Veela
Veela are magical non-human creatures who can appear as an extraordinarily beautiful woman, or a fearsome, bird-like creature.
Usually they are charming, but as a whole they are an irritable race; incite their wrath, and they will turn into fierce, bird-like creatures with scaly wings, and start throwing fireballs. They usually do not live happily in human society, though they are known for bearing children with human men and women.
The most common idea/representation of Veela is Slavic in origin. That said, Veela can – and have been – found all over the world, just under different names (Apsara, Samodiva, etc.).
Berserker Mode
- When sufficiently enraged, Veela turn into savage-looking, Harpy-like creatures. Their faces sharpen, forming vicious beaks, and from their backs they sprout scaly wings capable of flight. Fine nails thicken and curve into claws.
- The best way to turn them back is to Stun them, or take cover until they cool off.
- Only true halfbreeds and those of pure descent can shift into this form and create fireballs. “Halfbreeds” – quarterbloods, etc. – cannot. However, even halfbreeds find it difficult to sustain it, and cannot fly.
Culture
- As a largely female race, Veela are matriarchal. Culture, language, and even physical characteristics may vary from region to region, but generally place great deal of value in beauty, dancing, singing, and other forms of art.
The Veela Charm
Veela and some part-Veela possess the Veela Charm—an arousing, enticing, and confounding sort of magic that when used, can sway the hearts and minds of men and women.
It is not strictly mind control, but more of an a potent charisma or influence where the subject has no greater wish than to please the Veela and be near her. The subject may be easily suggestible but ever gleeful; how much so depends on sexual and romantic preferences.
In general, Veela may access and control the complete spectrum of abilities the Charm endows, part-Veela somewhat less so. The ability develops after puberty, though it has been known to manifest sooner among pureblood Veelas to a certain extent—possibly as a result of upbringing and proximity to other Veelas—such as a compelling (or soothing) voice and glowing eyes.
The most common expression of the ability in use is dancing, and in groups both power and effect are amplified. The ratio between Veela and targets is a determining factor, individual skill levels notwithstanding. However, a Veela (or one who is at least half Veela) who has mastered her Charm may not need to dance or sing for it to work.
Among those of mixed heritage, daughters are far more common and likelier to inherit the Charm. Sons who have it are not unheard of, but they are rare and tend to be weaker than their sisters. After the second generation of mixing with humans it disappears from the line as a magical ability.
Psychological Issues
- The effects of integrating into a largely patriarchal society are vast, complicated and insidious. Due to factors such as sexism, objectification and cultural disconnect, there is a troubling trend of Veela being belittled, exploited or met with suspicion, and daughters developing insecurities, identity issues, resentment and even self-loathing.
At Absit Omen
Veelas
Part-Veelas
Veela Heritage Preservation Society
- The Veela Heritage Preservation Society is a private organization dedicated to the survival of Veela lore and traditions, and successful integration of Veelas into human society.
