Nymphs

By Colin Chapman (col.chapman@virgin.net)

Description

(for basic notes see CtD RB pg. 80)

Nymphs can be broken down into two distinct groups: those of the land, and those of water. Found to some extent throughout the globe; Nymphs are especially strong in Greece.

Extremely comely, they are usually shy of mortals, save for the occassional kidnap of a mortal they found appealing. Fond of girlish mischief, dancing and love, they are often extremely vain. Usually benevolent, the Nymphs are dying as the natural environment they embody falls to corruption, bringing them sickness and insanity. As the destruction continues apace, they are forced to retreat and their numbers dwindle ever smaller. Sadly, few changelings have sought to aid them, barely seeing past their own petty concerns and squabbles.

For all the evils perpetrated against them, the Nymphs find violence and aggressive action difficult. Many live as recklesly and carefree as ever before, perhaps hoping to forget the death that looms ever closer.

Those of the land include the Dryads (of forest and trees), Napaeae (of glens and groves), and Oreads (of mountain caves and grottoes). Those of water include the Crenae (of springs), Limnads (of ponds and pools), Naiads (of streams), Nereids (of the Mediterranean Sea), and Potamids (of the rivers). Of course, those Nymphs of foreign lands are known under different names such as the Nixies (Crenae and Potamids of Germany), Gwragedd Annwn (Lake Ladies of Wales), and Undines of the UK.

Appearance

Nymphs epitomise the natural beauty of their chosen environment, affected greatly by its health and seeming. Sadly, as their homes become polluted, so do the Nymphs, the poisons showing as pox and sickly pallor.

Perhaps 90% of all Nymphs are female, and they never age beyond youth, but they are not immortal, although they can live for thousands of years. They disdain clothing, only wearing a few temporary adornments of materials natural to their home. Those of the water should not be confused with the Mer, for irrespective of home, all Nymphs still look like humans, and still have two legs.

Attributes

The following represent a young, healthy Nymph.

Attributes: Str 2, Dex 3, Sta 2, Cha 3, Man 3, App 5, Per 2, Int 2, Wits 2

Attributes: Alertness 2, Athletics 2, Kenning 3, Performance 4, Survival 4

Glamour: 8
Willpower: 3

Health Levels: OK, -1, -1, -2, -2, -5, Incap

Power: Form of Home: All Nymphs can take the form of something in their chosen environment. The form also represents the age of the Nymph to some extent. For example, a young Dryad may appear as a sapling, but an adult Dryad may become a tree. They can also merge with, and live comfortable with their natural homes, entering water, rocks, trees, the earth etc, and becoming part of them. This renders them immune to most damage (save for massive land destruction and pollution). They do not require food, air, or water, and nothing native to their realm will ever hurt them.