Naiad

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NaiadNeeds Citation

Naiads are elusive Nature Spirits that inhabit rivers of the Old World.[1]

Inscrutable creatures, with deep passions that are quick to rise without warning, they usually prefer seclusion but will defend their territory ferociously from perceived threats.[1]

Appearance

They are natural shapeshifters but often choose to appear as elfin-looking women with pale, blue-tinged flesh and blue or white hair and eyes. However if angered or their territory is threatened they can assume a terrifying war-form.[1][2b]

In her war-from she becomes a fearsome creature of living water, the personification of her river’s malice. Weapons may simply pass through the Naiad’s watery body and she will fluctuate wildly, one moment still, the next a frothing mass of turbulent rage.[1][2b]

History

It appears that an Elf named Inthelion married one but was forced to leave her when his orders came to return home as she cannot leaver her flowing home. A copy of his diary is held within the Light Order library as is Dwimmulsson's Personal Book of Grudges which refers to Bloody River Spirits. [2a]

Notable

  • Lorlay, immortalized by the poet Franz-Heinrich Holzer, They Lorlay is a large rock formation that stands in the flow of the Reik, 40 miles downstream of Grissenwald. A nearby travel inn has capitalised on the romantic legend of the Lorlay.[1][2a]

Sirens

According to the Cult of Manann that the first Sirens were born of a tryst between the God and a powerful Naiad but that she was also sharing her charms with Stromfels, the shark god of pirates and thus Sirens take after the nature of one or both of their ‘fathers’.[3]

Quotes

I see the maiden sitting. Atop jagg’d mount, so fair. Her white eyes are a-glist’ning, As she combs her golden hair. With gentle hands a-preening, She sings songs as old as time. They’re powerful, appealing, And so full of wondrous rhyme. Hark, there, a boatman staring, Enraptured by echoed ache, Ignores cliffs without caring That barge will share his fate. The Reik too soon devours Both boat and man this day, Now we witness the power Of my high-voic’ed Lorlay.

~ Franz-Heinrich Holzer.[1]

I hear their mocking whispers. Where trees are nurtured and loved, I am not. The Asur turned from me. Well, now I turn from them! I will sing when they come, but this time I will sing a different song....

~ Lorili, Naiad of the Reik.[2a]

Sources

Uncited