Neela & the Nereian race created by B. M. Hooper (that's me btw)
Character Reference drawn by the lovely E. L. Ryan a.k.a. WickedGypsy
https://www.weasyl.com/~wickedgypsy

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Likes: Playing the ocarina flute, video games & ElfQuest

Favorite food: Waffles

Meta? Yes ("Meta" meaning having extraordinary abilities not typical amongst her race. "Superpowers" in layman's terms.

Meta Abilities: Hydrokinesis - The ability to mentally manipulate water.

Skills: Significant skill in hand-to-hand combat. Intellectually gifted.

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Originally a slave given as a "gift" (read: thinly-veiled insult) to Doctor Jenifer Hedgeworth - a scientist deeply opposed to the enslavement of other sentient species, the young Nereian girl was taken in & treated with kindness. The girl would even form a lasting friendship with the Doctor's 4-year-old son Cameron, whom she would often sing to sleep on nights when the child was restless.
Named "Neela" - an Indian name meaning "blue sea" - the girl was educated by the scientist, in hopes that she could serve as an example to others as to the potential of the Nereian race. However, Neela would vastly surpass Dr. Hedgeworth's expectations by displaying a genius-level intellect, quickly excelling at her studies.

Even a lab accident would prove to be a blessing as it granted Neela the meta-ability to manipulate water. Up until this point, no one had even heard of a Meta-Nereian, a fact often touted by detractors as proof of a lack of sentience.

Neela's mere existence would prove to be a boon to her race - and a threat to those who would exploit them.

Mercenaries, secretly hired by her former master, attacked their home. Neela, being threatened with a laser scalpel was commanded to sing for them as she did for young Cameron.
However, gone was the scared slave - replaced by a brave & defiant young woman. She refused to sing...and had her song - and voice - cruelly taken from her.
It was at this point, in pain & enraged, that her power truly awakened. None of the mercenaries escaped.

Now alone, mute & believing her family to be dead, Neela swore vengeance on her former master & all those who served him. Between her power & her intellect, Neela would prove to be a powerful enemy.

Neela's story has a happy ending though.
Years later, she would be reunited with Cameron, who had survived the attack. Together, with some other friends, they would champion the weak, exploited & powerless wherever they find them.

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Notes on the Nereian Race:
Nereian' s are considered by most sentient races to be very beautiful. They have bright, vividly-colored skin with natural, tribal-styled markings that can sometimes form geometrical shapes. they also have fins on their forearms & calves of various make.
They are amphibious creatures who can live indefinitely underwater or on land, although they prefer tropical oceanic environments.
Though they can live 100-150 years, Nereian's reach full maturity at around 5-6 years.
Their native language consist of musical trills & tones that are difficult for other races to learn, & impossible to speak, thus many Nereians will often speak basic languages. A Nereian's song is said to be one of the most beautiful sounds in the Universe.

Nereians are a all-female race who procreate by breeding with the males of other sentient species. Although they may inherit familial resemblance to the father, such as eye color, any & all offspring resulting from such unions are Nereian daughters.

Due to their singular gender, most Nereians are naturally pansexual. They will, more often than not, develop long-term relationships amongst themselves, only seeking out male companionship when desiring motherhood, or simply as a dalliance. However, forming a loving bond with a male is not unheard of.
That is not to say that they will lie with any male on demand. One seeking love play with a Nereian should be courteous, as these deceptively petite "mermaids" can be quite mischievous when disrespected - and outright vicious when offended.

Sadly, due to their great beauty, the Nereian race were once exploited & enslaved. Although there are now laws in place, protecting & acknowledging their rights, in the darker corners of the galaxy where slavery still thrives, Nereians are still considered a "great prize".

Nereian's have little use for modesty & most are nudists, opting only for seashell & sea glass adornment. Most, however, will cover themselves in simple attire as a courtesy to other races.
Some are devout nudists, however, & refuse to wear any adornment under any circumstances. This is in homage to their slave ancestors, who - treated as little more than dolls - would often be attired in elaborate - often uncomfortable dress. Although most don't follow this creed, they will only wear attire that is simply designed and/or useful, as fancy clothing is considered "derogatory".

Nereian's are often discriminated against, with the more bigoted believing them to be "Barely sentient". A common Nereian stereotype is that they are simple-minded, creatures driven solely by lust. This is simply not true as most Nereians are very intelligent & civilized, their ancient ancestors having often served as mediators between the primitive Neman tribes they shared their home world with ( it should also be noted that, in this era, these same tribes actually revered the Nereians) . And, despite what some may believe, sexual openness does not equal promiscuity.