Lore: The Fae (WIP)

Lore: The Fae (WIP)

AUTHOR’S NOTE: The Fae seen in my works are PURELY FICTIONAL and based on a mixture of legends from actual Celtic cultures. DO NOT use this as a source, that is disrespectful to the original cultures and very much against the author’s wishes.

Classification: Divine, subclass of spirit

Sentience: Sapient, cognisant 

Habitat: Tìr Na Neart (once throughout the British Isles as well)

Diet: Omnivorous

Other names: Faeries, Fey, Fair Folk, Good Neighbors, Faery, Aes Sídhe, Sith, Tylwyth Teg, Tuatha de Danann (rarely)

Seen in: Constellations Over Us, Of The Weirdest


Fae Biology:

Biologically speaking, Fae are a very diverse species. They range in size and shape to almost unbelievable degrees, quadrupeds to bipeds, animals to plants, earthy tones to the most vibrant colors nature has to offer. At first glance, it may be impossible to believe that they could all be classified as the same kind of creature, however there are numerous pieces of evidence that prove that they are. Regardless of shape, all Fae seem to be able to produce fertile offspring together, with the only divides being societal. Furthermore, all Fae share the trait of large eyes with small pupils and a pharyngeal jaw hidden within their throats, which is used to express and communicate emotion.

Though many fae are shapeshifters, they appear to be unable to rid themselves of the trademarks of their species and cannot change their colors. The only exception to this comes with an ability that some Fae carry, allowing them change color upon contact with water. Regardless of their form, Fae are naturally quick and athletic creatures, but interestingly weak to pure iron. Iron wounds observed in Fae often result in burning or charring of the flesh, and wounds such as slashes have been known to cauterize themselves. Additionally, Fae are also unable to directly lie, with attempts resulting in anything from migraines to severe abdominal pain.

Fae are often larger than their organic counterparts such as humans and animals, and also much longer-lived. Most bipedal fae at full adulthood will range anywhere from 6 to 8 feet tall, but may be even bigger. Similar rules often apply to quadrupeds of Fae origin, making even the most ordinary-looking Fae stand out in a crowd of other creatures. On average, Fae also live thrice as long as humans do, and age thrice as slowly.


Fae Etiquette:

Etiquette is very important to Faeries and has been since the dawn of their history. Adhering to their etiquette standards is a must when interacting with them. The most important ones have been documented below:

  • NEVER break an oath or promise. It is considered incredibly impolite and can be grounds for anything from a cuff on the ear to a generations-long curse depending on the power and age of the Fae in question.
  • Names are given as a sign of trust and respect. Though they do not give one control of the other as many legends say, names still hold great value in Fae society. Should you hear a Faerie’s name before they “give” it to you, do not use it until it is.
  • Do not attempt to classify Fae beyond their courts and what they resemble. They prefer to remain undefined. “Summer Court” or “cat” are acceptable, “Kelpie” or “Pixie” are not.
  • A thank-you is always a gateway to a favor. Do not thank them unless you are ready to pay them back. Better terms to use are “I am grateful that you did that” or “I appreciate that.”
  • Do not lie directly. Fae, being physically incapable of directly lying, may perceive direct lies as offensive or a threat.
  • “An eye for an eye, a leg for a leg” does not always mean fair payback by human standards. Accepting a small favor or insulting someone’s clothes could land anywhere from you giving them every spoon in your silverware drawer to them taking everything you hold dear.
  • Do not bring pure iron into their presence unless it is intended as a threat.
  • Always decline as politely as possible if you do not wish to receive or do something. Anything that comes across as rude could be grounds for someone to retaliate in unexpected ways.

As aforementioned in this entry, Fae use their pharyngeal jaw to communicate and express emotions. In fact, it is half of how they convey themselves. Basic sounds and their meanings are as follows:

  • Quick, rhythmic chittering, similar to the sound of chattering teeth, is usually a sign that a Fae is happy, excited, contented, or otherwise pleased. 
  • Slow, rhythmic clicks often mean that a Fae is feeling displeased, used to express emotions ranging from anger to sadness.
  • Hissing is a sign of rage in Fae, and is often accompanied by an unhinged main jaw and a view at the pharyngeal jaw creating the sound. It is also commonly used as a warning sign.
  • Low, quiet trills are a sign of grief, and often manifest in Fae when at funerals, in graveyards, or when discussing a topic such as loss.

There are many more sounds outside of the above, but learning those often requires more finesse and real-life experience around Fae.


Fae History:


Fae Politics:


The Courts:

The Fae are divided a variety of court combinations based on a relatively simple rule; one court based on their worldview, and one court based on their birthplace.

