Octomer
Sometimes referred to as Cecaeliae, the mythology around the origins of the Octomer is a matter of no small amount of debate. Octomer are typically perceived as monstrous, however undeserved the reputation may be. Often a source of fear to some merfolk, Octomer are somewhat surprisingly intelligent and playful creatures. They are usually very shy and reserved, to the point of social isolation; and so tend to become unintentionally cruel to others. Seeking to live solitary lives in small, dark places they can be associated with darkness; and this coupled with their unusual appearance, and apparent cruelty often leads to a less than positive attitude towards the race. Despite this, they have many strengths and are always curious to learn more of other creatures and of the world around them.
Appearance: Octomer have the torso of a human coupled with the tentacles of an octopus in place of hips and legs. Their colors can vary immensely, but are most often dark; and they often possess the ability to alter their colors, usually in defense to mimic their surroundings as camouflage. Octomer have often been observed trying to mimic the behavior of other sea creatures too.
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Personality: Octomer tend to be solitary. They keep very few regular companions or friends, and avoid crowds if they can. When forced into a social situation, they almost always look for the quickest escape route. Around those very few who may befriend an octomer, they can seem almost entirely different, Chatty, curious and full of questions and ideas.
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That being said, they tend to be extremely intelligent and retain information well. They can be generous to a fault, and just as easily as they can appear to be selfish, they can become self-sacrificing. Their shorter life spans tend to give them a rather extremist take on things. There is very little that is actually Gray to them. Rather things tend to be wholly good or wholly bad. However that opinion can change as fast as camouflage; and yesterday's enemy can be today's friend.
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Strengths: Most octomer possess little skeletal structure. Their upper bodies will have cartiligenous skeletons to hold the humanoid shape. This allows them to squeeze into apparently inaccessible places Octomer can shed tentacles (known as arm autotomy) when under attack, meaning that they can voluntarily detach parts of their body; with the additional bonus that the lost limbs can be regenerated over time. Octomer can eject a jet of ink to cloud the waters and cover their escape. Octomer can be venomous, though very rarely to the point of lethality. Octomer have keen eyesight, even in low light, and an exceptional sense of touch with their tentacles. The suction cups on their tentacles are extremely sensitive both to touch, and to taste. Octomer can live up to 500 years.
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Weakness: Octomer have a very poor proprioceptive sense, meaning that they cannot easily determine the position of the tentacles, and often unintentionally touch things without realizing it. Because of their lack of a solid skeletal structure, are damaged more easily and more severely in physical combat. With little to no protection for their internal organs, injuries, especially blunt trauma, take longer to heal. Octomer react poorly to extremely bright lights, strong flavors and rapid changes in temperature because of their already keen senses. When infected with an illness, it tends to take hold faster, and the symptoms can be more severe.