Nymphborn
Nymphborn are the product of encounters between ineffably beautiful fey creatures and mortals, often heroes but sometimes simple hunters or even artists traveling in search of inspiration. Such offspring are wondrous and magically blessed creatures. They stir the heart and catch the eye of any who encounter them, and serve as a reminder to all that life is there to be lived. These beings are rare and memorable to encounter, but spring from many races, societies, and cultures, living as a member of them, even if their nature sets them apart.
Half Fey, Half Mortal
Most nymphborn can be easily mistaken for incredibly beautiful elves, humans, or half-elves, as those are the races that most commonly encounter nymphs, but it is not unknown for them to resemble half-orcs, dwarves, goliaths, tritons, or many other races. Their skin and hair usually resemble that of the mortal stock they hail from, but some rare individuals have unusual features like sea green hair, eyes that glitter like firelight, skin like polished marble, or markings resembling those of a great predatory cat.
While they typically embrace the mortal cultures they are raised in, it is impossible to forget that they have a touch of the supernatural. As a result they often find themselves drawn to others with unusual backgrounds, such as other nymphborn, tieflings, aasimar, half-elves, those who adventure seeking glory or excitement, and who travel far and wide to collect knowledge. With their vast, ever-youthful lifespans, longer even than that of the elves, nymphborn will invariably meet many kindred spirits over time.
Embodiment of Nature’s Wonder
The nymphborn are the children of spirits of nature and of art, and their physical forms reflect the beauty of such things. This does not mean, however, that they are all carbon copies of conventional, lowest common denominator attractiveness. Nymphborn come in all shapes and sizes, varying as wildly as the natural world they are tied to. Just as there are vistas that are simultaneously terrifying and beautiful, as well as those that are cozy and inviting, so too are the children of the nymphs. You might be as proud as an ancient conifer, as remote as the stars in the sky, or as warm and inviting as a natural hot spring, but even if your hair is a mess and you’re caked with mud and dust from the road, you are still glorious to look upon. If you are a warrior wounded in battle, your hard won scars only amplify and add complexity to your allure.
Bared to the World
Inherited along with their uncanny loveliness is a subconscious drive to share that beauty with the world. For some, this causes them to be gleeful exhibitionists, but for others, their shy bashfulness at being seen in the nude is central to their beauty itself, and persists no matter how accustomed they are to having others gaze upon them. Some few even increase their allure by keeping it mostly hidden so opportunities to happen across it are precious and rare, like stumbling upon a glittering crystalline grotto that can only be found by exploring a particular rocky shoreline at low tide. Common among all of them, however, is a feeling that clothing is only a tool to be used for a deliberate purpose, and one that sometimes is ill suited to them.
Nymphborn Names
Nymphborn are usually raised in the societies of their mortal parents, and so are typically named according to the conventions of that culture. The rare exceptions usually go by a single name given by their nymph parent. These names are typically reminiscent of Greek mythology.
Feminine Names: Acantha, Adrasteia, Aella, Aglaea, Andromeda, Apaturia, Astraea, Britomartis, Calliope, Cassiopeia, Chryse, Cirrha, Clio, Clonia, Clytie, Daphne, Dercetis, Echo, Elektra, Evadne, Euphrosyne, Euterpe, Erato, Hyllis, Ianthe, Kyllene, Leuce, Melinoe, Melpomene, Minthe, Melaina, Nomia, Orphne, Othreis, Pasithea, Peitho, Phaenna, Philotes, Polyhymnia, Rhene, Teledice, Terpsichore, Thalia, Urania
Masculine Names: Adonis, Aeneas, Aeolus, Aeson, Agrionius, Ajax, Anteros, Antheus, Boreas, Bromius, Cthonios, Dardanus, Dolios, Eleutherios, Endymion, Enorches, Eros, Eurus, Evandros, Ganymede, Hector, Himeros, Hedylogos, Hodios, Iacchus, Leucus, Limnaeus, Nonnus, Notus, Oenopion, Pallas, Philandrus, Ploutodotes, Phoebus, Pothos, Priam, Priapus Socus, Thriambus, Zagreus, Zephyrus
New Species: Nymphborn
Common Personality Traits: Capricious, artistic, sensual, nudist
Common Physical Traits: Supernaturally attractive, slightly uncanny, manifests curious supernatural phenomena
Splinter Race Feats: Beacon-Blooded (lampad heritage), Breeze-Blooded (aura heritage), Cascade-Blooded (crinaea, eleionoma, limnatid, naiad, pegaea, or potameid heritage), Frost-Blooded (cold, ice, or snow nymph heritage), Gale-Blooded (harpyia heritage), Honey-Blooded (mélissa heritage), Khthonic-Blooded (underworld nymph heritage), Muse-Blooded (mousa heritage), Oak-Blooded (dryad heritage), Pine-Blooded (oreiad heritage), Supernal-Blooded (asteria heritage), Wave-Blooded (halia, nereid, or oceanid heritage), Wild-Blooded (maenad heritage), Wine-Blooded (lena heritage), otherwise you are simply ‘nymph-blooded’
Type: Medium or Small biped fey with a Reach of 1. If you are Medium, your maximum wounds equal your Constitution score. If you are Small, Your maximum wounds equal to your Constitution score x 2/3 (rounded up).
