Naiad

Ladies of the Lakes

The naiads are a subgroup of Nymph that are deeply connected to bodies of fresh water. Primarily they are known to dwell in remote lakes, but can also be associated with streams, ponds, springs, and in some rare cases, even manmade locations such as wells and fountains. Though they are often called 'river nymphs' by the common folk, they do not dwell in any of the large rivers of Ethae. They seem to prefer still waters. These nymphs are perhaps the most famous of their kind. Countless cradle-tales and myths feature heroes traveling to remote pools to see one these beautiful but mysterious ladies. If the hero is worth, she comes and offers aid, often in the form of some magic item needed for his quest. There are just as many tales of fools seeking to win her love only to be pushed, often by being turned into in tree around her domain.

Every standing body of water in Ethae has a local legend of a naiad patron, though most scholars believe only a small number truly exist, and the documented sightings all have been in Novyum. That said, however, there has not been a documented sighting of a naiad is over a century, even in their confirmed locations. Many believe they have all passed from this world into Enur. Others claim they have gone into hiding until the Novyum Civil War comes to an end.

Of the nymphs, naiads, along with their close kin the Nereid, are considered some of the more powerful, in regard to Magic. Since the introduction of the Warlock class of magic-user to Ethae in the Viakagi Era, a handful of naiads have taken on the role of Archfey. As there have been so few recorded in history, some believe these are nothing more than yet another fanciful tale of these often over mythologies creatures. These critics point to the fact that there have been no sightings of naiads in the last century, nor any warlocks claiming to be patronized by a naiad.

Naiads do not seem to be as bound to their domain as other nymphs, such as Dryad are. Though they are believed to dwell at a particular location, naiads, especially archfey, have been known to appear in any nearby water to the one they wish to speech to. Their ability to do this is little understood. Many believe this is the naiad creating a temporary avatar of herself, while remaining in her domain. Others believe it is a true teleportation ability. Stories of naiads portray them as hostile to any questions about themselves or their kind, making it hard to learn much about this ability.

These nymphs do not wear clothing, preferring their bodies to flow naturally, unhindered in their waters. They do, however, understand the nature of the world and will cover themselves in a mud and algae mix that clings to and covers their body for modesty when in contact with mortals.