Fae

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### Distinctons

unique markings that glow under the skin, pointed ears, horns or other details found on plants or animals.

### **General Overview**

As old as the Aether itself, the Fae, often referred to as “The Old Ones”, were the among the first to walk the wildlands. Rather than claim and develop land as the species of men do today, the Fae have always lived in harmony with the environment and function as a part of it.

The Fae live all over Aether in special places known as steddings, beautiful places with auras of peace seeming to surround all within. The Fae are tied to these places, they will spend a lot of their life span within these steddings. Fae that do leave the steddings suffer no ill effect apart from a longing to return that cannot be swayed. Each steddings is ruled independently by a Fae noble.

Fae are capricious, mischievous and often dangerous beings, despite their chaotic reputation they do follow a certain set of rules. These rules - widely misunderstood by outsiders - are codified and enforced by a cadre of lofty Fae nobility.

### **Rarity**

Currently, the Fae are fairly rare. Exactly what their population numbers are is a mystery as many do not like to reveal themselves to outsiders. However, their homelands, the wilds of Aether, have been cut back the rise of the races of man.

### **Place of Origin**

Across Aether before the rise of man and civilization, the Fae did not appear in one specific region. Rather, they came to exist across Aether is various landscapes, not all of them considered habitable to most.

### **Lifespan**

The Fae are old and have elongated lifespans. All Fae appear youthful with only small details that may show their age. The exact length of their lifespan is unknown to outsiders. However, when they pass, Fae are returned to the landscape they belong to and are reclaimed by nature often leaving behind beautiful natural irregularities. This is where the stories of trees with faces, the possible origin of the standing stones, and whispers of the wind originate.

When a Fae dies, they are not beleived to pass on to Vesix or Silia. Rather, the Fae beleive they are reborn as their souls are given new bodies created from the landscape itself. Welcoming of a soul, the process others might think of as “birth”, is truly a time for welcoming home a loved one. Exactly how the process is done or what a Fae birth is isn’t known to those outside. Even Fae Kin protect their secrets. Memories of the Fae are passed through stories, often tales as old as time itself it would seem. “Reborn” Fae do not have memories of their past lives.

***For OOC purposes, Fae characters should not exceed 300 years of age as they are not immortal. They are considered to be mature at age 20.***

### **Race Alignmen**t

Fae of any elemental power may be aligned with any Court and usually choose to continue the Court they have familial ties to. However, when a Fae reaches their seventy-sixth season, they must formally choose one of the Eternal Courts for alignment and protection. Those that do not forfeit that protection and connection to other Fae. Those that forgo a Court alignment willfully exile themselves into the wildlands - or, on the rare occasion, to the company of the mortal races. Those that do chose a Court formally commit to their ruler and take their place among the rankings.

No matter the element a Fae may possess an affinity for, they may choose to align themselves with any Court. However, those Ice Fae that choose to align with the Winter Court often find their elemental affinity to be boosted and more powerful within the realm of the Ice Queen. When a Fae’s Eternal Court sits in the seat of power during the ruling season, they may draw a slight boost in power if they are near a Leyline. Doing so without proper training can be dangerous and even fatal for young or inexperienced Fae.

### **Natural Race Abilities/Affinities**

The Fae are aligned with both the elements and the landscapes of nature they originate from. This allows certain Fae to have elemental affinities that are separate from the general capabilities of the race.

#### Possible Elemental Affinities include

* Ice/Snow
* Air
* Water
* Earth/Plants

#### Race Abilities

* Cannot Lie - Fae cannot lie directly. This does not make them an especially truthful race, rather it speaks to their cunning and manipulation. Fae are rarely outright truthful or wholly truthful. It is up to the listener to be able to pick out the truths or the root of them.
* Stealth - Fae are uniquely quiet and light on their feet. They will not be noticed unless they specifically wish to be due to their natural ability to blend into and use their environment to their advantage.
* Animal Communication - As a general rule, the presence of the Fae will not alarm the natural fauna. In some rare cases, members of the Fae may be able to communicate with animals to a degree that may be able to hold a conversation or ask certain tasks or actions to be carried out.
* Grace and Balance - All Fae are graceful, moving in careful and calculated motions that make them appear extremely graceful to the other races. Light on their feet, they are also rarely off balance.

