Tsajal The Tsunami

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Going through a few designs for what Mermaid Queen would look like from my world of Ovun. This is Tsajal, warrior queen of the east. She rules from the city of Golgano, in the Merkin Nation of Neld'adjo, on the northern peninsula of Elxius.


Mekin warriors don't really consider proper armor an option, especially considering much of Merkin Combat is in the water. Although merkin skin is tougher and thicker than human skin, the danger is still present, so the Merkin still need a way to defend themselves. Oceanstone gauntlets were invented to preserve mobility, but allow keen merkin to deflect and crush enemy weaponry. The Oceanstone is nearly indestructible, but only so if it is immersed in water consistently.

Lore Stuff:
There are 4 major Merkin Nations on Ovun, each sits at the directional apexes of the Riven Ocean. In the West, in Altea's Eden Sea lies Tal'Quay. In the North, is Thartrum, kingdom of the polar Merkin. In the south, the major seat of power for the Merkin race is Tzalch'zu, home of the Demigodess Erei'tal, whom the Merkin race descended from. And in the East lies the Kingdom of Neld'Adjo.

These nations adhere to a strong tradition of Queens (Except Thartrum) that serve as paragons of their people, who all seek council from Erei'tal and her wisdom. Thartrum's polar Merkin, though they do still have their leaders seek council from Erei'tal, do not follow the traditions of successfive queens.

In the three Southern Kingdoms, society is dominated by females. The logic is that women are much more politically mindful, and sensitive toward delicate matters in society. The situation is not exactly bad for men, they hold most of the same rights, however, higher positions of leadership are often forbidden to them. For instance, the Queen's husband is never considered a king, simply the "Mate of the Queen". Their situation is not helped by the fact that two-thirds of children born are always female. These Traditions are only now causing many Mermen to go live among humans, or become pirates.

The rules of Succession are handled very carefully. A Queen has two "Royal Firsts" at her side:
The First Protector -- a highly experienced personal Bodyguard (this is often considered the highest role a Merman can aspire to in traditional merkin society, though the First Protector may also be female)
And The First Maiden -- Much more than a servant, The first Maiden is a Mermaid that has the Queen's best interests at heart. She is a servant, caregiver, advisor, and a friend all in one.
If the Queen does not have a daughter, or opts to not have children, the Daughter of the First Protector or First Maiden may become the next queen. Queenship is often handed down by choice or after a queen has served for 30 years on the throne. The next queen in turn chooses her first Protector and First maiden. Often times, All three positions are children of the previous three.

Tsajal
Tsajal was born the Daughter of the First Maiden of Golgano. She wasn't particularily interested in the affairs of princesses, and sought to become a warrior. While her mother did not approve, she allowed the training. Tsajal was 20 when the previous queen conceeded after 4 pregnacies that she was likely not to have a daughter. Only weeks later, Tasjal found herself being anointed as Queen.

When Fell Merkin from the trenches of the sea came to invade her kingdom, she did what no other queen had done in her nation's history. She went out to battle them on the fornt lines. Her First Maiden was skilled in healing magic, so Tasjal charged the enemy with no fear, and her childhood training paid off well. She cut a swath through enemy lines so elegantly that her soldiers could not believe what they were seeing. The few blows that she did not intercept with her gauntlet were healed instantly, or smashed away by her now exteremly loyal Vangaurd.

Today she is known as Tasjal The Tsunami, the first Warrior Queen of the Merkin.