Nixies were aquatic Fey who lived in still waters, quiet lakes, and hidden ponds far from mortal roads. They resembled small Sea Elves, with pale green or blue skin, dark seaweed-like hair, webbed fingers and toes, and silver eyes that reflected light like moonlit water. Most stood no taller than four feet, yet they moved through deep water with grace. They breathed both air and water and possessed natural magic tied to influence and survival beneath the surface. They preferred to avoid violence when they could, relying on enchantment and misdirection to steer danger away, though they could fight when driven into a corner.
Nixies lived in tight-knit tribal groups, with lineages that tracked back through shared ancestors. They built their homes from living water plants and treated their lakes as both sanctum and resource. Their tribes were governed by a water-mother, who carried the authority of origin and guided their customs and decisions. Tribes frequently fractured when they grew too large, sending out a portion of their families to claim new waters elsewhere.
Most nixies were deeply reclusive, even compared to other fey, and rarely treated intruders with warmth or trust. Some used enchantment to compel outsiders into labor, clearing debris or performing other work before being released. While harsh, they considered this a fair trade for the intrusion, and made little distinction between mortal curiosity and mortal threat.