- Attributes: +2 Charisma
- Base Speed: 30 ft.
- Accomplished Individual: You gain 1 skill point each time you gain a permanent Style feat.
- Mixed Blood: You are considered to be both Nymphborn and another player species of your choice.
- Salacious Bearing: You gain a +1 bonus to all Athletics, Impress, and Resolve checks while you are at least partially nude.
- Stunning Beauty: If you are at least partially nude and wearing no armor or partial armor, you gain Damage Resistance 3 against standard characters.
- Easily Surprised: You suffer a -5 penalty to Initiative checks.
- Limited Proficiencies: You begin play with 2 fewer proficiencies.
New Species Feats
Beacon Blooded
You descend from a Lampad—a torchbearer nymph who serves deities of magic. The Lampades are often misunderstood, as they occupy liminal spaces. They are of the dark, but hold forth lights. They linger at crossroads traveled by merchants and bandits alike. Most importantly they serve powers that most do not understand and which can bring great boon or bane. You probably are a being of stark contrasts and apparent contradictions that nonetheless meld seamlessly together. Socially, the children of lampades are drawn to the edges, to the line between insider and outsider, between culture and counter-culture, between dignified and taboo. A larger than typical number of beacon-blooded nymphborn slip between the commonly accepted binaries of sex, gender, and sexuality, drawing power from both the masculine and the feminine.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: You gain Darkvision II, your Defense increases by +1 when you are in faint or no light, and each time you gain 1 or more ranks in the Spellcasting skill, you also gain an equal number of ranks in the Intimidate skill. This may not increase your Intimidate skill beyond its maximum rank. However, the Dispositions of creatures who do not share one of your species (i.e. neither Nymphborn or the species chosen for your Mixed-Blooded ability) decrease by 10.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Breeze-Blooded
As the offspring of an Aura—a nymph of milder winds—you have a magical connection to the air around you. The offspring of nymphs of the gentle airs have a reputation for being a bit silly and whimsical, and sometimes a bit of an air-head (pun intended). That said, you are also persistent and not easily perturbed, and you can be wonderfully reassuring to your companions. However, you should not be underestimated, as even a gentle wind can grow into a wild tempest under certain circumstances.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: You gain Falling Resistance 5, a +5 bonus with Balance checks, and the DCs of Tracking checks to follow your trail increase by 10.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Cascade-Blooded
The fresh waters of the world call to you, child of the Naiads. You may come from a Crinaea, of fountains, a Pegaea, of natural springs, an Eleionoma of the wetlands and swamps, a Limnatid of a lake, or Potameid of a river. You are not as inconstant as your saltwater cousins, but you can be just as beneficent or dangerous.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: You gain Aquatic I, a +2 bonus on saves against disease and poison, and you gain 4 ranks in the Medicine skill (not to exceed your maximum ranks).
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Frost-Blooded
Just as the khthonic-blooded nymphborn descend from a variety of types of nymphs who share a common trait, the frost-blooded may be descended from a nymph of snow, of an alpine mountain, of arctic winds, of icy waters, or even of tundra plants. You might be gentle and soft like an untouched snow bank, or implacable like a glacier.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: You may increase your Reach by 2 when taking the Tire action. You also gain Cold Resistance 5, and when you spend an action die to boost unarmed or melee damage, you may convert it to Cold damage.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Gale-Blooded
The children of the nymphs of swift, grasping winds are able to dart through the sky, whether they are born with wings or not. You are not quite so intemperate as the wild winds that drag sailors off course that your immortal kin are named for, but you are rarely idle and your personality is a force to be reckoned with. You may be unpredictable or direct and unwavering, icy like the gusts that bring winter or hot as a roaring khamsin, but whatever you are, it is rarely subtle.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: You gain Winged Flight 40 ft, and each time an adjacent opponent attacks you and misses, they suffer 2 points of stress damage. However, your Constitution decreases by 2.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Honey-Blooded
You are the child of one of the Melissae, who are linked to hives of honey bees in much the same way a Dryad is linked to a tree. Melissae are both playful and industrious, fostering the growth of both crops and wildflowers. They are usually calm and provide all manner of boons to civilization, but can be exceptionally dangerous when angered or threatened. Their offspring often have similar qualities, and as their parent is the spirit of an entire hive rather than of individual bees, they often are reluctant to consider an issue from only one point of view, and sometimes struggle to distinguish between individual and group identities, which usually makes them intensely loyal.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: You gain a Study in beekeeping and you also gain flight 30 ft, though you may rise no higher than 5 ft. above the ground.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Khthonic-Blooded
Stranger and more unnerving than the other nymphborn, but no less beautiful, you come from the nymphs of trees or rivers in the underworld. Even the rivers of woe, lamentation, and oblivion surrounding the land of the dead have nymphs. The pale trees have their own eerie reflections of the dryads above. The underworld is not all grim, however, and these nymphs lend their beauty to the plants, winds and seas of the paradises granted to the virtuous dead as well. Most Khthonic-blooded nymphborn possess a stark, uncompromising beauty that cares not for passing fashions. They often cultivate an appearance expressing melancholy, longing, or regret, but they can be friendly, supportive, and even cheerful in their own ways.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: Your attacks inflict an additional die of sneak attack damage. You also gain darkvision I and Outsider Resistance 5.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Muse-Blooded