The courts regarding an individual’s worldview are the Seelie and Unseelie courts. Though stemming back long before the Fae-Human War, they are defined today by several factors influenced by that historical event. These include:

  • Stance on humanity 
  • Stance on handling rules
  • Stance on handling conflict

Most Fae within the Seelie court are largely benevolent and friendly to both humans and other Fae. Historically, an attack or slight made by a Seelie Fae is usually a provoked one, and this party is generally regarded as the more easygoing of the two — at least up until someone gets offended. The Seelie court is also often more open to bargains, deals, and other forms of contract with other species, natural and supernatural alike. In the modern day, Seelie Fae tend to be more likely to move outside the realm, as well as help those who get lost in it.

Fae in the Unseelie court can be a little more unpredictable. While the Seelie are typically patient and stick closely to the rules, Unseelie Fae work more closely with themselves rather than others. Though they are by no means malevolent, they are far more inclined to become offended and prioritize their own safety and defense. They are also more willing to become drastic when provoked, and take fewer slights to meet a fever pitch than Seelie Fae. Additionally, they also prefer to remain in-realm and are not inclined to be helpful to non-Fae who might find themselves in a situation regarding Tìr Na Neart and its denizens. The Unseelie and Seelie courts both see the world through a lens of historical trauma, but the Unseelie cling to it more tightly.

The seasonal courts are much different. Consisting of Summer, Spring, Autumn, and Winter, they are each ambassadors of a different environment and cycle of the sun. The court an individual belongs to in this regard has only to do with their birthplace and, in some cases, ancestry.

The Summer Court is located towards the South of the realm, and is mostly made up of moors, lakes, forests, and coastline. Though not exempt from gray skies, it tends to be sunny and warm for most of the year, turning only mildly to winter when the time comes. The environment is typically verdant and boasts large groupings of wild animals, making it a hotspot for hunting.

Just West of the Summer Court is the Autumn Court, even more thickly forested and perched upon towering sea cliffs. Despite being prone to chillier weather, it’s known for its abundant harvests and rich plant life. Rivers are common within its borders, and support structures such as lumber mills. It is by far the greatest supplier of vegetables and fruits realmwide.

The Northern end of the realm is home to the mountainous territory of the Winter Court. Though seldom warm, the Winter Court is home to invention, crafting, and innovation. Towering over frozen seas and surrounded largely by sturdy pines and wide-open fields, it is an incredibly resourceful court that focuses its economy around processing goods into everything from clothes to weaponry. Their winters are famous for heavy snowfall.

Within the East of Tìr Na Neart lies the Spring court, surrounded mostly by fields, hills, swamps, and beaches. Its climate walks the line between hot and cold, and is known to start freezing in the cold seasons only to thaw out again over the course of the year. Surprisingly, it’s the capital of both education and armed forces, abundant with opportunities for its denizens.

Though the seasonal courts hold no sway over the traits of an individual, families will often ensure that their children are born in the respective courts of their parents, carrying on a sort of pride and tradition. Additionally, some Fae will be more inclined to certain courts depending on their abilities and family history. Regardless of court, however, Fae take great pride in where they come from and the beliefs they uphold.


Tìr Na Neart:

  • full of weird fucking wildlife
  • the realm can hear
  • The wildlife of Tìr Na Neart is similar to the wildlife found in the British Isles, but is considerably stranger and more dangerous (i.e. Giant spiders). Though they may blend in with animal-shaped Fae at first glance, they are recognizable by their eyes, which show no pupils.
  • Wildlife also includes things unlike what we see here, such as predatory balls of light about as smart as a cat.
  • Legend has it that the wildlife of Tìr Na Neart once roamed the human realm as well.
  • same rules apply to the plants

The Fae-Human War:


Changelings:


The Wild Hunt And Other Traditions:


Magic:

  • all fae have some magic, such as glamours, charms, and small curses
  • some have more
  • mages, druids, etc exist

Archfae:

Archfae are, in short, fae who have been offered the boon of immortality for something great that they have done, often regarded as historic and realm-saving. Though not on the same level as gods, they are extremely powerful, wise, and not to be trifled with. Often, they take the roles of nobility and monarchs of the realm, sometimes with their own noble houses of descendants under them.

Archfae are frequently the keepers of some of the realm’s most precious information that would otherwise be lost to time, which makes them especially favored as sources among historians. Currently, all Archfae ruling over Tìr Na Neart have participated in the Fae-Human War, which has saved Fae as a species from several other pointless wars thanks to the experience of their leaders.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to watch one’s step around Archfae. Their power is not something to be ignored, and they are often not keen on letting things slide, being strict upholders of the rules. Though valuable company, be careful.


Other Information:

  • Humanoid Fae have little to no sign of a nose. It’s unknown why this is.
  • Duels for honor (fatal or not), cursing those who slighted you, and similar acts are considered perfectly socially acceptable.

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