Sirens

Suppose there were a species called Sirens; with properties of mermaids, harpies, and/or succubi.

That'd be GREGOLE's department.

well seeing as the myth of mermaids is derived from myth of sirens it would stand that they would be a older or different type of mermaid.

The sirens from the Greek myths weren't mermaids. In some stories they were simply beautiful nymphs, while in others they were more harpy-esque.

The concept of singing, carnivorous mermaids is found all over the world with countless names. In fact, the notion of the beautiful woman who lures men to their doom is a worldwide concept.

If you want to take the popular route, you could make them a subspecies of mermaid. If you want to model them after Greek mythology, a harpy or human-like creature is favorable.
Or, if you want to be original, you can make up your own form of singing, beautiful predator.

Though to be frank, whatever you do with it, it's really not gonna be very different from any other Felaryan predator. Play around with different animal parts, abilities, sizes, etc... but when all is said and done, how different is this really gonna be from, say, Vivian?

The thing is, if I'm not mistaken, Sirens were often ugly as hell. Unbearable to look at, but those who heard their songs could not resist an urge to join them.

Quote :

The thing is, if I'm not mistaken, Sirens were often ugly as hell. Unbearable to look at, but those who heard their songs could not resist an urge to join them.

I won't claim to have searched all the mythos, but none of my research ever mentioned that.

Probably one of two thousand or so interpretations, though.

GREGOLE wrote:

Quote :

The thing is, if I'm not mistaken, Sirens were often ugly as hell. Unbearable to look at, but those who heard their songs could not resist an urge to join them.

I won't claim to have searched all the mythos, but none of my research ever mentioned that.

Probably one of two thousand or so interpretations, though.

Pretty sure that's how it was in "The Odyssey". Some singing creature nearly drives Ulysses mad with desire, but finds the creatures utterly repulsive to look at.

GREGOLE wrote:

The sirens from the Greek myths weren't mermaids. In some stories they were simply beautiful nymphs, while in others they were more harpy-esque.

The concept of singing, carnivorous mermaids is found all over the world with countless names. In fact, the notion of the beautiful woman who lures men to their doom is a worldwide concept.

If you want to take the popular route, you could make them a subspecies of mermaid. If you want to model them after Greek mythology, a harpy or human-like creature is favorable.
Or, if you want to be original, you can make up your own form of singing, beautiful predator.

Though to be frank, whatever you do with it, it's really not gonna be very different from any other Felaryan predator. Play around with different animal parts, abilities, sizes, etc... but when all is said and done, how different is this really gonna be from, say, Vivian?

Well, in the past I've been turned down whenever I explain something in further detail, so why don't you guys figure this one out?

Xeno-the-Hedgehog wrote:

Well, in the past I've been turned down whenever I explain something in further detail, so why don't you guys figure this one out?

Sirens are the less-that-beautiful members of their species (Likely Mermaid), perhaps cast out for looking horribly disfigured when young [Seeming perhaps too ill / infirm to live]. Against the odds, they DO manage to live. However, unlike much of their species, they cannot rely on looks for capturing their prey, so they needed to modify their hunting methods. One of such methods was to sing wonderful songs.

Siren songs could be either mundane or magical in nature, depending on the Siren in question. Over the years, these songs would slowly grow stronger and stronger, until even the magical songs are nigh-irresistible to those with magical immunities [As the songs themselves are what attracts the listener, the music simply helps the effect]. Similarly, these songs may range from 'charm'-like effects, to communication to other Sirens in the area as to locations of prey, other Siren hunting grounds, etc.

To resist a Siren's song, one of a few criteria must be met:

1) Deaf. If one cannot hear a Siren's song, one obviously cannot be effected.
2) A Siren of equal or greater song skills. While one need not necessarily be a Siren, actually, it is rare to find a non-Siren as gifted in song creation. A creature of equal skill or more could find the trap within the song, and realize what is going on.
3) A skilled mage or cleric in Schools of Magic dealing with sound. While not all of such a category would be able to resist (As for the above), these would have a much easier time understanding what is going on than any other of their class.

If one simply catches a hint of the song, they will be driven to listen on and try to find it again. If they can find the song again they will attempt to ensure the song remains audible, and may even encourage friends to listen in.

One in this state is unlikely to listen to any warnings by a casual friend, though a close acquaintance may be able to persuade otherwise. A Silence Spell cast over the area of the listener, while at first angering them, will negate the songs effects for as long as the silence lasts. An exceptionally powerful magic song may overpower a Silence Spell.

After listening to the song for prolonged periods of time, the listener will often wish to find the singer of the magnificent song for varying reasons. Once one's mind is set to it, only firm action and constant vigilance will prevent a comrade from even breaking their own word in search of the singer.

[quote="GREGOLE"]
The concept of singing, carnivorous mermaids is found all over the world with countless names. In fact, the notion of the beautiful woman who lures men to their doom is a worldwide concept.


i just wanted to add to gregole's statement because of the true point of it...... the fact is that the thought of a woman leading a man into doom has been around forever..... it started with the notion of Eve getting Adam to take a bite of the apple and both of them being led into sin because of Eve's deception of Adam