Anx

Undines possess an alluring appearance reminiscent of merfolk. They have long, flowing hair in shades of blue or green, with opalescent scales covering their lower bodies. Their eyes are often vividly colored, resembling precious gems. Undines have webbed, clawed fingers.  Their lower halves are reminiscent of magnificent aquatic creatures. 

Undines have the ability to manipulate water at will. They can summon tidal waves, create water spouts, and control the currents to their advantage. The more fearsome their stretch of water, the more drastic these effects can be.  Their mastery over water allows them to swiftly navigate the ocean depths and defend their territories.

They are also known to be attracted to treasures and shipwrecks. They are fascinated by shiny objects and collect valuables from sunken ships. It is not uncommon for them to demand tributes from passing ships in exchange for safe passage through their waters.  That is, if they don't decide to attack passing ships just for fun. 

Undines possess enchanting voices and are renowned for their mesmerizing songs. Their melodic tunes have the power to lure sailors closer to them, sometimes leading to their demise. Mortals who hear the songs of Undines may be captivated or entranced, unable to resist their allure.

Undines fiercely protect their aquatic domains, and intruders are met with hostility. They are capable warriors, using their agility and water manipulation abilities to defend their territories. Ships passing through their waters must often pay a toll or offer a tribute to ensure safe passage.

Undines have complex relationships with mortals. While they can be playful and interact with humans on occasion, their encounters are often tinged with a sense of danger and unpredictable outcomes. Some mortals view Undines as benevolent guardians, while others see them as malevolent creatures to be feared.

Even Undines will not venture into the Dark Sea. 

Ifrits possess a humanoid form, with skin that glows with an inner fiery radiance. Their hair resembles flames, flickering and dancing with vibrant colors. Trails of smoke often surround their bodies, giving them an ethereal and mysterious appearance.

Ifrits have an inherent connection to fire and are adept at controlling and manipulating flames. They can summon infernos, conjure fireballs, and create intense heat. They use their fiery powers both defensively and offensively, making them formidable opponents.  They can also turn into pure smoke, making them impossible to contain. 

Ifrits are commonly found dwelling within volcanic regions, making their homes within the depths of active or dormant volcanoes. They can also be found in deserts or appear during a hot summer drought.  They have a reputation for causing wildfires in dry and arid environments. They revel in chaos and destruction, often igniting flames in their wake. The sight of a rampaging Ifrit leaving a trail of devastation is a fearsome sight to behold.

Ifrits are known for their volatile and unpredictable personalities. They embody the passionate and impulsive nature of fire itself. They can be tempestuous, fiery-tempered, and quick to anger. Their moods can shift rapidly from one extreme to another.

Despite their destructive tendencies, Ifrits are also keepers of ancient knowledge and secrets. They possess deep wisdom and arcane lore passed down through generations. It is said that those who gain the favor of an Ifrit can unlock hidden insights and mystical powers. 

Ifrits are generally solitary creatures, preferring to wander their fiery domains alone. They are rarely seen in large groups and have a natural inclination to independence.  This means that the fear that creates them is all consolidated into one powerful being, which means that Ifrits are, on average, more powerful but also more rare than other kinds of Anx.  Their territorial instincts make encounters with other creatures, including mortals, challenging and potentially dangerous.

Sylphs make their homes within massive storm clouds that traverse the skies, roaming freely across the world. These clouds serve as their sanctuaries, allowing them to harness the power of wind and storms. They are closely tied to the element of air and possess an affinity for wind and atmospheric phenomena. They have the ability to manipulate air currents, create gusts, call lightning, and summon fierce storms. Their presence is often heralded by the howling winds and crackling lightning within their cloudy abodes.

Sylphs are elusive creatures, rarely remaining in one location for an extended period. They travel with their storm clouds, guided by the whims of the wind. Their ethereal nature and ever-changing dwelling places make them difficult to track or predict.

While Sylphs are associated with the tempestuous forces of nature, they also hold an inherent balance. They ensure that the storms they create serve a purpose, bringing necessary rainfall and maintaining the equilibrium of the natural world.  As protectors of the skies, they ensure the balance and harmony of the atmospheric realms. They ward off dark forces that seek to disrupt the delicate equilibrium, acting as vigilant guardians against chaos and destructive weather phenomena.

Sylphs are known for their enigmatic nature and deep wisdom. They are repositories of ancient knowledge related to weather patterns, winds, and atmospheric phenomena. Seekers of wisdom often journey through treacherous storms in hopes of receiving guidance or insights from these ethereal beings.

The sight of Sylphs riding the storm clouds is a breathtaking spectacle. Their translucent forms dance within the swirling vortexes of wind and mist, exuding an otherworldly beauty. Mortals who witness their presence often feel a mixture of fear, wonder, and reverence.  Mortals who earn their favor and have something to offer could perhaps make deals with Sylphs for favorable weather. 

