Ears: This is more or less a decorative fin that can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These vary in transparencies and opacities. Some features can be glossy, glittery, or marbled in color. The actual ear is located just behind the base of the fin. A few examples can be found
here.
This is for fin shape only. They do not have humanoid ears. Just fins.
Eyes: Slitted pupils. Sclera is a lighter color of iris.
Scales: From the serpent portion of their lineage. These scales tend to have a gem-like or metallic quality in nature.
Tail: Strong appendage used for swimming. At the end of it is a fin, perpendicular to the direction of the tail. The fins vary in shapes and sizes, giving a variety of styles to family lines.
Examples of tail shapes, but not limited to at all. The tail can also have side fins, but similar to the texture of the end fin. These can be close to the end of the tail and/or at the base of the tail, some middling between.
Tentacles/Tendrils: These would typically protrude from the back hairline and the back. They can be slender and smooth or having suckers. Some can even be spiked at the end of them. They are strong and prehensile limbs. Not all rendine have these, but it is not uncommon.
Gems: These are not something every Rendine has. Those who do have the ability to use magic. More or larger gems, the stronger the magical prowess. Those without gems do not have magical abilities. Gems are not shed, they do not grow further once the body has reached maturity. If removed, they leave horrible scars and the Rendine weaker than what it was. Females tend to have a higher affinity for magic, so they are more likely to be born with gems or more gems than males, but they are all capable of it. Can come in a variety of colors and shapes, from smooth pearls or opals to jagged crystals or ornate diamonds. The types they grow have no effect on their magical ability, only the number or size. Their gems or crystals can glow at will, through magic. Rendine can
feel their gems when they are touched, as if there are existing nerve endings within them.
Breathing: Their respiratory system is rather unique. They appear to have no gills, but can breathe between land and sea rather effortlessly. The Rendine are able to pull oxygen from the water
through their skin, this is known as cutaneous gas exchange. They do have a set of lungs which allows them to breath on land.
Swimming: How they swim would be similar to that of mermaids. They use the force of their tails to propel them forward, undulating their bodies against currents. Feet are tucked together and arms are at their sides or cupped in front of themselves, not needing webbing on either. Only using arms to help in direction and steering, not so much for moving forward. Motions are similar to
this and
this.
Reproduction: Males court females with intricate dances and giving jewelry that they have made themselves. Typically monogamous and mate for life. They can court those of other species, but can only reproduce with other feline-like creatures.
Lifespan: Rendine reach maturity at age twenty five and stop aging physically around that time. They have increased longevity. Though they may be immortal, they can get sick and die, can be killed, it is not known the extent of their lifespan, some reaching ages well over five thousand if nothing causes their demise. The oldest among them is unknown.
Fur: Smooth, almost velvet like in texture, helps in staying streamline through the water.
Markings: Similar to that of large cats. Striping, spotting, etc. They can lack markings, have undercoats. They can have interesting designs or patterns, as intricate or simple as possible.
Hair: Can be straight, wavy, or curly. All textures apply. For styling and aesthetic, please check culture. Also can ombre naturally between colors.
Color Palettes: Colors have no restrictions. They can be pastel, dark, neon, natural, or muted. Though many have more "nautical" or "tropical" palettes. Some example palettes can be found
here. These are merely examples. They include but are not limited to these examples. They are also
not bio-luminescent.
Diet: They are omnivorous. Obviously, when in Nauticus or other sea cities, their diet mainly consists of seafood, such as fish, jellyfish, crabs, etc. When on land, they hunt or partake in the food of the locals. Not having to drink beneath the ocean surface, they do enjoy things like juices and alcohol. They have their own form of these things, but that can be found in culture.
Corrupted or Mah'lau Devout: Those who follow Mah'lau or the Maw have gone through rituals to change their appearance to be more like the god they worship. They have unnaturally red sclera and muted, dark, or pale fur and marking colors. They tatter their fins and rip out one of their prominent gems, giving them horrible scarring. They can acquire more tentacles, body spikes, and other traits to make them more intimidating or dark.
