Nix

Nix
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Information
Alternate Names/Spellings
Origins
Alignment	Chaotic Neutral, Neutral Evil, Chaotic Evil
Element	Darkness/Shadow, Mind/Spirit/Psychic, Sound, Water
Species	Nymphet (Shapeshifter)
Appearance	Various (often animalistic or nymph-like)

Also Called

• (tr) Bäckahästen/Bækhesten/Brook Horse

• Näck/Neck

• Nicor/Nickur/Nikar

• Ninner

• Nis

• Nixe/Nixen/Nixie/Nixy

• Nøkk

• Nykr

• Nyx

Origins

The Nix is a creature with origins in the mythology, legend and folklore of Europe. In particular, accounts of its existence first arise in the mythology, legend and folklore of England, Scandinavia and Germany.

The name has a root in the Proto-Indo-European root "neig", meaning "to wash", with relation also to the respective English and Swedeish words "näck" or "nek", meaning "naked/nude".

Appearance

By nature, the Nix is able to change its shape. This includes various objects and animals and even humanoids. It is unknown whether the Nix has a "true form", or if its body is amorphous and subject entirely to the needs of attracting its next meal.

Some have seen the Nix as a lithe and handsome young adult human(oid), of varying skin colors, hair colors and hair type (commonly within a human-adjacent spectrum). Conversely, the Nix has also been seen, at times, in the guise of an old man with a long beard.

"Care to join me for a dip?"

Others have crossed paths with the Nix when in a partly animal form. Perhaps they may have fish-like attributes (even similar to Merfolk), as suited to their life in the water. Or they may have traits like that of a horse (either a Satyr-like half-horse humanoid, or a white horse, perhaps with backward hooves, called a Bäckahäst/Brook Horse).

There are even times when the Nix appears as some glittery or interesting object, that catches the eye, while floating in the water.

Behavior

Homes in which the Nix may be found include lakes and rivers, especially if deep and secluded.

Guileful and cunning, the Nix is a mischievous spirit that delights in the predatory mandate that its diet requires.

Slipping quietly through murky lakes and streams, a Nix has spends a good part of its day observing its environs for potential prey, to decide how best to lure the unwitting target to a watery doom.

As an object floating in the water, a Nix may play on the greed or curiosity of passersby its home. A Nix may elicit the awe and excitement of a mark by approaching as a handsome Brook Horse; conversely, if that horse seems to be drowning in a lake, the Nix is sure to exploit the sympathies of an unwary victim.

Or, to stir the lustful mind, some Nix play a game of attraction and seduction, by appearing as a handsome or beautiful youth, looking for a good time. These Nix may be seen wearing decent or fine clothing (often stolen from those they have drowned, or who they have found after drowning), but most likely, they appear entirely naked.

If such tactics fail, however, a Nix resorts finally to its enthralling song.

It should be noted that, although rare, some Nix have been known, despite their own dangerous nature, to use their voice as a warning of impending death, especially by drowning.

"Change as the water changes..."

Abilities

• Death Warning- the ability to psychically alert subjects to mortal danger.

• Drowning- the ability to psychically inundate respiratory systems with water.

• Shapeshifting- the ability to alter physical appearance to assume a new form.
  • Aquatic Adaptation- the ability to access physical and mental features suited for underwater survival.
  • Equine Form- the ability to assume the form of a horse (in some cases, a Satyr-like form that is equine from the waist down; in other cases, a Bäckahäst/Brook Horse, commonly with backward hooves).
  • Hypnotic Beauty- the ability to channel hypnotic power through aesthetically appealing features.

• Water Affinity- the ability to psychically access benefits in relation to water.

Weaknesses

• The Menace of Metal- Nix are weak against iron and steel (some say even more so than Fay and similar supernatural spirits); a fairly common practice is to bridle a Nix, while in its horse form, with a saddle fastened by an iron or steel tack; after which, the Nix can be employed as a work horse. Though, prolonged direct exposure to any iron or steel will result in death for the Nix.

• What's in a Name?- Calling a Nix by its true name is known to cause the immediate death of the creature.

Gallery

• Nix Gallery