### **Appearances**

Fae vary widely in their appearance. Often times, they outwardly reflect the stedding they hail from so as to blend into their surroundings seamlessly. This allows them a sort of harmony with their homelands. This also makes them easily recognizable and often hints at any sort of special affinities they may have. All Fae are born with markings that glow beneath their skin and emit a soft light. Colors as well as patterns of these markings are unique to each individual Fae. Those hailing from the same stedding may have similar markings. These unique appearances can include, but are not limited to: antennae, wings, antlers, fins, tails, gills, etc.

### *Society Within the Eternal Courts*

Within the Eternal Courts are the Courts of Winter, Spring, Autumn, and Summer. Each Court presides over a particular season and the shift of power is a natural one among the Courts much as the natural change in the seasons. Nobility leads each Court without fail with its own hierarchical structure within the Court. It is perhaps easiest to consider each Court operating much as their own country might while they all belong to the same culture group. Each Fae noble is supreme in his or her own stedding, and the rulers maintain a rigid hierarchy among themselves. The seasonal monarchs rule over the entire Fae race.

#### Summer Court

At the head of the Summer Court is the Queen of Night and Magic, the most powerful Fae known to exist. A Fae lady of stunning beauty with hair the color of midnight stands before a shining field of stars. A gown seemingly woven from the night sky drapes her flawless skin. Bright lights glitter like diamonds in her crown and raiment, and some drift about her body and dance near her hand. Celestial and Royal Majesty, Sarasta Aestruuum, Queen of Night and Magic, is also Duchess of the Sky, Mistress of Air and Darkness, Lady of the Summer Palace, and Bride of Shadows. The Queen rules the Summer Court with grace and majesty - most of the time. On rare occasions when the courtly season turns, Sarastra steps aside in favor of her husband and rival, the Moonlit King.

The Queen of Night and Magic does not bear her moniker lightly. She is a devastatingly potent sorceress, augments with command over the stuff of shadows. Though her nature is undeniably dark, Queen Sartastra is hardly unreasonable. She is quick to recognize the value in any supplicant, mortal or Fae, who manages to catch her royal eye. She is never one to ignore an opportunity to further her agenda or to gain further power over the Moonlit King.

The steading of the Summer Court lies hidden within a lush grove of trees that seem to have been woven together. Within this Court, activities are nocturnal to align with their Queen and it is common to find most asleep during daylight hours. Warriors known as the Comets of Sarasta protect their queen and are among the most dangerous of Fae warriors.

##### *Moonlit King*

*Affiliated with Summer, currently exiled.* Dressed in nobleman’s finery, this Fae lord has wildly unkempt bluish hair and pale, almost luminous skin. His eyes bulge slightly from their sockets as they stare vacantly. The lord's shadow moves slightly out of sync with his body, which appears solid in some portions and nearly transparent in others. His Lunar and Royal Majesty, Ludomir Imbrium the XVI, is also known as the Moonlit King of the Fae. A creature consumed by madness, the Moonlit King is an ephemeral vestige of greatness lost. He barely lives in reality anymore and is beset by phantoms from his own mind conjured from shadows and regret.

The Moonlit King lost the favor of his wife, the Queen of Night and Magic, long ago. When he fell; from power, the Queen exiled him, banishing him from his seat in the Courts. Now he endures in the crumbling far-flung tower of the Moon. the King has sunk deep into madness during his isolation and has turned to bargains with others in a separate bid to regain freedom.

#### The Spring Court

The River King, as he has come to be known, presides over the Spring Court and is the second most powerful Fae ruler. This powerful lord wears a cloak of foam-trimmed dark blue and a vest of woven green reeds and willow branches. His crown shines like the sun on a lake, and his flowing soft pink hair curls and moves even when there is no wind. An orb of blue light that ripples like water circles his hand.

His rippling Majesty, Ulorian the River King, also bears the title Defender of the Pearl. A lean Dare noble with whipcord muscles and flowing grace, the River king rules over the Spring Court and ultimately all the river Fare. His court resides just beyond the river’s reflection, in a realm of Fae magic and silty water. To the mortal eye, this steading is hidden beneath a layer of water controlled by the River King. The steading is fashioned of river rock and woven plants.

The River King is a stern ruler with a great love for his people and a quick temper for those who threaten his domain. As much a force of nature as he is a monarch, the River King is known to sometimes forget promises that were made in sincerity, dealing with him can be perilous at the best of times. “ The river may change its course when it wills” is the usual expression among his court when His rippling Majesty has had a sudden change of heart. At his command is the Rushing Waters, a group of four highly skilled Fae that often do the king’s bidding outside the steading. Trained in stealth they are rarely seen by mortal eyes but may be identified by the marking of a blue flower just below the left ear.

