These seagoing creatures are one of the largest of the sentient species on Arvia, with adults of some subspecies exceeding the size of a blue whale. Due to the general dearth of magical energy in many large bodies of water, they tend to rely on purely physical abilities such as size and strength to survive, which may account for their enormous size. Note that freshwater merfolk are generally smaller, with more eel-like bodies. Highly intelligent, they tend to have refined manners and beautiful voices, though this is small consolation to those on their menu, which may include any creatures, sentient or otherwise that are smaller than them.
Cultural note: Among the giant species, oceanic merfolk have the most developed civilization and well-defined nobility structure, rivaling even that of the elves. When encountering any other sentient species, they will almost universally initiate with a diplomatic greeting. However, as many mariners learn the hard way, civility should not be mistaken for compassion, and the deals they offer for safe passage often include conditions land folk are reluctant to agree to.