Faeries

**Faeries** are a diminutive humanoid species with various insect-like features, that are native to the Fey Realms but not generally beholden to any of the fey courts. Though small, they are fierce and warlike creatures, that are often fatally underestimated by larger beings. Fast, nimble, and quick to anger, they are fickle creatures that can make keen allies or deadly enemies.

## Description

Faeries have a somewhat humanoid form (scaled down to the size of a child), with legs and arms typical of a human or elf, although generally spindlier and longer by proportion to their torso. However, they have some distinctly insectoid features that mark them as completely alien. They have insectoid wings sprouting from their backs, and their "skin" is more of a soft exoskeleton with decorative and functional outgrowths of carapace. They have large, fractal, compound eyes like those of many other insects, that come in a variety of colours. In place of hair, they have spiny bristles that sprout from their heads which shake, quiver, and rattle at various frequencies to display emotion. Some also have chitin fuzz that can appear like short-cropped fur.

## Culture & Society

Faerie society revolves entirely around the Witchlight, a particular phenomenon in the Fey Realms that appears as a large cloud of arcane light and is at least semi-sentient. Faeries are drawn to it by nature, and have warred over the light for as long as they can remember. There are two distinct subcultures and opposing factions of faerie-kind, both of which desire the light and see it as sacred. The two separate factions operate differently and have different opinions on the priorities of their societies, but both place control of the Witchlight at the foremost of these priorities.

Like many insects, faeries have a strong sense of societal unity and rarely have any internal strife. They live short lives, and have very little want for a personal legacy as opposed to the legacy of their respective kingdom or, if separated from that kingdom early on, whatever faction or organisation they find themselves a part of. They are quick to try and find a place in a society and be useful in any way, as well as quick to pick up resentment and hatred of any opposing factions. Their view on things can appear very black and white to others, but to faerie-kind there is little time for complexity when direct action can be had instead.

## Subraces

### Dokkalfae

Dokkalfae have grey to black skin tones and moth-like, downward-pointing wings with darker patterns and swirls that can appear like pupiled eyes. Their bristles are usually short and thorn-like, and they typically have chitin fuzz on their face and arms. They are more aggressive and direct than their counterparts, and have a martial approach to the war of the Witchlight. They multiply faster and have slightly shorter lifespans, relying on numbers, strategy, and strength of arms.

### Syalfae

Syalfae have silver to white skin tones and dragonfly-like, sideward-pointing wings with iridescent patterns in a multitude of rainbowed colours. Their bristles are usually longer and swept-back, and they typically have far less chitin fuzz than their counterparts. They are more carefree and wily than their counterparts, and have a more arcane approach to the war of the Witchlight. Though less populous, they have slightly longer lifespans, relying on knowledge, wits, and magical prowess.

## Properties

### Dokkalfae

* ***Ability Score Increase.*** Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.
* ***Size.*** Your size is Small.
* ***Speed.*** Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
* ***Flight.*** Because of your wings, you have a flying speed equal to your walking speed. You can't use this flying speed if you're wearing heavy armour.
* ***Darkvision.*** You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can discern colours in dim light and darkness, but only on the ultraviolet spectrum.
* ***By the Witchlight.*** Your creature type is *Fey*. Additionally, you are inexplicably drawn to arcane light. Whenever you see a source of magical light, you must make a Wisdom saving throw against a DC of 18, or spend your turns trying to get as close as possible to the source of light. If you are already within 5 feet of the light, you spend your turn lost in its splendour instead, unable to take any actions except moving after the light. The effect ends if the light is extinguished.
* ***Fierce of Heart.*** You have proficiency with polearms, as well as one ranged weapon of your choice.
* ***Zephyr Wings.*** As a bonus action on your turn, you become a blur of movement. Until the end of your turn, your movement doesn't provoke opportunity attacks, and you gain advantage on the next attack you make. You can use this trait a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

### Syalfae

* ***Ability Score Increase.*** Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.
* ***Size.*** Your size is Small.
* ***Speed.*** Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
* ***Flight.*** Because of your wings, you have a flying speed equal to your walking speed. You can't use this flying speed if you're wearing heavy armour.
* ***Darkvision.*** You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can discern colours in dim light and darkness, but only on the ultraviolet spectrum.
* ***By the Witchlight.*** Your creature type is *Fey*. Additionally, you are inexplicably drawn to arcane light. Whenever you see a source of magical light, you must make a Wisdom saving throw against a DC of 18, or spend your turns trying to get as close as possible to the source of light. If you are already within 5 feet of the light, you spend your turn lost in its splendour instead, unable to take any actions except moving after the light. The effect ends if the light is extinguished.
* ***Fae Magic.*** You know the *druidcraft* cantrip. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast the *chromatic orb* spell with this trait. Starting at 5th level, you can also cast the *blur* spell with it. Once you cast *chromatic orb* or *blur* with this trait, you can't cast that spell with it again until you finish a long rest. You can also cast either of those spells using any spell slots you have of the appropriate level. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.