Nue

Strange Youkai capable of not only transforming but feasting upon the fear of others.

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Physical Description

The Nue stand at close to 5'6'' on average and possess stunning physiques. Their beauty is unmatched and give them an otherworldly appearance, looking like a human but still slightly…'off'. Nue have dark hair ranging from black to dark brown, and they have eyes ranging from red, orange, yellow, or any colors in between those. In addition to this they possess scars, strange metallic protrusions, horns, and warped tattoos which give them a strange and 'alien' appearance. Metallic wings, horns, and nails are common among the Nue, and tattoos often involve intricate landscapes across their backs and arms which sometimes include more as they age. Nue do not bleed traditionally, instead leaking a combination of black mist and thick black blood that pools like ink.

Personality

The Nue (pronounced "new - eh") are a strange folk due to being the humanoid forms of the more monstrous creatures of the same name, their desires are often very easy to read yet still difficult to understand. Often they make a big deal around feasting upon fear and scaring people, and like to tease and toy with friends and enemies alike. This attitude makes them come off as tricksters, although not necessarily malicious ones. As well, the Nue are promiscuous philanderers who take time to attempt to woo anyone who they can, even just to say they can. This is a trait shared among both male and female Nue, and they often don't discriminate with their flirting, leading to many being ran out of towns due to ruining one too many marriages.

History

The Nue are split into two distinct subspecies of one another - the humanoid and intelligent 'Kinyase' and the bestial and monstrous 'Kunyase'. Most who are familiar with the Nue are familiar with the Kunyase, the monkey-headed chimeras who take to invading dreams and causing nightmares as their primary method of sustenance. Meanwhile the Kinyase are much more direct despite their ability for subversion - fear of any kind is capable of sustaining them. The split between the two subspecies is mostly talked about in Nue myth, although despite being myth it holds truth in it despite embellishment over time. It is said thousands of years ago the Nue were one kin, a species of shapeshifters who had both a humanoid and a bestial form, and whose ability for subversion and causing fear was incredibly powerful. However, a great trial occurred in which the Nue fell to hubris and arrogance - many believing the Nue had angered some ancient deity of some kind, and thus they were forcibly split into the two distinct subspecies they are now.

While the Kunyase have been going extinct over time due to being hunted down for causing nightmares to unsuspecting people, the Kinyase have their own curse to deal with. Nue live a long time, and age incredibly slowly…however, they desire above all else to have an interesting life, and seek to experience as much as possible, as fast as possible. Once all of the seemingly interesting things have been experienced and a Nue begins to succumb to boredom, they end up opting for suicide rather than continuing to live out a long and boring life. This high suicide rate has driven the Kinyase to near-extinction as well, except unlike the situation with the Kunyase there are attempts to curb the damage done for the survival of their kin - some Nue have begun training their children to experience life as slowly as possible - to savor every little thing, and to get every last remaining drop of emotion and feeling they can out of life. One needn't experience everything all at once, but instead master the experience of many things. This ideology has helped reverse some of the damage done, however they are still a critically endangered species, on the brink of death and have long since faded from relevance.

Biological Details

Nue are considered young between 25 years old and 499 years old, are considered adults between 500 years old and 5,999 years old, and are considered old between 6,000 and 20,000 years old. They have a maximum lifespan of around (20,000 + (10d100 x 1.5)) years.

Nue can see in Darkness just as well as daylight.

Names

Nue names tend to match up with Japanese names, with some having Korean or Vietnamese names instead - though these Nue are a rarity.


Species Abilities

Ability Scores

+2 to Charm

Creature Type

Humanoid (Youkai, Nue)

Movement Speed

6 sq. Land

Size & Soak

Medium (4)

Feed on Fear

Nue do not need to eat food to survive (although they are free to do so), instead they usually feed and gain sustenance from the fear of those around them. If any enemies within 6 squares of them are afflicted with a fear status effect or takes Sanity damage, the Nue immediately recovers 1d5 Hit Points. This can only happen once per day.

Shapeshift

Nue are able to assume the form of anything of their size category, (animate or inanimate) to aid in disguise (provides a +10 to Deception meant to disguise) and in addition can transform into an inky black cloud. This cloud form is impervious to physical attacks, but not magic or gusts of wind and can only last up to 1 minute. Activating this ability requires 1 minute, 5 MP, and careful concentration.

Languages

Nue speak their own native language of Neu, a language which is far divorced from the languages of other youkai - it is very breathy and melds together, being described as a 'romantic language' to some, and like the linguistic personification of a shyster to others. In addition, Nue are able to speak Trade Speak.

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