You originate from one of the most famous of nymphs, the Musai. As the spirits of art and creative expression, you may even have been a masterpiece sculpted by a muse or an idea imbued into a mortal mother from whom you were born. Whether you were created in such a way or simply through conventional means, you are still equal parts the product of inspiration and the source of it for others. You might yearn to be the center of attention, but you may do so out of desire to kindle the love of poetry or painting in someone who observes your beauty and wishes to reflect it back to the world. You may be flighty or diligent, you may possess simple comeliness or icily flawless beauty, you may be motivated by lust or desire to help or even boredom, but your existence inspires others nonetheless.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: Your Appearance bonus increases by +1, you gain an additional Interest, and you gain a +5 bonus on knowledge checks related to artistic pursuits. Also when you are a helper in a cooperative check and succeed, the leader gains an additional +2 on their check.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Oak-Blooded
One of your parents is a dryad, a spirit linked to a particular tree. Some dryads are rumored to be so resplendent that purely mortal eyes would be struck blind by the sight. You cannot be certain of the truth of such claims, but at times those who look upon you have become bewitched by your beauty.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: Your movement is never slowed by plant-based difficult terrain, once per session, you may improve the Disposition of any 1 non-adversary NPC by 5, and once per adventure you can cast Verdure (using the Enrich effect only).
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Pine-Blooded
The strength of mountains and the mighty forests that grow upon them flows through your veins, inherited from your Oreiad parent. Most of your kind are stalwart and proud, but will bend rather than break and will adapt to persist through great hardships.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: The higher of your Strength or Constitution increases by +1 and you are considered 1 Size category larger for carrying capacity, Trample attacks, and resisting Bull Rush and Trip attempts so long as you are standing firmly on the ground and not climbing, flying, or riding. You also gain Cold Resistance 5 and take exactly 1 point of damage per die when suffering subdual damage from any Athletics/Push Limit check (no roll is required). However, you also suffer a -2 penalty with Reflex saves.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Supernal-Blooded
Asteriae are the nymphs of the stars and the constellations that memorialize great heroes of the past, and you share some measure of their power. The lights of the sky are aloof and often feel not just above the fray, but beyond one’s grasp, however they are also an eternal guide that can be depended on without hesitation. On the rare occasions that they move, great things come to pass and so wishes are made by mortals yearning for better things. As it is above, so it is below, for those tied by blood and bond to the very stars in the heavens.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: You may cast Dancing Lights at will and if you suffer 10 points of damage in a single melee attack, you may Feint the attacker as a free action. This Feint can be made against the target as long as it is within Close Quarters, and you do not become flat-footed if you fail this Feint check.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Wave-Blooded
You were born to the Haliae, the nymphs of bodies of salt water. Nereides are spirits of the seas and Oceanides are spirits of the ocean. You may generally be calm and tranquil, or fierce and tempestuous, but like the seas, you always have the potential for both and may change without warning.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: You gain Aquatic II, Superior Swimmer, and Chameleon (aquatic).
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Wild-Blooded
Your conception was most likely the result of the wild bacchanalian celebrations that the Maenades are famous for. Some legends say they were once mortals themselves before being granted immortality by a deity of revelry and wine. Maenades are the archetypal party animals, carousing with satyrs, riding upon panthers, and riling themselves into a frenzy of intoxication and dance in which—even without weapons or armor—they could easily defeat sober-minded, well equipped, carefully drilled soldiers. You are not quite a match for them, and you might even prefer to overcome your instincts with discipline and rigor, but deep down, the siren song of drunken debauchery lights a fire within your soul.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: You gain Thick Hide 3 and your unarmed attacks gain bleed.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”
Wine-Blooded
The less aggressive companions of the wild Maenades are the Lenai, whom you call kin. They are the nymphs of the vine and the products of them, especially beverages. Much like muses inspire the arts, Lenai inspire those who practice the skills of crafting alcohol of all kinds. You most likely have a more tempered approach to revelry than your wild-blooded cousins, but you love good company, a good dance, and a good glass of something at least a little stronger than water.
Prerequisites: Nymphborn, Level 1 Only
Benefits: Your movement is not slowed by waterlogged terrain, you gain the Crafting skill’s Cooking focus, and you may purchase Heroic Renown for 20 reputation per rank.
Special: When you gain this feat you may reduce any of your attributes by 2 to gain either an additional Species feat with the requirement “Level 1 only”