Undine

The Undine are the primordial beings descended from the element of water itself, and the first race to be described as Naiadi.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Undine are directly composed of water and its derivatives. This means there are those who appear to be clouds, living water falls, rainfall, streams, glaciers, icicles, snowdrifts and any other form you might imagine. Once their form manifests and stabilises, usually around the age of 5, their molecular status is set. For example, a glacial Undine must remain in the form of frozen water.
Maintaining their composition, even in adverse circumstances such as extreme heat or cold, is a simple affair while the Undine is in a humanoid shape, as their will and sentience are echoed. Changing their shape leads them to lose this strong hold over their composition and they become vulnerable to their surroundings. For example, an ice Undine could stand in a furnace room and bear the heat to the same extent as any other being while in humanoid form, but if they were to be shattered, the ice that composes them would proceed to melt, causing them to lose their composition and killing them. If they were to be shattered in the same way, but instead in a street on a cool spring evening, they would likely survive, though it may take them intense focus of considerable time to reform.

Genetics and Reproduction

Undine are water given will, and they reproduce as such. Two Naiadi may produce another by mutual agreement, both wishing to share their will with the other. This may be expressed in almost any manner, but often takes the form of physical love and is very taxing on the participants if performed successfully. One can only do so once every 100 years.
A much less frequent form of reproduction is known as "Dichotomy" and it is the division of one being into two. It can occur only in those who suffer extreme internal conflict. As the Undine are famously romantics, this is often depicted as a lover's dilemma; a tortured soul, forced to choose between two paramores, divides so that they may experience complete happiness pursuing both relationships. As Undine extra-marital affairs are common, one might imagine this to be a frequent occurrence. Sadly, one lover almost always ends up disappointed.
Their forms are considered to be a reflection in some manner of their nature, but resemblances can also be seen passed down through family lines. For example, an Undine with a short temper may appear as steam, and any offspring may share that appearance by virtue of their genes alone. Whether this means they will share their progenitor's short temper is a matter of some contention in the Undine community and is considered a taboo subject and often a source of gossip behind closed doors.

Growth Rate & Stages

Childhood, by the standard Fey definition, is not experienced by the Undine. Their form is represented by their will and experience. The size of an Undine and their behaviour is dictated as such. A small Undine is small not because they are young, but because they strongly wish to be and identify that way. The Undine do not age and do not naturally die and degenerate. Their only natural cause of death is loss of the will to live, which, as they are prone to swings of emotion and romanticism, is more common than one might imagine.

Ecology and Habitats

Unlike the amphibious @Mervein, the Undine generally spend their time out of water. It is considered primitive and uncultured to spend time in water and those who do generally struggle to maintain consciousness if they are liquid Undine. Many engage in water-based activities for this exact reason, as it allows them to lose themselves for a while. There is actually a practice of Undine orgy called "Pooling" where a multitude of liquid form Undine drop their humanoid form in small bodies of water and let their consciousnesses coalesce and collide. It is thought to be one of the most erotic and intimate Fey practices.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Undine are able to make use of their senses regardless of what form they take. This means that a flowing river Undine may occupy a a pipe and listen to a conversation. They do not require ears to hear and eyes to see. However, this applies only if they are able to remain in their set form. For example, if an Undine who takes the form of ice is melted, none of their bodily functions will work, let alone their senses.
If they split and different parts of them have separate experiences, this is resolved once they reform, often leading to intense disorientation and confusion, and in some severe cases, mental illness.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Naiadi