A humanoid Siren (note that the same artwork has also been used to depict a Naiad).[2a]
Sirens, also called Mermaids by some, are underwater-dwelling, humanoid creatures that live among the Isles of the Sirens near the Tilean city-state of Tobaro, east of Estalia. It is said they sing such a rapturous song that they lure unwary ships to their doom.[1a]
Sirens are infamous creatures with the lower torso of a fish and the upper torso of a beautiful Human or Elf maiden, capable of bewitching passing sailors with their haunting songs. That, at least, is how most stories speak of them. The reality is that Sirens vary wildly in physical appearance. There seem to be entire family groups derived from different strains, but they are all notoriously reticent to deal with other folk in any but a hostile manner. Their lower torsos are often like to that of a scaled fish, but some have serpent bodies, some are bird-like while others have been reported with octopus-like tentacles.[2a]
Their upper body appearance is equally flexible. While some certainly have a kind of feral beauty to them, others are hideous and savage, with shark-like teeth. All have wicked claws, though some can apparently conceal such, extending them only when prey is within their grasp. While Sirens mostly consume sea creatures, many stories indicate they don't object to Human flesh for variety.[2a]
Most celebrated, and feared, of a Siren's attributes is their voice. When raised in song, it can snare the will of others, causing them to abandon any other pursuit in favour of drawing closer to the Siren. While some Sirens use this ability to lure prey, others seem to sing for pure joy, with either no care as to what harm their songs may cause, or grim amusement at the fates of smashed ships and floundering sailors.[2a]
There is an ancient story amidst the Cult of Manann that suggests the first Sirens were born of a tryst between the sea god Manann and a powerful water spirit known as a Naiad. Unbeknownst to Manann, the Naiad also favoured Stromfels, the terrible shark god of pirates and wreckers. Thus, various Sirens take after the nature of one or both of their "fathers," which explains the wild variances in appearance.[2a]
What is certainly true is that bold wreckers seek to make use of Sirens whenever they can. The Navigator Families of the Tilean city-state of Vedenza have been fighting them for centuries, or encouraging them to sabotage rivals, as some dark tales amidst the taverns of Porto, the cavernous harbour neighborhood of Vedenza, say.[2a]
Marienburg Heraldry[]
The seal of the city-state of Marienburg is a Siren -- or "Mermaid" as they usually call her -- holding a bag of guilders and a sword. Common thought is the Marienburgers chose her for her beauty and the association with the sea. Other suspect it's because they understand the "Siren's Call" of gold all too well.[2a]
Regardless, Sirens are said to favour pretty baubles, usually adorning themselves with wealth taken from wrecked ships. Perhaps some clever wreckers have learned to bribe them in some fashion.[2a]
Bloodwrack Medusaes[]
Due to the their appearance, Bloodwrack Medusaes may be one of the many types of this species.[2a]
Trivia[]
The description of Sirens in Warhammer is likely inspired by both the Sirens of Greek mythology as well as the more modern tales of mermaids. Classical Sirens were depicted as half-women, half-birds who maliciously lured sailors to their deaths with their songs.
Meanwhile, mermaids were shown as having the upper body of a woman and a fish's tail as their lower body, and were often believed to be benevolent creatures.