#### The Winter Court

At the head of the Winter Court lies the Snow Queen. This severe Fae has pale, almost white skin and tightly braided blond hair. Her gown is exquisite, fashioned of luminous blue fabric that catches the light and shines from within. Lacy ice crystals accent the gown, and a snow-white mantle cascades from her shoulders. Icicles radiate in a crownlike halo behind her head, drifting gracefully through the air.

Her crystalline Majesty, Chrysilla, is the coldhearted Snow Queen. She rules over the Winter court in the Frozen Palace. Chrysilla is known personally only by her daughters and keeps the rest of the Court at arms length. Perpetually shrouded in snow and ice, her domain is inhospitable to outsiders. She rules from a castle of delicate spires carved entirely out of ice. The dwelling catches and reflects even the faintest glimmer of light, shining like a beacon and enticing travelers to risk the dangerous winter realm.

The Snow Queen is proud and cruel to any who cross her. Her daughters are the Ice Maidens, who roam her kingdom with ease and travel outside the Court when needed. Travelers who can’t give a good reason to be moving through the Queen’s territory meet a quick end in their chilly embrace. The Ice Maidens are known to be the second most skilled Fae combatants and command male warriors known only as Frost Knights.

#### The Autumn Court

Heading the Autumn Court is a statuesque woman who towers over any tall man, and most ogres. Her hair falls in a cascade of curls and looks as if it is spun from copper. Her eyes are the color of moss beds, with no iris or pupil, a billowy robe of forest green enshrouds her body, and she grasps a great ring of etched silver in one massive fist. The Queen of the Autumn Court is Nicnevin the Moon Weaver, Lady of Copper and Crystal, the Queen of Witches. Nicnevin is not what one usually imagines in a Fae lady, but she has an imposing figure of mass and power. Her stature speaks to great physical strength and stalwart defiance of the mountain itself, but her true power lies in her command of magics outside the typical elements all Fae are confined to.

The Queen of the Witches is one of the foremost patrons of those who seek power through a pact. She rules from beneath her mountain, attended by a court of witches. Her favour is highly sought after, and it is said that a single hair from her coppery head contains all the power a mortal might ever desire.

#### Minor Steadings

##### *The Wild Hunt*

Little is known about the most elusive of the Fae Steadings. Rumors and stories abound of cannibalistic and cruel Fae that prey on man rather than beast. Depictions of its members often show Fae creatures that appear as more animal than humanoid with sharp and gnashing teeth. The Lord of the Hunt is an enigma among the Fae nobles. His true identity beyond the title and position as master of the Wild Hunt is unknown, but he is known to answer druids and dryads. Those that claim to have seen the Lord of the Hunt who presides over this elusive Court claim to have seen a large creature astride a midnight horse. Shirtless and dressed only in a kilt of leather and braided vines and matching arm cops, this Fae huntsman is described as broad-chested is thickly muscled, decorated in tattooed knotwork. Great stag antlers crest the huntsman's head, curving above his rich brown hair. The pale green glow that shines from his eyes obscure the Fae’s strong features and a massive spear twined with glowing vines drives forward from his clenched fist.

The lord's court is the Wild Hunt itself, a group of huntsmen, revelers, intelligent hounds, and poor souls they sweep up in their frenzy. His home, if he has any permanent dwelling, is as mysterious as his true identity. It has been said that this Court must reside within the most untouched and wild forest the Aether may possess. It is unwise to seek out the Wild Hunt or its Lord...

What all the stories share is the sound of the Wild Hunt that often sends chills down the spine of all who hear it. The baying of hounds, thundering hoofbeats, and a brassy horn note all signal the approach of the Hunt. May the Titans have mercy on their souls.

##### *Kingdom of Bears*

Mesikämmen the Bear King, called “Old Honey Paws”, rules the Kingdom of Bjeornheim (Kingdom of the Bears) and is home to a great population of its namesake. The forests are thick with bears. Dressed in hunting leathers with a thick bearskin cloak around his shoulders, the bearded king sits upon a throne carved from a whole tree trunk. A crown of holly leaves wreaths his head, and a blackened maul rests near his hand. An ornate clay pot filled with honey hangs at his hip at all times.

