#tsek

As much as I wanted to make something specifically for Mermay, I don't think I'll be able to produce anything new by the end of the month :') But I at least had time to make some necessary changes to Tsek's ref so I thought it'd be fun to show that off!

yes. but unless you specifically know which half it’s best not to guess because of false friends (or faux-amis)

Either I got very similar asks from a single person, or you two should hit each other up because you're on the same wavelength XD

I ended up answering these according to the Five Love Languages theory since that was the first ask I received of the two. So here's what I came up with:

These two are the main characters in the second short story of my Merfolk Anthology. Their story, titled "What the Current Carries," takes place in Cape Cod and deals with themes surrounding topics like disability and preconceived judgements.

Tsek is an Atlantic blue crabtaur (think centaur but half-crab instead of half-horse). She lost her right claw following some sort of accident, though it's hard for her to communicate exactly what happened because crabtaurs speak a different language than mers. Tsek is a good listener and has a lot of patience, but she tends to be fairly blunt as well. She's very kind despite her intimidating appearance yet struggles to show kindness to herself. Kolver is a fathead minnow mer who herds periwinkle snails for a living, a profession that was passed down from his late father. It's not the most glamorous calling and presents many challenges, especially considering Kolver's hereditary gill scarring and how it complicates everyday life - but it's honest work. He's kind of an awkward guy and has an easier time interacting with his snails than other mers. Kolver is high-strung and very talkative, often flitting about from one thing to the next at a rapid pace.

(Yes, they eventually become a couple ;u;)

Thanks so much for giving those two some love :>

🎨 Does your OC have any craft skill, as a hobby or profession? If so which? A little bit of lore before I answer this! Mers in my universe don't function quite the same as humans when it comes to employment or professions. Most mers tend to live their lives without ever having a job - not only because mers as a people don't have a currency, but also because there's no need for goods and services. Mers live fairly simple and self-sufficient lifestyles, hunting and gathering food/other resources for their own families or villages. They don't need much to thrive! However, some mers choose to take up professions or expand hobbies of their own volition, often requesting various items (ie. shells, unique human trash, food) in exchange for what they offer. It's a very loose bartering system built on kindness. Unfortunately, craft skills aren't particularly common due to the underwater setting. But some mers are particularly innovative! For example, Kolver's friend Dirsadelia (hardhead catfish mer) uses smoothed sea glass to craft glasses for mers who have poor eyesight.

To answer your question, Tsek really likes to draw symmetrical designs in the sand with her claws, and over time she's come to appreciate the delicate and fleeting nature of the art form. Kolver isn't very crafty himself, but he'd rather enjoy Tsek's designs anyway ;u;