Half-Nymph

In the wild, secluded places of Polisia live the nymphs. These are creatures of tremendous beauty-- it is literally the most fundamental part of their essence. As such, plenty of people are drawn to them. Sometimes, a child is born of this union-- a fey-touched child.
Plenty of the mythical heroes of this land have won the affections of the beautiful nymphs and have beget these hybrid children. Others, however, are the children of nymphs themselves, just as beautiful as their mothers and especially close to the natural world.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Just like their fey mothers, half-nymphs are beautiful creatures. Generally, they have more delicate features than humans, often resembling elves or half-elves more than humans, sometimes even being mistaken for these races. Even the strongest among them have a tendency to be lean, rather than muscular.
They tend to have straight, silken hair, often in soft colors. Their eyes are brightly colored, usually with colors that reflect nature such as the blue of the sky or sea or green like a deep forest. Their ears come to points, much like those of elves. Males tend to grow beards, which often seem effortlessly well-trimmed.
Since nymphs have different varieties based on location, half-nymphs sometimes have traits that match their particular heritage. Half-dryads often have slim branches or leaves growing naturally in their hair, while half-nerieds might have an almost imperceptible pearlescent quality to their skin, for instance.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

As hybrids, half-nymphs don't have a culture of their own. Indeed, for as often as nymphs and mortals mix in Polisian stories, their children are in actuality quite rare. On some level, this combined with their general attractiveness sometimes creates an unfortunate tendency for vanity.
A vast majority of half-nymphs are raised in human cultures. This is because most nymphs aren't even remotely interested in raising children. Thus, they tend to send the child away with their father. Failing that, half-nymph children are often foundlings, left near civilization where they are sure to find a home.
Even those who are raised among humans often have some connection to their fey heritage. Not only do they have innate magic that connects them to the natural world, but they often feel a closer kinship to it than their human family. A combined interest in their fey nature and their love of the wilds lead many half-nymphs to attempt to find their mothers once they reach adulthood, though most such journeys fail.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

As alluring as their supernatural parent but far more approachable, half-nymphs are very popular among other races. Polisians are often in awe of them, treating them with great respect, but tending to hold them to a very high standard compared to their human counterparts.
Their reception among other cultures is often colored more by their beauty than anything else, however their supernatural heritage also plays a role. Many Fasachans distrust then due to the fey that permeate that land. Similarly, followers of the Church of the Light on Acitern see their ancestry, powers, and beauty as a possibly dangerous subversion of the will of the celestials.
Many half-nymphs enjoy the attention they receive, but many more chafe against it. These individuals may spend much of their time in the wilds among animals, or even fey. Their fey kindred are usually fascinated by them: mortals with the blood of their own so close behind. Some half-nymphs lament being seen as strange everywhere they go.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Nymph

Lifespan

200 years

Average Height

5 - 5 ft. 10 in.

Average Weight

100 - 160 lbs.