The kingdom’s chief product, thanks to the Bear King's insatiable appetite for sweets, is honey The Bear King’s hive keepers harvest rich, blossom-sweet honey from the hives of bees they tend. The land’s brewers use the honey to create mead, and the most potent brews are infused with Fae magic - lending them quite the kick for mortals.

The Bear King and his court of Bear Jarls spend most of their time hunting in the hills, feasting, brawling and drinking. Old Honey Paws maintains his rulership over this court by beating all rivals in a yearly series of challenges. The challenges are open to anyone, but the Bear King has defeated all comers since he rose to the throne. He is, however, the only known Court to welcome mortal races. Old Honey Paws enjoys the company of all so long as they’ll join him for a drink and a good brawl.

##### *The Aramoor Enclave*

Tucked into the outskirts of the Republic of Aramoor, the Enclave is compromised of a mixture of Fae born to the different Courts across the Aether. By different means - some by choice and others by expulsion - those that claim membership have no other affiliation with any of the Eternal Courts. Members range across all affinities and environments. Those that are readily seen around the city of Aramoor or openly stroll the streets are those Fae that more closely resemble the mortal races. Those that have wilder traits tend to live more secluded lives, relying on the Enclave and its members to provide certain resources or materials they might need. The Aramor Enclave tend to be more friendly than many Fae but chose to stay in their away from politics as much as possible but have been known to lend their abilities and advice from time-to-time. The Enclave does, however, keep tabs on all Fae and kin in the city and will often times act in the lou of a Court to offer protection and assistance as needed.

Rumors do persist about the Enclave and some of their darker dealings. Some say that the Fae of the Aramoor Enclave are better informed than any other group, using their affinities and natural racial gifts to easily and quietly travel around the city gathering information. While this is likely untrue and no evidence backs such rumors, there are those in the city that refuse to trust the Fae of the Enclave for such reasons.

### Religion and Core Beliefs

Overall, the Fae live a lifespan of about 300 years. However, the Fae do not visibly age past the age of maturity in many cases with few showing subtle signs of aging such as hair turning white or light lines appearing around the eyes and mouth. The exact length of their lifespan is unknown to outsiders. However, when they pass, Fae are returned to the landscape they belong to and are reclaimed by nature often leaving behind beautiful natural irregularities. This is where the stories of trees with faces, the possible origin of the standing stones, and whispers of the wind originated.

Like all things within the Fae world, the Fae view death as another stage of life and part of the ever-changing cycle. When a Fae dies, they are not believed to pass on to Vesix or Silia. Rather, the Fae believe they are reborn as their souls are given new bodies created from the landscape itself. The welcoming of a soul, the process others might think of as “birth”, is truly a time for welcoming home a loved one. Exactly how the process is done or what a Fae birth isn’t known to outsiders. Memories of the Fae are passed through stories, often tales as old as time itself it would seem. “Reborn” Fae do not have memories of their past lives so exactly how they are identified in their new life is unclear.

Unlike many of the mortal races, the Fae hold true to the elemental Titans from which they were born. Most commonly, Fae will pray at altars to the Titan that presides over their affinity. Amongst the Eternal Courts themselves, the Gods of mortals are viewed as equals as if they once Strode the paths of the Courts amongst the Fae. The only Holidays celebrated amongst the Eternal Court are those of solstices and shifts of power. For those who wander and stumble upon the standing stone circles, Guardians of each Court transition the power from one season to the next within the protected barriers of the stones. If a stone circle is found and a Fae or Guardian has not lifted the magick that cloaks it, it is unseeable to the mortal eye.

The Fae do not worship the typical pantheon of gods worshipped throughout the Aether. Rather, the Fae focus their religious practices on the Titans that created them. As the Titans are elemental in nature and created and protected the once wild landscapes of the Aether, it is natural that the Fae are drawn to them. However, the Fae do not typically pray to the Titans. Alters and blessings are created in their names instead.

To the Fae, the other gods are viewed as equals. The stories of how this came to vary between the Courts but one thing is common amongst the Fae - the gods once walked among them. As the Fae believe they reincarnate and cannot officially die, the gods are Fae that have been reborn into their current state. Tubaie is said to have been born of the Autumn Court - once a child of the Queen of Witches. Among the Autumn Court, stories of tricks and general mischief of the god’s past are often told by the Queen herself. Both Lunar and Solaris are rumored to have been twin children of the Summer Court many seasons past. Syher and Inir both can be traced back to the Spring Court - their story, however, is one that is difficult to decipher. Some say that were once opponents, challengers of the other, while others say that were inseparable in their original incarnation.