Oreads are closely connected to the earth and embody the enduring strength of the mountains. They are often found in rocky regions, making their homes within the heart of towering peaks, hidden caves, or rugged cliffs. Their presence echoes the steadfastness and stability of the stone.  They have an intrinsic bond with the element of earth. They possess the ability to manipulate and merge with the rocky terrain, seamlessly blending into the mountains and cliffs that surround them. Their touch can breathe life into stone, shaping it into magnificent structures or concealing themselves within it.

Oreads are known for their unwavering determination and resilience. They withstand harsh conditions, braving the elements and scaling treacherous cliffs with ease. Oreads are exceptional climbers, navigating the rugged terrain with agility and grace. They possess a deep understanding of the intricacies of mountain paths and can traverse treacherous cliffs and steep slopes with ease. Their surefootedness is unmatched, allowing them to reach hidden peaks and explore inaccessible regions. Their physical forms are often sturdier and denser than those of other beings, reflecting their affinity for the solid foundations of the earth.

Oreads act as guardians of the mountainous realms they inhabit. They possess an innate understanding of the intricate balance within these environments, ensuring the preservation of their natural beauty and safeguarding the delicate ecosystems that thrive there.

Oreads have a profound connection with the spirits of the earth and the energy that flows through the rocky landscapes.  It is said they hold reverence for the Buried Ones, the crystalline ancient gods that created the dwarves.  There are stories of Oreads robbing mortals of their Ethereum, for good, or destroying shards that have been used for purposes it disapproves of.

Oreads hold ancient knowledge of the geological formations and hidden treasures concealed within the mountains. They are skilled prospectors, uncovering valuable minerals, gemstones, and rare resources that lie hidden within the depths of the earth.

Oreads often prefer solitude, dwelling in seclusion within the rocky realms they call home. However, when encountered, they exhibit profound wisdom and deep understanding of the natural world. Seekers of knowledge may journey to the mountains in search of the Oreads' insights and learn from their age-old wisdom.

The Sleeping Giant is an Oread, perhaps the only Oread, that lives in the Tenebra.  When you try to retrace your steps, but it looks different, it's said that the Sleeping Giant was there all along.  Perhaps it rolled over in its sleep, perhaps it is following you.  Many missing cave explorers are attributed the wrongdoings of the Sleeping Giant. 

Shades are derived from the fear of death. This to be an encompassing term for spirits of death, or creatures associated with death.  Because mortal understanding of death varies by region, the nature of Shades in various regions should vary as well.  There isn't necessarily just one type of shade per region, either.

The Fae are a broad class of Anx that exist natively only in Nordavia. I have a lot of fae lore in my back pocket, and it probably deserves its own page. 

True names, glamour, never eat the food, courts, never tell a lie, all that cool stuff. 

• Like all shades, Vampires’ life force is negative.  Magic that normally gives a mortal lifeforce or healing harms a vampire instead.  Magic that would normally drain a mortal of lifeforce would heal a vampire. 
• Vampires do not need to breathe, they can’t get sick, and they are immune to all poisons and substances. 
• Vampire blood has healing and psychedelic and/or aphrodisiac properties. The effects vary based on the individual. 
• Vampires have some control over their appearance.  Their fangs are retractable, and they can pass for human. They can also take on a more pale and undead appearance. 

• Every individual’s blood has a unique taste and feeding on them is a unique experience.  Many vampires observe different trends in the flavors of the different races, and have different preferences.  Many tend to find that the race they were once a member of tastes the best.  Innocence also tastes good. 
• If the Vampire maintains control of himself while feeding, and is able to mind the safety of his victim, a bond is formed between the vampire and the victim that lasts 1-3 days.  Other vampires can smell that the mortal has bonded with another vampire and will generally leave them alone. During this time, they feel a sense of duty toward each other.   What this looks like depends on the individuals and the context.
• A Vampire who has not sufficiently fed will eventually experience Vampire Bloodthirst.  During this time, the vampire cannot feed in a controlled way.  They have extra strength and agility, and are prone to rage.  A vampire who doesn’t feed will eventually experience disorientation and insanity, until they finally collapse and go dormant.  They remain dormant until someone trickles blood into their mouth. 

• Vampires are powerful and can have many other different abilities, including but not limited to charms, flight, turning into creatures of the night, or flitting (traveling very fast from one place to another). 

• Vampires may not enter a dwelling uninvited. 
• Like other types of Anx, vampires have no mortal souls and cannot truly die.  Their forms can be destroyed by sunlight (it takes several minutes for them to cook) or silver weapons, but they will soon re-form. They regenerate from any injury.

See also: Vampire-derived Anxlings

This list is not exhaustive, there could be lots of other types!