species [Lore] Sirens

[Dubstep]

Sirens - Musicians of the Deep

 

 

Sirens are commonly associated with dulcet voices calling sailors at sea to a watery grave. Beautiful and beguiling sea ponies with hypnotic voices and mesmerizing motions. This is of course, an old mare's tale, for the most part.

 

Though considered a myth by some, and often mistaken for sea ponies, Sirens have several distinguishing features to tell them apart from their distant relatives. The first being that they have a much more aquatic appearance — sporting fins that run from the top of their head, down their back, and stopping just before their long fish-like tail, as well as a set of fins on the sides of their head and the bends of their forelegs.

 

That, along with the series of plate-like scales that run along the underside of their upper half, sharp teeth, and slit eyes that are more akin to that of a dragon's, give excellent examples of the differences. But the most glaring difference of all is the Siren's use of magic, which is where myth and truth begin to marry.

 

Set in the center of a Siren's chest is an apple-sized gemstone, which can come in a variety of colors, cuts, and shapes. Much like a unicorn's horn, this gem acts as the Siren's aetheric conduit and lets them channel magical energies. Unlike a unicorn, who can simply cast spells mentally, a Siren's magic consists almost entirely of verbal incantation. Some magics though come to them innately, such as their ability to levitate a small distance above the ground or their slight consistent dampness that keeps them from drying out above water.

 

Another factor that feeds into the myth of the Sirens is their ability to feed off of emotions to empower their magics. Unlike changelings, who supposedly have a direct hunger for love, Sirens merely use their 'feeding' to amplify their magics. Positive emotions such as joy and love can improve magics that heal or help, while negative emotions like anger and hate will make their offensive or controlling magics stronger.

 

While this type of magic does allow Sirens to use their magic to dupe unwitting ponies by playing on their distrust and anger, feeding and growing their own magic and stirring the flames of discord, your average Siren would much rather not perpetuate the stigma brought upon their race by those of ill repute. Most instead opt to use their magical music for more beneficial and recreational purposes, like their land bound neighbors.

~Creatures of the Waves: The Wet and The Wild
Ashley ‘Ash’ Ravencrest

 

Additional concept art by Zeig:

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