the Nix and Neck, which are water spirits associated with lakes and bodies of freshwater. These spirits are sometimes depicted as shape-shifters, able to appear as beautiful humanoids or as creatures with aquatic features. While not strictly mermen, they embody the connection between water and mystical beings in Norse folklore.
Slavic Mythology – Rusalka:
- In Slavic folklore, the rusalka is a water nymph or spirit often associated with lakes and rivers. Rusalki are usually depicted as beautiful young women with the ability to control water and sometimes lure humans into the depths. Like mermaids, rusalki are creatures with a strong connection to aquatic environments.
Japanese Mythology – Ningyo:
- In Japanese mythology, the ningyo is a fish-like creature with human features. While not always malevolent, catching or consuming a ningyo is said to bring misfortune. These beings are often depicted with a humanoid face and a fish-like lower body, resembling the classic mermaid or merman motif.
Polynesian Mythology – Kanaloa:
- In Polynesian mythology, Kanaloa is a god associated with the sea, often depicted with aquatic and serpentine features. While not a merman in the traditional sense, Kanaloa is a significant figure in Polynesian cosmology, representing the forces of the ocean.
Folklore – Selkies:
- Selkies are mythical beings found in Scottish, Irish, and Faroese folklore. While not mermen, selkies are seals that can shed their skin to assume a human form. In their human form, they often marry humans, but if their seal skin is discovered, they may return to the sea.

These examples illustrate the global prevalence of aquatic beings in mythology, with each culture contributing its unique interpretation of creatures that inhabit the waters. The fascination with mermaids and mermen persists in contemporary culture, appearing in literature, art, and popular media.

Aquatic Creatures in TTRPGs

Merfolk: Guardians of the Seas

Merfolk, also known as mermaids and mermen, have long fascinated humanity with their half-human, half-fish form. In the realm of tabletop RPGs, merfolk have been prominently featured in various game systems, serving as important characters and allies. In many settings, including the Forgotten Realms, merfolk are guardians of the seas and possess unique abilities associated with their aquatic nature.

Forgotten Realms: The Sea Kingdoms

Within the Forgotten Realms setting, merfolk play an essential role, particularly in the Sea Kingdoms region. This vast underwater domain is home to a diverse array of merfolk societies, each with their own customs, hierarchies, and relationships with other underwater races. The merfolk of the Sea Kingdoms are often depicted as wise, regal beings who are deeply connected to the natural world and its mysteries. In the Forgotten Realms, merfolk frequently interact with land-dwelling adventurers, aiding or hindering their quests with their vast knowledge of the seas.

Pathfinder: Rise of the Runelords

In the popular Pathfinder RPG, the merfolk are featured prominently in the “Rise of the Runelords” adventure path. Set in the land of Varisia, this campaign explores the rise of ancient evils and the heroes’ quest to stop them. Along the way, the players encounter merfolk, both as allies and adversaries, as they delve into underwater ruins, navigate treacherous sea caves, and unravel the secrets of the deep.

Sahuagin: Ruthless Predators of the Deep

While merfolk represent the serene and enigmatic side of aquatic beings, the sahuagin embody a darker aspect. These humanoid shark-like creatures are fierce predators, often depicted as ruthless and territorial. In many RPG settings, sahuagin serve as formidable adversaries, challenging adventurers who dare to explore the depths of the sea.

Forgotten Realms: The Undersea Realms

In the Forgotten Realms, the sahuagin are a prevalent threat beneath the waves. Known for their aggressive nature, the sahuagin establish expansive underwater domains, terrorizing nearby coastal settlements and venturing onto land in their relentless pursuit of power and resources. In this setting, adventurers may find themselves embroiled in conflicts against these formidable foes, defending innocent lives and uncovering the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface.

Dungeons & Dragons: Tales of the Yawning Portal

Within the D&D universe, the sahuagin have made appearances in various modules and adventure collections. Notably, in “Tales of the Yawning Portal,” a compilation of classic adventures, players may encounter sahuagin in the “The Final Enemy” module. In this challenging adventure, the players navigate an underwater fortress controlled by the sahuagin, engaging in epic battles and uncovering the machinations of their sinister leaders.

Merfolk and sahuagin have left an indelible mark on the world of tabletop RPGs, enchanting players with their unique qualities and captivating lore. From the majestic merfolk of the Forgotten Realms’ Sea Kingdoms to the ruthless sahuagin terrorizing the depths, these creatures offer exciting opportunities for storytelling and adventure. Whether encountering them as allies or adversaries, players can dive into the immersive worlds of RPGs, delving deep into the mysteries of the sea and forging unforgettable tales of heroism and survival.