Nymphs Part 3: Tree Nymph

The crystal clear water of the icy pool shimmered and rippled in the still air of the morning. Gradually, the ripples grew in an upward undulation that formed shapely calves, then thighs, and eventually a fully formed woman of surpassing beauty.

Nymphs are loci geniuses that inhabit various natural places. While similar to what are sometimes called “fae”, they more closely resemble elementals of a specific locale. They are inherently tied to the location they inhabit; indeed, their very existence depends on the wellbeing of the environment. And they defend it vehemently.

All nymphs exercise a measure of control over their homes and use this, in combination with their preternatural beauty to ward off attacks. Their beauty is terrible and captivating, and they use this mercilessly to their advantage.

As dangerous as nymphs can be, they are excellent sources of information on the area in which they dwell, and if befriended, they make powerful allies. However, their legendary shyness makes this difficult, and their sadistic impulses make it doubly dangerous!

Tree Nymph

CER 72 (OR 31 and PR 41)

Tree nymphs are spirits of place who watch over woodland areas.  They are closely attached to trees and may not stray more than a short distance from their home tree without becoming seriously ill.  They defend their homes fiercely, employing magic to animate the plants and trees around them, usually while hiding inside a tree.  Some tree nymphs are experienced mages, but most are simple forest guardians.  All command great knowledge about their environment.

ST: 8                                                       HP: 8                                                      Speed: 6.00

DX: 12                                                    Will: 10                                                  Ground Move: 6

IQ: 10                                                     Per: 11

HT: 12                                                    FP: 12                                                     SM: 0

Dodge: 9                                                Parry: 10 (Unarmed)                           DR: 3

Bow (14): 1d impaling. Acc 3. Range 120/160. Bulk -7.

Club (14): 1d-1 crushing. Reach 1.

Punch (14): 1d-2 crushing. Reach C.

Animated Environment: Tree nymphs can animate the environment around them to grapple (Binding or Telekinesis) intruders with ST 10 or strike at them (1d crushing or impaling) with branches.

Stunning Beauty: By striking even the slightest pose, anyone who sees her must make a Fright Check at -5 and roll on the Awe table.

Threshold Entity: This being doesn’t breathe, drink, eat, or sleep, is immune to metabolic hazards, and is either insubstantial and invisible or substantial and visible.

Woodwalk: A tree nymph can see and move through wood without hindrance.

Traits: Acute Hearing 1; Appearance (Beautiful; Universal); Berserk (9) (Special Trigger, harming the wilderness); Callous; Can Be Turned with True Faith; Curious (15); Dependency (Home Tree; Daily); Dislikes Loud Noises; Divine Curse (Keep to the letter of any promise); Fearlessness 2; Fragile (Combustible); Higher Purpose (Protect Home Tree); Impulsive (12); Night Vision 5; Obsession (Protect Trees); Odious Personal Habit -1 (Capricious); Sadism (15); Sense of Duty (Home Tree); Shyness (Mild); Silence 2 (Limited, In Woodlands Only); Terrain Adaptation (Jungle or Woodlands); Unaging; Vulnerability (Iron x2); Walk on Liquid (Specialized, Water).

Features: Affected as Spirit.

Skills: Area Knowledge (Local)-12; Axe/Mace-14; Bow-14; Brawling-14; Camouflage-12; Intimidation-17; Naturalist-12; Sex Appeal-12; Stealth-14 (18 in jungles and woodlands); Wrestling-14.

Notes: Most nymphs won't negotiate because they are too shy.  Those who do are amiable enough, but dealing with such an astounding beauty is often disconcerting – especially while under the effect of her intoxicating beauty (see above).  Always scars from wounds inflicted by iron.