A world of water, water, some dirt, and more water. Aster cove is almost the equivalent of a tremendous ensorcelled fishbowl... walls of pure force surround much of it, but do not be fooled into thinking it is a small place. Several island nations exist at intervals across the waters of Aster Cove, some rich, some poor, but perhaps the most important nation of all is the Mer country called Pacifica. Up until very recently it was ruled by a mighty sorcerer-king named Sebastian, who has striven his entire life to become powerful so that people will not make fun of his name, and his seven daughters known collectively as the Aster Furies for their dangerous temperament. However, one of the Furies longed for a life outside of the fishbowl she has always known... her name was Muriel. She sought the counsel of a powerful sea-witch named Zenia, and submitted to a powerful spell that, in theory, would turn her into a human. However, Zenia, knowing that Muriel was next in the line of succession for Pacifica's throne, instead transferred her mind into Muriel's body, and Muriel's mind into her own. Acting quickly she returned to Sebastian's side, got into his good graces, and attacked him in the night with a powerful transformation spell...
These days, Zenia, as Muriel, rules over all of Pacifica. At her right hand there is always a demur little crab serving as her chief advisor, a quiet fellow by the name of Sebastian.
Stumble!