Homebrew Chaos Race: Nymph Species Details

There was once a river running through the mountains. None can say which river or mountains, for this was so long ago that the land has rolled and shifted to become unrecognizable in the time since. The mountains were blanketed in a soft powder of white snow, and as the snow melted, it crept along the ground and joined together into streams of water, which trickled along the rocks and formed a river. And the river coursed down through a forest, emptying into the ocean. So it went for eons.

But then, one day, the snow on the mountains had a thought. “Am I similar to the water in the streams?” And so also did the water in the river begin to wonder, “Am I similar to the roots of the trees?” They were curious, but it seemed that they would never know the answer, for just as the snow inspected the streams, it became the water, and just as the water inspected the trees, it became the roots. And so it went for eons.

Eventually, the Great Mother herself became aware of these questions. Holding the world in her embrace, she felt the curiosity of the elements rippling and vibrating across its surface, anxious for answers. And so, she loosened her grip—just slightly. The rippling thoughts of the snow and the waters and the rocks and the trees took shape, and their shapes were beautiful, for they were curiosity made manifest. These were the first nymphs.

Nymphs are famed for their feminine charms but are not exclusively female. Some are awakened from the elements with a mix of masculine and feminine features, and others are quintessential specimens of male splendor. As fey creatures, nymphs like little less than to be nailed down by the crude shackles of mortal language. They come in as many shapes and forms as the earth itself. The only physical trait they have in common is an awe-inspiring beauty.

Nymphs have an insatiable desire to learn about the natural and civilized world as much as possible. Because most have had eons to discover the splendor of nature, it is the civilized world that interests them the most. However, they are not usually very accustomed to the mortal culture, so they may think of men and women as interesting baubles to be collected and admired. Even civilized nymphs cherish their friends and acquaintances as ‘pets’ to be manicured and proudly exhibited. They are not above bragging about their collection—or fighting with one another over their favorites.

Chaos Race: Nymph Traits

Nymphs have the following traits.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Sylvan

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Age

Nymphs are born cocooned within some feature of their associated element. For example, dryads are usually delivered within trees, and nereids may be returned within giant clamshells. Young nymphs sleep in their cocoon for up to one hundred years before emerging fully mature. They can live for as long as one thousand years, although many choose to return to the elements once their curiosity about the world has been satisfied.

Alignment

Nymphs tend toward chaotic alignments. They understand the concepts of good and evil but tend to select one or the other based on impulse rather than any deep-seated conviction. Nymphs grow to make a game out of performing acts that characterize their chosen alignment rather than pausing for weighty introspection.

Size

Nymphs are the same size as humans, but their builds typically reflect a life of leisure. Your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet

Enthralling Beauty

You possess unearthly grace and beauty, which allows you to dazzle and charm those susceptible to such things. In addition, you have proficiency in Persuasion skills. Additionally, you can cast the charm person spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

Ancestry Power

When you create your nymph, choose one of the following subraces: Aurae, Dryad, Naiad, Nereid, or Oread. You gain access to particular traits and magic depending upon your ancestry.