Maris (people)

The Maris is a species of mer-like people who live on the east coast of the island of Maris, in the town of the same name. For 1,000 years their nation has been united under a single form of leader referred to as the Keeper of the Crystal, who wields the power of a magic Crystal.

Society
The Maris is divided into three clans, the Pandellis clan, the Fisk clan and the Umbray clan. There was once a fourth clan, the Mirril, which the first Keeper Orin was a member of, but it was eradicated by the Zebak.

Architecture
Maris homes and buildings are typically rounded.

Physical appearance
Though they walk on land, they have webbed hands and feet to make living on the coast easier. They have glistening pale skin, ranging from white to blue-grey, and pale, flat, glassy eyes, usually expresionless.

The Maris are all clothed from wrist to ankle to ankle in tight-fitting shining garments with cloaks and hoods in the colour of their respective clan, blue for Pandellis, green for Fisk and silver for Umbray. Typically Maris are armed with knives, which they keep at a belt.

Biology
The Maris have on average far greater lifespans than humans, however the Keeper of the Crystal reaches a far greater age than any regular Maris, because of the power of the Crystal. Still, there comes a time when each Keeper knows death is near.

Notable members

 * Orin
 * Perlain
 * Doss
 * Imlay
 * Seaborn
 * Asha
 * Unnamed Keeper of the Crystal
 * Keeper of the Crystal during Zebak invasion

Rowan of Rin​

 * Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal
 * Rowan and the Zebak
 * Rowan of the Bukshah (mentioned)

Star of Deltora

 * Shadows of the Master (mentioned)
 * Two Moons (mentioned)

Trivia

 * Maris is both the name of the race, the town they live in and the island that the town is located on, although the island is seemingly only called that by the Deltorans.