### Thoughts on Other Races

general, the Fae think very little of other races. Preferring to keep to themselves, they are oftentimes not welcoming to outsiders among their Courts. There are those Fae who do not live within the safety of a Seasonal Court, choosing to live in their more natural setting, that will occasionally interact with others. Fae encountered out in the Aether are often as mischievous as the old stories say and should be regarded with caution.

Fae are not outright violent unless provoked. To provoke a Fae is to make an enemy that is likely to outlive you. Though many Fae are physically weaker than other races, they are often skilled combatants who mix their elemental affinity with combat skills for a deadly and unique mixture. Certain Courts send out envoys and messengers from time to time, especially around solstices and Fae holidays. These Fae are usually easier to approach and usually have a more mortal appearance than others in hopes of not sticking out as much.

When it comes to Half Fae and Faekin, the full-blooded race often views them as extensions of their own culture. As Faekin are never able to lose their Fae blood and often have elemental affinities, they are not so different. However, Faekin that do not possess affinities or that have not been raised to understand the history and culture of the Fae can sometimes be looked down upon by Court nobles. It is not uncommon for Faekin children to be sent to a Court as they learn to master their elemental affinity so that the child can grow up within the Eternal Courts. Faekin children are also given a chance to pick an alignment in most cases, providing support and protection from one of the Seasonal Courts.

### Language

The Fae use a runic sort of language when written words of chosen. Most often, communication happens by way of mouth. However, when it must be written down, the alphabet listed below is followed. Meant to be written from left the right, the notched end indicated the start of a sentence.

*A guide to this language can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogham*

### **History**

When the Fae came to be is largely unknown. Some say they’ve always been, rivaling the age of the Aether itself. For this reason, the Fae have earned the name of The Eternal Court - fitting for a species as old the lands themselves. Thought this title may be used to refer the Fae as a whole, many divisions have arose within the Fae - some being a single Stedding while others are alignments of several Steddings united under one Fae ruler or Lord. These alignments, or lesser Courts, have taken on the names of the seasons they are naturally closely tied to - such as Courts of Winter, Spring, Autumn, and Summer. Each of the lesser Courts has a ruler with it’s own nobles. However, on the fringes of the Eternal Court are Fae nobles that refused to yield to one or any of the lesser courts that rule their own Stedding.

Each Fae noble is supreme in his or her own

stedding, and the rulers maintain a rigid hierarchy among themselves. The queen of Night and Magic is undeniably the most powerful of all the Fae nobles, and she rules the summer court with her embittered husband, the Moonlit King. The seasonal monarchs rule over the entire Fae race. The River King is the next in power, he rules overt the Spring court and the rivers. The Snow Queen rules the Winter courts from among the ice, snow and plundering reavers of the far north.

The Queen of Witches rules the Autumn court from her Mountain domain. The Bear King is the weakest politically, ruling a northerly stedding where bears are common and mead flows like water. Other political lords and ladies ruling lesser Courts or Steddings exist, though none are as well known.

The odd man out is the Lord of the Hunt. No one is certain of his true identity or how he fits into the political structure of the Fae nobility. Because he seldom concerns himself with politics, few have felt any need to press the question. His Court or Stedding is unknown and comprised of those that are sworn to him and the Hunt.

The Fae believe they are reborn upon death so when a royal dies they search the for their leader reborn. But by imposing this belief on the newborns, raising them as the old ruler reborn the Fae have creating a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy. As the child ruler grows and matures, other nobles of the Fae will often step in in an attempt to gain the ear and the trust of the young ruler. In this manner, the Eternal Court is largely ever shifting in power - much like the ever changing seasons.

To the Fae, the Aether belongs to all and to no one in particular. By mortal standards, the Fae are unhurried and often slow to make a decision as a Court. They enjoy their traditions, steeped in lore as old as the Aether itself. Many of the Gods of exist to the Fae by different names - though they use the common tongue around the races of man. The Fae language is old and runic in style when written. Very few outside the Fae and their Kin know these words or symbols, though their use can be powerful as it is often tied directly to the Gods themselves.